FIFAe launches ‘innovation challenge’ for esports companies to develop technologies

FIFAe, the esports division of global football governing body FIFA, is looking for esports companies to help develop technologies for football esports and gaming.

Specifically, FIFAe is looking for companies in the industry to help develop technologies that can track the biometric data of esports athletes and translate it into live graphics for broadcasts.

This is not the first time that FIFAe has looked to utilise biometric technology for its esports broadcasts. Service provider Mix Effect Media has previously worked with the company to create a graphic that displays players’ heartbeats during FIFAe events, such as the 2023 finals. 

FIFAe’s new ‘innovation challenge’ will, therefore. focus on expanding this offering. As such developing technologies to measure biometrics such as eye movement, brain waves and reaction time have been mentioned by FIFAe. 

Interested companies can apply for the change via Inside FIFA’s website. Moreover, the esports division has noted that solutions and proposals from companies must be fully self-funded.

According to FIFAe, developing a new type of technology for FIFA esports events will help ‘enrich the viewer’s overall experience’ by showcasing how much pressure can be created in high-performance situations for an esports player. 

Moreover, the challenge aims to enhance the broadcast and viewing experiences of its football esports events, which FIFAe notes is goal three of FIFA’s Strategic Objectives of the Global Game 2023-2027.

Following its split from EA, the football governing body’s esports division has expanded into various games such as Football Manager, eFootball and Rocket League. This included hosting its FIFAe World Cup 2024 event in Rocket League last December. 

In November 2024, FIFA and game developer Mythical Games also unveiled FIFA Rivals, a new mobile football game set to come out later this year. Launching on Mythical’s platform, FIFA Rivals will be an arcade-style game that allows its players to build a football club.