After more than two decades of encouraging us to sit on our asses playing sports video games, EA Sports and Toy Island team up for a line of sports toys that actually promote outdoor play.
The new multi-year agreement between EA and Toy Island will produce a wide range of interactive sports toys bearing the EA Sports name, aimed at giving young athletes more of a reason to exit the house.
"Our goal is to take the EA SPORTS brand deeper into the fabric of sports, and into new markets that allow more people to unleash their inner spirit of sports and competition," said Moore. "With Toy Island, we've found a partner that shares EA SPORTS' passion for quality and innovation. We're excited to be working with them to bring to market unique products that are sure to be captivating for young athletes."
Baseball, football, basketball, soccer and hockey-related merchandise are all in the works, utilizing infrared, motion and equilibrium sensors in order to help players develop form, speed, technique, and power. Products in the works include:
• A line of interactive training tools featuring voice commands and instructional coaching elements designed to take budding stars to the next level
• A complete game-in-a-box containing all the equipment necessary for kids to practice and play a sport;
a line of sports toys that will utilize electronics to reward young athletes with cheers when they use proper techniques
• A basic line of high density-foam balls to help kids develop throwing and kicking motor skills at an early age.
The products will be available for three youth categories: ages 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12. Other sports are expected to follow this year's launch.
Look for the first products to hit store shelves this fall, just in time for me to be way past ever actively participating in a sport again. Thanks for the timeliness, EA.