Sky Sports has announced it will be using the crowd noises of EA's FIFA 20 football franchise to improve the atmosphere at empty stadiums when the season kicks off again on 17 June, 2020.
"In partnership with EA Sports FIFA, Sky Sports has created a range of bespoke and team-specific crowd noises and chants to bring the vibrant atmosphere of the Premier League to the restart," explains Sky Sports' website.
Games have been suspended since March but now the sport - along with everything else, of course - is exploring how it can resume in a post-COVID-19 world whilst adhering to social distancing requirements.
But while it's agreed that games can now continue, they will be played "behind closed doors" which means there will be no spectators. Consequently, Sky hopes that by using the recorded chants from EA's tentpole football series will "replicate the vibrant atmosphere of Premier League clashes, so fans don't miss out on the noise that goes with the action".
"With live sport on hold for over two months, we've spent a lot of time thinking about how we broadcast in new ways to bring fans together, even if they can't meet up to watch the match," said Sky Sports managing director Rob Webster (thanks, The Verge).
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"We want Sky Sports viewers to still feel it all and have the best possible viewing experience - even if they can't be in the stadiums or watch with their family and friends."
For more FIFA 20, read why our gaming editor thinks playing career mode In FIFA 20 Is now a bittersweet experience as we wonder how football can ever be the same again.
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Featured Image Credit: FIFA 20 (Credit: Electronic Arts / EA Sports)Topics: FIFA 20, Electronic Arts, EA Sports