April 3rd, 2006 (4:41pm) - Xbox® today teamed up with Ledley King, adidas and Electronic Arts to launch its search to find gamers to represent the UK in Germany this summer at the finals of the Xbox Cup gaming competition alongside the FIFA World CupTM Finals. Ledley King called upon gamers across the country to take up the challenge and secure their place in the team that he hopes will lead the UK to victory in June as 32 teams from across the globe go head to head in EA’s 2006 FIFA World Cup at the event finals on the Xbox 360 console.
Ledley King launched the nationwide search at an event in London. Ledley was taking time out from what’s been a successful season for Tottenham Hotspur and England to chat about the tournament and his team’s chances.
The competition is open to all, and gives everyone the chance to book their place in Berlin this summer. The Xbox Cup gives you the opportunity to play football in High Definition on the Xbox 360 along side the FIFA World CupTM Finals.
The national team of three will be made up of footy fans and gamers alike with the two gamers being supported by the ’Ultimate Fan.’ The team that will come together to take on the other nations in the finals will be selected individually as follows:
Player one will be selected by way of an online leader board competition using EA’s 2006 FIFA World Cup on Xbox Live with gamers taking each other on playing the Xbox 360. This online tournament will start on 28th April, when the game is released to stores.
Player two will be chosen by a nationwide Powerleague competition
Ultimate fan will be the winner of an online game which any one can take part in at www.xboxcup.com and is live from today.
Ledley King said "It’s great to be involved with the Xbox Cup giving gamers the chance to come out and compete in Germany this summer. Although I really enjoying playing football games to relax between games I don’t know about my chances if I had to take on opponents in the Xbox Cup, I think I’m better off on the pitch!"
The winners will fly to Berlin to take part in the once in a lifetime event representing the UK at the ’adidas World of Football.’ The 8500 seat stadium is at the heart of the adidas event park, right in the centre of the action in Platz der Republik and is where the first of its kind next generation tournament will take place. Each winner and a friend will also get tickets to a FIFA World CupTM quarter final match courtesy of adidas, along with a load of adidas kit and Xbox 360 console complete with the latest EA games.
Runners up in the online competition and Powerleague promotion will also win from a massive stack of Xbox 360 goodies including, adidas limited edition faceplates, special Xbox branded World Cup replica soccer balls and a copy of 2006 FIFA World Cup from EA.
To celebrate Xbox being the Official Licensed Video Game Console of the 2006 FIFA World CupTM, Xbox also announced today the launch of the limited edition Xbox 360 – 2006 FIFA World CupTM Edition which comes with an exclusively designed faceplate, , a copy of the 2006 FIFA World Cup game by EA and a voucher for the adidas Match Ball of the 2006 FIFA World CupTM . The package, the first to be released with Xbox 360 Core System, will be available from 12th May 2006 and will cost £259.99.
In 2006 FIFA World Cup for Xbox 360, players step into the heart of the action as they play their favourite team or most loathed opponent in spectacular fashion with stunning visual representations of the world’s superstar players and the 12 official stadiums.
Richard Teversham, Head of Marketing, Xbox Europe said "We are really excited about the Xbox Cup, and thrilled that Ledley King has joined us with adidas to help us find the team for the UK. . You never know we might even be able to scoop two cups this summer in Germany, the World Cup and the Xbox Cup!"
Mark Phillips from adidas said "It’s great to be having the finals of the Xbox Cup at the adidas World of Football at the heart if the action in Berlin. We are also really pleased to be able to give the national teams match tickets and have them as our guests at a quarter final game. It should be a fantastic event."
Clive Downie, VP of Marketing, EA said, "We are thrilled that 2006 FIFA World Cup enables players to experience the FIFA World Cup, live their dreams and play their heroes. With Xbox Cup, one lucky player will have the chance to transcend the game and live out the ultimate sports fantasy – this is once in a lifetime opportunity and we are proud to help make it happen."
For more information about how to take part in the Xbox Cup or the range of prizes on offer, please visit www.Xboxcup.com. The team members selected to represent the UK in the Xbox Cup will be announced on June 9th 2006.
