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While a lot of people still watch a game of football live on TV or go to the stadium, how we consume this content is changing. FIFA video games have been engaging the younger generation and continue to maintain an interest in the sport.
BetZillion had an opportunity to interview Derek Rae and get his view on delivering commentary in these FIFA games now known as EAFC. Rae delivered his perspective to help paint a picture of how gaming is changing. Now, we also have an idea of where football commentary will fit in as we move into a digital era.
Recreating an Authentic Football Experience in FIFA Games
Derek Rae has been interested in football from a young age. He became particularly interested when he got a cassette recorder. Over the years, he’s been building up a career, and now he’s known as one of the most famous figures in football commentary.
For a long time, Rae’s work involved delivering his commentary on live games as they happened. Things are changing though, so now he’s also been introduced to the world of video game commentary.
During Derek Rae’s interview with BetZillion he said that there are differences to commentating on a video game compared to a live event.
“What differs from a live game is I have to perform in the theatre of the mind the whole time as we record. I‘m not seeing the player actually in front of me participating in their game and instead have to visualise and as authentically as possible, replicate what I might say in an actual match situation. It’s a fun challenge every day we record with a very talented production and audio crew. I love every minute of it and am well aware that the game represents a big part of some fans’ football youth.”
FIFA video games focus on recreating an authentic football experience but in a digital setting. There are no football players in front of Rae when he records his commentary. So, he now has to visualize all of this in his head.
Challenges of Capturing Football’s Atmosphere in Video Games
The transition from commentating on live football games to titles like FIFA World Cup games has come with its own set of challenges.
As Rae said in this interview, he’s now in a studio where he has to record commentary. There are no real players that he can watch to do this, which is something that commentators really depend on to deliver a great speech.
Rae did say that he enjoys the challenge as it’s something new in his career. For Rae, the best way to overcome the challenge is to use visuals in his mind. Creating this image in his mind when he sits in front of the mic helps him deliver commentary that just feels more authentic.
FIFA’s Evolution: Enhancing Realism in the Virtual World
FIFA was founded over 100 years ago in 1904 and has since become the biggest association in football. Over the years they’ve grown, and now they’ve got 211 members part of the Federation Internationale de Football Association.
Tech has also evolved a lot to the point where we can now play our favorite sports on PC, consoles, and mobile phones. However, when it comes to entering a virtual world, companies need to go to the extent of creating realism.
EA has been working on enhancing the level of realism they’re able to bring to these titles.
“Working on EAFC, as the game is now titled, has introduced my work to a whole new generation, I feel.”
Rae also confirmed that he understands the role that he plays in bringing the authenticity of football to these games. Commentary has been a vital part of football for many years. Now, he’s delivering this in video games like the FC25 title.
Derek Rae in EA SPORTS FC
The Future of Football Commentary in Gaming
Football games have a bright future and Rae agrees on this matter. We’re sure to see these games become even more realistic.
“In fact, there are some who think I only commentate on video games which is an indication of the power and reach of EAFC.”
It has gotten to a point where commentators like Rae are becoming more popular for their work in video games than on the field during a live game.
We’re seeing an increase in the number of AI applications used in football. This helps create accurate conclusions for games where the referee’s decision is questioned. VR tech is helping football players practice and perfect their skills. As the tech evolves even further, we’re sure to see more use cases of AI, AR, VR, and similar systems in football, commentary, and gaming in particular.
Conclusion
There are challenges with football commentary in FIFA/EAFC games. However, as Derek Rae mentioned in his interview with BetZillion, it’s fun and new. Rae also supports AI, and other tech that we’re seeing in gaming, and as things stand now, we’ll just continue to see these titles evolve.
