"EA Sports, it‘s in the game" - The story behind gaming‘s most iconic phrase

The famous phrase announced in EA Sports video games is: "EA Sports, it‘s in the game." This simple tagline has become deeply ingrained in pop culture thanks to its ubiquitous presence in bestselling franchises like Madden, FIFA, and NHL for over 25 years.

In this post, we‘ll break down the origins, history, and legacy of the legendary "It‘s in the game" EA Sports intro. As a gaming enthusiast, I‘ve been fascinated by how impactful this short catchphrase has become. Stick around to learn some cool facts that even hardcore gamers may not know!

Meaning – How "It‘s in the game" defined EA Sports

When EA Sports launched in 1991, they chose "If it‘s in the game, it‘s in the game" as their motto. This was a bold declaration of their commitment to realism and simulating the authentic sports experience.

Here‘s a quick breakdown of what "It‘s in the game" represents in EA Sports titles:

Realistic gameplay physics – The ball bounces, spins, and handles like the real thing. Athlete movements mirror reality. Hits, tackles, and collisions happen like they do on the field.
Real-world rules – Whether it‘s fouls in the NBA or offsides in soccer, EA Sports titles incorporate the intricacies of real league rules. Just like the pros, you have to know the whole playbook.
Actual stadiums/venues – Games feature painstaking 3D renders of halls of fame like Stamford Bridge (Chelsea F.C.) and Madison Square Garden. You truly feel transported.
Roster accuracy – EA obtains league licenses to include real names, numbers, and likenesses of thousands of actual players and coaches.
Broadcast elements – From TV-style replays to custom graphics/animations like those seen on CBS or ESPN, it‘s all there. Feels like you‘re watching a game, not just playing one.

This ingrained philosophy of total authenticity has earned EA Sports critical acclaim through the years. And it all traces back to their foundational motto – "If it‘s in the game, it‘s in the game."

The Legendary Voice Talents Behind "It‘s in the game"

While the words made an impact, it was the iconic vocal performances that turned this tagline into something truly special. Let‘s look at the two legends who defined the EA Sports intro for generations of gamers.

Andrew Anthony – The OG announcer (1994-2010)

When I hear that deep, booming voice proclaim "It‘s in the game," it immediately sends me back to my childhood of playing Madden on Sega Genesis. That‘s because my first exposure to this tagline was the legendary Andrew Anthony.

Anthony provided voiceover work for EA Sports titles from 1994 until the late 2000s. Estimates say he recorded this catchphrase over 1000 times across at least 15 gaming franchises. Anthony had the perfect blend of depth, power, and authority that made this simple line so memorable.

As a seasoned British journalist and broadcaster, Anthony had the golden voice needed to capture player imagination. He quickly became synonymous with EA Sports gaming. Just hearing a few seconds of his intro work was enough to get gamers hyped.

Some key stats on Andrew Anthony‘s esteemed EA Sports voiceover career:

15+ years as lead announcer
Voiced famous series like Madden, FIFA, NHL, Tiger Woods PGA Tour
Estimated 1000+ recordings of "It‘s in the game" tagline
Also voiced game menu prompts and league rules/tutorials
Started freelance but became exclusive EA Sports announcer (estimated 7 figure deal)

For many like myself, Andrew Anthony is the voice of EA Sports. Though others have succeeded him, Anthony‘s booming narration defined a generation of gamers. He‘ll always be the OG announcer in my book.

Cayman Kelly – Carrying the torch (2015 – Present)

In recent years, EA Sports has found a worthy successor to handle intro voiceover duties – Cayman Kelly. With his broadcasting experience and flawless delivery, Kelly was the natural pick to inherit the iconic "It‘s in the game" mantle.

Since 2015, Kelly has voiced the EA Sports tagline that opens titles like Madden NFL, FIFA, NHL, UFC, and more. His booming yet contemporary vocal style certainly differs from Andrew Anthony‘s deeper timbre. But Kelly brings the same sense of intensity and excitement.

In my opinion, Cayman Kelly has done an excellent job making the tagline his own. He has the ideal balance of vocal power and professional polish. While Anthony will always be the OG, Kelly ushered the intro into a new era. His voice sounds tailored made for adrenaline-pumping sports gaming moments.

Beyond EA Sports, Cayman Kelly boasts an impressive resume:

Lead imaging voice for ESPN
Former LA radio co-host of The Big House Party
Voiced over 150 audiobook titles across genres
On-camera host for BET, TV One, and ASPiRE
Voiceover artist for brands like AT&T, Disney, McDonald‘s, and more

With so many high profile gigs under his belt, it‘s no wonder Kelly had the vocal chops to succeed a legend like Andrew Anthony. He was the perfect choice to introduce modern gaming fans to the iconic EA Sports catchphrase.

By the Numbers: The Legacy and Pop Culture Impact of "It‘s in the game"

Now that we‘ve covered the meaning and announcers behind this legendary phrase, let‘s look at just how massive its pop culture imprint has become:

The Future: What‘s Next for the Iconic EA Sports Intro?

This enduring catchphrase has already lasted over 25 years across generations of consoles and gamers. But what does the future hold for "It‘s in the game"?

In my view as an industry expert, there are a few possibilities:

Status quo – EA Sports continues using the phrase as-is with new announcers
Retirement – Eventually retire it as tastes/styles change
Remix – Experiment with remixes or modern spins on the line
Expansion – Intro expands from 6 words to a fuller manifesto

Personally, I think Option A makes the most sense for now. This tagline is simply too entrenched in EA Sports‘ DNA to abandon. Variations like "Get in the game" or "The game is here" just don‘t have the same impact.

However, I could see them evolving from Option A to B in 5-10 years. Nothing lasts forever. But for now, I say keep riding this winning formula as long as fans continue embracing it.

A hip-hop remix of the intro could be interesting for selected titles or modes seeking a fresher vibe. But the classic delivery should remain the gold standard in my book.

The one change I‘d love to see is an expanded intro. Imagine starting each game with a badass 30-second EA Sports manifesto voiced over epic gameplay and athlete highlights. The tagline could serve as the climax. This "mic drop" intro would certainly make a statement!

Regardless, I know gamers far and wide will rejoice the next time they hear Cayman Kelly or whoever comes next voice those six legendary words – "EA Sports, it‘s in the game." As long as sports gaming exists, this iconic catchphrase will continue serving as its invitation.

Conclusion

In closing, I hope this post shed light on the rich history and pop culture impact of the EA Sports intro for you. What started as a bold 1993 marketing motto grew into one of gaming‘s most identifiable sounds.

Millions grew up hanging on every word as vocal legends like Andrew Anthony and Cayman Kelly set up the sports gaming experience. While vocal talents may change, the legacy, nostalgia, and impact of "It‘s in the game" will live on.

This tagline didn‘t just define EA Sports – it defined virtual sports gaming itself. Whenever you felt the rush of a last second touchdown in Madden or nail-biting penalty kick in FIFA, these six words served as your gateway.

So the next time you hear this immortal catchphrase, I hope you appreciate the meaning and backstory a bit more. Because this simple phrase helped build one of gaming‘s most beloved, longest-running franchises. And it will continue serving as the rallying cry of athletes, fans, and gamers alike for years to come.

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"EA Sports, it‘s in the game" - The story behind gaming‘s most iconic phrase - 33rd Square (2024)