This post has not been edited by the GamesBeat staff. Opinions by GamesBeat community writers do not necessarily reflect those of the staff.
I think I found something that will up the ante and realism of create-a-pro modes in soccer games: the new Adidas F50 adiZero boot. Well, that's if you actually play the sport, and I do. While the technology is in its early stages, I think it could help shape upcoming sports titles.
For starters, the Adidas cleat tracks a number of things including maximum speed, number of sprints, and distance with its Speed Cell technology.
That data can then be transferred to a computer or iPhone for analysis to aid in training.
But what could the future hold for video games and this kind of technology? We might be able to record things like our shot power, just how soft our touches are, and striking technique for in-game use.
Maybe that's too futuristic for now, but did anyone really think we would ever be able to see how fast we're running with a chip in our soccer boots? Exactly.
This technology could help gaming in a number of ways. When creating our own avatars for FIFA or Pro Evolution Soccer, we could transfer our data over and make football stars that perform more like we do. The information could make our created characters resemble us more closely.
If you sprint a lot, maybe your character's stats in that area will be high. If you strike the ball with the outside of your foot, maybe that will be one of your unique skills. Other in-game incentives could help your character level up as you run a bit faster or longer in real-life matches. This would be reminiscent of how players can level up by shooting more, passing more, or just playing positions correctly in Pro Evolution Soccer.
Even smartphone soccer sims where people connect to others could use this information. An online league could use data from the phone's owner to dictate his traits and skills in the game.
This kind of technology could either be a gimmick or actually work to improve certain parts of sports games. It goes beyond swinging Wii-motes and kicking in front of a camera. The actions you actually perform during the real sport could find a more direct and realistic meaning in the interactive arena.
The possibilities might be there, and I hope that a smart developer tries to implement the tech in ways I couldn't even dream of.
I mean, just five years ago, a computer chip in my soccer boot with the ability to connect to a PC or smartphone was just that…a dream.
If this is ever used in gaming, I hope to never run into Lionel Messi's avatar online.