FIFA 23 Video Game Features Kits Designed by Musqueam Artists

The developers of the world’s premier soccer video game franchise are highlighting the art, design and culture of local Indigenous people in this year’s installment.

EA Sports’ FIFA 23 will be released on Friday, September 30. The game was primarily developed at EA’s studio in Vancouver, B.C. Throughout the game, players will be able to unlock and use items developed in collaboration with artists from the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), whose ancestral lands include part of where the city of Vancouver now lies.

Players will be able to unlock and use FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) kits designed by Musqueam artists, as well as FUT stadium customizations featuring traditional Musqueam motifs and patterns.

*FIFA Ultimate Team home kits designed by Musqueam artist Kelly Cannell. (Courtesy **EA Sports**)*

*FIFA Ultimate Team pitch customizations designed by Deanna Point featuring traditional Musqueam patterns. (Courtesy **EA Sports**)*

Players will be also to play on the Musqueam-inspired VOLTA FOOTBALL pitch in the game. This pitch is inspired by Musqueam’s real-life soccer field, which has brought Indigenous athletes and fans together from across the region since 2012. Several Musqueam cultural elements in built into the environs around the pitch, including carvings, weavings and a longhouse. Special VOLTA FOOTBALL kits are also available.

*The VOLTA FOOTBALL pitch in FIFA 23. (Courtesy **EA Sports**)*

*VOLTA FOOTBALL kits designed by Musqueam artist Cole Sparrow-Crawford under his brand Holy Name. (Courtesy **EA Sports**)*

“Through this special collaboration with EA Sports, Musqueam is showcasing not only our unique and distinctive culture, but our thriving soccer community and love of the sport – something we share with many First Nations in this region,” said Musqueam Indian Band Chief Wayne Sparrow. “When Indigenous athletes and gamers see an Indigenous field and kits in FIFA 23, we hope it brings immense joy and pride, while sparking countless new ideas for collaborations between First Nations and the sports and video game industries.”

“We are honoured to work with xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) artists, athletes, and community leaders to help share their deep and meaningful history and culture with the millions of FIFA fans across the world,” added Nicholas Lammie, Director of Brand Marketing at EA SPORTS FIFA. “This collaboration was so important to our EA Vancouver Studio Team and we’re incredibly excited to bring it to life in FIFA Ultimate Team and VOLTA FOOTBALL.”

Musqueam artists whose artwork features in FIFA 23 include:

Kelly Cannell – FUT home kit
Chase Gray – FUT goalkeeper kit, FUT away kit pattern
Deanna Point – FUT Stadium Cosmetics (tifo, centre pitch, tournament banner)
Krista Point – VOLTA FOOTBALL (weavings for clubhouse banners and tents)
Aleen Sparrow – VOLTA FOOTBALL (weavings for perimeter board and wide banners)
Brent Sparrow – VOLTA FOOTBALL – (house post)
Debra Sparrow – VOLTA FOOTBALL (weavings for floodlight flags, runner sculpture)
Kamryn Sparrow – VOLTA FOOTBALL (pitch artwork)
Robyn Sparrow – VOLTA FOOTBALL (weavings for floodlight flags)
Cole Sparrow-Crawford – VOLTA FOOTBALL (Holy Name Collection)