Microsoft, EA launch FIFA interactive soccer cup

Microsoft joined forces with Electronic Arts and FIFA to launch an interactive soccer tournament they hope will boost online gaming.

Microsoft Corp joined forces with computer games giant Electronic Arts Inc and FIFA to launch an interactive soccer tournament on Thursday they hope will boost online gaming.

Kicking off in October, the FIFA Interactive World Cup will be a series of tournaments played around the world both over the Internet and offline under the auspices of world soccer's governing body, with the final in December.

The short October-December 'season' for the virtual tournament coincides with the vital sales period in the run-up to the Christmas holiday, and may kick-star demand in the small but growing online gaming sector.

The companies hope one million people will take part in the tournament, helping Electronic Arts' (EA's) hit 'FIFA Soccer 2005' game reach sales of around six million copies.

EA is well known internationally for its dominance in sports in the $17-billion games software market although it faces tough competition in soccer from the Konami Corp franchise 'World Soccer Winning Eleven,' a consistent strong seller.