EA’s first foray onto the PlayStation Vita is a strong one, as the EA Sports team in Vancouver isn’t just miniaturising the PS3 experience into a portable size, but refining the controls to take advantage of the new hardware. In this hands-on video, producer Matt Prior demonstrates what he calls “the most controllable version of FIFA ever.”

As is quickly becoming standard practice when console franchises debut on the Vita, these touchscreen controls are optional. Yet I think longtime video footballers will find themselves using at least some of these new tricks pretty quickly, as they feel right at home.

I spent some time with this demo version of FIFA after the event, and I found myself toying around with the playable menu screen for a long time, just taking shot after shot on goal. The accuracy of the rear touch shooting has won me over, and I look forward to hearing your impressions of it once it debuts in just a few short months.

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Coming this February, EA SPORTS FIFA on PS Vita will be the first true next generation sports experience…right in the palm of your hand. With console gameplay and HD graphics, FIFA delivers the largest feature set ever created by EA SPORTS for a handheld device.

The same physics-based, data driven technology that powers FIFA gameplay on PlayStation 3 drives FIFA on the Vita across eight different game modes, including authentic 11 versus 11, Be A Pro, Tournament Mode with over 50 real-world competitions, a full in-depth Career Mode, and head-to-head online. The game definitely looks and plays like the award-winning FIFA console game.

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Earlier today, I posted my interview with thatgamecompany about Journey, the upcoming PlayStation Network game that has an innovative approach to online play, allowing players to randomly encounter each other in-game, doing away with things like voice chat and player profiles in favour of the simpler pleasures of curiosity and human company.

It got me thinking about online play in general. While I don’t want to disparage gamers with stereotypes, I’m sure we’ve all encountered antisocial behaviour on our connected travels, whether is a foul-mouthed teen thinking he’s John McClaine in Call of Duty or a rage-quitter switching off their console after going 2-0 down in a game of FIFA.

My question is: if you were designing an online game, what would you do to prevent all this naughtiness?

I read an article recently about CAPCOM taking an interesting approach to rage-quitting with Marvel vs Capcom 3, in which they track which players are prone to quitting and tries to match them up against each other, essentially created a giant online naughty step, leaving the way clear for the better losers among us.

Or maybe you think that it’s not such a big deal, and that it’s a free world in which you can do whetever you want without the game trying to punish you. As for swearing, well, welcome to the Internet.

Let us know in the comments how you plan to change the world.

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Back in December 2009 Lionel Messi was named FIFA World Player of the Year 2009 at the FIFA World Player Gala. Along with the likes of Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka. Bruce Grannec, FIFA Interactive World Cup Champion 2009, attended the gala and we wanted to share his experience with all of you.

If you think you can beat Bruce and be the next FIFA Interactive World Cup Champion, grab a copy of EA SPORTS FIFA 10 and register for the On-line competition or attend any of the qualifier events. Visit fifa.com/interactiveworldcup to find out more.

At about 8:00 am, my guest and I took off on our flight from Paris to Zurich for what was going to be one of the best, if not the best, days of our lives.

About 2 hours later, we arrived in Zurich, where we were met by some people from FIFA and a television crew that would film every one of my movements throughout the day.

Once introduced, we took a taxi to the FIFA headquarters. The first thing I noticed when I entered was the display case containing all the FIFA trophies, with, in the foreground, the world cup. I took some photos and then got to meet Sepp Blatter. He was taking a little time out from his day to talk to me and ask me a few questions. I was very impressed.

It was now time to leave the headquarters and go to the hotel to get ready. It was almost time. Once we were dressed, we headed off to where the ceremony would take place, near the hotel. We got there and went through the lobby, with our FIFA guides, and through the press room, where all the journalists and cameramen were gathered, waiting for the 5 finalists: Messi, C-ron, Kaka, Iniesta and Xavi. We passed through room after room (quite a labyrinth), finally arriving in the waiting room, where there was a buffet table and a PS3 system to play FIFA. I waited for the players and played a few games against some women who weren’t bad at all. Then, the players arrived…

It’s so weird to suddenly have the world’s best players show up. Messi, C-ron, Iniesta and Xavi were actually in the room with me. Usually, they’re on-screen and I’ve got a joystick in my hand!

Once I’d gotten over the surprise, I went to see each one of them, got my picture taken with them and had them sign jerseys. They were just so great. Unfortunately, Kaka, who’s one of my favourite players, hadn’t arrived yet.

It was now time to go to the press room for the prize-giving ceremony. I found out along the way that Evra, himself, would be giving it to me. But first, I had to answer a few questions. After that, Evra went onstage and gave me the award, letting me know me that I was only the champion of the world because I’d never gone up against him. After he gave me the prize, I finally got to talk to him and it was really fun to use my French! Then, the 5 finalists, including Kaka, got to the press room. When the conference was over, I finally met him, had him sign my Milan jersey and took a few photos.

That night, at dinner, while waiting for the ceremony to begin, we got to see some of football’s great older stars, like Platini, Weah, Matthaus and many others…

After a very impressive ceremony, during which Messi was given an award, I went back to the hotel, full of emotions and dreams.

It’s so weird to suddenly have the world’s best players show up. Messi, C-ron, Iniesta and Xavi were actually in the room with me. Usually, they’re on-screen and I’ve got a joystick in my hand!

Once I’d gotten over the surprise, I went to see each one of them, got my picture taken with them and had them sign jerseys. They were just so great. Unfortunately, Kaka, who’s one of my favourite players, hadn’t arrived yet.

It was now time to go to the press room for the prize-giving ceremony. I found out along the way that Evra, himself, would be giving it to me. But first, I had to answer a few questions. After that, Evra went onstage and gave me the award, letting me know me that I was only the champion of the world because I’d never gone up against him. After he gave me the prize, I finally got to talk to him and it was really fun to use my French! Then, the 5 finalists, including Kaka, got to the press room. When the conference was over, I finally met him, had him sign my Milan jersey and took a few photos.

That night, at dinner, while waiting for the ceremony to begin, we got to see some of football’s great older stars, like Platini, Weah, Matthaus and many others…

After a very impressive ceremony, during which Messi was given an award, I went back to the hotel, full of emotions and dreams.

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As the real football season draws to a close, we can all look forward to the new virtual one – I got my hands on the first playable demo of FIFA 10 in a behind closed doors session on the EA SPORTS stand on the show floor.

The game’s line producer, David Rutter, gave a ten minute presentation to me and a small group of American journalists, although they disappeared shortly to look at NHL 10, leaving David and I to play a couple of matches between Manchester United and Barcelona.

“This year, 70% of our efforts have been refining the gameplay and responding to community feedback,” he said. “With the other 30% placed on innovation. We’ve been listening to the players and we’re addressing all of the areas that have caused frustration.”

The game certainly felt familiar and at this stage, it looks very much like FIFA 09, but there are a number of changes that seasoned players will notice right away. Dribbling, for example, has been greatly improved so that you can now push the ball in any direction. What David describes as skill dribbling allows greater freedom of expression on the ball and the Artificial Intelligence now includes threat analysis, so that defenders become more alert when danger is near and attackers are better at sensing an opportunity.

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