Should CAG take an official stance against EA?

[Scrubking]

I think it would be good for CAG to take an official stance against EA. Not only because they are single handedly devouring the gaming Industry, but because it would raise awareness and help people see what is really going on. Like it has been said a lot of gamers have no clue what goes on in the Industry, but if they knew about the slimy tactics of EA they might do the right thing and not buy their games.

Personally I am utterly disgusted with EA, as are many, but it is time to do something about it and the least CAG could do is raise awareness on the subject in an official manner.

I would hope that CAG does not want to see EA take over the gaming Industry and raise prices to high heaven. After all, CAG is about cheap games.

Here (http://cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=46638) is the latest in EA's takeover of the gaming industry.

[Gothic Walrus]

Why not? Maybe we could start something big and get it to spread to other sites. Heck, if we get it big enough, maybe we could get the gaming industry or the press to notice us.

I'm serious.

Let's try this. I've been planning on not giving any of my money to EA for months now, so I'm more than willing to support this.

[punqsux]

im all for it, but itll never happen.

[AdamInPlaidum]

It's unfair to affiliate everyone on the forums in one purpose, lest you ask each and every last one of them and they agree.

[MadChedar0]

But then EA would buy us out.

[tornadomann]

you can count me in!!

[AdamInPlaidum]

Perhaps, though, a new website might be started?

[Kaijufan]

So would we stop posting EA deals?

[Gothic Walrus]

It's unfair to affiliate everyone on the forums in one purpose, lest you ask each and every last one of them and they agree.

Maybe so, but it's not your site. CheapyD can do whatever he wants, since he owns it and pays for things like bandwidth and server space for our use. I'd say that we would be fine doing it if both Cheapy and a majority of the users approved; even if we don't get a majority, CheapyD is free to do what he wishes.

I agree with punq that it probably won't happen, but I'm still going to push for it.

[Rich]

What a stupid thread.

[DocBledsoe]

Ok - I will play communist with you...until the next good EA title comes out.

[mrnomis27]

im all for it, but itll never happen.

Agreed.

Unfortunatly it is the nature of business, EA is looking to further strengthen its position in the market and obtaining the offical rights to the NFLPA and ESPN is certainly one way to do it. I wish it didn't happen, because in the end the consumers will most likely get another watered-down product, but can you blame EA for wanting to team up with the most recognized name in sports entertainment?

Not to sound like dad, but life isn't fair. We can voice our opinions, but ultimately if consumers continue to purchase EA games than it won't really matter.

[spoo]

I think it would be good for CAG to take an official stance against EA. Not only because they are single handedly devouring the gaming Industry, but because it would raise awareness and help people see what is really going on. Like it has been said a lot of gamers have no clue what goes on in the Industry, but if they knew about the slimy tactics of EA they might do the right thing and not buy their games.

Personally I am utterly disgusted with EA, as are many, but it is time to do something about it and the least CAG could do is raise awareness on the subject in an official manner.

I would hope that CAG does not want to see EA take over the gaming Industry and raise prices to high heaven. After all, CAG is about cheap games.

Here (http://cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=46638) is the latest in EA's takeover of the gaming industry.
That is the dumbest thing I have seen on cag all year.

[punqsux]

What a stupid thread.
what a stupid duck

[Ikohn4ever]

we have no real power, we are just a small minority in the whole video game players spectrum. People will mindlessly buy EA and not give a crap.

[Scrubking]

What a stupid thread.

What a stupid post. :roll:

Something needs to be done by major websites like this one or else no one will notice. Do you think the gaming media care? Do you think they will speak out against EA? Not as long as EA pays their bills.

The naysayers have been ignoring the issue saying it's no big deal yet every day more news breaks on how EA has taken over another company or done something to make gaming worse.

Something needs to be done NOW. Awareness needs to be raised NOW. Don't wait to really do something cause it may be too late.

[AdamInPlaidum]

It's unfair to affiliate everyone on the forums in one purpose, lest you ask each and every last one of them and they agree.

Maybe so, but it's not your site. CheapyD can do whatever he wants, since he owns it and pays for things like bandwidth and server space for our use. I'd say that we would be fine doing it if both Cheapy and a majority of the users approved; even if we don't get a majority, CheapyD is free to do what he wishes.

I agree with punq that it probably won't happen, but I'm still going to push for it.

I just think we can spread awareness of what EA is doing without the whole website having to take a stand. Don't get me wrong here, I'm all for helping slow down the growth of EA. Like you say, though, it's Cheapy's website, and he can do however he sees fit. Whatever is decided, I'll be glad to help out.

[RedvsBlue]

Sorry, no can do. I need my yearly NASCAR game and they have exclusivity for that too.

[Cornfedwb]

I'm all for CAG taking a stance congratulating EA on its business decisions....

They made a decision that Sega was starting to eat into their profits, so they took decisive action and eliminated the competition. Both licenses have been wonderful business moves.

[greendj27]

What a stupid thread.

What a stupid post. :roll:

Something needs to be done by major websites like this one or else no one will notice. Do you think the gaming media care? Do you think they will speak out against EA? Not as long as EA pays their bills.

The naysayers have been ignoring the issue saying it's no big deal yet every day more news breaks on how EA has taken over another company or done something to make gaming worse.

Something needs to be done NOW. Awareness needs to be raised NOW. Don't wait to really do something cause it may be too late.

The only way I would support something like this is if you were willing to do this every time this happens. For example when Nintendo buys another company or Microsoft buys another company, but that won't happen. It's very popular right now to hate on EA on this site, even though nonne knows what the end results of any of this will be. Any speculation is just that.

[DocBledsoe]

I'm all for CAG taking a stance congratulating EA on its business decisions....

They made a decision that Sega was starting to eat into their profits, so they took decisive action and eliminated the competition. Both licenses have been wonderful business moves.

Amen! Let's hear it for EA!

[hbk12345]

Last time I checked, Madden 2005 outsold ESPN 2005 5 to 1... For some reason people are willing to pay $50 for the Madden brand rather than getting an equally superior game for $20...

I don't think EA can be stopped if people continue to pay $50 for updates every year...

[AdamInPlaidum]

It occurs to me that if Cheapy did want to do something, it would be better to ask the guys at Penny Arcade to head it up. They've made pretty clear their disdain for what EA is doing, and CAG helped out with Child's Play, so maybe there are some ties?

[Derwood43]

Get used to it guys. EA will do what they want. If they are doing something illegal, they will get caught. You can protest all you want, but don't assume everyone here feels the exact same as you.

Does it suck? ...Yes
What can we do about it? ...bend over and take it up the tail pipe.

[punqsux]

I'm all for CAG taking a stance congratulating EA on its business decisions....

They made a decision that Sega was starting to eat into their profits, so they took decisive action and eliminated the competition. Both licenses have been wonderful business moves.

the first 30 times i saw you post this, i disagreed, but now i agree with you.

ea makes smart business decisions so it must be good for us consumers.

i will bow down to the mighty power of ea.

and all because fo you, and posting the same thing 100 times, see, i knew there had to be some point to posting it so often...

:roll:

[Chris Dillon]

EA produces quality game usually. There games always have high production values and u can see that. Now taking over espn is in no way effecting gaming but helping there games. Ubi Soft still has control of there company and ea is trying to make a profit on a company that is producing high quality games like them. As long as they dont enter the console dept im fine with wat they do.

[Chris Dillon]

also Madden is quite superior to espn(Whoops mean sega).

[Duo_Maxwell]

While you at it don't shop or eat the approximately one million other business that you are a customer for that use potentially questionable business practices.

Also, many websites other than this one have given negative stories and commentaries to the situation. Memebers can bash it as they see fit, but I don't think it's right to lump every memeber of the community into a cause offically.

[Ledhed]

While I am quite perturbed by the agressive moves of EA as of late, I can't say I'm really all that affected (mostly because I have little to no interest in sports games). If they start fucking with the Oddworld license though, words will be had.

But, for all the whining I (or anyone else) could do on the matter, it won't make a lick of difference. The only thing that can make a difference is not purchasing their games. If you feel you simply MUST buy one of their games, try to pick it up used so they won't see a dime of the profit. That is the only difference the consumers at our level can make.

[RedvsBlue]

I'm all for CAG taking a stance congratulating EA on its business decisions....

They made a decision that Sega was starting to eat into their profits, so they took decisive action and eliminated the competition. Both licenses have been wonderful business moves.

the first 30 times i saw you post this, i disagreed, but now i agree with you.

ea makes smart business decisions so it must be good for us consumers.

i will bow down to the mighty power of ea.

and all because fo you, and posting the same thing 100 times, see, i knew there had to be some point to posting it so often...

:roll:

I think your failing to realize that there is a distinct difference between good business decision and good for the consumer. Cornfed is right, EA made a great business move by snatching up the license. It is ALWAYS a good business idea to eliminate your competition, the adverse of that though is that competition, while not good for a business, is always best for the consumer.

[JimmieMac]

CheapyD is going to shit when he sees this.

Send money to sick kids in the hospital at Christmas time? Nah, I'll pass.
Piss and moan over the Internet for free all after noon about how you don't like EA and what they'e doing? Hell fu*kin' Yeah!!

[AdamInPlaidum]

EA produces quality game usually. There games always have high production values and u can see that. Now taking over espn is in no way effecting gaming but helping there games. Ubi Soft still has control of there company and ea is trying to make a profit on a company that is producing high quality games like them. As long as they dont enter the console dept im fine with wat they do.

Nobody is questioning EA's games. The issue here is that EA is very rapidly building a monopoly in the sports game department, and with a monopoly comes higher prices.

[Scrubking]

Get used to it guys. EA will do what they want. If they are doing something illegal, they will get caught. You can protest all you want, but don't assume everyone here feels the exact same as you.

Does it suck? ...Yes
What can we do about it? ...bend over and take it up the tail pipe.

A lot of people don't feel the same way because they don't have a clue what EA is doing. You would be surprised the effect raising awarness would have.

The deafetest attitude is going to get us nowhere. Yes there are plenty of things we can do to stop EA. We can give them a black eye by making people aware of their slimy tactics. EA just released a statement where they said they have never done a hostile takeover. Most people will believe it, but if you reveal the truth and show that EA is lying through their teeth things can change. We can also deny them our money by not buying their games new. It is not that hard to buy a used game so EA doesn't make a cent of your purchase. Hell, most people here buy used games every single day. No one is telling you not to get the game, just limit the amount of money you put in EA's pocket.

[mrnomis27]

I'm all for CAG taking a stance congratulating EA on its business decisions....

They made a decision that Sega was starting to eat into their profits, so they took decisive action and eliminated the competition. Both licenses have been wonderful business moves.

the first 30 times i saw you post this, i disagreed, but now i agree with you.

ea makes smart business decisions so it must be good for us consumers.

i will bow down to the mighty power of ea.

and all because fo you, and posting the same thing 100 times, see, i knew there had to be some point to posting it so often...

:roll:

I don't think he is asking any of us to bow down to EA, rather making the conclusion that any company would do the same thing when competition arises. It makes sense...for EA. I don't think for a second that EA makes decisions designed to help out the gamers. This is not reality.

If you don't agree with what EA did, simply refuse to buy any of their titles. You're not still interested in that copy of Medal of Honor: Frontiline are you?

[greendj27]

CheapyD is going to shit when he sees this.

Send money to sick kids in the hospital at Christmas time? Nah, I'll pass.
Piss and moan over the Internet for free all after noon about how you don't like EA and what they'e doing? Hell fu*kin' Yeah!!

:rofl:

[Ugamer_X]

CheapyD is going to shit when he sees this.

Send money to sick kids in the hospital at Christmas time? Nah, I'll pass.
Piss and moan over the Internet for free all after noon about how you don't like EA and what they'e doing? Hell fu*kin' Yeah!!
:rofl:

[punqsux]

I'm all for CAG taking a stance congratulating EA on its business decisions....

They made a decision that Sega was starting to eat into their profits, so they took decisive action and eliminated the competition. Both licenses have been wonderful business moves.

the first 30 times i saw you post this, i disagreed, but now i agree with you.

ea makes smart business decisions so it must be good for us consumers.

i will bow down to the mighty power of ea.

and all because fo you, and posting the same thing 100 times, see, i knew there had to be some point to posting it so often...

:roll:

I think your failing to realize that there is a distinct difference between good business decision and good for the consumer. Cornfed is right, EA made a great business move by snatching up the license. It is ALWAYS a good business idea to eliminate your competition, the adverse of that though is that competition, while not good for a business, is always best for the consumer.

hes arguing with himself tho, no one said ea was bad at business.

[Cpt Hooks]

All that we as consumers can do is inform other gamers and boycott E.A.
I really do not know how any gamer can support this move! E.A. now has a MONOPOLY on N.F.L. football games. The main reason for this multi million dollar deal between E.A. and the N.F.L. transpired was a little $20 game called ESPN Football. A game superior to Madden in many ways. This move should show everyone their true colors. And then E.A. going out and buying 20% of Ubisoft further shows how business oriented the companies is. WE ARE THE ONLY ONES WHO WILL LOSS HERE!!!!
I 100% agree that we need to take some kind of stand!

[tragicslip]

it is communist to belive that companies competing fairly makes for good products? why is this a stupid post? don't you care that madden will never have a reason to get better every year anymore? anyone else notice the recent stream of crap comming from ea?

i'm for an offical stance, and obviously i don't think ea is an ethical buisness.

the idea that we can't do anything is ridiculous. wal mart has been fighting small buisness and neighborhoods for years and has earned a popular reputation as an unwholesome retailer. i don't hate walmart, i don't hate ea- but they deserve a black eye.

[minqqq]

but burnout 3 is sooooooooooo yummmmy

[FriskyTanuki]

CheapyD is going to shit when he sees this.

Send money to sick kids in the hospital at Christmas time? Nah, I'll pass.
Piss and moan over the Internet for free all after noon about how you don't like EA and what they'e doing? Hell fu*kin' Yeah!!
:rofl:

:rofl:

[RedvsBlue]

it is communist to belive that companies competing fairly makes for good products? why is this a stupid post? don't you care that madden will never have a reason to get better every year anymore? anyone else notice the recent stream of crap comming from ea?

i'm for an offical stance, and obviously i don't think ea is an ethical buisness.

Played Burnout 3? Sure EA releases a lot of crap but so do other companies. EA just gets the bad wrap because of all this buying up the competition stuff.

Just buy a game if you like it and don't pay attention to the publisher/developer. Its what I do. If you only buy the good games (regardless of the company) they will realize what consumers like and produce that.

This may be a monopoly in some sense but on the other hand, given the fact that its involving products produced purely for entertainment, I think its silly to be pushing all this boycott EA stuff.

[FriskyTanuki]

Unless you can get a 100% agreement with everyone having a stance on it, then it won't happen. Let those against it have their sigs that make them feel like they're fighting the man.

[Ugamer_X]

it is communist to belive that companies competing fairly makes for good products? why is this a stupid post? don't you care that madden will never have a reason to get better every year anymore? anyone else notice the recent stream of crap comming from ea?

i'm for an offical stance, and obviously i don't think ea is an ethical buisness.

Played Burnout 3? Sure EA releases a lot of crap but so do other companies. EA just gets the bad wrap because of all this buying up the competition stuff.

Just buy a game if you like it and don't pay attention to the publisher/developer. Its what I do. If you only buy the good games (regardless of the company) they will realize what consumers like and produce that.

This may be a monopoly in some sense but on the other hand, given the fact that its involving products produced purely for entertainment, I think its silly to be pushing all this boycott EA stuff.
In that other guys defense, Burnout 3 was developed by Criterion and was almost finished when EA bought them. The only thing EA had the time to add to the game was their crappy liscenced music.

[Scrubking]

I hope all you people who support EA realize that if EA continues on the path they are on there will only be a handful of publishers in the future where EA publishes 75% of all the games or worse. Prices will go through the roof to somewhere like $80 a game with little to no price drop.

And all because everyone said it wasn't a big deal, or that nothing could be done.

I thought CAG was composed of people who liked cheap games. I guess I was wrong.

[Rich]

I hope all you people who support EA realize that if EA continues on the path they are on there will only be a handful of publishers in the future where EA publishes 75% of all the games or worse. Prices will go through the roof to somewhere like $80 a game with little to no price drop.

.

I'd like to live in your fantasy world of chocolate rivers and candy rain and ginger bread houses.

[greendj27]

I hope all you people who support EA realize that if EA continues on the path they are on there will only be a handful of publishers in the future where EA publishes 75% of all the games or worse. Prices will go through the roof to somewhere like $80 a game with little to no price drop.

And all because everyone said it wasn't a big deal, or that nothing could be done.

I thought CAG was composed of people who liked cheap games. I guess I was wrong.

Once again you are guessing that any of that will happen. Noone really knows. Also, its fine if you want to criticize EA, but where are you when Nintendo buys a company or Sony or even Microsoft?

Regardless, this is Cheapy's site so the decision is his alone. We are all guests here. Not too mention that most of the guests so far say that the site should not have an official stand. But you don't care because they don't agree with what you want them to believe.

[jmcc]

I hope all you people who support EA realize that if EA continues on the path they are on there will only be a handful of publishers in the future where EA publishes 75% of all the games or worse. Prices will go through the roof to somewhere like $80 a game with little to no price drop.

And all because everyone said it wasn't a big deal, or that nothing could be done.

I thought CAG was composed of people who liked cheap games. I guess I was wrong.

Question: do you anti-EA kids have vices on your testicles constantly or do you just hit them from time to time to remain as shrill as you all are?

Hint: there's not a single game EA publishes that you can't live without or, in most cases, replace with something superior.

[RedvsBlue]

I hope all you people who support EA realize that if EA continues on the path they are on there will only be a handful of publishers in the future where EA publishes 75% of all the games or worse. Prices will go through the roof to somewhere like $80 a game with little to no price drop.

And all because everyone said it wasn't a big deal, or that nothing could be done.

I thought CAG was composed of people who liked cheap games. I guess I was wrong.

Yep and then to continue your story. The games come out at $80, no one buys them, and then they drop in price. Besides, if the games are $80 then just don't buy them, no one is forcing you to spend your money on entertainment products.

[Scrubking]

Man, you people are really dumb. EA has already said they were gonna raise prices!!!!!!!!!

How much worse do you think it would be if they continued to buy up every company?

It is right in front of your face. Why can't you people see it?

[greendj27]

Man, you people are really dumb. EA has already said they were gonna raise prices!!!!!!!!!

How much worse do you think it would be if they continued to buy up every company?

It is right in front of your face. Why can't you people see it?

Other compaines have said the same thing. Why aren't you starting a crusade against them?

[RedvsBlue]

Man, you people are really dumb. EA has already said they were gonna raise prices!!!!!!!!!

How much worse do you think it would be if they continued to buy up every company?

It is right in front of your face. Why can't you people see it?

Oh well, I've got more than enough games to play for right now anyway. The market for video games will take care of itself. Raised prices does not translate into equal or higher sales. It will easily decrease sales.

[Scrubking]

Man, you people are really dumb. EA has already said they were gonna raise prices!!!!!!!!!

How much worse do you think it would be if they continued to buy up every company?

It is right in front of your face. Why can't you people see it?

Other compaines have said the same thing. Why aren't you starting a crusade against them?

After I'm done with EA. One evil company at a time.

Not to mention there is a difference between raising prices because of production costs which is what most companies are saying and just raising prices cause you have a monopoly on all sports games.

[JimmieMac]

Man, you people are really dumb. EA has already said they were gonna raise prices!!!!!!!!!

How much worse do you think it would be if they continued to buy up every company?

It is right in front of your face. Why can't you people see it?

I can't see it because the tin foil hat you're wearing is reflecting the sun right into my eyes.

[greendj27]

Man, you people are really dumb. EA has already said they were gonna raise prices!!!!!!!!!

How much worse do you think it would be if they continued to buy up every company?

It is right in front of your face. Why can't you people see it?

Other compaines have said the same thing. Why aren't you starting a crusade against them?

After I'm done with EA. One evil company at a time.

Not to mention there is a difference between raising prices because of production costs which is what most companies are saying and just raising prices cause you have a monopoly on all sports games.

They don't have a monopoly on all sports games though. PLus, when EA said they might have to raise prices they would be doing it because of rising development costs. My main point is that there are lots of other companies doing the same things as EA, yet EA is taking all of the heat. It jsut gets annoying to see so many threads bashing on EA when they aren't the only one. Either way, I think we need to wait a little while to see what is going to happen with pricing. I assume EA realizes that raising prices does not necessarily equal higher profits. Its all based on the supply and demand curve, so just because EA suggested it MAY raise prices does not mean they actually will.

[greendj27]

Man, you people are really dumb. EA has already said they were gonna raise prices!!!!!!!!!

How much worse do you think it would be if they continued to buy up every company?

It is right in front of your face. Why can't you people see it?

I can't see it because the tin foil hat you're wearing is reflecting the sun right into my eyes.

Jimmy you are cracking me up today. :rofl:

[mattatskul]

Looks like I should start posting my resume for some EA jobs if they are going to be that successful in the future.

[howard]

Let's start an online petition to boycott EA, since those are always so useful!

[FriskyTanuki]

Man, you people are really dumb. EA has already said they were gonna raise prices!!!!!!!!!

How much worse do you think it would be if they continued to buy up every company?

It is right in front of your face. Why can't you people see it?

I can't see it because the tin foil hat you're wearing is reflecting the sun right into my eyes.

Jimmy you are cracking me up today. :rofl:

:rofl: Yeah, for being an unfunny douche, he's been hitting on all cylinders today.

[Gothic Walrus]

I hope all you people who support EA realize that if EA continues on the path they are on there will only be a handful of publishers in the future where EA publishes 75% of all the games or worse. Prices will go through the roof to somewhere like $80 a game with little to no price drop.

.

I'd like to live in your fantasy world of chocolate rivers and candy rain and ginger bread houses.

How is it a fantasy world? Look at EA's recent track record. They seem to be hell-bent on gaining a monopoly, and it's not like things like this haven't happened before. Look at Microsoft in the 1990s.

I hope all you people who support EA realize that if EA continues on the path they are on there will only be a handful of publishers in the future where EA publishes 75% of all the games or worse. Prices will go through the roof to somewhere like $80 a game with little to no price drop.

And all because everyone said it wasn't a big deal, or that nothing could be done.

I thought CAG was composed of people who liked cheap games. I guess I was wrong.

Yep and then to continue your story. The games come out at $80, no one buys them, and then they drop in price. Besides, if the games are $80 then just don't buy them, no one is forcing you to spend your money on entertainment products.

People WILL pay for it. People paid that much for NES games, for SNES games, and for Genesis games. The demand is there; if there is no other alternative beyond paying the higher price, people will do it. If it means they buy less games, so be it - the Madden fix outweighs the need for other games for a lot of people.

[FriskyTanuki]

Man, you people are really dumb. EA has already said they were gonna raise prices!!!!!!!!!

How much worse do you think it would be if they continued to buy up every company?

It is right in front of your face. Why can't you people see it?

Other compaines have said the same thing. Why aren't you starting a crusade against them?

After I'm done with EA. One evil company at a time.

Not to mention there is a difference between raising prices because of production costs which is what most companies are saying and just raising prices cause you have a monopoly on all sports games.

I'd like to see where you get your news from.

[jmcc]

Man, you people are really dumb. EA has already said they were gonna raise prices!!!!!!!!!

How much worse do you think it would be if they continued to buy up every company?

It is right in front of your face. Why can't you people see it?

Other compaines have said the same thing. Why aren't you starting a crusade against them?

After I'm done with EA. One evil company at a time.

Not to mention there is a difference between raising prices because of production costs which is what most companies are saying and just raising prices cause you have a monopoly on all sports games.

I'd like to see where you get your news from.

No...no, I don't think you'd like to see it.

[RedvsBlue]

I hope all you people who support EA realize that if EA continues on the path they are on there will only be a handful of publishers in the future where EA publishes 75% of all the games or worse. Prices will go through the roof to somewhere like $80 a game with little to no price drop.

.

I'd like to live in your fantasy world of chocolate rivers and candy rain and ginger bread houses.

How is it a fantasy world? Look at EA's recent track record. They seem to be hell-bent on gaining a monopoly, and it's not like things like this haven't happened before. Look at Microsoft in the 1990s.

I hope all you people who support EA realize that if EA continues on the path they are on there will only be a handful of publishers in the future where EA publishes 75% of all the games or worse. Prices will go through the roof to somewhere like $80 a game with little to no price drop.

And all because everyone said it wasn't a big deal, or that nothing could be done.

I thought CAG was composed of people who liked cheap games. I guess I was wrong.

Yep and then to continue your story. The games come out at $80, no one buys them, and then they drop in price. Besides, if the games are $80 then just don't buy them, no one is forcing you to spend your money on entertainment products.

People WILL pay for it. People paid that much for NES games, for SNES games, and for Genesis games. The demand is there; if there is no other alternative beyond paying the higher price, people will do it. If it means they buy less games, so be it - the Madden fix outweighs the need for other games for a lot of people.

Well if people were paying that high for games on those systems then how come I can go out and buy a wide variety of good games for $20 at almost any store that I go to. Even the new games don't go above $50 anymore.

Obviously not enough people were paying that much for the games otherwise they would still be priced that high!

[FriskyTanuki]

Man, you people are really dumb. EA has already said they were gonna raise prices!!!!!!!!!

How much worse do you think it would be if they continued to buy up every company?

It is right in front of your face. Why can't you people see it?

Other compaines have said the same thing. Why aren't you starting a crusade against them?

After I'm done with EA. One evil company at a time.

Not to mention there is a difference between raising prices because of production costs which is what most companies are saying and just raising prices cause you have a monopoly on all sports games.

I'd like to see where you get your news from.

No...no, I don't think you'd like to see it.

Yeah, you're probably right.

[PawnTakesKing]

A smart business move? Yes. Good for the gaming industry? No.

You can applaud EA all you want, but it doesn't mean they have to try any harder to improve the quality of their games. I fear we're going to be stuck with another version Madden '05 every year until 2010.

[Gothic Walrus]

I hope all you people who support EA realize that if EA continues on the path they are on there will only be a handful of publishers in the future where EA publishes 75% of all the games or worse. Prices will go through the roof to somewhere like $80 a game with little to no price drop.

.

I'd like to live in your fantasy world of chocolate rivers and candy rain and ginger bread houses.

How is it a fantasy world? Look at EA's recent track record. They seem to be hell-bent on gaining a monopoly, and it's not like things like this haven't happened before. Look at Microsoft in the 1990s.

I hope all you people who support EA realize that if EA continues on the path they are on there will only be a handful of publishers in the future where EA publishes 75% of all the games or worse. Prices will go through the roof to somewhere like $80 a game with little to no price drop.

And all because everyone said it wasn't a big deal, or that nothing could be done.

I thought CAG was composed of people who liked cheap games. I guess I was wrong.

Yep and then to continue your story. The games come out at $80, no one buys them, and then they drop in price. Besides, if the games are $80 then just don't buy them, no one is forcing you to spend your money on entertainment products.

People WILL pay for it. People paid that much for NES games, for SNES games, and for Genesis games. The demand is there; if there is no other alternative beyond paying the higher price, people will do it. If it means they buy less games, so be it - the Madden fix outweighs the need for other games for a lot of people.

Well if people were paying that high for games on those systems then how come I can go out and buy a wide variety of good games for $20 at almost any store that I go to. Even the new games don't go above $50 anymore.

Obviously not enough people were paying that much for the games otherwise they would still be priced that high!

If "not enough people" were paying that much for games, we wouldn't have a console market. The reason why prices dropped is BECAUSE people paid that much; that allowed the industry to drop prices, which led to an increase in demand. Economics, man.

Beyond that, the "good games" in question fall into one of three groups. They've "value titles" like Katamari Damacy, which were made cheaply and exist specifically to be sold at that price, discounted older games that weren't selling, or Greatest Hits games, which were rereleased BECAUSE they sold enough units at $50 apiece to recoup the development costs.

[jimbodan]

As much as I dislike EA (see sig) I don't think CAG should take any official stance.

It's up to each user to make up his or her own mind.

[fireball343]

I'll do whatever i can to stop ea, i've always hated them and always will, i was going to buy Timesplitters 3 because it was just being published by ea, not acutally developed by them. now forget it, i'm getting rid of basically all my games with ea on them, and will not buy another ea title, even Timesplitters 3. Sega decides to sell their game for 20 bucks, so EA decides to remove a liscence they where using and steal ESPN from them.
This website is in game magazines often. i learned about it from EGM and recently read about it again in another . So if this site started to do something, people would notice, now the game magazines would never want to run an article about a website hating the biggest game company in the country when at least 30% of the games mentioned in that magazine are in some way related to ea.

My Main reason to hate EA,
They don't create new innovative games, they use a simple generic recipe to make a game. They are not a game developer, they are a game manufactuer, manufacturing games, while other companies are designing games. Get It?

[fireball343]

double post time!!

An Anology of EA

EA makes games, games that if they were music would be sung my Ashlee Simpson and every mindless MTV zombie will love it no matter what. The generic, non-gaming educated public, sees that ea has many games, sells many games and hasn't really even been complained about too much. When you go to Amazon.com and buy a product, you can read customer reviews, most of the time, they are a quick little this is good, this sucks, because blah blah. When you get that product and it turns out that those 235 good reviews were basically useless because there's a major flaw in the product. you log in, and leave your Review of the product. We must leave our review of EA so that all can be informed of what is going on.

[CaseyRyback]

Man, you people are really dumb. EA has already said they were gonna raise prices!!!!!!!!!

How much worse do you think it would be if they continued to buy up every company?

It is right in front of your face. Why can't you people see it?

Other compaines have said the same thing. Why aren't you starting a crusade against them?

After I'm done with EA. One evil company at a time.

Not to mention there is a difference between raising prices because of production costs which is what most companies are saying and just raising prices cause you have a monopoly on all sports games.

not trying to make this political, but isn't siding aganist a company that is practicing good business, aganist your way of thinking as a republican, or are you not a big fan of big business? Just wondering since you are a Republican and most republicans are fans of the free market economy and would not really care all that much about this

and my main problem with EA is they buy up companies to gut them, and they do not pay their employees for the overtime they work. Pretty shitty practices is going to lead to shitty games. The Stamper bros. practiced this policy for a long time (exceedingly high turnover from subpar working conditions and pay) and it nipped them in the butt. MS paid 400 million for a steaming pile of crap that has released more games on the GBA than on a MS system

[Scrubking]

since you are a Republican

I'm not republican.

[Matarick]

PLus, when EA said they might have to raise prices they would be doing it because of rising development costs.

The last game I bought the full $50 sticker shocker price was Dead or Alive: Ultimate and the game before that was Mobile Suit Gundam DX.

I would much rather denounce my gaming habbit than pay $55+ for even the latest Metal Gear Solid where Snakes kills all of the "Patriots" and fight a 300 foot Metal Gear. Or even Dead or Alive Chronos with almost realistic ladyflesh moving around in Team Ninja Glory.

If development costs make the prices of games higher, I would try to encourage a lot of people to stop paying for video games. Nintendo is trying to curb away rising production costs since they had to deal with that durring the N64 days and expensive carts.

We are the CHEAPASS GAMERS! Cheappy cheapy ASS gamers.

Not even the PS3 Devil May Cry with 20 enemies at once with 5 story bosses would make me pay $60 for a video game.

[nikkai]

PLus, when EA said they might have to raise prices they would be doing it because of rising development costs.

The last game I bought the full $50 sticker shocker price was Dead or Alive: Ultimate and the game before that was Mobile Suit Gundam DX.

I would much rather denounce my gaming habbit than pay $55+ for even the latest Metal Gear Solid where Snakes kills all of the "Patriots" and fight a 300 foot Metal Gear. Or even Dead or Alive Chronos with almost realistic ladyflesh moving around in Team Ninja Glory.

If development costs make the prices of games higher, I would try to encourage a lot of people to stop paying for video games. Nintendo is trying to curb away rising production costs since they had to deal with that durring the N64 days and expensive carts.

We are the CHEAPASS GAMERS! Cheappy cheapy ASS gamers.

Not even the PS3 Devil May Cry with 20 enemies at once with 5 story bosses would make me pay $60 for a video game.

Were you high when you wrote that? :roll:

[greendj27]

PLus, when EA said they might have to raise prices they would be doing it because of rising development costs.

The last game I bought the full $50 sticker shocker price was Dead or Alive: Ultimate and the game before that was Mobile Suit Gundam DX.

I would much rather denounce my gaming habbit than pay $55+ for even the latest Metal Gear Solid where Snakes kills all of the "Patriots" and fight a 300 foot Metal Gear. Or even Dead or Alive Chronos with almost realistic ladyflesh moving around in Team Ninja Glory.

If development costs make the prices of games higher, I would try to encourage a lot of people to stop paying for video games. Nintendo is trying to curb away rising production costs since they had to deal with that durring the N64 days and expensive carts.

We are the CHEAPASS GAMERS! Cheappy cheapy ASS gamers.

Not even the PS3 Devil May Cry with 20 enemies at once with 5 story bosses would make me pay $60 for a video game.

Please read everything I said. I ws responding to someone else saying that other compaines were considering raising prices because of development costs, while EA was raising prices because they have a monopoly on sports games.

[whiteboy]

Well ,as an example, California is considered anti conservative but obviously some conservatives live here. Just because CAG would rally against EA others would know there are some who accept EA. We are pretty much the only community who can resist EA and get noticed. Game news sites wouldn't be smart to rally against EA and Gamefaqs is way too unorganized and or retarded. The only problem I see is that Cheapy D may be hasseled to interview game magazines if this gets big enough.

[MorPhiend]

I hope all you people who support EA realize that if EA continues on the path they are on there will only be a handful of publishers in the future where EA publishes 75% of all the games or worse. Prices will go through the roof to somewhere like $80 a game with little to no price drop.

And all because everyone said it wasn't a big deal, or that nothing could be done.

I thought CAG was composed of people who liked cheap games. I guess I was wrong.

Once again you are guessing that any of that will happen. Noone really knows. Also, its fine if you want to criticize EA, but where are you when Nintendo buys a company or Sony or even Microsoft?

Regardless, this is Cheapy's site so the decision is his alone. We are all guests here. Not too mention that most of the guests so far say that the site should not have an official stand. But you don't care because they don't agree with what you want them to believe.

That's right. Let's just wait and see what happens. Let's not do anything. Because once we have waited ten years for everything to unfold, we can all just get in our magical fantasy land time machine and come back to the present thread and say, "OMGosh, teh EA is teh MAJO/2Z SUXXXO/2Z!!shift+1!"

I, as Casey, am not trying to make this politics, but just as an analogy, look at the mess the Social Security and Welfare programs are in today. But as early as the 1880's, we had people on Capitol Hill trying to say there was a problem with the way it was suggested to set it up. Well, disaster struck (1929), they slapped something on a product and they shipped it. Now we have what we do today. Need another example? People warned of Hitler as he was slowly rising to power. No one wanted to do anything because he wasn't a threat to us. He came to rule Germany and started marching on other countries. Even the U.S. public didn't want to do anything because he was not our problem. It took Japan attacking us to bring us into the war. By the time we entered the war, pepole were starting to realize that Hitler was a threat to the whole planet. Entering as late as we did cost many more U.S. lives than it would have if we had done something sooner, and it almost gave him the win in the end. Even look at today. People have felt that the Federal Government should have certain powers to help protect it's citizens for a long time. Nothing was done. 9/11 happens. they scramble, slap a name on a product (The USA Patriot Act) and within a year you have people on both sides of the aisle saying that some things need to happen, but the Act was the wrong way to do it.

Like I said, I don't want to make a political debate, these are just widely known world events as examples.

Sure, you sit there in your gaming goodness now, claim conspiracy theory this, conspiracy theory that, but in the end, it is too late. You can't change the events of the past. They have already taken place. You have to realize what is happening in the world around you and do something about it now. No one is seriously asking for a lynch mob. As has already been stated, EA exploits their own employees. We aren't saying anything against those people. But it has also been stated that the general public doesn't realize what they are putting their money into unless someone shows them.

And I'm not going to vouch for Sony and M$, but as for your talking about Nintendo being like and unto EA, you know that that is crap. I'm not saying that Nintendo doesn't buy things up, because I'm sure that they have bought a company at some point in the past. But that is not the general rule, that would by far be the exception. They have, on the other hand, dumped tons of money into individual, independant developers. These developers become second party. And they develop some of the best titles that we have ever seen. This is because Nintendo sees potential somewhere, decides to invest in it, maybe they'll lend a producer from their staff to the company, out comes great products. But they don't buy the company up and devour them, then poop out crap games. They let them do what they want. Then most companies get thinking that they are God, break off from Nintendo or sell themselves out, and Nintendo lets this happen. Why? Because they know programmers and developers are a dime a dozen. They have made a nothing into a great developer before, and they probably will do it forever more. Examples are: Left Field, Rare, Silicon Knights, Retro will probably come soon, etc...

[Scrubking]

Sure, you sit there in your gaming goodness now, claim conspiracy theory this, conspiracy theory that, but in the end is too late. You can't change the events of the past. They have already taken place. You have to realize what is happening in the world around you and do something about it now.

Well said.
:applause:

[MorPhiend]

I hope all you people who support EA realize that if EA continues on the path they are on there will only be a handful of publishers in the future where EA publishes 75% of all the games or worse. Prices will go through the roof to somewhere like $80 a game with little to no price drop.

.

I'd like to live in your fantasy world of chocolate rivers and candy rain and ginger bread houses.

How is it a fantasy world? Look at EA's recent track record. They seem to be hell-bent on gaining a monopoly, and it's not like things like this haven't happened before. Look at Microsoft in the 1990s.

I hope all you people who support EA realize that if EA continues on the path they are on there will only be a handful of publishers in the future where EA publishes 75% of all the games or worse. Prices will go through the roof to somewhere like $80 a game with little to no price drop.

And all because everyone said it wasn't a big deal, or that nothing could be done.

I thought CAG was composed of people who liked cheap games. I guess I was wrong.

Yep and then to continue your story. The games come out at $80, no one buys them, and then they drop in price. Besides, if the games are $80 then just don't buy them, no one is forcing you to spend your money on entertainment products.

People WILL pay for it. People paid that much for NES games, for SNES games, and for Genesis games. The demand is there; if there is no other alternative beyond paying the higher price, people will do it. If it means they buy less games, so be it - the Madden fix outweighs the need for other games for a lot of people.

Well if people were paying that high for games on those systems then how come I can go out and buy a wide variety of good games for $20 at almost any store that I go to. Even the new games don't go above $50 anymore.

Obviously not enough people were paying that much for the games otherwise they would still be priced that high!

That makes no sense. Movies take more to produce than videogames and they are not even priced at $50. It's called mainstream. Besides that, back then there were added costs to development. They were called cartridge roms. Cartridge = Expensive :dunce: . Disc = Pennies on the dollar. There were many games in the 80's and early 90's that cost $59.99, $69.99, $79.99, even $99.99. And not because of greed, the respective size of cart was very expensive back then.

If people don't understand what is happening, they will pay for inflated prices. And if EA keeps going down the road they are on, people won't have any choice.

[hardwo0d]

All Sega has to do is buy the Madden. People want to buy Madden and when they see that it is only 20 bucks they will go for it. I'm pretty sure that Sega has something up their sleeve. They are very creative

[CaseyRyback]

since you are a Republican

I'm not republican.

sorry, it just seems like you lean to the right a lot so I assumed you were.

My mistake

[jmcc]

Sure, you sit there in your gaming goodness now, claim conspiracy theory this, conspiracy theory that, but in the end is too late. You can't change the events of the past. They have already taken place. You have to realize what is happening in the world around you and do something about it now.

Well said.
:applause:

Well, here's to hoping FuturEA sends a killer cyborg back in time to stop you two from leading the resistance to victory.

[OutlawJT]

I think CAG should take an official stance against EA! Having a monopoly (don't kid yourself, with the NFL license and ESPN in their pocket they have a monopoly over football in the gaming industry) allows them to set whatever price they want for their game. I don't think it'll be anything terribly outrageous but it wouldn't surprise me one bit if the price went up 5 or 10 dollars. And we all know EA wants to charge for online play for Madden (it's why they weren't on Xbox Live before this year). There's no question they'll be charging a hefty fee for what is basically a single game exclusive matching service.

My vote, take a stand against EA! Never buy another one of their games new ever again!!!

[MorPhiend]

Sure, you sit there in your gaming goodness now, claim conspiracy theory this, conspiracy theory that, but in the end is too late. You can't change the events of the past. They have already taken place. You have to realize what is happening in the world around you and do something about it now.

Well said.
:applause:

Well, here's to hoping FuturEA sends a killer cyborg back in time to stop you two from leading the resistance to victory.

Your asinine remark is my exact point. I, nor anyone else is barking Doomsday. But if you sit on your tub of lard with a clicker, look at the news and say, "Look at all this bad stuff. I hate (so and so politician, etc.)." Then of course no change will take place. And if you say you'll do something if something happens, then you have already made the decision in the negative. Once it happens, it's too late.

[epobirs]

Sure, you sit there in your gaming goodness now, claim conspiracy theory this, conspiracy theory that, but in the end is too late. You can't change the events of the past. They have already taken place. You have to realize what is happening in the world around you and do something about it now.

Well said.
:applause:

Well, here's to hoping FuturEA sends a killer cyborg back in time to stop you two from leading the resistance to victory.

Your asinine remark is my exact point. I, nor anyone else is barking Doomsday. But if you sit on your tub of lard with a clicker, look at the news and say, "Look at all this bad stuff. I hate (so and so politician, etc.)." Then of course no change will take place. And if you say you'll do something if something happens, then you have already made the decision in the negative. Once it happens, it's too late.

Actually, it appears Scrubking is doing exactly that. Making out EA to be the harbinger of doom for all the industry. One of those companies is hiding the One Ring and they'll keep buying them up until they find it! Bwah ha ha ha!

It's just silly. EA does not have the assets to buy up the whole or even to buy such a major portion as to be the controlling entity. Their moves in the football area only reflect their attempting to milk their primary cash cow to its utmost. In any given they release many games that are ultimately debit entries in the annual report. They are a big company but nowhere near omnipotent or capable of becoming such.

It isn't as though EA has the potential to own the worlds optical media manufacturing capacity. Anybody can create a software publishing operation regardless of EA. Anybody can publish a football game. If it isn't possible to sell a football game without a lot of branding attached I'd say the genre as a whole deserves to die as it's stopped being a game but rather just a form of masturbation for wannabe athletes.

[punqsux]

If it isn't possible to sell a football game without a lot of branding attached I'd say the genre as a whole deserves to die as it's stopped being a game but rather just a form of masturbation for wannabe athletes.

:applause:

[epobirs]

People should take a moment to remember what CAG is before suggesting it should take any kind of position on this. By definition, CAG is against all publishers and retailers since its primary mission is to enable us to make purchase that offer little or no profit to those entities. Having us announce we're down on EA is like Kim Jong Il declaring he doesn't like the US. It is neither suprising or meaningful.

"I'm not going to buy any EA games because they're... what, LOTR:Third Age is $5 at Circuit City? I'm there, dude!"

[Gothic Walrus]

People should take a moment to remember what CAG is before suggesting it should take any kind of position on this. By definition, CAG is against all publishers and retailers since its primary mission is to enable us to make purchase that offer little or no profit to those entities. Having us announce we're down on EA is like Kim Jong Il declaring he doesn't like the US. It is neither suprising or meaningful.

"I'm not going to buy any EA games because they're... what, LOTR:Third Age is $5 at Circuit City? I'm there, dude!"

I still don't like EA, and I agree with Scrubking...but I need to start studying for finals, and I don't think continuing this fight will do anything.

You win. Thread over. :D

[CappyCobra]

As much as I hate EA, this is a FORUM for christsakes! If Cheapy were to officially declare that it downright dislikes EA (sitewise) the objectivity of this forum would be reduced. Noobs joining the forum would assume that all members here are ALL anti-EA which is not right. Free speech would be muted before anyone utters the 1st word.

In other words, we here at CAG ALL believe in cheap games, not boycotting XYZ company. For that, I must disagree on having a unified stance on EA as we are not unified.

If you really have a urge to hurt EA, hurt them where it hurts most... the wallet.

VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLAR

[Scrubking]

If it isn't possible to sell a football game without a lot of branding attached

That's exactly the case. Why do you think EA bought all the brand names?

Making out EA to be the harbinger of doom for all the industry.

Right now they are only the doom of football games, but I am not willing to hope for the best and hope that EA doesn't keep growing and devouring the industry. Once again you people only see the now. I am acting on what may be, and I'm not about to ignore the pattern that EA is clearly establishing and most likely will continue.

[RedvsBlue]

Sure, you sit there in your gaming goodness now, claim conspiracy theory this, conspiracy theory that, but in the end is too late. You can't change the events of the past. They have already taken place. You have to realize what is happening in the world around you and do something about it now.

Well said.
:applause:

Well, here's to hoping FuturEA sends a killer cyborg back in time to stop you two from leading the resistance to victory.

Do they own the license to that yet?

[RedvsBlue]

Wow, this thread has gone from a discussion to people comparing this with the events of 9/11. IT'S A FREAKIN VIDEO GAME COMPANY PEOPLE. Don't you think its a little over dramatic to say that EA is singlehandedly going to corrupt the entire video game industry?

[epobirs]

Sure, you sit there in your gaming goodness now, claim conspiracy theory this, conspiracy theory that, but in the end is too late. You can't change the events of the past. They have already taken place. You have to realize what is happening in the world around you and do something about it now.

Well said.
:applause:

Well, here's to hoping FuturEA sends a killer cyborg back in time to stop you two from leading the resistance to victory.

Do they own the license to that yet?

They better be sure not to forget creditng Harlan Ellison if they try for it.

[zionoverfire]

No, I hate EA, but a stand against any company would just alienate some users while bringing no real benefit to the community.

[Scrubking]

Wow, this thread has gone from a discussion to people comparing this with the events of 9/11. IT'S A FREAKIN VIDEO GAME COMPANY PEOPLE. Don't you think its a little over dramatic to say that EA is singlehandedly going to corrupt the entire video game industry?

Yes they can easily influence the whole industry. In fact they already do.

[jmcc]

Sure, you sit there in your gaming goodness now, claim conspiracy theory this, conspiracy theory that, but in the end is too late. You can't change the events of the past. They have already taken place. You have to realize what is happening in the world around you and do something about it now.

Well said.
:applause:

Well, here's to hoping FuturEA sends a killer cyborg back in time to stop you two from leading the resistance to victory.

Your asinine remark is my exact point. I, nor anyone else is barking Doomsday. But if you sit on your tub of lard with a clicker, look at the news and say, "Look at all this bad stuff. I hate (so and so politician, etc.)." Then of course no change will take place. And if you say you'll do something if something happens, then you have already made the decision in the negative. Once it happens, it's too late.

Go back and read what you wrote. And now imagine it being said by some b-list actor in a SciFi Original movie about futuristic freedom fighters who's come back to the past to warn us. I stand by my wish that you get hunted by cyborgs sent from a ruined future where EA rules all humanity.

[Jrunt20x]

I'm all in on this baby!

[MorPhiend]

People should take a moment to remember what CAG is before suggesting it should take any kind of position on this. By definition, CAG is against all publishers and retailers since its primary mission is to enable us to make purchase that offer little or no profit to those entities. Having us announce we're down on EA is like Kim Jong Il declaring he doesn't like the US. It is neither suprising or meaningful.

"I'm not going to buy any EA games because they're... what, LOTR:Third Age is $5 at Circuit City? I'm there, dude!"

I still don't like EA, and I agree with Scrubking...but I need to start studying for finals, and I don't think continuing this fight will do anything.

You win. Thread over. :D

Yeah, most people, when faced with logic or intelligence, can't put one single intelligent sentence together. And thus, they just spew fantasy at you and hope you buy it. I too have to study. And I agree with things that many have said, even people who don't have the exact same viewpoint (i.e.Scrubking, Punq, Gothic and epobirs, to name a few). And yes, you can share certain commonalities with someone who you don't agree with 100%. *gasp* In fact, I'd be scared of anyone who agreed 100% of the time with the thoughts of another human being.

[epobirs]

If it isn't possible to sell a football game without a lot of branding attached

That's exactly the case. Why do you think EA bought all the brand names?

Making out EA to be the harbinger of doom for all the industry.

Right now they are only the doom of football games, but I am not willing to hope for the best and hope that EA doesn't keep growing and devouring the industry. Once again you people only see the now. I am acting on what may be, and I'm not about to ignore the pattern that EA is clearly establishing and most likely will continue.

Nice selective quoting. Do you also do the reviewer quotes for movie ads?

I've said it before. If a really good footbal game without celebrity licenses (such as the one I worked on fifteen years ago) cannot do a good business then the market is composed of jag-offs, not fans of the game itself. Football was the only major team sport where EA could pull htis off. They don't sufficient marketshare anywhere else to make worthwhile to the branding companies. FIFA is the only other area that comes close but non-FIFA games do quite well and haven't slowed down at all since EA got that license to themselves. I guess soccor fans have more interest in the game itself. And beer.

I'll also repeat, EA couldn't buy out the industry even if they wanted to. Try to maximize their football cash cow has tied up a lot of their capital. Ubisoft is going to initiate a stock buy back to consolidate their position and thus drive up their stock price. At which point EA sells and makes a bundle. EA could just as easily put the money in an investment fund and nobody would have notice when that fund made big stock buys. It's just a lot of handwaving over nothing. Fanboys trying to add intrigue into their leaves by making a menace out of something barely aware of their existence.

Corporate purchases for sake of mere acquisition are typically money losers. There has to be a value achieve from ownership that is greater than what could be achieved otherwise. The Criterion purchase was driven primarily by EA's concern for future development tools. Burnout is a successful product but steering Renderware to fulfill their needs first rather than being one of several companies making requests was a worthy use of their capital. The future of EA's business depends on being able to exploit the new hardware in ways that drive consumer pruchases without development budgets and schedules running out of control. Microsoft and Sony have both made similar investment but the companies involved had lower profiles.

The sky stayed in place.

[rockhero]

I, for one, welcome our new video game overlords.

[Scrubking]

It's just a lot of handwaving over nothing. Fanboys trying to add intrigue into their leaves by making a menace out of something barely aware of their existence.

Your trying to demean me is dumb. And you people seem to consitantly miss the point.

I hope that EA doesn't grow and take over the industry, but I am not going to watch and hope for the best. It remains to be seen, but what lies ahead for football gaming cannot possible be good.

And you call me a fanboy. A fanboy of what exactly? If you say of gamers then you are correct cause I am looking out for the best interest of all gamers so that they have more choice and won't have to pay inflated prices for games cause you can only get them from one place.

And the whole point of this IS to bring attention to the gamers and to EA. The issue is not that they don't know we exist - it's whether we make them know we exist and that we don't like what they are doing.

You people are backwards. :roll:

[hohndog]

I agree with Scrubking. Not that they would care, but EA should know there are many gamers aware of their business practices, and that they are frowned upon. I don't plan on adding any more EA games to my collection.

[jmcc]

I agree with Scrubking. Not that they would care, but EA should know there are many gamers aware of their business practices, and that they are frowned upon. I don't plan on adding any more EA games to my collection.

Good. But another thing you can do to help the cause is to shut up about it. Because all this bluster is making me actually buy EA games for spite. Scrubking has made me order Tiger 2005 and pre-order Timesplitters 3 now. I didn't particularly like doing it, but that's where whining gets ya. Don't make the problem worse.

[crazytalkx]

It would be great if we could take EA down but its impossible. Too many mainstream idiots buying their games year after year.

[FriskyTanuki]

I agree with Scrubking. Not that they would care, but EA should know there are many gamers aware of their business practices, and that they are frowned upon. I don't plan on adding any more EA games to my collection.

There are probably various online petitions just for this. Go post one of those here so everyone can vent their hatred.

[Generic Man]

Scrubking.

You're right and the naysayers are wrong.

Don't get beaten down by crap-hurlers who call you communist or fanboy. Fanboys are those who buy whatever is shoveled into their mouths, be that games or information. They can get passionate about PSP vs. DS or Solid Snake vs. Master Chief or Star Wars vs. LotR, but can't manage to work up anything but contempt for real world issues like monopolies or labor practices. IF EA says they'll have to endure endless product placement or pay $50 for a sports title instead of $20, the naysayers will shrug and say "Whacanido?"

If an oil company says they have to pay $1/gallon at the pump. They say: "Um. Okay." If that same oil company says they have to pay $5/gallon, they say: "Whatever. My mom drives me to school anyway." They do what they're told.

You're arguing with people who don't know and don't care.

You're getting a lot of flak from couch-dwellers who are just tossing kerosene onto the fire for their amusement.

And remember, there are 40 year-old gamers here and 14 year-old gamers. If some freshman in high school calls you a communist and they think Karl Marx is a bonus character from Dead or Alive or "Freedom Fighters X-treme: Dark Redemption: Genesis," why do you care what they think?

There are perhaps 30% of the posters on this thread who take this issue seriously and are interested in your idea. Ignore the other 70% and just focus on those who are serious about discussing this issue.

There are ways to impact EA. Maybe we don't boycott all EA games, but we start looking for alternatives. This is the same as finding non-Microsoft solutions. You don't need to go 100% Linux, but you begin the process by finding an alternative to IE. Then an alternative to Office. Pretty soon, you've reduced your debt to Microsoft and you've helped promote diversity and innovation where once there was only monopoly and sterility.

A lot of people make this out to be an extension of the fanboy Madden vs. ESPN thing, but the whole reason Madden and ESPN are as good as they are is because of competition. And competition is American. If anything, monopoly is communism.

These naysayers know not what they speak.

[FriskyTanuki]

Making a stance on this issue would be stupid when there's clearly people that don't feel the same way. Only a 100% vote would justify it and as you can see, that's not the case. Thus, making a stance could alienate CAG's who just come here to relax and talk about games.

[Generic Man]

Want to impact EA?

Write a letter/email to EA and list all of the games you would have purchased in 2005. Like this:

-- Game 1 $50
-- Game 2 $50
-- Game 3 $50
-- Game 4 $50
-- Game 5 $50
-- Game 6 $50

Then make another list of competitors games you purchased instead. Or indicate that you choose to rent. Or that you convinced six of your friends to buy a single copy and share it rather than purchase six individual copies.

Take photos of you buying the competitors games. As many as you like. Send the photos to gaming sites. Post the photos here. iPod users succeeded in embarassing Apple into addressing their faulty battery issues. It can be done. It IS done every day.

Make sure you send it to a single EA employee. Not the company, but ONE person. Make copies and send it to other people in the company. Make sure you get the name and address of ONE specific EA higher-up. When that one person gets even 100 letters, it will have an impact. Believe me. Because chances are, for every one person who sent the letter, there are twenty other people who are doing the exact same thing, but didn't bother to send the letter.

Every time I have prevailed against a corporation or gained satisfaction for a faulty product, I have done so by going through their phone system and finding the phone extension for ONE employee. I call them up and I say: "Mr. John Smith, you don't know me, but I have a problem. And YOU are going to help me solve that problem. Your support system is broke. You are going to be the face of your company until I gain satisfaction for YOUR company's failure."

I don't threaten. I don't harass. I don't swear. I don't raise my voice. I just tell them I expect them to shepherd the process through from beginning to end and I will be calling them once a day for progress reports on my issue.

It has worked every single time.

In this way, I have succeeded in getting laptops, video cameras, and PDAs replaced when the company wanted me to chase endlessly around a web site, phone tree, or automated email correspondence until I gave up. Now, mind you, this is not a swindle where I browbeat some poor cubicle monkey into giving me free stuff. This has only been when I have purchased a faulty item which is fully in warranty and when the company has made a systemic attempt to dodge me and wear me down with intentional impediments. These corporations do it every day. It's business as usual.

CAGers are already, by the nature of this site, not prone to merely accept the MSRP or rebate stipulations or other tripwires that these companies throw in your way to wear you down through built-in obsolescence, rebate scams, and bait-and-switch.

Accept the status quo? Companies like EA have already tried to shut down sites like Fatwallet and this site is not a friend of theirs. You think they want you finding a way to pay LESS? If EA has its way, every store will sell their games for $60. And sites like CAG will be litigated into oblivion. End of story. And it will be a crime for you to lend your copy to a buddy for the weekend. A violation of the EULA, if you will.

Will writing an email "destroy" EA?

Uh.

No.

But, you would be surprised how much influence just one hundred people can have. EA can definitely be impacted by a small group of CAGers.

Absolutely.

Tell EA they'd better treat their talent and their customers with respect or they are going to feel some heat.

Does not grabbing my ankles make me a commie?

Fine.

I guess I'm a commie.

[camoor]

If some freshman in high school calls you a communist and they think Karl Marx is a bonus character from Dead or Alive or "Freedom Fighters X-treme: Dark Redemption: Genesis," why do you care what they think?

I think that's an awesome quote and I totally agree with your post.

I say boycott EA - follow your mind AND your heart - show those damn companies what you think of their anti-innovative business policies.

Everyone agrees that the RIAA is one of the most anti-consumer lobbyist groups out there, yet we don't stomp them and the labels that support them into the ground because too many young idiots have to go out and buy the new Ashlee Simpson CD on the release date. That doesn't mean I'm going to give up the fight - I'm not buying one CD until they stop suing 12 year-olds in the projects and seniors on pension plans.

Vote with your dollar - all Americans should realize that we're the country of capitalism and freedom, not the country where we whine about how if I don't buy "Burnout 5" it doesn't make any difference to EA.

Bring that attitude into your whole life - you do make a difference, be it big or small.

It's your choice. WAKE UP!

[RedvsBlue]

iPod users succeeded in embarassing Apple into addressing their faulty battery issues. It can be done. It IS done every day.

I stopped readind here to tell you the truth. Sure it worked with iPod, I mean afterall they only have something like 80% of the harddrive based mp3 player market. They would have had much more if it wasn't for this. I'd be willing to bet the majority of people still don't realize that they can't change the battery in their iPod without sending it into Apple with $100.

[Generic Man]

I will agree that CAG should not take a stand on this issue. You'll never get consensus anyway. And as I said, sites like this are already targeted by companies like EA anyway.

Just ask Thinksecret.

"Apple suit foreshadows coming products"
http://news.com.com/Apple+suit+foreshadows+coming+products/2100-1047_3-5513582.html

Or Fatwallet.

"Big Retailers Squeeze FatWallet"
http://www.wired.com/news/print/0,1294,56504,00.html

If you step on these companies' toes, they will freaking erase you without blinking. If you think sites like CAG are just places where you can swap out money saving gossip and talk about Legend of Zelda, you're dreaming. Sites like this only remain unmolested by companies like EA until they become successful and then watch as CAG gets bullied by the big retailers who consider your deal info "piracy" and "commercial terrorism."

However, this can be a place where CAGers of a like mind consider how best to make their displeasure with EA's policies known. If you support CAG, its mission, and your rights as consumers, you'll take EA and its policies seriously.

...

...

...

...

Alright.

I'm done soapboxing.

Time to play some videogames.

Adieu.

[PawnTakesKing]

I agree with Scrubking. Not that they would care, but EA should know there are many gamers aware of their business practices, and that they are frowned upon. I don't plan on adding any more EA games to my collection.

Good. But another thing you can do to help the cause is to shut up about it. Because all this bluster is making me actually buy EA games for spite. Scrubking has made me order Tiger 2005 and pre-order Timesplitters 3 now. I didn't particularly like doing it, but that's where whining gets ya. Don't make the problem worse.

You've got to be kidding me.

[Death2Sanity]

This is ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous. There are so many more important things out in the world, and we're worried about a pseudo-monopoly?

CAG is not a political party. Geez.

[Generic Man]

By the way, the point of any action is not to destroy EA.

EA makes good games.

The point is to influence EA.

This is not a zero sum issue.

[Mr.Answer]

Maybe we could take a stand as a community against racism or low infant mortality or drug use... But I find it simply demeaning and silly to 'take a stand' against a 'monopoly' of a software company.

quoted from another thread.


Lets not put videogames in such an important category!

[bmulligan]

I think it would be good for CAG to take an official stance against EA. Not only because they are single handedly devouring the gaming Industry, but because it would raise awareness and help people see what is really going on. Like it has been said a lot of gamers have no clue what goes on in the Industry, but if they knew about the slimy tactics of EA they might do the right thing and not buy their games.

Personally I am utterly disgusted with EA, as are many, but it is time to do something about it and the least CAG could do is raise awareness on the subject in an official manner.

I would hope that CAG does not want to see EA take over the gaming Industry and raise prices to high heaven. After all, CAG is about cheap games.

Here (http://cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=46638) is the latest in EA's takeover of the gaming industry.

Why should CAG take an 'official' stance on anything ? except maybe demanding good games at a cheapass price. Honestly, you can't really believe that EA has a monopoly on dirty tactics, do you? How about MS, sony and N swallowing up developers, making back door deals, spereading misinformation, strongarming retailers for shelfspace, influencing trade journalists or threatening them for review content. It's not any different from any other business, or any other company in this business. It's all happened before too in past console generations.

Vote with your dollar and stop trying to use other groups as your agents. They don't give a shit about us cheapasses anyway, we're botom feeders as far as they're concerned. They make money off full retail, we don't pay full retail so we can squak all we want while they laugh all the way to the bank. Get real. You don't like their games, make your own.

[punqsux]

I will agree that CAG should not take a stand on this issue. You'll never get consensus anyway. And as I said, sites like this are already targeted by companies like EA anyway.

Just ask Thinksecret.

"Apple suit foreshadows coming products"
http://news.com.com/Apple+suit+foreshadows+coming+products/2100-1047_3-5513582.html

Or Fatwallet.

"Big Retailers Squeeze FatWallet"
http://www.wired.com/news/print/0,1294,56504,00.html

If you step on these companies' toes, they will freaking erase you without blinking. If you think sites like CAG are just places where you can swap out money saving gossip and talk about Legend of Zelda, you're dreaming. Sites like this only remain unmolested by companies like EA until they become successful and then watch as CAG gets bullied by the big retailers who consider your deal info "piracy" and "commercial terrorism."

However, this can be a place where CAGers of a like mind consider how best to make their displeasure with EA's policies known. If you support CAG, its mission, and your rights as consumers, you'll take EA and its policies seriously.

...

...

...

...

Alright.

I'm done soapboxing.

Time to play some videogames.

Adieu.

we dont have to worry about that
cheapy is married to one of them big city lawya's

[Death2Sanity]

Two people in a row making with the much-sense. Some people haven't lost a grip on what's important in life, I see.

Edit: Well, Punq jumped in there, but his post makes sense too in a different way, so maybe 2.5?

[Xtreme331]

No.

To me this would have been the exact same thing as CAG taking a stance on the election. It's an extremely divisive issue and it is not fair to encompass an entire community within a single viewpoint. This is a complex issue and although it angers many of the users here, there are many who are not up in arms. To make a glaring statement either opposing or supporting EA would be unfair to CAG and would forever taint CAG as a political organization and not a forum for gamers looking for inexpensive games.

Don't get me wrong, I think we should definitely discuss this deal. Talk about what pisses you off or pleases you. Just don't expect everyone to agree with you. And don't ask all of CAG to be represented by your idea, and only your idea.

[jmcc]

I think the real question is: "Should CAG make an official dance against EA?" I say yes, and I propose this one:

http://rap.about.com/library/graphics/1990.gif

Only it properly conveys the rage welling deep in all of us over this issue.

[magilacudy]

But then EA would buy us out.

:(

Sad but true.

[bbfinster]

No.

[epobirs]

Want to impact EA?

Write a letter/email to EA and list all of the games you would have purchased in 2005. Like this:

-- Game 1 $50
-- Game 2 $50
-- Game 3 $50
-- Game 4 $50
-- Game 5 $50
-- Game 6 $50

Then make another list of competitors games you purchased instead. Or indicate that you choose to rent. Or that you convinced six of your friends to buy a single copy and share it rather than purchase six individual copies.

Take photos of you buying the competitors games. As many as you like. Send the photos to gaming sites. Post the photos here. iPod users succeeded in embarassing Apple into addressing their faulty battery issues. It can be done. It IS done every day.


This isn't going to have the slightest effect. First of all, we aren't talking about a faulty product here, so there whole line of reasoning is moot.

Think about how those lists from CAGs are going to read. If I made a list of all the new game purchases I made in 2004 from EA and other publishers, it would be a very long list. But the column for price paid would never contain an amount higher than $15 and those would be the high end. I beleive the most recent EA title I bought was Ty 2 but that was at the TRU B2G1 sale, so it was $14 and change after tax. Any other EA games I bought in the last year went for the same amount or much less, as little as $5 in many cases.

This is not going to strike EA as someone whose good will has any bearing on their future.

[Mr.Answer]

I think it would be good for CAG to take an official stance against EA. Not only because they are single handedly devouring the gaming Industry, but because it would raise awareness and help people see what is really going on. Like it has been said a lot of gamers have no clue what goes on in the Industry, but if they knew about the slimy tactics of EA they might do the right thing and not buy their games.

Personally I am utterly disgusted with EA, as are many, but it is time to do something about it and the least CAG could do is raise awareness on the subject in an official manner.

I would hope that CAG does not want to see EA take over the gaming Industry and raise prices to high heaven. After all, CAG is about cheap games.

Here (http://cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=46638) is the latest in EA's takeover of the gaming industry.

Well I think it would be good to take an official stance against skrubking, after all he is starting threads that don't actually help the average user get cheapass deals!

Personally I am utterly disgusted (well not really but I am trying to follow the spirit of this thread) with the Scrubking for posting such a thread that one would expect somesort of newbie to post. I hope to raise awareness of this kind of opinionated thread. I would hope that CAG does not want to belittle itself in so many of the kind of stupid arguements that are posted here.

[epobirs]

Imagine if the web had existed during the years when Nintendo enjoyed an effective monopoly in the US thanks to highly restrictive developer contracts. (I had to sign off on one once as the listed associate producer on an NES port.) Because nobody bothered to make much fuss then. Sega finally sued Nintendo to break their stranglehold on developers. NEC, a much bigger company was too conflicted to take action for their US game division because their much larger semiconductor division had Nintendo as a major customer.

If EA is truly seen as threatening the industry there are no end of lawyers willing to take up the case of the myriad other companies out there.

[camoor]

This is ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous. There are so many more important things out in the world, and we're worried about a pseudo-monopoly?

CAG is not a political party. Geez.

Awesome.

Another "Why do they stop speeders when there are murderers and rapists in the world" arguement.

Brilliant. Simply brilliant.

[camoor]

I should clarify my position.

CAGers should take a stand for what they believe in (pro or anti EA)

I agree with everyone else that CAG the website is a corporate entity. They can do what they like, but the smart move would be to ignore the controversy and bring on the cheap games.

That doesn't exonerate each CAGer from following their own conscience and reasoning.

[tragicslip]

burnout 3 does kick ass, good point. i liked sega's football game better this year though and am really dissapointed sega can't keep pushing ea's football franchise.

[Scahom1]

...I like EA. Don't hurt them...

[tragicslip]

i think we all have the energy to be concerned about ea's buisness practices and the other troubles of the world and the sense to know what matters most. stop acting as if our passions get in the way of world peace- they don't.

[Generic Man]

Maybe we could take a stand as a community against racism or low infant mortality or drug use... But I find it simply demeaning and silly to 'take a stand' against a 'monopoly' of a software company.

This gets back to my 40 year-old and 14 year-old gamer demographic on CAG. I seriously have to wonder if those who are posting that the labor practices and monopolistic tendencies of EA are irrelevant. Have the people who are saying this graduated from college? Do they support a family? Pay a mortgage?

For the employees of EA who are being denied their lawful wages and for the small developers who are being bludgeoned out of business, being able to draw a paycheck is easily on par with racism, low infant mortality, or drug use.

Do you think those EA employees filed their lawsuit because they ran out of games to play or because they had finished all of their manga or because there was nothing good on Adult Swim?

If you live with your parents or someone else is paying your rent, the issues at EA are "silly." If you have ever been cheated out of your pay or had your business go belly up, you would consider these issues far from silly. It's one thing to work in high school or college part time for disposable income.

If you really give a rip about the games you play, you'll support the PEOPLE who work to create them. That means compensating them fairly. That means speaking up when a company like EA cheats them and ultimately cheats you.

[Scrubking]

Why should CAG take an 'official' stance on anything ? except maybe demanding good games at a cheapass price.

You just answered your own question.

CAG is supposed to be about cheap games - hence the reason why I think it should take an official stance.

I also want to point out all the fools who want to point at bad behavior by other companies in order to justify not doing anything about EA. You realize how dumb that is?

Also people talk about how prices used to be $70 - yeah, that's great, but do you really want them to get up that high again? Of course not, so shut up and do something about it.

EA has already cornered the NFL football market and they tried to gobble up the NBA too! What's next? What company will they buy next? How high will the price for an NFL football game be next year? $60? $70? $80? Don't be surprised if it does go to up to $80

What do you think other companies will do when they see the $80 price tag? They will raise their prices as well.

[Cornfedwb]

I'm all for CAG taking a stance congratulating EA on its business decisions....

They made a decision that Sega was starting to eat into their profits, so they took decisive action and eliminated the competition. Both licenses have been wonderful business moves.

the first 30 times i saw you post this, i disagreed, but now i agree with you.

ea makes smart business decisions so it must be good for us consumers.

i will bow down to the mighty power of ea.

and all because fo you, and posting the same thing 100 times, see, i knew there had to be some point to posting it so often...

:roll:

I post it in reply to every one of the 1,243 threads about how "EA is the Devil" "EA are a bunch of assholes" etc.

[PsyClerk]

Well I think it would be good to take an official stance against skrubking, after all he is starting threads that don't actually help the average user get cheapass deals!

Personally I am utterly disgusted (well not really but I am trying to follow the spirit of this thread) with the Scrubking for posting such a thread that one would expect somesort of newbie to post. I hope to raise awareness of this kind of opinionated thread. I would hope that CAG does not want to belittle itself in so many of the kind of stupid arguements that are posted here.

Seeing as how SK has posted more deals (especially for free stuff) than you have actual posts, I think you should STFU.

Let me know if you want a link to an online guide to pulling your head out of your ass.

[evilmax17]

They won't get the message from an official CAG statement, and they won't get the message from writing letters. If you want to hurt them, don't buy their games. What's done is done, it's not like some big campaign is going to break the contracts that have been signed. If EA didn't think it was a proffitable move, they wouldn't have done it. So prove them wrong, and don't buy their stuff.

[Mr.Answer]

Well I think it would be good to take an official stance against skrubking, after all he is starting threads that don't actually help the average user get cheapass deals!

Personally I am utterly disgusted (well not really but I am trying to follow the spirit of this thread) with the Scrubking for posting such a thread that one would expect somesort of newbie to post. I hope to raise awareness of this kind of opinionated thread. I would hope that CAG does not want to belittle itself in so many of the kind of stupid arguements that are posted here.

Seeing as how SK has posted more deals (especially for free stuff) than you have actual posts, I think you should STFU.

Let me know if you want a link to an online guide to pulling your head out of your ass.

No but if you can give me the official number of 'good posts' one has to make before having the 'freedom' for make 'an utterly disguting' post that would be very helpful.

[MrBadExample]

Careful, Scrub, you're sounding like Michael Moore.

I'm not happy with EA's business practices of late, but I don't think CAG needs an official stance. Too many people disagree. Organize a new group to protest, although at this point, I don't see anything short of a court order making EA give up either the ESPN or NFL license exclusivity. I do wish you luck. Maybe they can be shamed into at least keeping prices down.

[jmcc]

Well I think it would be good to take an official stance against skrubking, after all he is starting threads that don't actually help the average user get cheapass deals!

Personally I am utterly disgusted (well not really but I am trying to follow the spirit of this thread) with the Scrubking for posting such a thread that one would expect somesort of newbie to post. I hope to raise awareness of this kind of opinionated thread. I would hope that CAG does not want to belittle itself in so many of the kind of stupid arguements that are posted here.

Seeing as how SK has posted more deals (especially for free stuff) than you have actual posts, I think you should STFU.

Let me know if you want a link to an online guide to pulling your head out of your ass.

No but if you can give me the official number of 'good posts' one has to make before having the 'freedom' for make 'an utterly disguting' post that would be very helpful.

Oh, don't worry about it. He's way wrong anyway. Even throwing in free non-game stuff SK hasn't posted 81 deals. I have to warn you though. Telling sk to shut the f.uck up has absolutely no effect. His head is carved from granite or something. It's best just to learn to enjoy his high, girlish wailing or, better yet, go to some sites and poke around for deals. Most have "sort by price" options. The power is yours!

[Ledhed]

f[size=1 ].[ /size]uck

Clever girl. :wink:

[The Successful Dropout]

I'm all for CAG taking a stance congratulating EA on its business decisions....

They made a decision that Sega was starting to eat into their profits, so they took decisive action and eliminated the competition. Both licenses have been wonderful business moves.

me agree

:twoguns: HATERS

[evilmax17]

f[size=1 ].[ /size]uck

Clever girl. :wink:

*adds to repitoire*

[cthcky33]

i just browsed through this thread, and there are a lot of people with like 3 posts just trying to start shit... no bueno

[jmcc]

f[size=1 ].[ /size]uck

Clever girl. :wink:

But, am I a pretty girl?

[Ledhed]

f[size=1 ].[ /size]uck

Clever girl. :wink:

But, am I a pretty girl?

What was it that your cycling .gif sig used to say? "The saddest thing in the world is an ugly girl whose mother doesn't love them" and the like? I can't recall it exactly, but I suppose your answer lies somewhere in there. :wink:

[jmcc]

f[size=1 ].[ /size]uck

Clever girl. :wink:

But, am I a pretty girl?

What was it that your cycling .gif sig used to say? "The saddest thing in the world is an ugly girl whose mother doesn't love them" and the like? I can't recall it exactly, but I suppose your answer lies somewhere in there. :wink:

http://img119.exs.cx/img119/8649/achewoodsigfinal.gif

[musha666]

Get a life...

[CheapyD]

Personally, I think the NFL (and to a much lesser extent, ESPN) should be receiving more flak for these deals.

The NFL is the one that decided to grant an exclusive license. They know the effects of their actions and I'm sure nobody had a gun to their head.

Any game company that had the opportunity to grab such a juicy license would jump on this deal in 2 seconds, if it made financial sense.


Yes, I know Sega makes quality sports games and I think it sucks that they are getting the shaft.
I am a fan of their NHL game and now I am worried that 2k5 could be their last hurrah.
But is any of this really EA's fault? I'm not so sure.

I can't make/keep a promise to boycott all EA games, but I can guarantee I will not buy any NFL tickets or merchandise.

I'd like to analyze these deals further and write a bit more when I have the time.

[Mr.Answer]

here here

[Gothic Walrus]

Well...that was probably the one reaction that I wasn't expecting Cheapy to have.

Thank you for not calling us idiots for starting this thread. :)

Now that we've got our answer, I see this thread either dying or devolving into OTT-style madness.

http://www2.sjsu.edu/depts/it/edit278/marine/otter.gif

[punqsux]

Any game company that had the opportunity to grab such a juicy license would jump on this deal in 2 seconds, if it made financial sense.

while i agree with the statement, you have to wonder if this was actully put up for bids, or if ea made them an offer.

say ea offered the nfl more than the nfl gets fron madden and 2k combined per year. they would be stupid to say no to that

given ea's current track record, i would tend to believe the latter.

[Wombat]

Well...that was probably the one reaction that I wasn't expecting Cheapy to have.

Thank you for not calling us idiots for starting this thread. :)

Now that we've got our answer, I see this thread either dying or devolving into OTT-style madness.


I just got a new Puppy, I named her Zelda

[CheapyD]

Any game company that had the opportunity to grab such a juicy license would jump on this deal in 2 seconds, if it made financial sense.

while i agree with the statement, you have to wonder if this was actully put up for bids, or if ea made them an offer.

say ea offered the nfl more than the nfl gets fron madden and 2k combined per year. they would be stupid to say no to that

given ea's current track record, i would tend to believe the latter.

My guess is that there are very few (or no other) publishers (outside of Msoft/Sony) that have the financial resources available to structure such a large deal.

Still, the ball (no pun intended...well maybe a little) was completely in the NFL's hands. It was up to them to decide to put this out to bid, or perhaps decide that the extra money generated by this deal was not worth the elimination of gamers' options.

If Sega/Take Two could score an exclusive license like EB did, they would.

[Scrubking]

Cheapy,

Why would you think that the NFL would care about gamers? They only care about their fans who buy tickets.

It is EA's responsibility to worry about gamers not the NFL's. EA is in the videogame business NOT the NFL.

[Mr.Answer]

Cheapy,

Why would you think that the NFL would care about gamers? They only care about their fans who buy tickets.

It is EA's responsibility to worry about gamers not the NFL's. EA is in the videogame business NOT the NFL.

Isn't it touching that there might be a person in a company that is worrying about you right now? "Man I really hope Mr.Answer is ok, the weather up there is so cold, who knows what the road conditions are like, I just worry about mrAnswer."

:)

[EggViper]

Any game company that had the opportunity to grab such a juicy license would jump on this deal in 2 seconds, if it made financial sense.

yea but the question is who came first to the table? i agree that any company wouldve grabbed that deal given that they had the funds to back it up. but did the nfl offer the contract or did EA make an offer they couldnt refuse?

just like the video game companies the NFL is also interested in making money, so it took the most favorable deal for them.

i however might have missed some details... does anyone know for sure who started the deal in the first place?

[Scrubking]

i however might have missed some details... does anyone know for sure who started the deal in the first place?

EA had been harassing the NFL for a long time to get this deal. Finally EA waived enough money in their face so they "put it up for bid" and made the deal with EA.

- according to biz.gamedaily.com

[CheapyD]

Cheapy,
Why would you think that the NFL would care about gamers? They only care about their fans who buy tickets.

I feel that most people who purchase football video games are the very same people who support the NFL through buying tickets, purchasing NFL merchandise or are part of their TV audience.

No matter how you slice it, it was the NFL's license to do with as they please and they chose to go the EA exclusive route.

It is EA's responsibility to worry about gamers not the NFL's. EA is in the videogame business NOT the NFL.

I disagree. The NFL is definitely in the videogame business.
If a company makes significant money from video games, they are in the video game business, even if its not the primary source of revenue.

You wouldn't think that George Lucas (and his Star Wars franchise) is just in the movie business, would you? He licenses that shit out to anything and everything that even remotely makes sense to have a Star Wars logo on it.

[Rich]

Scrub, I hope CAG takes an official stance against Take Two for tryign to get exclusive MLB rights. There will be no competition now!

[doodle777_98]

EA needs to learn how to compete with competition. Is that what america is really about. Screw monoplies.

[Scrubking]

Scrub, I hope CAG takes an official stance against Take Two for tryign to get exclusive MLB rights. There will be no competition now!

Why do you think they tried to do that? It wouldn't happen to be because EA is swallowing up every other sports name. No couldn't be. :roll:

And for you people wondering how EA could influence the rest of the industry - here you go.

[jmcc]

Scrub, I hope CAG takes an official stance against Take Two for tryign to get exclusive MLB rights. There will be no competition now!

Why do you think they tried to do that? It wouldn't happen to be because EA is swallowing up every other sports name. No couldn't be. :roll:

And for you people wondering how EA could influence the rest of the industry - here you go.

The motivation doesn't matter. They're trying to get a "monopoly" too. Why aren't you complaining about it?

[Rich]

Scrub, I hope CAG takes an official stance against Take Two for tryign to get exclusive MLB rights. There will be no competition now!

Why do you think they tried to do that? It wouldn't happen to be because EA is swallowing up every other sports name. No couldn't be. :roll:

And for you people wondering how EA could influence the rest of the industry - here you go.

Oh, so because EA did it first, it's ok for VC.
Gotchya.

Continue your blind EA hate.

[PsyClerk]

I believe the point he's trying to make is that other studios will attempt to get exclusive licensing rights to prevent OTHER companies from doing so first, thus locking them out. In other words, the question is would Take Two pursue exclusive MLB rights if EA had not gone after NFL/NBA rights?

[Rich]

I believe the point he's trying to make is that other studios will attempt to get exclusive licensing rights to prevent OTHER companies from doing so first, thus locking them out. In other words, the question is would Take Two pursue exclusive MLB rights if EA had not gone after NFL/NBA rights?

No. But does that make it any more noble? Do 2 wrongs make a right? If EA was the one countering VC, would this be an issue?

[FriskyTanuki]

i however might have missed some details... does anyone know for sure who started the deal in the first place?

EA had been harassing the NFL for a long time to get this deal. Finally EA waived enough money in their face so they "put it up for bid" and made the deal with EA.

- according to biz.gamedaily.com

While it is true that EA has proposed exclusivity a few times before, this one was started by the NFL as many articles have reported. Several companies made bids and EA was chosen. The NFL chose to make the license exclusive, the NFL picked a bid from a company to give exclusivity to, and EA managed to get it.

A source close to the negotiations said it was at a spring 2004 off-site meeting attended by top NFL officials that the league determined it would take the league license exclusive. GameSpot was told the league put the license up for bid and that EA was among as many as five software publishers competing for it. An EA spokesperson said today, "Obviously, exclusives are more expensive. We are most certainly paying a premium." (http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/12/13/news_6114977.html)

"We (EA) have proposed exclusivity several times in the past, but this year, in the spring the NFL had an off-site meeting, and they decided to consider bids for exclusivity," Brown told IGN in an exclusive interview. "Several bids were submitted but they accepted EA's. I cannot tell you how much this cost, but exclusivity is expensive, we are paying a premium. It wasn't cheap. I can tell you this, though, all parties all happy with this agreement, and Wall Street seems happy with it too." (http://sports.ign.com/articles/572/572886p1.html)

[PsyClerk]

No. But does that make it any more noble? Do 2 wrongs make a right?[\quote]

No and no. As the MLB deal is ALSO bad, yet the speculation is that it's a result (response?) of EA's deals. Thus you can pin that on EA indirectly.

[quote=RichD1]If EA was the one countering VC, would this be an issue?

It would be a slightly different situation. VC does not have anywhere near the market share of EA. Therein lies the issue that a lot of people have with EA. They are already so big that they can flex financial muscle other game companies can't hope to match. What might be good for EA might not be good for we the players.

[Mookyjooky]

Why bother?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v178/JohnnyPark/IGN/EArEVIL.gif

[Rich]

[quote=RichD1]No. But does that make it any more noble? Do 2 wrongs make a right?[\quote]

No and no. As the MLB deal is ALSO bad, yet the speculation is that it's a result (response?) of EA's deals. Thus you can pin that on EA indirectly.



Or maybe we can pin it on VC indirectly for lowering their prices to $20 and trying to steal markershare from EA.

For the records, I hate EA Sports games and have all the ESPN games, but the EA hate is unfair considering it's just good business and if it wasn't EA, it wouldn't be an issue. People are being too hypocritical.

[CrimsonGeist]

Why not? CAG is definetely a popular site and EA would lose a lot of customers from it. It'll bring up awareness and hopefully, EA will give Sega back their fucking right to make good football games!

[Rich]

Why not? CAG is definetely a popular site and EA would lose a lot of customers from it. It'll bring up awareness and hopefully, EA will give Sega back their shaq-fuing right to make good football games!

You and scrub must live in the same dreamworld.

[Mr.Answer]

Why not? CAG is definetely a popular site and EA would lose a lot of customers from it. It'll bring up awareness and hopefully, EA will give Sega back their shaq-fuing right to make good football games!

What has there been 10 people maybe who don't like the deal so much that they said they won't buy anymore games from EA? Hey thats their right and power to them, but I don't see how the small number who have voiced their opinion and displeasure with the deal can be equated with EA losing "a lot of customers from it'.

Change of direction-- Can someone tell me what is the duration of EA/NFL 's licensing agreement? I've not seen that info.

[Murcielago77]

EA Rules

Madden
NFS
Burnout
NBA Street
SSX
The Sims
Battlefield
Medal of Honor
and many others

[supadupacheap]

If every single CAGer bought EA games in the past and completely went cold turkey, that would take 25,000 sales off the table. Madden sold what, 5 million this year? Oh yeah. Fear the CAG EA, FEAR THE CAG!!!!!!

[tickdude]

Here's the question:
Will exclusive licensing generate new gamers (people that would have not bought the sport titles) or make current sport gamers buy the latest greatest edition?

Will EA break even?

[Mr.Answer]

If every single CAGer bought EA games in the past and completely went cold turkey, that would take 25,000 sales off the table. Madden sold what, 5 million this year? Oh yeah. Fear the CAG EA, FEAR THE CAG!!!!!!

Methinks that would be a pretty big IF.

[supadupacheap]

If every single CAGer bought EA games in the past and completely went cold turkey, that would take 25,000 sales off the table. Madden sold what, 5 million this year? Oh yeah. Fear the CAG EA, FEAR THE CAG!!!!!!

Methinks that would be a pretty big IF.

There is no if. We dont matter. Most dyed in the wool videogamers dont matter. Guys (and gals) who dont play videogames will buy madden. I have friends who bought the ps2 JUST for madden each year. Its not a game, its really a branded bit of merchandise that HAPPENS to be a videogame. They could sell madden 2003 as maddens 2006 and 2007 and many people would still buy it since its all they know.

[tickdude]

"NFL will authorize video games from only one company, Electronic Arts. The league's move to give EA Sports an exclusive license, in a deal said to be worth $300 million, is a first for a major-league sport - and one with uncertain consequences for fans."

$20 million per year for exclusivity (15 years)
5 million units of Madden 2005 sold.

So, if they pass the costs down to the retailers, they will pay $4 more per game unit. WHich means Madden 2006 will cost $8 - $12 more.

Great.

Definitely not for this CAG.

[camoor]

i however might have missed some details... does anyone know for sure who started the deal in the first place?

EA had been harassing the NFL for a long time to get this deal. Finally EA waived enough money in their face so they "put it up for bid" and made the deal with EA.

- according to biz.gamedaily.com

While it is true that EA has proposed exclusivity a few times before, this one was started by the NFL as many articles have reported. Several companies made bids and EA was chosen. The NFL chose to make the license exclusive, the NFL picked a bid from a company to give exclusivity to, and EA managed to get it.


That changes my opinion. Ha - the NFL already gets no cash from me. I only catch playoffs and the superbowl party at a buddy's place.

You suckers need to stop buying those NFL camper tents and $16 stadium beers.

[The Successful Dropout]

some of the bitterness in this thread needs to be gotten over....EA made a smart business move that anyone on here would have also made if they were in the same shoes....as Cheapy stated, noone put a gun to the NFLs head telling them to make the deal with EA, the decision was 100% in their hands...hate the NFL, not EA....

:twoguns: haters

by the way, i liked segas nfl games as much as anyone else did...so just so you know, none of this is coming from a biased madden freak

[Scrubking]

EA made a smart business move that anyone on here would have also made if they were in the same shoes....

That is what you people can't get through your thick heads.

Yeah, it was a smart business move for M$ to monopolize pc os, but was it good for the consumer? You people mistakenly believe that just because it's legal to bully other companies, throw your weight around and destroy others for the sake of greed that it's okay.

I wish I had a company that could legally take peoples property from them for no reason so I could go around saying I am making "good business moves". I would then laugh in your misery under the pretence that I am making "good business moves".

:twoguns: Ignorant, pro EA idiots

[punqsux]

for intelligent and rational conversation/debate on the topic, go here:

http://cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=46919

[alfonsosoriano]

I can't believe everyone is forgetting about the other people on the end of the deals. The NFL and ESPN signed the contracts too. EA is making a business move.

[Ledhed]

I can't believe everyone is forgetting about the other people on the end of the deals. The NFL and ESPN signed the contracts too. EA is making a business move.

I can't believe you and everyone else are still hammering away that point. Then again, this thread lost all rationality days ago; so go ahead, keep beating that horse.

[punqsux]

http://www.bttf.com/graphics/BeatADeadHorse.gif

[Ledhed]

http://www.bttf.com/graphics/BeatADeadHorse.gif

My sentiments exactly.

[epobirs]

I can't believe everyone is forgetting about the other people on the end of the deals. The NFL and ESPN signed the contracts too. EA is making a business move.

I can't believe you and everyone else are still hammering away that point. Then again, this thread lost all rationality days ago; so go ahead, keep beating that horse.

Oh, I think a certain somebody brought an X Files level of irrationality to this thread early on. Very early on.

[jmcc]

I can't believe everyone is forgetting about the other people on the end of the deals. The NFL and ESPN signed the contracts too. EA is making a business move.

I can't believe you and everyone else are still hammering away that point. Then again, this thread lost all rationality days ago; so go ahead, keep beating that horse.

Oh, I think a certain somebody brought an X Files level of irrationality to this thread early on. Very early on.

Yuo=cigeret smocking man!1!!1

[camoor]

I wish I had a company that could legally take peoples property from them for no reason so I could go around saying I am making "good business moves". I would then laugh in your misery under the pretence that I am making "good business moves".


LOL, then you should buy SCO.