Local gamers will get the opportunity to qualify for the first FIFA Interactive World Cup taking place in Switzerland during December.
Launched in Germany last month, the event will pit the best FIFA 2005 Xbox gamers from across the world at the FIFA World Player of the Year Gala. Starting in Johannesburg on 23 October, the qualifying tournaments will visit eight cities, including New York, London and Paris.
Entrance to the local qualifier is free, but gamers must register. With the Xbox video game console not being officially distributed in the country, competitors will have the opportunity to practise the title on the Xbox football pods at the venue before the competition starts.
"Microsoft SA is working closely with our counterparts in the US and with EA Africa for this event," says Cindy White, home and entertainment group manager at Microsoft SA.
"Xbox is the worldwide sponsor of this tournament and has taken a keen interest in football as a game. Locally, we believe it is important to get involved in the gaming community. We see it as our social responsibility to fans of football."
The local qualifiers will feature a 50-screen competition gaming area where the eight-minute head-to-head knockout matches will take place. Several scoreboards will update spectators on the latest results.
Visitors will have the opportunity to show their football skills with a series of challenges that include speed and accuracy shooting.
"Our target for the event is 400 people. The intrigue of the Xbox should also generate some interest," says White.
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