EA - Screenshots of Federer Celebrating Winning Wimbledon in EA's Grand Slam Tennis

EA Have released some screenshots of Federer Celebrating his recent Wimbledon victory within the Nintendo Wii Game,EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis.

EA - Wii Grand Slam Tennis Party Mode QandA - Press Release

EA have released a QandA with he producer for Grand Slam Tennis on the Wii. they discuss the Party Mode in the game. The mode enables up to 4 players at a time to play tennis party games. these include games where you have to win a rally, 2 on 1 games, and a game where you have to use the Drop/Lob shot to win.
These games were developed with help from Tennis academies and Tennis Schools to make them relevant to tennis but also fun.

Press Release

Producer Q&A with Thomas Singleton - Tennis Party

What was the concept behind Tennis Party mode in Grand Slam Tennis?
Tennis Party mode was created primarily because Wii platform is the social platform of all platforms. So we wanted to create the experience of tennis experiences where people would get together and play simultaneously. The concept was taking tennis academy type of games that exist within the real world that are authentic to the game of tennis and providing that same experience within our gaming environment. Games like Aussie doubles or tag team doubles where you not only have a great time socially interacting with others, but you’re also increasing your tennis abilities along the way.

Why will people like Tennis Party?
People will love the Tennis Party mode for its social aspect; that’s the main reason you play that mode. It’s great to play on your own but it’s more fun to experience Grand Slam Tennis with others and tennis party is the best location to get that experience.

How many people can play?
At any one time, up to four players can play. You could have an infinite number of people rotating because it’s fun to watch as well.

How many different Party games are there?
There are three different party types: “Own the Party” where players who win a party game own that game on the party circuit of games. “Random Games” where the games you play are selected at random. “Double Up” where select games certain games are worth double points for the winner. Among those party types, there are seven core unique rule twist games that deliver rewarding ways to experience the Total Racket Control system, with each bringing a new and unique dynamic to the game. Those rule twists include:

Tag Team: 2 on 2 with players rotating and taking turns hitting the ball

Aussie Doubles: 2 on 1 and the players rotate after each set

Stop, Drop and Lob: use the drop shot and lob winners for double points

Champs vs Chumps: time based game, take turns swinging, win the rally to become a champ

King of the Court: beat the king to become king, only the king earns points

Netmasters: Net shots are worth double points

Triplets: Similar to Aussie doubles where (2 on 1) but the players do not rotate around

How did you come up with the skill challenges?
Our team consulted with people who run tennis venues. To keep with the authenticity to the sport, we employed people in tennis schools and tennis academies to come up with various games. We wanted deliver games that are authentic to tennis; games you would play on the actual tennis court, but are fun and social.

EA - Grand Slam Tennis Stadiums. Screens and a Q&A (Not done by QTE)

EA Have released screenshots for their Upcoming Grand Slam Tennis, highlighting the different venues. the Pictures show US Open, Australian Open, Wimbledon and Roland Garros.
The Q&A is more about the producers own experience at going to these venues. when talking about putting these venues into the game he does go on to say that they brought the Art Director along to make sure the unique features of each venue were captured.



Q&A

Producer Q&A with Thomas Singleton

Grand Slam Tennis – Venues

Which venues did you go to?

In developing EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis, I went to Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. It was also my first time at any of them.

What was the most impressive thing about being at the Grand Slams?

The most impressive thing about the being there was the sheer scale of the tournaments and the different vibe and cultural aspects of each location from France to England to New York and how unique each one was. Overall I don’t think you truly appreciate how massive these tournaments are and how big the sport of tennis is across the globe until you’ve been to one of the Grand Slams. They’re almost the equivalent of the Superbowl. But instead of one, there are four of them taking place each year.

Which was your favourite and why?

Wimbledon was my favourite because of the history of the event and the scale and the tradition of the tennis there.

What was the atmosphere like at them?

The atmosphere was really different at each one. The Wimbledon fan base was definitely much more about the tradition of tennis, from the attire to the respect to the players, to the etiquette that everybody had. Then when you travel over the U.S. Open where it’s much more about seeing the celebrities at courtside or having a hot dog, it was almost like watching a baseball game. It was about the glitz and glamour, under the lights, the announcers outside constantly talking about what’s coming up. It was a bit more Hollywood style. For the French Open, it seems like everyone in France plays tennis. Everybody at the venue came from work in their suits, very light-hearted. The crowds would constantly shout things out so there was an element of humour. Fashion was definitely a big thing, people got dressed up to go to Roland Garros, and I mean dressed up, the suits, the dresses. It was a pretty interesting thing.

Was it challenging to recreate the venues in the game?

No, we’re all about authenticity, one of the main reasons to go was to not only experience them first hand but also to capture the essence of them visually and audibly.

Did it help that you were there?

It helped immensely to be there. It was myself and our art director that went so that we could make sure they were being built in their 3D in-game form. It also helped us to determine which elements were priorities and what the signature elements were.

What did you learn about tennis that you didn’t already know?

I truly never appreciated the speed of the game at that level, the pace on the ball, the major differences between the court surfaces, from grass to clay to hard court. Seeing the athleticism of the pro tennis player, I have a new found respect for the longevity of the matches and how they can sustain such athletic ability and power throughout.

EA - Sports Grand Slam Tennis In Game Pictures

EA Have released some more pictures from their new Tennis game for the Wii. these are In game, whereas previously they released Player models.

In Game Screenshots




Previously released Player Models

EA - loads of Grand Slam Tennis Screens.

EA have released a load of screens for Grand Slam Tennis.
They are renders of each character, so you can see what they look like in game.