Modern Problems Require Modern SolutionsÂ
Since March just about everyone in the world has been forced to cope with the unparalleled boredom that has been caused by the coronavirus. Countless businesses have been forced to shut down in order to comply with social distancing laws and regulations. Even major sports have not been exempt from the COVID-19 fallout. Leagues like the NBA and NHL have had to cancel their seasons. Both of the organizations mentioned are currently working out ways to return to where they left off in Spring. However, the English Premier League will be the first to make a brave attempt to try and workaround tight restrictions before anyone else. Their season kicks off on June 17th. No fans will be allowed to attend any of the matches, but it would appear that the EPL has turned to video games for a solution.
In order to get around the absence of fans in their arenas, the crowd audio from FIFA 20 is going to be played in the background of every broadcast in order to give those watching at home an environment that they are more accustomed to. Half of the fun of watching sports live is the sheer excitement that comes from the thousands of people packed into a stadium. The EPL is hoping that this will serve as a worthy substitute for the time being.
Sky Sports, one of the broadcasting stations, had this to say about the decision. “In partnership with EA SPORTS FIFA, Sky Sports has created a range of bespoke and team-specific crowd noises and chants to bring the vibrant atmosphere of the Premier League to the restart.”
Soccer (football) might not be the only sport to use video game audio as a replacement for crowds. The NHL and the NBA have both floated this idea around too. Perhaps all returning sports will turn to sport video games to help them out in this time of need.