In previous FIFA series, motion capture data was captured on a smaller scale in dedicated performance capture studios, focusing on individual skills and specific phases of the game. But the data obtained in the studio with unrealistic scenarios did not represent the complex movements of a professional actor.

“When you’re in a studio with multiple cameras on one person, it’s much harder to be natural compared to a 22-person space,” says Gabe Zaro, FIFA Global Community Manager.

Xsens’ motion sensors are designed to work with precision anywhere, eliminating the need for a dedicated studio space or optical camera setup. This makes them perfect for capturing full body movement data on a soccer field.

The comfort of the Xsens suit allows players to move freely and comfortably, as if they were training in normal soccer clothing. The comfort of the clothes helps to ensure that all the movements captured are both accurate and completely natural. Xsens technology can also reflect smaller details that often go unnoticed and are difficult to choreograph, such as physical hand gestures between players and subtle changes in direction and speed.

With the Xsens suit tracking every movement, the realistic environment provides data that matches the fluidity and physicality of a professional soccer match, as well as satisfaction for players who purchase the game.

Ball Control and Artificial Intelligence

The movement data captured by Xsens and used by digital algorithms also contributes to the overall team and individual intelligence built into FIFA.

8.7 million frames captured from 11 side motion capture shots. This level of high data helped to create in-game animations in real-time as the in-game match progressed, tapping into a much larger pool of potential animations. For example, when two players go for an air ball, their movements are synchronized to create a completely natural animation, enhancing the player’s gaming experience.

In total, 4000 new animations have been added to FIFA 22, three times more than in previous installments, and 400 of them are designed just for controlling the ball.

Lead Gameplay producer Sam Rivera, “Players can be seen alternating between long strides and short strides to get into the right position for a pass, shot or ball control.” “Players can control the ball on their chest and then on their foot in one fluid animation. Whenever the ball is in the air or bounces, there can be a soft touch or spin.”

FIFA 22 also introduced Tactical AI, allowing groups of players to act collaboratively when attacking and defending. When attacking, AI players can make six times more movement decisions than was possible in previous FIFA games and benefit from machine learning and extensive motion capture data. Real football tactics, such as marking zones in defense, can now be seen in-game, making it more realistic than ever.

Local Positioning System (LPS) for Motion Capture

In addition, EA built a local positioning system using LPS beacons placed around the stadium. These are linked to motion sensors attached to each player’s chest, and Xsens can show the exact position of each player while capturing their movements. This is a great example of the adaptability of the Xsens system, showing how easily developers can combine precise motion data with other data capture streams in real environments.

Xsens takes next-generation video game animation to a new level of realism by capturing the most realistic and precise motion data possible in real environments.