Videogame sports franchises are a lot like the real thing: By the time you realize your team’s over the hill and in need of some fresh ideas, it’s often too late; that championship window tends to close suddenly and unexpectedly. After all, just look at the shameful performances turned in by veteran European powers France and Italy at this summer’s World Cup in South Africa. Meanwhile, Germany, a traditional powerhouse that took a chance on some younger talent, did much better than expected.
I sensed the potential for a similar dynamic when I spoke to FIFA creative director Gary Paterson at an EA event earlier this year. For the most part, Paterson seemed satisfied with FIFA 11‘s direction, even lauding the much-maligned penalty-kick interface introduced in FIFA World Cup: South Africa — a mechanic that returns here unaltered, despite numerous player complaints.
