Famed Players Get a Kick Out of Being in Game
Soccer players Cobi Jones, midfielder for the Los Angeles Galaxy, and Tiffeny Milbrett, forward for the Women’s National Team, star in “Backyard Soccer MLS Edition” as cartoon kid kickers. How do real players end up as cartoon characters?
Jones: I wanted to be in a children’s game where kids get to participate in something that is not violent and that is good, basic fun. You know how you always hear about actors wanting to be in cartoon movies? Well, I had a chance to be in a children’s video game, so I took the opportunity.
Milbrett: Humongous wanted my involvement along with other members of the Women’s National Team. I thought it was a great idea. The game is so cute that I couldn’t pass it up.
Question: Do you like the way you look as a cartoon?
Jones: I like my cartoon character! It is different to see how someone else pictures me--but it was nice. I like it!
Milbrett: I think it is so cute. It is a great caricature.
Q: Your characters speak a lot in “Backyard Soccer MLS Edition.” Is the banter based on reality?
Milbrett: The funny thing about all this stuff is that I filled out a questionnaire--maybe 12 to 15 questions--and Humongous researched from the Internet and biographies. They came up with this all on their own. I had no creative influence on it, but it is amazing how true and right on they are!
Q: Cobi, your character says, “When I grow up, I want to be a superhero, a cowboy or a spaceman. Either that or I might want to study environmental law.” Where are those comments from?
Jones: The superman and all that stuff is pretty much something Humongous came up with, but the environmental law--that is what I wanted to do, I thought, when I was going to college. I still have that interest.
Q: Tiffeny, your character says, “I learned how to play soccer by watching my mom play. She was my first coach.”
Milbrett: That is very true. She has been playing soccer longer than I have. In fact, I grew up on the sidelines of her practices and got hooked into soccer and sports because of her. My mom was a big athletic influence, because she was nothing but a jock who wanted to be out there and live life that way. She passed it on to me.
Q: Cobi, how do you see your role in children’s lives?
Jones: When I was younger, I didn’t think it was very important, but as I get older I see more and more parents coming up to me and even young kids coming up and saying that I am their role model. I realized that kids are looking up to me and other players. I think it is very important to try to be a good role model. It is important for kids to see you in a good light so they in turn act as a good person and do the right thing.
Q: Do you think “Backyard Soccer” helps children identify with you?
Jones: I think so. Humongous gives them a little [look] into my reality by mixing fantasy with reality. And I think it will definitely help the kids relate to me by seeing my face in the game and seeing how I relate in the game as a cartoon character. Maybe they will pick up an interest in soccer.
Q: Tiffeny, how do you see your role with children?
Milbrett: I see it as a big influence. Maybe a role model, but I think just an influence. I think what I can do is have kids see a side of the game of soccer and see a side of athletes that really endears them to the sport or to the athletes themselves. Kids can realize that they have an ability and the opportunity to become an Olympian and a National Team member if they want to. Specifically girls.
Q: Cobi, it appears that your character is having a virtual romance. You say in the game, “Jocinda gave me a big ol’ bruise on my shin. I think she likes me.” How does one pursue a romance in a computer game?
Jones: This has to be done very carefully. You need to choose her on your team and make sure to give her lots of upfront playing time!
Q: Tiffeny, are you jealous that your character wasn’t given a cyber-romance?
Milbrett: Heck no, I don’t want to be kicking some boy in the shin. I want to be kicking his butt in soccer!
