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This blog linked up with Fifa 10 Producer Luke Didd for an exclusive interview to get the low-down on what is being tagged as the most exciting game of the year.

Based in Vancouver, Didd is responsible for the PC version of Fifa 10, but he was able to provide crucial information on the Playstation, PSP, and NDS versions when this blog swooped in with some questions.

Having spent time learning his craft on Championship Manager, Didd is a relatively new member to the Fifa production team, although it is clear that he is as much a fan of the game as those who will be snapping it up in October. So he was the perfect man to speak to about the changes implemented on the new game.

Fifa Blog: The look and feel of Fifa 10 is a lot more realsitic. Was this an important factor when creating the game?

Luke Didd: We’ve spent a lot of time refining the gameplay so that it represents what players and teams are actually like. For example, when you pick Bolton they play long balls up to Kevin Davies, while Chelsea would use attacking full-backs. But the choice is still with the user. So if you pick Bolton, you will have the option of playing the ball into Davies as he has made a specific type of run, but you can go for a different pass if you wish. So there is a default option, but you don’t have to stick with that unit style.

Fifa Blog: Were you under pressure to make these adjustments due to the way that football is now shown on TV with multiple camera angles and using modern technology?

Luke Didd: I think television definitely plays a part in what we need to do. Obviously what we want to do is create a game that is authentic and gives you the footballing experience. So we have to take elements of things you will see on television and bring them into the game.

Fifa Blog: Can you explain what the Coaching Tips feature is and why you opted to include it on Fifa 10?

Luke Didd: This is for the NDS. On the touch screen, the coach will pop and offer advice. He will say things like ‘Frank Lampard is tired, you should replace him with Michael Ballack’. There is also advice offered on tactics, taking short free-kicks or short corners, and really just helps to educate you about the best way to play the game and get the most out of it. You don’t have to accept the feedback though, it is up to you.

Fifa Blog: One of the noticeable things about the new game is that you appear to have taken the feedback from gamers on board. Would this be a fair comment to make?

Luke Didd: Getting feedback is really important to us. I’m always looking for opinions from people who play the game on a regular basis. I’m on the forums daily trying to find out what the fans want and what the frustrations are. I also set up a custom league on the PC and invited fans on, so we can share frustrations and talk about what can be changed for the better. These are the people who play the game, so it is important to listen to what they have to say.

Check out Luke on Twitter – www.twitter.com/diddie