2002 FIFA World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup is the second official FIFA World Cup video game from EA Sports, released as a tie-in to the 2002 tournament. It served as a technical bridge between the FIFA Football 2002 and 2003 engines and was notable for its original orchestral soundtrack and a major lawsuit involving a star player.
| Developer | EA Canada, Creations, Intelligent Games, Tose Software |
|---|---|
| Publisher | EA Sports (NA/EU), Electronic Arts Square (JP) |
| Release | 2002 |
| Platforms | GameCube, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Xbox |
| Genre | Sports (Football) |
| Modes | Single-player, Multiplayer |
| Sales Award | ELSPA Gold (PS2, UK) |
| Competitive Event | World Cyber Games 2002 |
| Top Prize | $15,000 |
Development and Release
2002 FIFA World Cup was developed by a consortium of studios led by EA Canada and Creations. Intelligent Games assisted with the PC and sixth generation console versions, while Tose Software provided additional work on the GameCube port. The game was published by EA Sports in North America and Europe, with Electronic Arts Square handling the Japanese release.
The GameCube version held particular significance in Europe, where it was a launch title for the console. This strategic release helped establish the game's presence in the market from the outset.
Gameplay and Features
Positioned between FIFA Football 2002 and FIFA Football 2003, the game retained the power bar mechanic for shots and crosses but introduced a steeper learning curve. Players could customize the likelihood of being penalized by the referee, adding a layer of strategic adjustment to matches.
A key gameplay feature was the Star Player mechanic, which allowed for fiery, powerful shots from designated athletes. The game included licensed kits, player likenesses, and the official stadia from the 2002 World Cup hosted by South Korea and Japan.
Breaking from series tradition, the soundtrack was an original orchestral score composed by Bob Buckley and performed by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The track Anthem by Vangelis was also used as a match entrance fanfare.
Critical and Commercial Reception
Critical reception ranged from positive to average. Aggregate review scores varied by platform, with the PC version scoring highest at around 80 out of 100. The PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube versions received scores in the 70s, while the original PlayStation version scored slightly lower. In Japan, Famitsu magazine awarded the GameCube, PS2, and Xbox versions each a score of 30 out of 40.
Commercially, the game was a success. It sold 3.5 million copies by October 2002. The PlayStation 2 version earned a Gold sales award from ELSPA in the United Kingdom for sales of at least 200,000 copies. In Italy, it was an immediate hit, selling 90,000 units across all platforms within a single day of release.
The Oliver Kahn Lawsuit
The game's release was marred by a significant legal dispute. German international and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn successfully sued publisher Electronic Arts for including his likeness in the game without his personal consent. This occurred despite EA having an agreement with FIFPro, the international football players' union.
The court ruling resulted in a ban on sales of the game in Germany and forced EA to provide financial compensation to Kahn. This case highlighted the complexities of athlete licensing in sports video games.
Esports and Competitive Play
2002 FIFA World Cup was featured as a title at the World Cyber Games 2002, a premier global esports event at the time. The competition offered a total prize pool, with the winner taking home $15,000. Other notable placings included a fourth-place finish by Chinese player Windboy, earning $2,500, and tied fifth-place finishes for China's Cndi and the Netherlands' OmniRocket, each receiving $1,750.
This inclusion helped confirm the game's place in the early history of competitive football gaming, providing a structured platform for top players to compete.
FAQ
What platforms was 2002 FIFA World Cup released on?
The game was released for GameCube, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. The GameCube version was a launch title for that console in Europe.
What was the Star Player mechanic?
The Star Player mechanic was a gameplay feature that allowed designated athletes to perform fiery, powerful shots, adding an arcade-style element to matches.
How many copies did 2002 FIFA World Cup sell?
By October 2002, the game had sold 3.5 million copies worldwide. It was particularly successful in Italy, selling 90,000 units in its first day.
Why was there a lawsuit over the game?
German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn sued Electronic Arts for using his likeness without his personal consent, despite EA's agreement with the players' union FIFPro. This led to a sales ban in Germany and financial compensation for Kahn.
Was 2002 FIFA World Cup played competitively?
Yes, it was a featured title at the World Cyber Games 2002. The winner of that tournament received a prize of $15,000.
Source: English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA), rewritten by the Redington Cybersport desk.
