EA IS THE DEVIL!!!!! NO MORE ESPN FOOTBALL GAMES !!!

[dreamvsps2]

EA signs exclusive football deal

Mon Dec 13, 2004 04:44 PM ET
LOS ANGELES, Dec 13 (Reuters) - Video game publisher Electronic Arts Inc. (ERTS.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday said it has signed an exclusive deal with the National Football League and the league's players, giving EA sole rights to put NFL players and teams in its games.

Terms of the five-year deal were not disclosed.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[hutno]

Wow! usually im not harsh on ea but thats total BS

[jlarlee]

Looks like ESPN has no choice but stay at the $20 pricepoint. At least they know that they really ruffled EA's feathers

[RaekwonThaChef]

WTF?!?!?!?!?!?
Weaksauce. RIP ESPN NFL.

Actually the more I think about his the more genuinely upset I'm getting. Yup, I'm now at the point where my blood is curdling. EA shuts down the high quality, low price ESPN series, and it's now free to sell its games at 50$ without fear of competition. BS indeed.

[danh920]

link please

[Rig]

This sucks major ass. Can we get a link please?

[JebusMcLucifer]

Wow, this realy sucks. I too would like a link.

[Rich]

It's not true.

You people are gullible. Gamespot reported it was about to happen but both the NFL and EA deny it.

Both EA and the NFL Players Association have denied reports that they are working on an exclusive deal for player rights licensing. The Sports Business Journal, which broke the news, has retracted its original story.

The report alleged that EA and the NFL Players Association were in the last phases of negotiation for a four-year contract at $250 million, which would enable the mega publisher to have exclusive rights to NFL player names.

[Skylander7]

I wonder how much it cost EA to sign that deal... and boy is that slightly monoplistic. That honestly disgusts me. Competition is a GOOD thing.

[JebusMcLucifer]

It's not true.

You people are gullible. Gamestop reported it was about to happen but both the NFL and EA deny it.

Link?

[Murcielago77]

I dont care too much, im an EA fanboy anyways, but it still is jacked up if its true

[dreamvsps2]

i got it form the ign boards so COULD be wrong, but keep in mind that not long ago theres was a rumor about the same subject but both ea and nfl denied it.

[Rig]

Yep. Not true, at least by this:

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/news.php?aid=3487

[Rich]

It's not true.

You people are gullible. Gamestop reported it was about to happen but both the NFL and EA deny it.

Link?

http://www.gamepro.com/gamepro/domestic/games/news/35709.shtml

[Javery]

No freaking way. Isn't the NFLPA seperate from the NFL anyway?

[dreamvsps2]

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7079814

link biatches

[Wombat]

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=2004121300599 1&newsLang=en

another link, this is sad

[JebusMcLucifer]

Thanks for the links, I feel much better knowing its not true.

Edit: Damnit, now there are two links confirming that its true. So is it true or not?

[zewone]

Whoa. I'm glad its not true. I only plan on getting Sega sports games especially ESPN NFL 2K6.

[Rig]

This is kind of disappointing, although again, this hasn't happened, and may never happen anyway...

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=1699

[scdoanintendo]

If this is true, I for one will boycott the madden series.

[dreamvsps2]

Rob Fahey 13:56 19/05/2004
is the date on the " false" link

[Rig]

Well Rich, our articles were kind of outdated. I don't know what to think... :?

[hiccupleftovers]

I want a link first before I believe it. I thought Sega was already planning for the next couple years and that most likely next year's titles would also be $20 to eat up more of EA's market share. Very sad if it's true. EA just doesn't want competition which is not right. Isn't there something against this. Aren't they creating a monopoly or breaking anti-trust laws or something of that nature?

[dreamvsps2]

Rob Fahey 13:56 19/05/2004

thats the false links date

[LinkinPrime]

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7079814

link biatches

Holly Shiznit! Well atleast SEGA can say it actually did damage to EA by selling ESPN at $19.99

No more NFL Blitz :o either...atleast not with real football players.

[Rich]

When news is on ea or nfl.com, then I'll believe it.

[Wombat]

http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=2004121300599 1&newsLang=en

according to link I found (google news search)the deal was only announced about 45 minutes ago

[YoshiFan1]

Here's another link
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041213/135991_1.html

[Gothic Walrus]

When news is on ea or nfl.com, then I'll believe it.

You're saying you don't believe Reuters over game industry sites with outdated articles? :roll:

[chickenhawk]

Sounds like this might not be a done deal yet, but if it happens, you can be assured that Madden (and other EA sports games - if other leagues follow suit) will start to slip in quality. Competition is always good for any industry and the quality of product that is put out. This will be sad if it's true. I would think the NFL/players association could get more $$$ from multiple sources than if they were to sign an exclusive deal with EA. Then again, maybe I am underestimating EA's willingness to spend $$$$$$$$.

[Wombat]

http://www.investor.reuters.com/business/BusNewsArticle.aspx?ticker=ERTS.O&fullstoryurl=htt p%3a%2f%2fwww.reuters.com%2ffinanceQuoteCompanyNew sArticle.jhtml%3fstoryID%3d7079814%26ric%3dERTS.O% 26infotype%3dnews%26articletype%3dRTR&target=%2fst ocks%2fnews%2frecentnews&page=busnewsarticle

according to this update its a five year deal

[Rich]

When news is on ea or nfl.com, then I'll believe it.

You're saying you don't believe Reuters over game industry sites with outdated articles? :roll:

Do you understand what ea.com and nfl.com are? They're not game industry sites. I suppose you believed Rathergate, eh Gothic?

[SEGA128DC]

That really sucks! F*** you, EA!...

[hiccupleftovers]

I think I'm going to boycott the Madden series now but it really doesn't matter since I don't buy that series. It's too much and is just the same stuff year after year after year. Better just to get a 2003/2004 used for real cheap than pay for the same thing with a little better roster for antoher $50. not to mention they kind of gte boring fast.

[Rich]

I think I'm going to boycott the Madden series now but it really doesn't matter since I don't buy that series. It's too much and is just the same stuff year after year after year. Better just to get a 2003/2004 used for real cheap than pay for the same thing with a little better roster for antoher $50. not to mention they kind of gte boring fast.

Fuck that. I'd boycott EA completely.

[mykevermin]

When news is on ea or nfl.com, then I'll believe it.

You're saying you don't believe Reuters over game industry sites with outdated articles? :roll:

:rofl: P'wned, or whatever it is. Though, truly, this is nothing to laugh about. Fuck this.

myke.

[Rig]

I think I'm going to boycott the Madden series now but it really doesn't matter since I don't buy that series. It's too much and is just the same stuff year after year after year. Better just to get a 2003/2004 used for real cheap than pay for the same thing with a little better roster for antoher $50. not to mention they kind of gte boring fast.

I haven't bought a Madden game for full price ever in my life. The only one I own is Madden 96 for Genny, given to me by a friend, and Madden '03 which I picked up for $1. I'm up for a boycott, although it probably won't do anything to them...

[big_squirtle]

Ahh, the smell of monopoly. They tried to do this years ago when NFL Quaterback club came out for N64, and ended up being a better game. Unfortunately, Quarterback clubs, follow up was a POS and Madden was back in control. Oh well.

[big_squirtle]

Hopefully the ESPN style footbal games will still continue, but with fantasy player rosters. Who knows.

[Sporadic]

LOS ANGELES, Dec 13 (Reuters) - Video game publisher Electronic Arts Inc. (ERTS.O: Quote, Profile, Research) on Monday said it has signed an exclusive deal with the National Football League and the league's players, giving EA sole rights to put NFL players and teams in its games.

Terms of the five-year deal were not disclosed.

http://yahoo.reuters.com/financeQuoteCompanyNewsArticle.jhtml?duid=mtfh5748 3_2004-12-13_21-44-54_wen1173_newsml

Crazy :shock: wonder what VC will do now.

[hiccupleftovers]

I think I'm going to boycott the Madden series now but it really doesn't matter since I don't buy that series. It's too much and is just the same stuff year after year after year. Better just to get a 2003/2004 used for real cheap than pay for the same thing with a little better roster for antoher $50. not to mention they kind of gte boring fast.

I haven't bought a Madden game for full price ever in my life. The only one I own is Madden 96 for Genny, given to me by a friend, and Madden '03 which I picked up for $1. I'm up for a boycott, although it probably won't do anything to them...

The only Madden that I have picked up new was Madden 99 for PSone on clearance for 10 dollars. The other football games that I have are NFL2k for Dreamcast (bought on the day it came out and would do so again. One of the few football game IMo that is close to perfection. I don't regret paying full price for it) and NFL2k3 for PS2 which I picked up on clearance at Target, which isn't too bad.

[zewone]

I don't buy EA games to begin with so I guess I would be involved in the boycott as well.

[Mr_hockey66]

I wont buy it either! Bastards!

[zewone]

Posted
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=41964

EA sucks.

[YoshiFan1]

Ahh, the smell of monopoly. They tried to do this years ago when NFL Quaterback club came out for N64, and ended up being a better game. Unfortunately, Quarterback clubs, follow up was a POS and Madden was back in control. Oh well.

Actually, it was the other way around. Acclaim got exclusive rights to the NFL license for 1997 on N64 so QBC '98 was the only NFL game on N64 and EA released Madden on 64 as Madden 64 without the NFL license (but it had the player's license).

[spyhunterk19]

posted already

[Sporadic]

posted already

Wrong forum though. This fucks Microsoft, 989 Studios, Midway and Sega over.

[Mr_hockey66]

true dat

[Scorch]

Fuck you, EA. I can only imagine that they're going to do it with the NBA and NHL, unless ESPN can beat them to it. Someone should sue them for it.. this is becoming a monopolization of the industry and it's total bullshit.

[tenzor]

this sucks, now EA will prob jack up the prices back to 50 or even more and rip people off. I hope the NBA and NHL dont follow next

[KingDox]

And people bitch about Microsoft making gaming bad. I hope EA spends so much money on this that they get their asses burned.

[andrew333]

ladies and germs,

i may have bought my last football game

[hiccupleftovers]

I wonder what is going to happen with ESPN NBA/MLB/NHL games. The NHL isn't playing now so I don't know at all what's going to happen with that one but the the NBA game is what I am truly concerned with since I don't care too much for Baseball games.

[zewone]

As long as I have NFL 2K5 I'll be alright. Though I was looking very foward to future NFL 2K games. :(

[captainfrizo]

Hmm. . .well, I guess it's back to Madden next year.

[jmcc]

Is there a reliable industry source for this story yet? No, I don't trust Reuters to cover video game news.

[diggityjones]

Looks like ESPN has no choice but stay at the $20 pricepoint. At least they know that they really ruffled EA's feathers

Actually this means there is no longer a ESPN NFL2K anything.

The agreement is with the NFL and PLAYERS INC. That means, team names, player names, and player's likeness.

That is exculsivity.

[RedvsBlue]

Damn that EA, first they signed an exclusivity deal with NASCAR and now NFL. I think competition brings out the best of game development but obviously EA hates competition. On the other hand:

"Terms of the five year deal were not disclosed"

Leads me to belive that they threw ALOT of money at the NFL for this because they feared being beat by Sega's ESPN again.

[Rig]

Yep. I bought 2K5 this year, which made it the first football game I have ever bought brand new!

[RedvsBlue]

Looks like ESPN has no choice but stay at the $20 pricepoint. At least they know that they really ruffled EA's feathers

Actually this means there is no longer a ESPN NFL2K anything.

The agreement is with the NFL and PLAYERS INC. That means, team names, player names, and player's likeness.

That is exculsivity.

This just means that if they do make a football game they basically have to make up all their own teams and players.

[Rig]

Damn that EA, first they signed an exclusivity deal with NASCAR and now NFL. I think competition brings out the best of game development but obviously EA hates competition. On the other hand:

"Terms of the five year deal were not disclosed"

Leads me to belive that they threw ALOT of money at the NFL for this because they feared being beat by Sega's ESPN again.

Technically, they didn't get beat this year, but yes, they did lose a lot of people to Sega this year. This does show EA was getting worried though...

[diggityjones]

As long as I have NFL 2K5 I'll be alright. Though I was looking very foward to future NFL 2K games. :(

People:

Madden is a terrific football game. Not only will it now have all the features it already has. It will be forced to live up to the exculsive arrangement. Anything associated with the NFL has to be up to par.

EA will now have access to NFL Films content as well as NFL Network links.

This could bring a whole new level to the franchise. YES you won't be able to get the new football games for $20 buck, but I prefer a better product. This year is was a real toss up. I played them both and initially thought ESPN 2K5 was better. However, I stopped playing it a few weeks after buying it. Madden will usually hold my attention for months.

I'm actually going to pick up Madden now that the price has dropped.

[Admiral Ackbar]

It's a trap!

[SupremeNumNuts]

I hope VC finds some way around it. Hell I wouldnt mind if they made a Arena Football game or used either the Canada or Europe leagues.

[big_squirtle]

Ahh, the smell of monopoly. They tried to do this years ago when NFL Quaterback club came out for N64, and ended up being a better game. Unfortunately, Quarterback clubs, follow up was a POS and Madden was back in control. Oh well.

Actually, it was the other way around. Acclaim got exclusive rights to the NFL license for 1997 on N64 so QBC '98 was the only NFL game on N64 and EA released Madden on 64 as Madden 64 without the NFL license (but it had the player's license).

I knew that EA had fought to acquire the NFL license exclusively back then, but wasn't sure why they never got it. Thanks. I appreciate the education. :)

[Zman310]

http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/12/13/news_6114977.html
It's up on Gamespot now too, if you're interested.
May EA burn in hell for this.

[ElwoodCuse]

I'm still not buying your game, EA. Now I'm just not buying the ESPN NFL game.

Oh, and screw NCAA Football, too. I hope Sega makes a college game next year so I can just play that, because NCAA 2005 sucked balls.

There's no reason for anyone to be happy about this. Even Madden fanboys. EA now just has the perfect right to be lazy as hell with the series from now on (roster update central), and good luck EVER seeing any kind of price cuts or deals like that 2-for-1 thing or the $39.99 games.

[EddieBelfour]

This could bring a whole new level to the franchise.


its about time they changed something about it. its been the same game for 6 years.

[Sporadic]

When news is on ea or nfl.com, then I'll believe it.

Here you go Gangsta.

http://investor.ea.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=88189&p=irol-newsArticle&t=Regular&id=654204&

[help1]

EA SUCKS!!! now they can charge like 60 for games!!

[evilmax17]

This reminds me of Madden 64, where they didn't have the NFL liscence for some reason. Playing as the Foxboro Patriots wasn't gratifying.

Also, monopolies are never good.

[Mr_hockey66]

I didn't buy madden this year. I'll just swap the players on me espn create any that need creating and play espn 2004 in 2005. No sweat

[evilmax17]

This reminds me of Madden 64, where they didn't have the NFL liscence for some reason. Playing as the Foxboro Patriots wasn't gratifying.

Also, monopolies are never good.

[Ugamer_X]

Fuck EA...But I gotta give them credit, the 2K series really started to nip the heels of EA with their $20 pricing and EA returns fire by signing an exclusive NFL contract...I still hate them.

[mmn]

EXCELLENT! GO EA!

Madden has always been the best football game anyway.

[accameron]

whatever... (to mmn)

[Sporadic]

As long as I have NFL 2K5 I'll be alright. Though I was looking very foward to future NFL 2K games. :(

People:

Madden is a terrific football game. Not only will it now have all the features it already has. It will be forced to live up to the exculsive arrangement. Anything associated with the NFL has to be up to par.

EA will now have access to NFL Films content as well as NFL Network links.

This could bring a whole new level to the franchise. YES you won't be able to get the new football games for $20 buck, but I prefer a better product. This year is was a real toss up. I played them both and initially thought ESPN 2K5 was better. However, I stopped playing it a few weeks after buying it. Madden will usually hold my attention for months.

I'm actually going to pick up Madden now that the price has dropped.

I hate Madden's gameplay so I am fucked. :cry:

[CheapyD]

Topic merged.

[dafoomie]

This was reported last year too... Don't believe everything you read.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=3487
From May 19, 2004

However, if it is true, I won't be buying a football game next year. But, I highly doubt that it is. EA would have to pay the NFL more money than it currently gets from them, and everyone else put together.

[Sporadic]

This was reported last year too... Don't believe everything you read.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=3487
From May 19, 2004

However, if it is true, I won't be buying a football game next year. But, I highly doubt that it is. EA would have to pay the NFL more money than it currently gets from them, and everyone else put together.

It's on EA's site....this is confirmed.

[mmn]

This was reported last year too... Don't believe everything you read.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=3487
From May 19, 2004

However, if it is true, I won't be buying a football game next year. But, I highly doubt that it is. EA would have to pay the NFL more money than it currently gets from them, and everyone else put together.

What was reported in your link was that they were getting READY to sign an exclusive deal.

[thatstoobad]

EXCELLENT! GO EA!

Madden has always been the best football game anyway.
i'm sure your just posting this because everyone keeps saying things like "i hate EA" or "burn in hell EA", but i don't really think the issue is if madden is the best football game or not. the issue is that if this is true, all EA has to do for next year's game is update the rosters and box art and it will sell because there is no alternative nfl game.

the competition between EA and sega forces both of them to make better games every year. that's not to say that EA won't make advancements in the madden series, it's just to say that if they don't they can probably get away with it, and that's not good for anyone but EA.

[Gothic Walrus]

This was reported last year too... Don't believe everything you read.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=3487
From May 19, 2004

However, if it is true, I won't be buying a football game next year. But, I highly doubt that it is. EA would have to pay the NFL more money than it currently gets from them, and everyone else put together.

There's a key difference here: That story said that a deal was being READIED. All of these stories say that the deal has been COMPLETED. That's a world of difference.

I've never been a fan of EA's sports games, or any sports games at all. I'm fine with buying one of the $2 games to take care of any desire I have to play a sports video game.

This can only be bad for the industry, though. Think of all of the complaints about EA's lack of innovation before, back when they had competition from three or four other titles each year. Then imagine what they'll be free to do without pressure to make sales on their backs. Being the only game in town (literally) can make you lazy, and I can easily see that happening here...

[diggityjones]

I'm still not buying your game, EA. Now I'm just not buying the ESPN NFL game.

Oh, and screw NCAA Football, too. I hope Sega makes a college game next year so I can just play that, because NCAA 2005 sucked balls.

There's no reason for anyone to be happy about this. Even Madden fanboys. EA now just has the perfect right to be lazy as hell with the series from now on (roster update central), and good luck EVER seeing any kind of price cuts or deals like that 2-for-1 thing or the $39.99 games.

Price cuts will probably gone. As far as being competitive, even when there wasn't a competitor Madden has also tried to remain innovatitve and fresh. The designers take a great deal of pride in their game.

Many on these boards flame on Madden because they are part of a big business franchise. Madden is till a terrific game and don't forget the ORGINATOR. Anything ESPN was doing was taking off of (and occastionally improving) many of the things Madden has done for years.

The only people who should be upset is Sega and ESPN. Great football games will continue to be made by EA. People will buy them and forget all about ESPN @K series, like they forgot about Techmo Bowl.

[CheapyD]

EA might as well buy the NHL license.
I bet they could pick it up really really cheap.

[mmn]

EXCELLENT! GO EA!

Madden has always been the best football game anyway.
i'm sure your just posting this because everyone keeps saying things like "i hate EA" or "burn in hell EA", but i don't really think the issue is if madden is the best football game or not. the issue is that if this is true, all EA has to do for next year's game is update the rosters and box art and it will sell because there is no alternative nfl game.

the competition between EA and sega forces both of them to make better games every year. that's not to say that EA won't make advancements in the madden series, it's just to say that if they don't they can probably get away with it, and that's not good for anyone but EA.

No, I posted that because I think it's a genius business move and Madden really is the best football game. Anyone who watches football and is a big fan knows Madden has the most realistic gameplay.

To say that "all EA has to do is update the rosters and it will still sell" is wrong. Every year, no matter if there was heavy competition or not, EA has tried to improve on Madden. To say they'll get lazy is not a fact - its you posting an opinion just as my opinion is that Madden is the best football game.

How about we wait for the new Madden before we start whining about how they haven't changed anything. Just a thought.

[Zman310]

EA might as well buy the NHL license.
I bet they could pick it up really really cheap.

No more Sega Sports hockey :shock: Please Cheapy, don't even joke about that.

[dafoomie]

This was reported last year too... Don't believe everything you read.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=3487
From May 19, 2004

However, if it is true, I won't be buying a football game next year. But, I highly doubt that it is. EA would have to pay the NFL more money than it currently gets from them, and everyone else put together.

It's on EA's site....this is confirmed.
Link?

How about we wait for the new Madden before we start whining about how they haven't changed anything. Just a thought.
I don't care what they changed, I want competition. Competition makes a better product.

[jetblac]

OMG. Forget about price drops on madden 2006

[RAMSTORIA]

THIS IS CONFIMED

http://investor.ea.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=88189&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=654204&highlight=

http://finance.myway.com/jsp/nw/nwdt_ge.jsp?news_id=cmt-348b4231&feed=cmt&date=20041213

This is complete BS, and not just because I like the Sega games better. For EA to do this is unfair to everyone else, not just Sega, but 989, the good intended Microsoft Game Studios.....this is extremely irritating. I bought my brother Madden and MVP for Christmas, but I am taking both back and geting Sega sports titles. I call for a boycot of Madden 2006, my boss at Gamestop wont be too happy about it... but f iit.... so mad

[hiccupleftovers]

EA might as well buy the NHL license.
I bet they could pick it up really really cheap.

I was thinking the same thing just now. Weird.

[Admiral Ackbar]

I can only come to the conclusion that this is bad for sports games.

In the long run it will weaken the Madden franchise and increase its price. Do you really think we would have seen a price drop on Madden this year if it wasn't for ESPN? EA was scared shitless.

EA did this specifically because they were afraid they couldn't compete with the ESPN franchise.
That's the only conclusion I can draw. If EA is so superior (even if I were to agree they are better), then why do they need exclusivity?

Tis deal is good for EA, bad for everyone else.

[RAMSTORIA]

EA might as well buy the NHL license.
I bet they could pick it up really really cheap.

I was thinking the same thing just now. Weird.

as much as i like the nfl, if ea did that, well id just go nuts because i love the nhl and segas series is always better :(

[hiccupleftovers]

How about we wait for the new Madden before we start whining about how they haven't changed anything. Just a thought.
I don't care what they changed, I want competition. Competition makes a better product.

Exactly. Coudn't have said it better dafoomie.

[mmn]

OMG. Forget about price drops on madden 2006

So what?

See, this is the problem. People who are complaining in this thread are doing so because they'll worry they might actually have to *gasp* pay FULL PRICE for a football game if they want it. SHOCKING!

People aren't fans of ESPN Football, they're fans of its $20 price point. People who are saying "the quality of football games will go down now" don't really care about quality at all, they just care about Sega forcing EA to release Madden at cheaper prices.

[gashlycrumb]

Madden '96 was the best. Ever since then it has been straight downhill. ;-)

Whether you worship EA or not, I think the competition between Sega and EA was good for all of us.

:(

Also, the last ESPN football game is a very good game and not just because of the price point. There are plenty of positive reviews of it out there.

[dafoomie]

OMG. Forget about price drops on madden 2006

So what?

See, this is the problem. People who are complaining in this thread are doing so because they'll worry they might actually have to *gasp* pay FULL PRICE for a football game if they want it. SHOCKING!

People aren't fans of ESPN Football, they're fans of its $20 price point. People who are saying "the quality of football games will go down now" don't really care about quality at all, they just care about Sega forcing EA to release Madden at cheaper prices.
Do you know why ESPN Football was $20? Competition. Since there can no longer be competition, EA can charge any amount of money they want, and put zero effort into the game, and people will have to buy it if they want an NFL football game. Sega's competition forced Madden's price point down. What if EA has another hissy fit and decides it doesn't want to support XBL anymore? There won't be an alternative. Competition is good for the consumer, no matter what the industry or product. Monopolies are universally bad for the consumer, and that is what this is.

[Mr_hockey66]

I personally like espn better. Plus the price was right. I hate paying 50 for a game!

[EddieBelfour]

EA might as well buy the NHL license.
I bet they could pick it up really really cheap.

I was thinking the same thing just now. Weird.

as much as i like the nfl, if ea did that, well id just go nuts because i love the nhl and segas series is always better :(

damn cheapy, i may as well go jump off a cliff now. jinxs.

[RAMSTORIA]

OMG. Forget about price drops on madden 2006

So what?

See, this is the problem. People who are complaining in this thread are doing so because they'll worry they might actually have to *gasp* pay FULL PRICE for a football game if they want it. SHOCKING!

People aren't fans of ESPN Football, they're fans of its $20 price point. People who are saying "the quality of football games will go down now" don't really care about quality at all, they just care about Sega forcing EA to release Madden at cheaper prices.

#-o :puke:

[hiccupleftovers]

Hmmm.....I think some certain part of the government should be right around now starting to look into EA's internal affairs. First they start buying developers left and right and they are taking exclusivity of games to defeat competition. Something smells fishy to me.

[Sporadic]

This was reported last year too... Don't believe everything you read.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=3487
From May 19, 2004

However, if it is true, I won't be buying a football game next year. But, I highly doubt that it is. EA would have to pay the NFL more money than it currently gets from them, and everyone else put together.

It's on EA's site....this is confirmed.
Link?

How about we wait for the new Madden before we start whining about how they haven't changed anything. Just a thought.
I don't care what they changed, I want competition. Competition makes a better product.

http://investor.ea.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=88189&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=654204&highlight=

[diggityjones]

It has happened. Check the dates on your links. Its done. For the next five years, Madden is your one stop for console and PC football.

Sorry to leave out the handhelds, I just can't figure out who would play hand held football?

[RAMSTORIA]

BOYCOTT!!

[Admiral Ackbar]

People aren't fans of ESPN Football, they're fans of its $20 price point.

Actually, i think the ESPN football game is excellent and I'm a big fan of it over Madden.

The two games are effectively tied though. Madden has some features ESPN doesn't, and vice versa.

ESPN is not a bad football game. It's not even second rate. It's equal in quality. In some ways it's better.

Also it has Terrell Owens on the cover :P

Taking it the other way, there are many more people who are fans of EA Football just because it has "Madden" on the cover. They could regress three years to an earlier version, just update the rosters, put "Madden 2006" on the cover, and people would still be saying it's the greatest gift to video gaming ever.

[help1]

I hope madden 2006 is good next year(I know the chances of it not being a re-hash is very low, especially with no competetion), also weren't SONY and M$ making football games to catch up with the leaders? that sucks too cause I wanted to see if tehy improved it.

I say shouldn't let MADDEN be produced on their console and Sony should do the same... No I know how the GC only, football fans feel.

[hiccupleftovers]

OMG. Forget about price drops on madden 2006

So what?

See, this is the problem. People who are complaining in this thread are doing so because they'll worry they might actually have to *gasp* pay FULL PRICE for a football game if they want it. SHOCKING!

People aren't fans of ESPN Football, they're fans of its $20 price point. People who are saying "the quality of football games will go down now" don't really care about quality at all, they just care about Sega forcing EA to release Madden at cheaper prices.

That was a dumbfounded and ignorant statement to make. I have loved Sega Sports and their franchise since the Dreamcast days. I have tried to buy only their product and it is not because I hate EA, but because I feel they make a better product. Many people overlooked them just because Madden is Madden. I have NHL2k, NFL2k, NFL2k3, was planning to get 2k5 soon, Tennis2k2/Virtua Tennis, etc. I'm sure that you are fans of certain franchises.

[hiccupleftovers]

Just thought of this, but now we will have five years of the EA Madden cover curse. Ooohhhh Beware football players. ......j/k.

[hiccupleftovers]

Sorry to leave out the handhelds, I just can't figure out who would play hand held football?

Sadly to say I have. My friend picked upa GBA bundle a few year's ago at Costco and never cared for the Madden 2002 that came with it so he gave it to me. It's alright but not too good. It plays a lot like the Maddens on the Genesis.

[dafoomie]

I think this gives us an idea of EA's attitude... Instead of reacting to stronger competition by making a better game, or having a lower price point, or giving us a reason to buy their product over the other, they simply pay a lot of money so that there can be no competition at all.

How much money do you think is going to be left in the Madden budget for the actual game after the NFL gets their huge chunk of money? If you think 2002-2005 have been basically the same game, wait for the next 5 years.

Sega will have to focus their efforts on making better games for the other sports, and they'll probably heavily market their NCAA game.

[mykevermin]

OMG. Forget about price drops on madden 2006

So what?

See, this is the problem. People who are complaining in this thread are doing so because they'll worry they might actually have to *gasp* pay FULL PRICE for a football game if they want it. SHOCKING!

People aren't fans of ESPN Football, they're fans of its $20 price point. People who are saying "the quality of football games will go down now" don't really care about quality at all, they just care about Sega forcing EA to release Madden at cheaper prices.

I'm certain you'd be typing in all caps if Sega hade made this move.

I love NFL 2K5. I do not like the gameplay of Madden. At all. I don't care if you do.

Madden had become so popular, because it was good, that eventually purchasing a new Madden title every August became rote activity. People didn't think about it, they just saw Madden on the box, expected it to be good, and bought it. Many, if not all, of those people enjoyed Madden.

Meanwhile, some excellent football games were being made. Sega and Visual Concepts were one of those companies. They were getting stomped every year by EA, because of the quality of the EA games, and, more importantly, Madden's familiarity. There was no competing with Madden head on. Nobody can argue that.

So, Sega decided to promote their sports line this year in a different way. If people would not buy their games, perhaps this year's titles could be a "sample" of what they offer. It was not a sample in terms of quality; good god, no. It was a sample because of the price; if you didn't like Sega sports games, no big deal. It's $20 lost, not $50.

So, many many people bought NFL 2K5 this year. Many many more people bought Madden 2005. I won't argue that; the point that scared EA? The gap was closing. Maybe not this year or next year, but, rest assured, the next five or more years of football titles could have amazed us with what would be produced; two companies, engaging in the pinnacle of capitalism (as many of you so often enjoy pointing out), innovation and motivation pressing forward to develop the next best thing in football franchises.

So EA low blows the video game industry and cuistomers by purchasing exclusivity rights. Just when the fight was getting good.

Where is the need for motivation and innovation now? What are you gonna do, NOT buy Madden 2006? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. You have no choice; next August, your taste buds will salivate for your annual fixation of football madness. You will go to gamestop (or whatever store), in heightened anticipation, and you will find....Madden.

Just Madden. A great game by itself, to be sure; if it was not, it wouldn't have sold so well.

No choide; your power as a consumer has been usurped by Electronic Arts, and yet you cheer the company? What dividends do you get from EA? What benefits do you get from a corporate monopoly over a franchise?

I could give two shits that Madden is the king of the hill; I enjoy NFL 2K5, and I was looking forward to NFL 2K6. Now, because EA has implicitly acknowledged that they cannot compete with Sega Sports through the purchase of NFL exclusivity, I, as a gamer, must suffer with no football, unless I want to purchase a game I already KNOW I do not like.

Anyone who cheers this business move should be forced to play Madden 2005 for the Nintendo DS until you say you think it's the best football title ever. And then I will slap you in the face because you are a liar.

That's my take.

myke.

[DCriminal]

Ugh. This is horrible news.

However, do not give up hope. Those of us that are fans of the Winning Eleven series (Pro Evolution Soccer) will tell you that there are ways to get around this type of agreement. You see, Winning Eleven is a MUCH better soccer game than FIFA, but FIFA has had exclusive contracts with leagues, clubs, and players. The solution? Fans made custom files that you could download off the net. In many cases these files were more up to date, and more realistic than the offerings by EA.

So, don't give up hope on NFL 2k6 as of yet. If they give people the tools to change teams and players, the series will live on!

[Wshakspear]

...well, this is bullshit.

[mmn]

Do you know why ESPN Football was $20? Competition. Since there can no longer be competition, EA can charge any amount of money they want, and put zero effort into the game, and people will have to buy it if they want an NFL football game. Sega's competition forced Madden's price point down. What if EA has another hissy fit and decides it doesn't want to support XBL anymore? There won't be an alternative. Competition is good for the consumer, no matter what the industry or product. Monopolies are universally bad for the consumer, and that is what this is.

You're right. It was $20 because of competition. Because Sega knew nobody was buying their crappy football game and had to practically give it away to get people to play it. It was because their competitors were better than they are.

See, you're SPECULATING on what MIGHT happen. EA MIGHT put zero effort into the game or they MIGHT go out and make the best football game anyone has ever seen. YOU DON'T KNOW YET. But still, complaining. It makes zero sense to complain about something IN THE FUTURE. Besides, EA can't decide they won't want to support Xbox Live anymore - they signed a contract. Well, I guess they COULD do that, but they'd get the holy hell sued out of them.

This is not a monopoly. Wrestling games have managed to sell without a WWE license, Baseball games have sold without an MLB license, someone will manage to make and sell a football game without the NFL license.

[RedvsBlue]

This was reported last year too... Don't believe everything you read.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=3487
From May 19, 2004

However, if it is true, I won't be buying a football game next year. But, I highly doubt that it is. EA would have to pay the NFL more money than it currently gets from them, and everyone else put together.

Wow, I know the article says that since it was published in may that it has been denied but now that there is an exclusivity deal, some of it may be applicable. Like, for instance, the $1 billion that they were reported offering for exclusivity. If they paid that much, wow, just wow. That's a lot of copies of Madden in the next five years that they will need to sell to make that back.

Oh and on a side note, I heard on some new MTV video game show that Madden has made more off of licensing his name for EA than he has from coaching an announcing COMBINED.

Where do we go to flame EA for this?

[RAMSTORIA]

Where is the need for motivation and innovation now? What are you gonna do, NOT buy Madden 2006? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. You have no choice; next August, your taste buds will salivate for your annual fixation of football madness. You will go to gamestop (or whatever store), in heightened anticipation, and you will find....Madden.


myke.

espn ncaa football, f the nfl, it takes two to tango :evil:

[RAMSTORIA]

Where do we go to flame EA for this?

you dont buy madden 2006, its the ultimate flame

[guyver2077]

this is complete bullshit...espn woops madden. i am so dissapointed with this shitty news..they coudnt beat them on the field so they had to go buy their way out of it

[RedvsBlue]

Because Sega knew nobody was buying their crappy football game and had to practically give it away to get people to play it. It was because their competitors were better than they are.


Hmm these words sound vaguely familiar. Oh yeah that's right, not only did the execs at EA say this but also the video game industry and reviewers. Many reviewers in fact went back on their original statement. Oh and BTW since you are such a madden fanboy did you even play ESPN 2k5? I just ask because if you didn't (and you like to throw that "speculation" word around) wouldn't what you're saying be speculation?

[dafoomie]

You're right. It was $20 because of competition. Because Sega knew nobody was buying their crappy football game and had to practically give it away to get people to play it. It was because their competitors were better than they are.
You have zero credibility after this rediculous statement. I don't care what your opinion is, ESPN NFL was a solid game in its own right. I would have paid $50 for 2k5 this year, because I thought it was better than Madden. Was Madden a shitty game this year? No, they were both good, but I preferred one over the other. You obviously prefer one. It doesn't mean the other sucks.

Competition breeds innovation. Competition forced EA to lower their price point. Competition would have forced them to make a better game next year. Now they can repackage Madden 94 and you don't have an alternative if you want an NFL game.

Show me a real baseball game that has sold without an MLB license after the 16 bit era.

[guyver2077]

ill be damned if i purchase a madden title.....the hell with them..

[clueless]

I stopped supporting EA when they quibbled over XBOX Live Games... and not having any LIVE games until this year.

[mykevermin]

Where is the need for motivation and innovation now? What are you gonna do, NOT buy Madden 2006? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. You have no choice; next August, your taste buds will salivate for your annual fixation of football madness. You will go to gamestop (or whatever store), in heightened anticipation, and you will find....Madden.


myke.

espn ncaa football, f the nfl, it takes two to tango :evil:


Or the "backyard sports" series. Hey kids, it's lil' Peyton Manning!

myke.

[mmn]

I'm certain you'd be typing in all caps if Sega hade made this move.

Hmm, lets see if you type in caps in your post...

I love NFL 2K5. I do not like the gameplay of Madden.

You must not be a big fan of football. But that's ok, casual fans are fine.

Madden had become so popular, because it was good, that eventually purchasing a new Madden title every August became rote activity. People didn't think about it, they just saw Madden on the box, expected it to be good, and bought it. Many, if not all, of those people enjoyed Madden.

Meanwhile, some excellent football games were being made. Sega and Visual Concepts were one of those companies. They were getting stomped every year by EA, because of the quality of the EA games, and, more importantly, Madden's familiarity. There was no competing with Madden head on. Nobody can argue that.

So, Sega decided to promote their sports line this year in a different way. If people would not buy their games, perhaps this year's titles could be a "sample" of what they offer. It was not a sample in terms of quality; good god, no. It was a sample because of the price; if you didn't like Sega sports games, no big deal. It's $20 lost, not $50.

Yep, I wasted $20 on that garbage. Blitz was even a better football game, and I hate arcadey football.

So, many many people bought NFL 2K5 this year. Many many more people bought Madden 2005. I won't argue that; the point that scared EA? The gap was closing. Maybe not this year or next year, but, rest assured, the next five or more years of football titles could have amazed us with what would be produced; two companies, engaging in the pinnacle of capitalism (as many of you so often enjoy pointing out), innovation and motivation pressing forward to develop the next best thing in football franchises.

So EA low blows the video game industry and cuistomers by purchasing exclusivity rights. Just when the fight was getting good.

Where is the need for motivation and innovation now? What are you gonna do, NOT buy Madden 2006?

Uh oh, you typed in caps there.

You have no choice; next August, your taste buds will salivate for your annual fixation of football madness. You will go to gamestop (or whatever store), in heightened anticipation, and you will find....Madden.

Just Madden. A great game by itself, to be sure; if it was not, it wouldn't have sold so well.

No choide; your power as a consumer has been usurped by Electronic Arts, and yet you cheer the company? What dividends do you get from EA? What benefits do you get from a corporate monopoly over a franchise?

I would've bought Madden anyway, since I skipped Madden 2005.

I cheer them because I like the company and I think its a smart move on their part. This is the same thing as Nintendo trying to get Resident Evil titles only on their console or Sony trying to get GTA titles only on their console. Its a smart move and helps sell product.

I could give two shits that Madden is the king of the hill; I enjoy NFL 2K5, and I was looking forward to NFL 2K6. Now, because EA has implicitly acknowledged that they cannot compete with Sega Sports through the purchase of NFL exclusivity, I, as a gamer, must suffer with no football, unless I want to purchase a game I already KNOW I do not like.

You already KNOW you will not like Madden 2006? Whoa, I wish I could see into the future like you.

By the way, thats the second time you typed in caps.

[dafoomie]

Maybe Nintendo will make Mario Football next year... Probably the only football game I'll buy.

Who would be the QB out of the Sega lineup... Knuckles?

[Gothic Walrus]

Ugh. This is horrible news.

However, do not give up hope. Those of us that are fans of the Winning Eleven series (Pro Evolution Soccer) will tell you that there are ways to get around this type of agreement. You see, Winning Eleven is a MUCH better soccer game than FIFA, but FIFA has had exclusive contracts with leagues, clubs, and players. The solution? Fans made custom files that you could download off the net. In many cases these files were more up to date, and more realistic than the offerings by EA.

So, don't give up hope on NFL 2k6 as of yet. If they give people the tools to change teams and players, the series will live on!

That's the thing...there won't BE an "NFL 2K6" now. Something tells me that "Sega Football," even with its $20 price tag, wouldn't sell very well. The NFL in the title counts for something, and something major. Madden had the name recognition to get away with "Madden 64," but Sega might not be able to.

Unless I'm wrong, I've got a feeling that no other companies will bother to try to compete. Beating Madden is hard enough right now; give them the licenses and you've got a runaway victor. Besides...something tells me that EA would sue the pants off of anyone who tried to release the real rosters and teams for a non-NFL football game.

[guyver2077]

god im so pissed of about this.....i probably wont buy another damn game from ea sports or ea w.e,

dammit ever since damn nfl 2k for dc ive been behind sega knowing they had a ood thing going and visual concepts knew what they were doing. every 2k game since has owned . now this crap happens. i couldnt wait for 2k6 and this is horrible news.

[Gothic Walrus]

Where is the need for motivation and innovation now? What are you gonna do, NOT buy Madden 2006? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. You have no choice; next August, your taste buds will salivate for your annual fixation of football madness. You will go to gamestop (or whatever store), in heightened anticipation, and you will find....Madden.


myke.

espn ncaa football, f the nfl, it takes two to tango :evil:


Or the "backyard sports" series. Hey kids, it's lil' Peyton Manning!

myke.

They've probably lost their NFL license too...

[guyver2077]

and madden 64 had players at least.....now they own everything.s.atidums,players,teams etc......this is bullshit...

maybe they should make espn cfl football or something. i bet it would still be better than madden

i wonder how the espn boards are doing

[humidore]

Ugh. This is horrible news.

However, do not give up hope. Those of us that are fans of the Winning Eleven series (Pro Evolution Soccer) will tell you that there are ways to get around this type of agreement. You see, Winning Eleven is a MUCH better soccer game than FIFA, but FIFA has had exclusive contracts with leagues, clubs, and players. The solution? Fans made custom files that you could download off the net. In many cases these files were more up to date, and more realistic than the offerings by EA.

So, don't give up hope on NFL 2k6 as of yet. If they give people the tools to change teams and players, the series will live on!

Preach on brother! Too bad Konami's buying/bought some European licenses now, kinda weakens the argument, but who cares? How many years was it with no licenses? EA can have the NFL, FIFA, NHL, and the Curling associations licenses for all I care, I always got WE.

On a side note, now that these ESPN NFL games are gonna be rare, take advantage of NFL 2K5 being on my trade/sale list!
EPSN NFL 2K5 (XBox)! Obtain a piece of history TODAY! (http://cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=41853&highlight=)

[mmn]

You have zero credibility after this rediculous statement. I don't care what your opinion is, ESPN NFL was a solid game in its own right. I would have paid $50 for 2k5 this year, because I thought it was better than Madden. Was Madden a shitty game this year? No, they were both good, but I preferred one over the other. You obviously prefer one. It doesn't mean the other sucks.

No, ESPN wasn't a solid football game and anyone who actually watches football and is a fan and follows the strategy of the game knows that.

Competition breeds innovation. Competition forced EA to lower their price point. Competition would have forced them to make a better game next year. Now they can repackage Madden 94 and you don't have an alternative if you want an NFL game.

And again, you speculate on what the future holds. You don't know what EA is going to do, you are complaining on what you think they might do. You say competition "would" have forced them to make a better game next year. You don't know that they aren't going to - you'll have to wait until next year to find out.

But please, continue complaining about something that's a year away. It's actually pretty entertaining.

[ananag112]

In my opinion all of the ESPN sports titles this year were better then their respective EA Sports rival. ESPN NBA 2K5 is easily better then NBA Live 2005 gameplay wise (this is coming from a once Live fanboy) although their are quite a few bugs in NBA 2K5. From what I have played of the too hockey games, I must give the nod to the ESPN version as it has a crazy number of modes and is fun. ESPN NFL 2K5 is IMO better then Madden 2005 because of the great presentation and better running game.

[dafoomie]

You're right. It was $20 because of competition. Because Sega knew nobody was buying their crappy football game and had to practically give it away to get people to play it. It was because their competitors were better than they are.
You have zero credibility after this rediculous statement. I don't care what your opinion is, ESPN NFL was a solid game in its own right. I would have paid $50 for 2k5 this year, because I thought it was better than Madden. Was Madden a shitty game this year? No, they were both good, but I preferred one over the other. You obviously prefer one. It doesn't mean the other sucks.

No, ESPN wasn't a solid football game and anyone who actually watches football and is a fan and follows the strategy of the game knows that.

No, thats your opinion. I'm a huge football fan and I found ESPN to be slightly better this year. But thats my opinion. They were both solid games, and you coming out and saying that one wasn't just makes you look like a fanboy.

Competition breeds innovation. Competition forced EA to lower their price point. Competition would have forced them to make a better game next year. Now they can repackage Madden 94 and you don't have an alternative if you want an NFL game.

And again, you speculate on what the future holds. You don't know what EA is going to do, you are complaining on what you think they might do. You say competition "would" have forced them to make a better game next year. You don't know that they aren't going to - you'll have to wait until next year to find out.

But please, continue complaining about something that's a year away. It's actually pretty entertaining.
I'm not saying that *will* happen, I'm saying its possible. Now that there is no alternative on the market. But please, continue gloating, you're coming off as such a huge Madden fanboy that you must have creamed your pants when you heard the news.

[Rich]

No, ESPN wasn't a solid football game and anyone who actually watches football and is a fan and follows the strategy of the game knows that.


Rich = bigger NFL fan that mmn
Rich = ESPN 2k5 fan
Rich = Thinks Madden sucks in comparison.

Uh oh, I must hate the NFL, that equation can't be true!

[guyver2077]

since they "own" now the rights to online consoles as well does that mean the 2k series will not be online after a certain point?????

[guyver2077]

please sega go buy the rights to the nba and take live out......get the money somehow

[mmn]

I'm not saying that *will* happen, I'm saying its possible. Now that there is no alternative on the market. But please, continue gloating, you're coming off as such a huge Madden fanboy that you must have creamed your pants when you heard the news.

You're saying its "possible". EA could've made a crappy football game if this had happened or not. That has nothing to do with anything. Anything is "possible".

If I'm coming across as a huge Madden fanboy, you're coming across as a mindless Sega fanboy for whining about a game that isn't even made yet.

[mmn]

No, ESPN wasn't a solid football game and anyone who actually watches football and is a fan and follows the strategy of the game knows that.


Rich = bigger NFL fan that mmn
Rich = ESPN 2k5 fan
Rich = Thinks Madden sucks in comparison.

Uh oh, I must hate the NFL, that equation can't be true!

Yeah, that great ESPN, where you can call a dime package on defense and still manage to stop the run every time. What a great game that is.

[mykevermin]

[Hmm, lets see if you type in caps in your post...
I can already tell this is going to be a HIGHLY intellectual and articulate deconstruction of my argument.

I would've bought Madden anyway, since I skipped Madden 2005.

OK. My point (one you clearly chose to ignore) is that the CHOICE to purchase a game is important. The only thing EA has done to benefit Madden this year is eliminate direct competition. You cheer a company because they undercut the only direct motivation to improve their title?

I cheer them because I like the company and I think its a smart move on their part. This is the same thing as Nintendo trying to get Resident Evil titles only on their console or Sony trying to get GTA titles only on their console. Its a smart move and helps sell product.

Only Capcom makes RE; only RS makes GTA. Several titles make Madden franchises; I preferred one over the other, and now it will not exist in its same form. Imagine if Activision set up the industry such that True Crime would be the exclusive free roaming murder game on the market. Sure, it would never happen, but I think that hypothetical is much more akin to what EA has just done.

You already KNOW you will not like Madden 2006? Whoa, I wish I could see into the future like you.

By the way, thats the second time you typed in caps.

Do I know I will not like Madden? Yes. If they tweak their gameplay that much, they will alienate a huge portion of their traditional fanbase. I have enough experience with the franchise that I know I will buy you a copy of "Sneakers" for the XBox (exclusively at Toys 'R' Us) if I do like it. Will it be a great game? Sure, it always has been. It's been a great game that I do not like. Sue me.

And, I typed in caps 7, count 'em, SEVEN (oops, eight) times in this post. Now, if you don't mind abandoning ad hominems and boring hyperbole in favor of actually telling me what benefit you see for yourself, for EA, and for gamers from this merger? Specifically, how will this lead to a better Madden franchise?

If you answer with any "I like the company" bullshit, you're a tool of the corporate masses and an idiot of the highest magnitude. I will prescribe a copy of Naomi Klein's "No Logo" for you to read.

myke.

[Wshakspear]

http://www.cafepress.com/eaemployee.15140981?zoom=yes#zoom

he he he

[Ruined]

total bullshit. ea sucks.

[mykevermin]

Ugh. This is horrible news.

However, do not give up hope. Those of us that are fans of the Winning Eleven series (Pro Evolution Soccer) will tell you that there are ways to get around this type of agreement. You see, Winning Eleven is a MUCH better soccer game than FIFA, but FIFA has had exclusive contracts with leagues, clubs, and players. The solution? Fans made custom files that you could download off the net. In many cases these files were more up to date, and more realistic than the offerings by EA.

So, don't give up hope on NFL 2k6 as of yet. If they give people the tools to change teams and players, the series will live on!

Preach on brother! Too bad Konami's buying/bought some European licenses now, kinda weakens the argument, but who cares? How many years was it with no licenses? EA can have the NFL, FIFA, NHL, and the Curling associations licenses for all I care, I always got WE.

On a side note, now that these ESPN NFL games are gonna be rare, take advantage of NFL 2K5 being on my trade/sale list!
EPSN NFL 2K5 (XBox)! Obtain a piece of history TODAY! (http://cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=41853&highlight=)

:rofl: In two years, it'll fetch $27 mint and sealed it'll be so rare.

myke.

[mmn]

I can already tell this is going to be a HIGHLY intellectual and articulate deconstruction of my argument.

Nope, it won't be, but as much of an idiot as I am at least I can figure out how to use the quote function of this message board properly.

Now please, I beg of you, use your powers of precognition for good, not evil.

[RAMSTORIA]

I can already tell this is going to be a HIGHLY intellectual and articulate deconstruction of my argument.

Nope, it won't be, but as much of an idiot as I am at least I can figure out how to use the quote function of this message board properly.

Now please, I beg of you, use your powers of precognition for good, not evil.

you just dont understand do you

[Grave_Addiction]

This is utter and complete bullshit!

EA is a piece of shit for doing this, and the NFL are bitches for doing it aswell.

I've never ever bought Madden games unless they were cheaper than a can of camel shit and now I won't do that either.

EA is now the Satan of the video game industry. From making their workers more like indentured servants and now this, I vow to never, ever buy another EA game. I'm totally banning any of their products from ever entering my household again.

I give a big FUCK-U to EA and the NFL for this!

Hopefully, Sega will still continue to produce a superior football game. I know now that I will buy every single ESPN 2k5 football game right when it comes out.

EA you are worse than the moldy cheese on a fat man's gooch. You are the filth of the gaming industry. For what you've done, there is no forgiveness. May all the EA suits die a fiery, slow and painful death. I curse you and your first born. May all EA suits wake up tomorrow morning with anal warts and your penis to burn like the fire of Tartaros when you go pee pee.

I hate you more than a gerbil hates Richard Gere!

[TJordan522]

This mildly pisses me off. At least it's not NHL...the 2K series is waaaaay better than EAs in the hockey category.

[mykevermin]

This mildly pisses me off. At least it's not NHL...the 2K series is waaaaay better than EAs in the hockey category.

And hockey fans have much better things to be upset about.

myke.

[guyver2077]

This is utter and complete bullshit!

EA is a piece of shit for doing this, and the NFL are bitches for doing it aswell.

I've never ever bought Madden games unless they were cheaper than a can of camel shit and now I won't do that either.

EA is now the Satan of the video game industry. From making their workers more like indentured servants and now this, I vow to never, ever buy another EA game. I'm totally banning any of their products from ever entering my household again.

I give a big shaq-fu-U to EA and the NFL for this!



Hopefully, Sega will still continue to produce a superior football game. I know now that I will buy every single ESPN 2k5 football game right when it comes out.

EA you are worse than the moldy cheese on a fat man's gooch. You are the filth of the gaming industry. For what you've done, there is no forgiveness. May all the EA suits die a fiery, slow and painful death. I curse you and your first born. May all EA suits wake up tomorrow morning with anal warts and your penis to burn like the fire of Tartaros when you go pee pee.

I hate you more than a gerbil hates Richard Gere!

well said.

it sucks though as im sure they were working hard on 2k6 and now they have to stop and deal with this bs. and you know rockstar will probably end their agreement and they wont be cheap anymore..who knows

[Mr_hockey66]

Maybe Nintendo will make Mario Football next year... Probably the only football game I'll buy.

Who would be the QB out of the Sega lineup... Knuckles?


wow your on to some thjing. That would be kinda fun. Hell he golfs and plays tenis why not foot ball hockey basketball baseball mountain clumbing. I love mario. I bet it would work.

[hiccupleftovers]

You have no choice; next August, your taste buds will salivate for your annual fixation of football madness. You will go to gamestop (or whatever store), in heightened anticipation, and you will find....Madden.

Just Madden. A great game by itself, to be sure; if it was not, it wouldn't have sold so well.

No choide; your power as a consumer has been usurped by Electronic Arts, and yet you cheer the company? What dividends do you get from EA? What benefits do you get from a corporate monopoly over a franchise?

I would've bought Madden anyway, since I skipped Madden 2005.

I cheer them because I like the company and I think its a smart move on their part. This is the same thing as Nintendo trying to get Resident Evil titles only on their console or Sony trying to get GTA titles only on their console. Its a smart move and helps sell product.



This right here is total and utter BS. :bs: Companies never could use the Resident Evil license or the Grand Theft Auto license as both of those are the equivalent of intellectuall property. Other companies could go out and make their own Resident Evil style similiar games, but they can not copy them. If they copied them that would be plagiarism. It was something called competition. These companies have the right to choose where they want their product to go. They don't have to send them to all three if they choose. It is not a monopoly. There is nothing that says that Resident Evil can be the only survival horror game, etc. just that you cannot reproduce it. Just like in movies and just like in books.

On the otherhand, the NFL is not. All it is player's names, teams, etc. which are facts and are things that are real.which in a video game recreates a realistic world. I can say Nike, which is a trademark of the company, but am I going to get sued for saying their name. or how about the fact that I like to somethime where a Reebok shirt instead of a Nike shirt. What are they going to do to me then? They both make a shirt and they are both similiar but does that mean that Nike owns the rights to only produce t-shirts. NO!!! You're point is obviously moot. I don't know if you have ever heard of a thing called competition. It's what makes this great capatilistic nation of ours.

[CaseyRyback]

as much as people hate EA, they actually do make some good games (mainly on the PC though)

[Wshakspear]

I think Shinobi would make a great runningback

[guyver2077]

yea think wrestling. what happened when vince mcmahon bought everything out...there was no competition and we have the crappy product that is left today. theres no heart into what wwe does nowadays.

[dafoomie]

I'm not saying that *will* happen, I'm saying its possible. Now that there is no alternative on the market. But please, continue gloating, you're coming off as such a huge Madden fanboy that you must have creamed your pants when you heard the news.

You're saying its "possible". EA could've made a crappy football game if this had happened or not. That has nothing to do with anything. Anything is "possible".

If I'm coming across as a huge Madden fanboy, you're coming across as a mindless Sega fanboy for whining about a game that isn't even made yet.
The point is choice. Consumers had a choice this year, and enough of them chose ESPN to scare EA into this. Now next year we can't choose a different NFL game, no matter how bad or good Madden is. Some people just liked ESPN better, and it doesn't make them any less intelligent or less of an NFL fan than you are, no matter what you might say about them.

Yeah, that great ESPN, where you can call a dime package on defense and still manage to stop the run every time. What a great game that is.
Yeah, that great Madden, where you can make perfect throws while running backwards. Yeah, that great Madden, where the AI cheats and DB's glide when they're out of position. Yeah, that great Madden, with the formation shift bug that can drain all of a defense's energy before the ball is snapped. They both have their flaws.

[TJordan522]

This mildly pisses me off. At least it's not NHL...the 2K series is waaaaay better than EAs in the hockey category.

And hockey fans have much better things to be upset about.

myke.

Tell me about it.... :(

[hiccupleftovers]

yea think wrestling. what happened when vince mcmahon bought everything out...there was no competition and we have the crappy product that is left today. theres no heart into what wwe does nowadays.

You've got that right.

[Grave_Addiction]

yea think wrestling. what happened when vince mcmahon bought everything out...there was no competition and we have the crappy product that is left today. theres no heart into what wwe does nowadays.

I lived and breathed wrestling when the WCW was still around. Now, I could care less who blows who backstage.

[guyver2077]

yea think wrestling. what happened when vince mcmahon bought everything out...there was no competition and we have the crappy product that is left today. theres no heart into what wwe does nowadays.

You've got that right.

lol espn was like the nwa tna of today...everyones just hoping they come up and start some competition...like espn their product is allready better

[Wshakspear]

Its now the crappiest, most watched SOAP OPERA on tv. Instead of VERY carefully choreographed love scenes, they have VERY shittly choreographed "meetings".

"Oh my god, for some reason the heel of this show just got hit by a car! Again! But wait! He's getting up, and he's now pummeling the car with a chair...wait a sec...now the car has the chair and is pummeling the heel. Now we feel bad for the guy. Now he's a good guy, and the character circle is complete..OMG, another car!!!"

Far fetched? yes. Close to the truth? Kinda.

Im just sad to see the lone football game series ive ever enjoyed getting screwed by the one videogame series ive ever loathed...argh.

[-Never4ever-]

This is, without a doubt, the single worst day in Sports-Video Game history. Doesn't matter, what your preference is, this is still horrible news. I understand it had to be done, how else was EA going to "win", by building a better playing game? fat chance.:lol:

All joking aside, I hope you Madden fanboys enjoy this years $29.99 price drop, cause it'll be at least another 5 years till it happens again (if it ever does). You can also kiss goodbye any and all innovation.

BTW:


No, ESPN wasn't a solid football game and anyone who actually watches football and is a fan and follows the strategy of the game knows that.

And here I thought I'd actually have to do some arguing. Not only does that quote shows that you know nothing about what makes a solid football title, you also don't watch the NFL. Thanks for voiding your entire argument and any further points that you may have.:dunce:

[RAMSTORIA]

as much as people hate EA, they actually do make some good games (mainly on the PC though)

thats not the problem, ea does make a lot of good games, the reason why they are such a huge company, and madden their biggest franchise, because they make good games. the problem is having no competition. if someone wants an NFL game next year they have to buy madden, which will no doubt be over 20 dollars. The fact is many people like nfl 2k over madden, and ive even encountered people who love blitz and ive sold many copies of backyard football to dads for their little kids. These games wont be out next year, its not only unfair to consumers its unfair to the companies that make these games. god dammit im still so mad right now, i really dont want to go to work tonight

[guyver2077]

yup this was a screwjob....

[RAMSTORIA]

oh, and in case anybody hasnt realized it yet, this contract will run through to the next generation consoles as well, so not only will you be forced to buy madden for your console now, when you get your xbox2, gc2, or ps3, youll be stuck with madden as well. not to mention the DS and PSP... maybe ill burn down EA headquarters, its in redwood city right?

[Ruined]

So here are the options for gamers:

A) Do nothing and buy Madden NFL 2006.
B) Boycott Madden NFL games
C) Boycott EA games in general
D) Boycott NFL apparel and merchandise
E) Complain to the NFL through some means - register a domain or use www.petitiononline.com
F) Tarnish EA's name in as many ways possible, recommend friends and family to avoid EA games

Any other ideas? Need to get creative here. :)

[kev]

Thank goodness I hate sports games.
Thank goodness I hate EA.

This, if proven true, is an amazingly arrogant move on the part of both EA and the NFL.

I blame all you idiots who have been buying Madden for the last 3 years.

[guyver2077]

So here are the options for gamers:

A) Do nothing and buy Madden NFL 2006.
B) Do nothing and don't buy Madden NFL games anymore.
C) Complain to the NFL through some means - register a domain or use www.petitiononline.com
D) Tarnish EA's name in as many ways possible, recommend friends and family to avoid EA games

Any other ideas? Need to get creative here. :)

or

E) Download madden 2006 for pc for free and cost ea millions.

sounds like a plan. the hell with piracy on ea

[dafoomie]

So here are the options for gamers:

A) Do nothing and buy Madden NFL 2006.
B) Do nothing and don't buy Madden NFL games anymore.
C) Complain to the NFL through some means - register a domain or use www.petitiononline.com
D) Tarnish EA's name in as many ways possible, recommend friends and family to avoid EA games

Any other ideas? Need to get creative here. :)
I won't buy any EA or NFL products. I'll still watch games on TV, but I won't buy jerseys or tickets. Not that you can buy single seats to the Patriots anyway.

And I won't subscribe to the NFL Network.

[Ruined]

So here are the options for gamers:

A) Do nothing and buy Madden NFL 2006.
B) Do nothing and don't buy Madden NFL games anymore.
C) Complain to the NFL through some means - register a domain or use www.petitiononline.com
D) Tarnish EA's name in as many ways possible, recommend friends and family to avoid EA games

Any other ideas? Need to get creative here. :)
I won't buy any EA or NFL products. I'll still watch games on TV, but I won't buy jerseys or tickets. Not that you can buy single seats to the Patriots anyway.

And I won't subscribe to the NFL Network.

Good idea, now we have:

Options:
A) Do nothing and buy Madden NFL 2006.
B) Boycott Madden NFL games
C) Boycott EA games in general
D) Boycott NFL apparel and merchandise
E) Complain to the NFL through some means - register a domain or use www.petitiononline.com
F) Tarnish EA's name in as many ways possible, recommend friends and family to avoid EA games

[RAMSTORIA]

you left out my burn down the building plan

[Grave_Addiction]

maybe ill burn down EA headquarters, its in redwood city right?

Go my son. Go, and do God's will.

[Grave_Addiction]

Go here and voice your hatred, my brethren.

http://boards.ea.com/messages?13@28.uldlaTgemfD.1@.ef3d319

[Ruined]

Complain to the NFL here:
http://www.nfl.com/help/emailtech
comments@nfl.sportsline.com
webadmin@nflplayers.com
customer_service@nflshop.com

Make sure you specify that you want your complaint forwarded to the appropriate department.

[guyver2077]

Go here and voice your hatred, my brethren.

http://boards.ea.com/messages?13@28.uldlaTgemfD.1@.ef3d319

i would but i dont even want to register with them

[ykryptonite13]

Someone probably already quoted this but its damn appropriate.
"I really respect them, but the consumer really loses," one analyst told GameSpot. "EA is both evil and really smart."

I fear the fate for the other sports. And I wonder if this'll make SportsCenter somehow.

[Jaxcomet]

It's the top side story on the ESPN NFL page......

[pumbaa]

Wow. Just wow. I understand system exclusives. But this is nuts. It's like Sqauresoft have a patent on RPG's... or Nintendo having a patent on platformers. This won't be good for the industry ay all. Everyone is concentraing on ESPN... but this effects a lot more.

NFL Blitz.
Non-EA NFL Online play... EA on Xbox Live is Shoddy at best.
Craziness....

[guyver2077]

Someone probably already quoted this but its damn appropriate.
"I really respect them, but the consumer really loses," one analyst told GameSpot. "EA is both evil and really smart."

I fear the fate for the other sports. And I wonder if this'll make SportsCenter somehow.

thats another thing..stupid espn even promoted madden during games and sportcenter..it just doesnt make sense

[jeffreyjrose]

Wow. Just read this. It's probably the worst thing that has happened in the gaming market in years...

Sadness.

[guyver2077]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/sportsbusiness/news/story?id=1945691

[dafoomie]

In a statement, Take-Two spokesman Ed Nebb disagreed.

"We believe that the decisions of the National Football League and Players Inc. to grant an exclusive license for videogames do a tremendous disservice to the consumers and sports fans whose funds ultimately support the NFL, by limiting their choices, curbing creativity and almost certainly leading to higher game prices," Nebb said. The game was "not a material contributor" to the company's profitability, "nor was it expected to be," Nebb said.

An ESPN spokesman said the company will evaluate the impact that the deal has on the company's licensing business.
Couldn't agree more. This is bad for consumers because it limits (eliminates) choice. Another good point is that they can charge whatever they want for Madden now.

[Grave_Addiction]

Wow. Just wow. I understand system exclusives. But this is nuts. It's like Sqauresoft have a patent on RPG's... or Nintendo having a patent on platformers. This won't be good for the industry ay all. Everyone is concentraing on ESPN... but this effects a lot more.

NFL Blitz.
Non-EA NFL Online play... EA on Xbox Live is Shoddy at best.
Craziness....

Naw, it's not really the same. Sega can still make ESPN football, but it just can't have any team names, player names, logos, stadiums or anything else remotely relevant to the NFL.

If I were Sega, I would parody the entire NFL and EA.

Make funny team names like Blue Bay Butt Packers or make fun of some of the EA suits.

Ohhh, what if Sega used the NFL 2k5 engine and made a Mutant League Football-esque game? I know EA owns the Mutant League franchise, but Sega needs to find some way to fight EA. I don't want them to just give up.

[manofpeace20]

I love Madden and thought those Sega games were glitch filled. The news isn't very fair though, as competition would make my Madden games better.

[Scorch]

I'm thinking Madden will base at 59.99 now.

[GuilewasNK]

First off, I think that Madden is the superior football series. I understand the business side of it for EA and I can't really fault them for that. That being said...

I bought ESPN NFL 2K5 and was THOUROUGHLY impressed. The fact that the NFL sold exclusive rights to EA is a little baffling to me considering that having 2 diverse titles that cater to different fans is in the NFL's best interests. There is no way Sega can pony up the money for the NFL license like EA did. I just pray that somehow Sega can keep EA from doing the same in basketball. That is the one sport in which Sega CONCLUSIVELY kicks EA'a ass. It's not even close.

I still think Sega can do moderately well with no license if the "superior gameplay" that fans talk about is true. But I think if Sega is going to stick with football, it will probably be Arena League or nothing.

[bbfinster]

Looks like I'm in the minority of those who don't like ESPN's presentation and lack of realism. Not that the EA titles are much better, but the control is just much tighter......
I just hope EA doesn't get lazy with their monopoly. Also, consider this: If EA doesn't do something, the price wars will drive both companies out of the sports game business..... I really believe a merger or monopoly is the best thing for the industy. Sorry, Sega lovers. BRING ON REVENGE OF SHINOBI II!!!

[guyver2077]

not that anyone cares...but this also means no more

sony 989 nfl games.....

[hiccupleftovers]

Wow. Just wow. I understand system exclusives. But this is nuts. It's like Sqauresoft have a patent on RPG's... or Nintendo having a patent on platformers. This won't be good for the industry ay all. Everyone is concentraing on ESPN... but this effects a lot more.

NFL Blitz.
Non-EA NFL Online play... EA on Xbox Live is Shoddy at best.
Craziness....

Naw, it's not really the same. Sega can still make ESPN football, but it just can't have any team names, player names, logos, stadiums or anything else remotely relevant to the NFL.

If I were Sega, I would parody the entire NFL and EA.

Make funny team names like Blue Bay Butt Packers or make fun of some of the EA suits.

Ohhh, what if Sega used the NFL 2k5 engine and made a Mutant League Football-esque game? I know EA owns the Mutant League franchise, but Sega needs to find some way to fight EA. I don't want them to just give up.

that would be the greatest thing for them to do. I would love to see this. Mroe companies should make parodies of games or just comedy games. that is one thing that games don't have at the moment, comedy.

[FriskyTanuki]

Wow, I feel for those Sega football fanboys, but I'm happy that Madden will continue. I don't think EA will raise the price on Madden since they haven't done it with any of their other games. It would just be wrong to price one game $10 more just because there's no competition. I'd rather be able to argue with Sega fanboys over Madden v. NFL than have my game win out.

[guyver2077]

as i play 2k5 right now...i now know that i will miss the presentation and even the announcers very dearly....can ea say chris berman halftime show?

[FaintDeftone]

This is major bullshit. I support the ESPN games. I don't think Madden is a bad game, but I would much rather play ESPN over Madden any day, even if Sega was still charging 50 bucks for ESPN. I think what EA has done isn't fair to gamers at all. EA needs to die.

[hiccupleftovers]

Someone probably already quoted this but its damn appropriate.
"I really respect them, but the consumer really loses," one analyst told GameSpot. "EA is both evil and really smart."

I fear the fate for the other sports. And I wonder if this'll make SportsCenter somehow.

thats another thing..stupid espn even promoted madden during games and sportcenter..it just doesnt make sense

I never undersood that either. If ESPN is with Sega and the NFL2k franchise, then why are they advertising Madden on Sportscenter where many people who play football games watch?

[FriskyTanuki]

Someone probably already quoted this but its damn appropriate.
"I really respect them, but the consumer really loses," one analyst told GameSpot. "EA is both evil and really smart."

I fear the fate for the other sports. And I wonder if this'll make SportsCenter somehow.

thats another thing..stupid espn even promoted madden during games and sportcenter..it just doesnt make sense

I never undersood that either. If ESPN is with Sega and the NFL2k franchise, then why are they advertising Madden on Sportscenter where many people who play football games watch?

Because they have done that for a while, even before Sega had the ESPN licnese.

[vherub]

im playing my copy of 2k5 for a lot longer than anticipated - can sega still offer roster updates to the series next year or even provide the lobby for online play?

[dafoomie]

Someone probably already quoted this but its damn appropriate.
"I really respect them, but the consumer really loses," one analyst told GameSpot. "EA is both evil and really smart."

I fear the fate for the other sports. And I wonder if this'll make SportsCenter somehow.

thats another thing..stupid espn even promoted madden during games and sportcenter..it just doesnt make sense

I never undersood that either. If ESPN is with Sega and the NFL2k franchise, then why are they advertising Madden on Sportscenter where many people who play football games watch?
Sega pays ESPN for licensing. EA pays ABC for licensing. Disney owns ABC and ESPN. EA pays Disney for advertising on ESPN. Sega does not pay for this type of advertising.

ESPN/Disney has to be a little pissed though because they'll lose money on this deal, they were getting paid from both sides.

[damack]

Yeah, that great Madden, where you can make perfect throws while running backwards. Yeah, that great Madden, where the AI cheats and DB's glide when they're out of position. Yeah, that great Madden, with the formation shift bug that can drain all of a defense's energy before the ball is snapped. They both have their flaws.

Owned.

[Kaijufan]

I'm thinking Madden will base at 59.99 now.
Sadly this is very possible. And this could lead to more games selling at $60, which isn't good.

[Indiana]

That is BS...F.U.C.K EA! Seriously that is total..shit..

[help1]

wasnt john madden gonna sign onto ESPN this year too? it would have been awesoem cause then the sales would have boosted so much from teh name MADDEN and un informed consumers....

[JSweeney]

As if I need yet another reason not to ever buy a copy of Madden brand new.

Oh well. EA's playing a dangerous game... all of this is going to come to a head sooner or later, be it unionization of the programmers, shrinking sales due to stagnation, or something... they're setting themselves up to be a big dog, and when you do that, you paint a target on yourself.

[muncle]

cant they sue? isnt this like a monopoly?

[TheRock88]

Damn, that sucks. I really liked the presentation for this year's ESPN NFL too.

[Medium_Pimpin]

http://www.petitiononline.com/nfleacon/petition.html

Didnt bother reading all the posts in this thread, just gettin g the word out.

[guyver2077]

On a scarier note for these same publishers, rumors are already circulating that EA is attempting to negotiate similar deals with the NBA and Major League Baseball.

hell no!!! cmon sega dont let them do it

[jeffreyjrose]

On a scarier note for these same publishers, rumors are already circulating that EA is attempting to negotiate similar deals with the NBA and Major League Baseball.

hell no!!! cmon sega dont let them do it

That would officially be the end of sports games improvements as we know them! The more I think about this, the angrier I get. I hate you EA!

[GuilewasNK]

cant they sue? isnt this like a monopoly?

No. The NFL can do with their license as they see fit. It wouldn't matter if EA, Sega, or Microsoft had the winning bid. Whether people like it or not won't matter either. Even Madden fans know this isn't good for video game football at all.

[guyver2077]

burn in hell ea....you will never get my money again...

too bad as i never had a problem with some of their franchises like fight night but the hell with them now. i even was considering getting a sports game for my ds but fuck them now

[zombieman]

I am pretty sure that there are players that are not in the NFLPA - I think that LaVar Arrington is not part of it. So next year Sega Football Could be LaVar Arrington Football 2K6

[CrimsonGeist]

Who says we need need real teams and players? Why doesn't the ESPN series turn into a kind of nfl where they justuse fake characters. They don't even have to make them seem like football players! Let a pimp be on the team, along with hookers. Hell put in hillbillies too.
aww... damn it... we're screwed. WHY EA, WHY???????????? DAMN YOU TO HELL EA!!!! :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :cry:

[lionheart4life]

Sega (or another company) could maybe pull this off if they allow the ability to swap rosters online. They could assign the correct numbers to players on teams, and maybe add a create a logo and create a uniform option. Then someone, who doesn't work for the company, could edit the names to the real players and they would be available to download. Wow, this really sucks if its true, and I agree it could be the downfall of sports games if this were to spread to other games.

[screwkick]

Screw EA. All their sports games are rehashes from previous years. There were afraid of Sega putting out superior products, so they just had them wiped out.

Expect EA's quality control to go completely in the toilet now.

[mykevermin]

Screw EA. All their sports games are rehashes from previous years. There were afraid of Sega putting out superior products, so they just had them wiped out.

Expect EA's quality control to go completely in the toilet now.

Now!?!?!

Anyway, the only positive to come out of this (the *only* positive) was that someone brought up the idea of ESPN XFL 2K6.

myke.

[guyver2077]

Screw EA. All their sports games are rehashes from previous years. There were afraid of Sega putting out superior products, so they just had them wiped out.

Expect EA's quality control to go completely in the toilet now.

Now!?!?!

Anyway, the only positive to come out of this (the *only* positive) was that someone brought up the idea of ESPN XFL 2K6.

myke.

xfl? as in wwe xfl????

awesome!!

[Ragingbull2380]

Haha XFL... McMahon is crazy enough to bring it back!

[stemartin7]

I didnt buy madden this year and I wont be buying it for the next 5 yrs at least, personally i liked espn's football game better.

[punqsux]

i have a couple feelings about this...

first of all, i dont care...sega make far superior games and ill continue to support them, license or not, it dosent effect me, because i dont follow football, i just play the games.

second...it sucks donkey balls for sega...they work fucking hard to out due ea in gameplay and presentation, and then ea pulls this, this will definetly dis-credit the validity of the 2k series in casual gamers eyes...

fuck you ea, i wont be buying your games until they are $5...you cant beat sega on the virtual gridiron, so you lowblow them with contracts?

FUCKYOUEAFUCKYOU

[anonymouswhoami]

I don't blame EA for this, I blame the NFL. They make more money than God, yet are willing to screw their fans for even more money. The NFL could have said no, given gamers a choice and still made millions.

[cyberlian]

sega didn't auctualy produce the espn games this year, it was take-two interactive, the parent company of rockstar games.

[cyberlian]

Is everyone going to think twice before buying ea's other games, such as the James Bond games and Need for Speed?

[greendj27]

It's a little sad how EA is getting so much hate in this thread for making a good business decision. I agree that competition is good for the games, and there might be less innovation, but we won't know until next summer. What's frustrating is that EA went out and paid well for these rights and is taking all the criticism. To be honest, the NFL is more at fault than anyone for taking the money.

[vrs1650]

Yeah, that great Madden, where you can make perfect throws while running backwards. Yeah, that great Madden, where the AI cheats and DB's glide when they're out of position. Yeah, that great Madden, with the formation shift bug that can drain all of a defense's energy before the ball is snapped. They both have their flaws.

Owned.

Actually the only people getting owned in this are Sega and the people who like their games.

EA gets almost a monopoly and the NFL gets cash.

[basketkase543]

Why are people spouting fanboy nonsense here. This is about whether you get a hard-on for Madden or not. We gamers are the ones who lose here. Even if we like ea (which i do) we can't let them do this. I'm officially swearing off Tiger Woods, NFL Street, SSX, Sims, and other games I buy that I can't remember.

[FriskyTanuki]

sega didn't auctualy produce the espn games this year, it was take-two interactive, the parent company of rockstar games.

Sega did make the ESPN games, they just made a deal with Take-Two to co-publish and market the games.

[FriskyTanuki]

cant they sue? isnt this like a monopoly?

No, it's not a monopoly to own a license.

[Wshakspear]

cant they sue? isnt this like a monopoly?

No, it's not a monopoly to own a license.

Think of it kinda like EA owning the LOTR, Bond or (snicker) catwoman liscense. They paid money, they can use the name....and than again, so can half-a-dozen other companies putting out different product.

[FriskyTanuki]

cant they sue? isnt this like a monopoly?

No, it's not a monopoly to own a license.

Think of it kinda like EA owning the LOTR, Bond or (snicker) catwoman liscense. They paid money, they can use the name....and than again, so can half-a-dozen other companies putting out different product.

Yeah, EA has the movie license so they can't do anything concerning the books or the Hobbit. What it was before was that Sega and EA and whoever else just paid the NFL to use the names and teams and such.

[bil4l]

Madden=complete crap. I hate Madden with a passion, it's one of the worst A.I.'s ever, and they games cheat to beat you, plain and simple.

[manofpeace20]

I am so fucking sick of listening to all this fanboy shit. As a gamer, I want to play something fun. I'll never stop playing my Fight Night game, or Freedom Fighters. Even if Madden does fall apart in quality, I'll always love Madden 2005. Some of you people seriously need a life.

[camoor]

Sports, another thing that is broken in American society.

People don't realize this, but the outrageous player salaries are subsidized by tax dollars in the form of "special deals" on the building and taxation of stadiums given by cities to the major sports franchises.

This EA debacle is just another example of capitalism gone awry in sports (given that the NFL has a virtual monopoly in football). Sad thing is, people will pay more for these games and the shady tactics will be rewarded.

Bah! I'm off to see some MLS.

[FriskyTanuki]

Madden=complete crap. I hate Madden with a passion, it's one of the worst A.I.'s ever, and they games cheat to beat you, plain and simple.

That's pretty much true with most AI, at certain difficulties, they just become more powerful than you. There's not really many games where the AI truthfully gives you a challenge.

[FriskyTanuki]

I am so shaq-fuing sick of listening to all this fanboy shit. As a gamer, I want to play something fun. I'll never stop playing my Fight Night game, or Freedom Fighters. Even if Madden does fall apart in quality, I'll always love Madden 2005. Some of you people seriously need a life.

I'm surprised that I agree with you, but I agree.

[joeposh]

EA has offically become the New York Yankees of video games... if anyone starts to nip at their heels, they kick the legs out from under them by buying up whatever they can.

[Grave_Addiction]

I think I may have a great idea!

Okay, while I was waiting for my wife to get done shopping at Target, I think I had an epiphany.

Sega has a license with the NFL for the 2004 season, right? Well, what if Sega just continued to update ESPN NFL 2k5 for the next five years?

I doubt the NFL can make Sega close down its servers for a game they've already sold and are now supporting.

Sega could then make some easy roster moves that would not necessarily name a new player on a team, but they'd let you easily change his name yourself, and they would make their attributes consistent to what they are in real life.

Sega could also update and improve the gameplay, add in new features and other content. The catch here is that with every new update which could happen every three or four months, they could charge $10 or whatever they feel is reasonable.

Basically, Sega would just continue to update NFL 2k5 and make it so where you can easily have an updated roster and it would compete with Madden in every way.

Because they would just be updating an older game, I wouldn't think they'd be infringing on any license deal with the NFL because they wouldn't be updating it with any NFL-owned content.

Anyway, that is basically my idea. What do you guys think?

[Dogpatch]

It keeps going and going and going. :cry:

From a business standpoint it makes sense, but it's a monopoly plain and simple. EA is in it for the money and they know games can be milked for all it's worth (Sims anyone). In the end the gamers lose. The creativity and the competition is taken away from the games. I can see Madden improving more over the years, but will it be the same amount of effort if they had someone pushing them there?

EA is taking games out of the gamers hands. It's all about money. Look at Westwood and other companies that EA took over. The games are starting to be the same over and over again.

EA does not have the balls to put out a truely original game. Or one that might find a niche in the market, but does not make the amount of money they want. Motor City Online died for that reason. Did not make alot of money, but had the potential to be something pretty good. Another is Earth & Beyond. This was a very niche title, but it had a very loyal following. It just did not make the money because EA would not back it when they bought Westwood.

Ok, I'll stop ranting. It's just every time something good comes along, EA takes it and destroys it. Yes they may score here and there with titles, but is it enough for our passion of games? You just hate to see big business kill it for us gamers.

[Mr_hockey66]

wow grave thats great. How bout madden and espn team up. Now that would be cool. Like take both teams make one good team out of them combine ideads and then we wouldn't need to games cause the one would rule. Gameplay of madden with the presentation of espn??? But Ilike your idea too.

[Dogpatch]

I do have ESPN 2k5. I like it very much, but I mostly play NCAA 2005. Just did not have the urge to pay $50 for another football game. Both of the pro games are very solid and comes down to which you like best.

Well you might as well throw that out the door now. I could be wrong, but this deal is not a good sign.

[guyver2077]

im just sad that i wont be playing espn nfl games anymore.....but hopefully they bring back ncaa next year

[Skylander7]

Remember when the gaming industry generated less revenue? When it was less of an entertainment industry, and considered more in the "toy" industry?

Damn those were good times... good times indeed...

[Dogpatch]

wow grave thats great. How bout madden and espn team up. Now that would be cool. Like take both teams make one good team out of them combine ideads and then we wouldn't need to games cause the one would rule. Gameplay of madden with the presentation of espn??? But Ilike your idea too.

EA is buying up everyone else. Sega could be next! :roll:

Seriously, Grave's idea is not to bad. Would be the same game, but with the roster updates.

Your idea would be cool to Mr hockey. I just do not see that ever happening.

[guyver2077]

i dont think sega would make any money with that roster idea.....

i think they just gotta come in and woop ea's ass with ncaa

[FriskyTanuki]

wow grave thats great. How bout madden and espn team up. Now that would be cool. Like take both teams make one good team out of them combine ideads and then we wouldn't need to games cause the one would rule. Gameplay of madden with the presentation of espn??? But Ilike your idea too.

EA is buying up everyone else. Sega could be next! :roll:

Seriously, Grave's idea is not to bad. Would be the same game, but with the roster updates.

Your idea would be cool to Mr hockey. I just do not see that ever happening.

Though Sega was already bought up, by Sammy.

[Mr_hockey66]

I know. but hey it would solve a lot of problems. And it would be a kick ass game. See I really need to be making games! Its called espn madden style 2k5!

[FriskyTanuki]

i dont think sega would make any money with that roster idea.....

i think they just gotta come in and woop ea's ass with ncaa

:lol: Sega gave up on NCAA because they couldn't make a good game.

[PawnTakesKing]

Looks like EA's not getting any more of my cash. This BLOWS.

[Lstorm34]

i'm pretty sure someone has posted this. but EA plans to sell madden 2006 at 69.99 and charge online for gaming. they also plan maybe charging 1.99 for dowloading roster updates. i'm pretty sure some of you guys on here recieved a questioner from ea recently. and YES, one of the question was "IF EA HAD THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO THE NFL GAMES...ETC" WOULD you STILL BUY THE PRODUCT AT 69.99. SUCKS MAJOR ASS BUT THEY PUT OUT THAT SURVEY

[Mr_hockey66]

Where do i sign HELLNO!

[guyver2077]

i know they can make a good ncaa game. rose bowl for dc was good. and ncaa 2k3 even though received iffy reviews it was pretty fun

[Grave_Addiction]

i dont think sega would make any money with that roster idea.....

i think they just gotta come in and woop ea's ass with ncaa

The thing is is that it wouldn't just be just a roster update. They could make new features, make the gameplay better and all kinds of other stuff. When they'd have a new download ready, you would log into the download section via Xbox Live and download a rather large update.

When you did this, you would pay Sega $5 to $10 depending on the size and quality of the update.

They could have four updates a year and charge $5 a piece for them and you'd still be paying $20 for next year's updated copy of ESPN NFL 2k5.

[Mr_hockey66]

Microsoft would just step in and say well now to use this years x-box live espn has shell out this much money and ms would put them down too. DAMN IT!

[FriskyTanuki]

i'm pretty sure someone has posted this. but EA plans to sell madden 2006 at 69.99 and charge online for gaming. they also plan maybe charging 1.99 for dowloading roster updates. i'm pretty sure some of you guys on here recieved a questioner from ea recently. and YES, one of the question was "IF EA HAD THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO THE NFL GAMES...ETC" WOULD you STILL BUY THE PRODUCT AT 69.99. SUCKS MAJOR ASS BUT THEY PUT OUT THAT SURVEY

:bs: