Early look / prototype

[countryboy]

Quote: Originally Posted by FadeEmAll

Hell Yeah!!! I just went to youtube and looked at some footage from NFL2k5 if Madden had had all these licenses for 4+ years and has still been unable to create a game with anywhere near the presentation of that game, wtf makes you think they are going to actually try and do it now? Maybe due to the fact they failed all those profit estimates they might actually show some concern for to consumer, but i'm willin to bet they blame it on the economy and keep hashing out the same recycled garbage year after year regardless of all this fan feedback. Look I'm not bashing Ian directly because I do recall his Maddens being some of the best ever. What I do doubt are the powers above him, that will limit how much he puts in the game. now there is no competition coupled with the fact they had a tough year, the suits will focus on cost-cutting and would immediately shut down any attempt to add things like halftime shows etc, into the game that may cost some development money.

you do realize that

a: anything added to the game, including adding a more robust franchise mode costs money right? They're having to pay a developer/programmer x amount of dollars per hour to code/program all these things into the game and then to test the new additions

and

b: that Ian has already stated that he and Phil decide what goes into the game, no one else. So therefore, my guess is that they are given a budget in which to work with and they must stay within that budget. Which also means, at least in my opinion, that all these things that they have mentioned/shown that are being worked on are within their budget for this title. And if you haven't seen already, Donny Moore from HC is working on the franchise mode for Madden 2010. Therefore leading me to believe that the franchise mode, while maybe not as robust this year as HC's, will be 10 times better than previous installments. And we all know that it wouldn't take much to be 10 times better.


And what leads me to believe that they'll add the things the customer is asking for? Because they seem to care for their game and the fans and seem to take pride in what they do. Also, as you stated, they have a proven track record, which leads me to be anxious to see what they can do in their first attempt at Madden on the next gen.

[FadeEmAll]

Yes, I'm aware that everything cost money, but I'm also aware that some things cost more than others. It would appear to be cheaper and less time consuming to improve franchise mode and crowd atmosphere than it would to bring in a bunch of "ex-pro athletes" to come in and strap down with some CG-electronic tracking gear and create brand new animations into the game, which is why I focus on the franchise mode and realistic expectations. As far as the Head Coach guy coming in, you said it best, "It wouldn't take much to make it 10x better", so let's just he does more than the bare minimum

Look, I want to be just as optimistic as you but I'm from Missouri the "Show-Me State" before I start getting false hopes, I got to see something before I say something. Lol, if you knew me you would know what a shock it is for me to say "I want to be proven wrong" then again the isht don't happen often.

p.s. I'm really from Texas but you get the point

[countryboy]

Quote: Originally Posted by FadeEmAll

Yes, I'm aware that everything cost money, but I'm also aware that some things cost more than others. It would appear to be cheaper and less time consuming to improve franchise mode and crowd atmosphere than it would to bring in a bunch of "ex-pro athletes" to come in and strap down with some CG-electronic tracking gear and create brand new animations into the game, which is why I focus on the franchise mode and realistic expectations. As far as the Head Coach guy coming in, you said it best, "It wouldn't take much to make it 10x better", so let's just he does more than the bare minimum Look, I want to be just as optimistic as you but I'm from Missouri the "Show-Me State" before I start getting false hopes, I got to see something before I say something. Lol, if you knew me you would know what a shock it is for me to say "I want to be proven wrong" then again the isht don't happen often. p.s. I'm really from Texas but you get the point

I'm under the assumption that the guys that do the mocap are part of the team. And I agree, somethings cost more than others in terms of money and time, but how that breaks down for them is unknown to me.

And I agree that we should focus on realistic expectations, but if they are going to take the time to mocap a new animation, isn't it a realistic expectation to expect them to get it right or as close to perfect as possible? I think it is.

[MJenness]

Quote: Originally Posted by countryboy

I'm under the assumption that the guys that do the mocap are part of the team. And I agree, somethings cost more than others in terms of money and time, but how that breaks down for them is unknown to me. And I agree that we should focus on realistic expectations, but if they are going to take the time to mocap a new animation, isn't it a realistic expectation to expect them to get it right or as close to perfect as possible? I think it is.

I think it is time for EA to open the coffers and fork out some REAL money for the game that is their cash cow every year. If they can afford to retool ANY game, it is Madden.

[youALREADYknow]

Quote: Originally Posted by MJenness

I think it is time for EA to open the coffers and fork out some REAL money for the game that is their cash cow every year. If they can afford to retool ANY game, it is Madden.

Good luck selling that in a global recession.

[TheWatcher]

Sometimes spending a little more translates into more sales if the improvements are looked at as valuable. Depending on the magnitude, you either make more money, break even, or go at a loss depending on how much those improvements cost versus how much you recoup. However, I think it would be absurd to think this franchise would be at a loss even if they spent a little more. Madden is raking in a load of dough every year. They're nowhere near a loss with this game.

Companies do often throw more money in when a product is in a quality slump, it just depends on what kind of commitment to quality that particular company has. EA is already doing that with Madden as they are using a new MoCap system, and they appear to have joined up the services of the Head Coach personnel. That costs money. If you've played Head Coach, then that should have you pretty optimistic about what that could mean for Madden.

Finally, to speak to the thoughts of FadeEmAll... just remember that the serious franchise user makes up just a fraction of buyers against the Multi-Millions who buy this game who aren't into it. If you only improved franchise, but not the most important 3 cores (Gameplay, presentation, Graphics), the game is going to pay the price sales-wise. It will still sell, but it won't sell as well. From a business standpoint, you have to firstly go after what's making you money.

[FadeEmAll]

I swear, you guys are underestimating online Franchise. I'm willing to bet real Online and In-Depth Franchises will change the face of Madden. I don't mean 32 team all out franchises, I mean the 4-8 player online franchises. I could be wrong of course, but my feelings tell me otherwise.

[Cryolemon]

Quote: Originally Posted by MJenness

I think it is time for EA to open the coffers and fork out some REAL money for the game that is their cash cow every year. If they can afford to retool ANY game, it is Madden.

You think they didn't pay enough for the exclusive NFL deal?

[matt8204]

Quote: Originally Posted by FadeEmAll

I swear, you guys are underestimating online Franchise. I'm willing to bet real Online and In-Depth Franchises will change the face of Madden. I don't mean 32 team all out franchises, I mean the 4-8 player online franchises. I could be wrong of course, but my feelings tell me otherwise.

It's a great idea in theory. The biggest problem I can see is people not sticking with it or not showing up for their games when scheduled, especially if they lose their first couple of games. Having played fantasy football for a few years now, I can attest to the fact that there are always a few people who fall behind in the standings early, get frustrated or lose interest and quit. They stop setting their lineups, don't make any waiver wire moves, etc.

[MJenness]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cryolemon

You think they didn't pay enough for the exclusive NFL deal?

And look how THAT improved Madden