Following on from the reveal of the Nike Air Zoom Arena in EAFC 25, we now get a closer look at the virtual stadium, which has been born as the latest in the partnership between Nike and EA SPORTS.
Following on the heels of EA Sports’ announcement that it was parting ways with FIFA, Nike were quick to signal their support for the next stage of the game developer’s evolution in EA Sports FC. That support presented itself in part as an exclusive Nike campaign in Ultimate Team mode for FC 24 last year. Now, for FC 25, we get the next stage in the partnership with the introduction of the Nike Air Zoom Arena – a digital-only stadium that is the exclusive home of all-new 5v5 Rush matches in Ultimate Team and Clubs.
The Air Zoom Arena is inspired by Nike Football Innovation, calling to mind the speed and lightness of Nike Mercurial boots with its architectural form and materials. The result is a sleek, futuristic design that connects perfectly with the all-new Rush feature in FC 25 in matches, which aims to produce more goals, more skills, and more highlights.
“5v5 Rush is a new way to play in Ultimate Team™, Clubs, and more with fast-paced, small-sided gameplay. In Ultimate Team™ Rush, build your dream 5-a-side squad with up to three friends, each controlling your favourite Player Item. In Clubs Rush, form your favourite squad and take on the world with the teammates you trust the most.”
The Nike Air Zoom Arena is the latest product of the brand’s partnership with EA Sports, which has been evolving over the last 18 months. Last year we got the announcement that Nike and EA Sports were entering into an official partnership, a move that has led to all new ways for members of .SWOOSH – Nike’s new digital community experience – and EA Sports fans to express their personal style through play.
This latest development feels like a mutually beneficial move, with the added credibility of having a brand like Nike on board adding to the allure of what FC 25 offers, something that some may have feared would be missing when the FIFA licence was lost. For Nike, it's marketing on a global scale, but perhaps more than that it's the chance for Nike to flex and explore new territory on what is one of the world's largest virtual stages.
EAFC 25 will be available globally from September 27, 2024.
