EA/NFL Extend NFL Exclusive License by One Year to 2013

[ryan36]

Just to be CLEAR It is ok to talk about the other companies as business entities.

DO NOT COMPARE THE GAMES/GAMEPLAY...or say one is better than the other

[pietasterp]

Quote: Originally Posted by BlueNGold

Who knows if 2K would have even bothered to try putting out an NFL game when the contract wasn't ending until 2013 anyways?

You're probably right, but it would've at least let someone else consider getting into the game, whether it be 2K or someone (anyone) else...

Quote: Originally Posted by BlueNGold

They might have already decided they'll just wait until the next systems come out to get back into football, assuming the contract doesn't get extended again.

Probably not a very good assumption...

Quote: Originally Posted by BlueNGold

I remember thinking after NCAA 10 that that series was in the ****ter, only to be completely surprised by their 360 turn in one year with NCAA 11. I don't think it's out of the question that Madden can make that leap as well.

Yes, but it took them 5+ years to get to that point...meaning they spent half a decade getting the game to a decent state, whilst pissing away the other years with steaming piles. At this point, it wouldn't even matter if Madden made a huge leap...I won't be there to find out. After all, sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie....

[SHAKYR]

Noooooooo! This guys really hate competition, they scared. It's sad!

[jjdogjjdog5162]

Welp, maybe in 2014 i'll buy a NFL game. If the world is even here then....

[BlueNGold]

Quote: Originally Posted by pietasterp

Yes, but it took them 5+ years to get to that point...meaning they spent half a decade getting the game to a decent state, whilst pissing away the other years with steaming piles. At this point, it wouldn't even matter if Madden made a huge leap...I won't be there to find out. After all, sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie....

Sure it has, but they've only been going forward with this direction for 2 years. With that in mind, the progress has been pretty decent IMO.

Don't get me wrong, the game still isn't where I want it to be. I want a hell of a lot better offline franchise mode that doesn't fail to compare to even the PSP version of Madden 07's franchise, and I want better AI, presentation, true 3-4 defenses, etc, but I'm not forgetting that every aspect of the game they've tried to improve over the last 2 years has had a sim focus in mind either.

[HARTSTOPPER]

This is sad. With no competition there is no reason to drastically improve the game. There is no one upping "the other guys." I am not Pro EA or Pro 2K. I am simply just a sports gamer looking for the best product for $60. If there is no competition there is no pressure to put out a better product. I know Ian and the guys are trying to do right by the fans, but nothing is stopping them from just saying forget about it, and dropping the same game with updated rosters.

From a marketing standpoint, I can see why they don't put out the "perfect" product. If they do that, there will be no need to purchase the next years installment, but I can assure you that this exclusive contract has SIGNIFICANTLY slowed production down. Think back to how amazing both NFL 2K5 and Madden 2005 both were. Now fast forward to Madden 2011 and EA has exclusive rights to the NFL AND ESPN. Still no half time show, still no ESPN integration other than ESPN radio, still no post game show. There is just nothing that resembles ESPN in EA's BIGGEST money maker and that is dissapointing. Even the small amount of ESPN presentation added ALOT to the way NCAA 11 was received. NCAA Football has now surpassed Madden in many eyes because they seem to use the tools given to give the fans what they want.

[NoTiCe_O]

What can we Do ? Hmph ..

Spoiler

[TexasBorn1]

I waited this long

An extra year won't hurt too much!

[pietasterp]

Quote: Originally Posted by BlueNGold

Sure it has, but they've only been going forward with this direction for 2 years. With that in mind, the progress has been pretty decent IMO. Don't get me wrong, the game still isn't where I want it to be. I want a hell of a lot better offline franchise mode that doesn't fail to compare to even the PSP version of Madden 07's franchise, and I want better AI, presentation, true 3-4 defenses, etc, but I'm not forgetting that every aspect of the game they've tried to improve over the last 2 years has had a sim focus in mind either.

I see what you're saying Blue, and respect your optimism. After all, I would rather be wrong and have a great game of football by this generation's end than be right and have nothing much to show for it...I just fear that the fantastic heights of football gaming reached in 2004 will not be repeated in the forseeable future, and that makes me disappointed and more than anything, I guess just sad...

[CM Hooe]

Not surprised, really.