Joycity announced on the 14th that it has signed an official licensing partnership with the Major League Soccer Players Association (hereinafter MLSPA) and OneTeam Partners for its new title, 'FreeStyle Football 2'.
Under this partnership, Joycity will be able to utilize player IP, including the names, jersey numbers, and images of MLSPA players, in 'FreeStyle Football 2' and recreate MLS players as in-game characters.
Rather than simply adding real player data, Joycity plans to redesign player characters to fit the game's graphical style. Each character will feature an appearance adapted to the fast gameplay tempo and dedicated skills that reflect the player's real-life traits.
Park Joon-seung, Head of Strategic Business Division at Joycity, said, "By realizing selected MLS players as unique characters tailored to the game's distinct personality, we will provide a new play experience to both real football fans and game players."
Dan Jones, Chief Operating Officer of the MLSPA, said, "Our collaboration with Joycity will be a new avenue to communicate with soccer fans around the world," adding, "It is highly meaningful that players can meet fans in a different form than before."
The partnership was brokered by OneTeam Partners, the MLSPA's group player licensing partner. OneTeam Partners handles licensing operations utilizing professional sports athletes' IP, such as likenesses, and supports collaborations between players and game developers.
The roster of MLS players featured in the game, character artwork, and detailed gameplay information will be disclosed sequentially in the future.
