Electronic Arts announces Wii Family Play

July 4, 2007

For the new generation of EA Sports titles, Electronic Arts is introducing a family-friendly control scheme that will continue Nintendo’s momentum in bridging the gap of hardcore play to formerly non-gamers. And the publishing giant recently revealed Wii Family Play, an optional gameplay mode for beginner players to get them hooked into the game easily without turning off the already hardcore virtual sports fans.

Instead of occupying two hands with a Wiimote and Nunchuck setup, Wii Family Play only requires the use of the Nintendo Wii’s remote. Using the wireless remote, non-proficient gamers can learn an intuitive gesture control scheme to control in-game characters and coordinate plays, all seamlessly integrated into Madden NFL 08, FIFA Soccer 08 and NBA Live 08.

How seamless, you ask? Well, it doesn’t even require a change of options. If you want Wii Family Play to kick in, just unplug the Nunchuck from the Wiimote and you’re officially running in the gesture mode. It even occurs on a per controller basis. So the more proficient EA Sports Wii gamer can remain comfortable with the custom advanced setup while giving first-timers a chance to join in on the fun without fumbling with the controls.

Click on Full Article for screenshots covering Wii Family Play on all three titles, plus some additional screenshots for each game.