An AFL Evolution is coming in 2017 with the AFL Players’ Association and the AFL releasing an exciting new video game featuring the competition’s best male players .

AFL Evolution is currently in production with AFL licensee Tru Blu Entertainment and in conjunction with Wicked Witch Software. It will be available on next generation consoles PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC Steam.

AFL Players’ Association General Manager — Commercial, Marketing and Communications, Rebecca Chitty said the players were thrilled to deliver this exciting product to the fans.

“This generation of AFL footballers grew up playing video games and this is an opportunity to feature in one that’s sure to have footy fans highly engaged,” Chitty said.

“Digital is an ever evolving space and the players see this as just another way to grow the game by reaching out to new audiences and showcasing it on different platforms.”

With the game due for release in the first half of 2017, AFL General Manager Commercial Operations Darren Birch acknowledged the importance of video games as a tool to enhance entertainment for fans.

“It’s no secret that the youth market is highly engaged with a variety of digital brands and properties. So for some time the AFL has identified a need to create a new video game as another entertainment property for footy fans,” Birch said.

“AFL Evolution will deliver a unique experience for footy fans, taking them to the heart of the action in a virtual footy world.

“The AFL is dedicated to supporting Tru Blu Entertainment and Wicked Witch Software in creating a game that is fun to play for AFL fans and keen gamers alike.”

Tru Blu Entertainment’s Sebastian Giompaolo said: “We are extremely proud to be releasing another AFL video game. We have produced a number of games across console, PC and mobile platforms and we’re determined to make AFL Evolution the most enjoyable AFL video game we have released.”

In the development of AFL Evolution, AFL players participated in photo shoots taking place at all 18 AFL Clubs with no less than 24 cameras used to simultaneously photograph the players in order to create highly detailed likenesses within the game.

Fans excited to be involved in the game can take part in an online poll via AFL.com.au to decide on the players who will lead the next AFL Evolution and feature on the game’s cover from today until Thursday, December 22.

Players include:

• Charlie Cameron (Adelaide Crows)

• Josh Schache (Brisbane Lions)

• Patrick Cripps (Carlton)

• Adam Treloar (Collingwood)

• Zach Merrett (Essendon)

• Lachie Neale (Fremantle Dockers)

• Nakia Cockatoo (Geelong Cats)

• Tom Lynch (Gold Coast SUNS)

• Jeremy Cameron (GWS GIANTS)

• James Sicily (Hawthorn)

• Jesse Hogan (Melbourne)

• Ben Brown (North Melbourne)

• Chad Wingard (Port Adelaide)

• Nick Vlastuin (Richmond)

• Tim Membrey (St Kilda)

• Isaac Heeney (Sydney Swans)

• Jeremy McGovern (West Coast Eagles)

• Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)