A year after breaking sale's records with its FIFA10 video game, Electronic Art is back with an updated version of its soccer franchise not only has FIFA11 topped last year's early sale tally. EA estimates that sales have jumpped 29%, making it the fast-selling sports game ever. EA Sports President Peter More spoke to Reuter's TV shortly after the news was announced.

It's been a tremendous few days for this FIFA11, not only getting obviously critical success but commercial success. It's early days, I mean, it's our first 72 hours basically in European market place, maybe a couple of days extra in North America, but it bodes well both for ourselves as well as for the industry going into the Christmas sales period that we've got title of this magnitude selling so well.

Moor says he also thinks it's significant that the first two days after the European launch became the busiest period for online gaming in EA's history. The ability to play games against people over the internet he says, it's creating a network effect that's fueling sales of the physcial games.

The stickness is, if you bought it, and your mates gotta buy it, because he wants to play against you but you don't live in same town, becomes a multiplier that industry enjoys, if you have a powefull online element and for we have that in FIFA.

EA has also introduced new iterations of its FIFA franchise including a version for iPhone and iPod touch. So, why are people still shelling out for this when they can get this for a fraction of the cost?

There's a migratory path that we think or hope we have you on there.

There's even a free FIFA social game available via Facebook.

No matter where you are, what you're doing, who you're with, how much time you have, you've got an experience that's tailored to that situation. And if we cannibalize a little bit because we give something way for free when we can sell it then so be it.

Still the name of Game is selling update to titles, many consumers already have, and to do that, EA needs to add compelling features. Last year was the ability to add one's game face to a virtual pro. This year, the real pros have even more realistic characteristics, which is a real draw according to this fan who was given the FIFA11 a test run.

The reactions of the players and the stuff of how they moved on the fields, which I think is really really good. For instance, Torres might argue with the referee a bit, and be a bit petulant.

EA shares were buoyed by news the of brisk pace of FIFA11 sales. its performance even critical to the company after it took the decision to delay the release of its much anticipated basketball game NBA Elite.

Mike Kaven, Reuters.