Electronic Arts and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have today announced that they have signed an agreement for EA to develop, publish, and distribute the official game of the upcoming Euro 2004 soccer tournament. The game is currently scheduled to ship in Europe this summer, thus coinciding with the tournament finals in Portugal.

　　"We are excited to extend UEFA's mission of promoting European football, at every level of the game, through our EA Sports simulation of the Euro 2004 final tournament event," said Jan Bolz, vice president, sales and marketing for EA Europe. "Combining EA's global expertise in football video games with UEFA's passionate European fan base will give football fans endless opportunity to relive the excitement and drama of Euro 2004."

　　Currently in development at EA's Canadian studio, UEFA Euro 2004 will allow players to play as any of the 51 European nations in friendly games, qualifying matches, and, of course, the Euro 2004 tournament itself. The game will feature a new dynamic morale system for players that, according to previous individual and team performances, will affect their abilities on the field.

　　No North American release for UEFA Euro 2004, which is in development for the PC and all current generation consoles, has been confirmed at this time. We'll bring you more information on the game as soon as it becomes available.