Why you need to chill out about Madden. - Broncos86's Blog

Broncos86's Blog

Why you need to chill out about Madden.

Posted on June 30, 2011 at 02:40 PM.

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Everybody wants to look for a reason to write off a franchise like Madden. The staff left, the "engine" sucks, EA suits are cash hogs. The list goes on. I'm here to tell you to chill out, enjoy the game, and listen why Madden is going to get better.

1) It's not "an engine."

People always want the developers to "start over with a new engine." Most of the time, they're referring to physics being introduced into Madden. For starters, Madden doesn't have "an engine." It's comprised of a variety of modular "engines" that come together to make Madden what it is. Want to read more? Ian Cummings explained this here: http://www.operationsports.com/Ian_C...-a-new-engine/

2) Leadership "gets it."

The past couple of years, the goal seems to be "let's get it right." Instead of warping QB drop-backs to defeat nanos, they eliminated nanos. Instead of trying to game the system, the developers appear on the way to fixing the problems that exist in order to eliminate the quirks. Are they all gone? No. But they're on their way.

3) Development takes time.

Everybody always says "hire more people!" but nobody seems to understand when a dev team hits a point where bloat occurs. There is such as thing as a dev team that's too big. For Windows 7, Microsoft reduced the development team in order to create more cohesion. A team that's too big becomes fragmented, and you get a product that is stapled together.

It's not on us to determine how big a dev team should be, or can be. That's up to team leaders within EA. What we need to understand is that development takes time, and we're not going to see sweeping changes to every single system in one pass. And keep in mind that Madden 06 - Madden 09 built up a fair amount of garbage that needs to be worked through. If you can't fix everything in one pass, then some of the junk has to stay until it is fixed.

4) The improvements we're seeing are core.

We've seen big improvements to a lot of core functionality. How the offensive line blocks is just huge. It lays a massive foundation for how line play will evolve. We've seen improvements to QB drop backs and passing motions. We're now seeing zone defense improvements.

None of this stuff is flashy, "back of the box" type of stuff. But it helps create a solid core game. Why is this important? It shows that the development team understand the concept of creating authentic football. Instead of tossing us more gimmicks, we're getting lasting changes that will make for a better football game.

There are issues we're still calling for. Better passing, better line play, and more realistic CBs and LBs in coverage are just a few. And you might ask "why haven't these been fixed?" I'd say because other issues were more messed up. The line play needs work, but it's been "functional." Now that offensive linemen are doing a better job of blocking and their assignments, transitioning to something such as a double-teamed NT will be far easier.

Lastly, things we've been told would come have come. Ian said "wait, a better franchise is coming." Madden 12 is showing us that. We're not getting fed a bunch of throwaway lines to keep us happy. They're slowly fulfilling their promises.

Why am I writing this? Did I drink the kool-aid? After Madden 09, I was done with Madden entirely. I was so fed up with Madden 09, that I didn't even want to touch another football game. I read what Ian had said, but I didn't believe a word. That is, until I played the Madden 10 demo and I saw the new direction that the core game was heading. I was so happy about what had changed that I decided to give Ian a shot. Madden 11 improved what I wanted, and Madden 12 is right in line with what I want. heck, I had even tweeted to Ian to include "traits" and the like. I had no idea they already had it planned. This is why I am saying this stuff.

Comments

# 1 EtheRed @ Jun 30

I love Kool-Aid! just not the sugar free Madden flavor. I hope they get it right

# 2 Eski33 @ Jun 30

Well written...I agree that there are way too many people that spend way too much time breaking down the games to find its flaws instead of just enjoying it for what it is...

# 3 Sanchez_Mareno @ Jun 30

When people can complain about the grass, people will never be satisfied.

# 4 statum71 @ Jun 30

@Eski33

Amen!!!! I just wrote in the NCAA impressions forum that guys need to stop expecting NCAA (and Madden) to get on The Show's level in one year.

The games are not elite yet. They won't be next year either. There's too much to be done. But they are indeed improving. And I enjoy 'em both.

# 5 Eski33 @ Jul 1

No matter what EA does it will never be enough. I have been gaming for 32 years and what we have today in terms of graphics, pkaybooks, AI, etc is incredible. Dont get me wrong, I have fallen victim to having higher expectations but not to the point where I play games to find flaws in blocking schemes. To eavh their own.

For me, the fun factor is most important.

# 6 DaggerSwagger @ Jul 1

since the beginning of this console generation i'm been hearing "they are going in the right direction" soooo how long has that been between 6 to 7 yrs. now you have thought by now ea fb games would be where they should but they are not because why would they make a perfect game when they are the only devs making fb games? if they did that who would be that much into buying the next years' game it's a cycle for them (3 yr. cycle to be exact) false promises only to disappoint ....this "moving in the right direction" stuff has gotten old and ppl blindly keep eating it up very yr. or every 3 yr. cycle

# 7 Broncos86 @ Jul 1

Dagger: Good question. Next gen Madden started with Madden 06. That puts us at the 6th year of next gen Madden. Honestly, I really few Madden 6 - 8 as total screw ups. And we're seeing a lot of mistakes being fixed that were made. It's unfortunate, but I'm happier with the fixes being made than more gimmicks being handed out. Just look at it objectively instead of with emotion.

Thanks to everyone for the comments, and thanks for the compliments. I think Eski33, you hit it just right.

# 8 sgill32 @ Jul 1

Why are you defending a game that is far behind the development curve when compared to NFL 2k5...you have stock in EA or work for EA on the Madden development team? I know this comparison is made time and time again but completely valid, the only dept that Madden has surpassed NFL 2k5 is graphics. This shouldn't even be a conversation in 2012...7 yrs later. But from the demo's I've seen so far looks like Madden continues to cover is all up with stupid enhancements like 3D grass...com'n man!

# 9 waltpaw @ Jul 1

People should complain about Madden and not buy a poor product. The country loves the NFL and this game is popular because football is popular. Imagine Madden's sales if it didn't have the NFL license. No one would buy this game if it wasn't attached to the NFL. When we see other development teams get sports right (NBA 2k11 and The Show) we have a right to request a better football game.

The poor sales and wide spread complaints have led to small improvements. More constructive complaints may lead to a better product.

If EA didn't have an exclusive agreement I could accept your post.

# 10 wallofhate @ Jul 1

To be honest people have the right to complain about whatever they choose! Yeah some is warranted and others seem trivial but these people are consumers. EA knows by being the only game in town things such as this would arise. Yeah I think Madden is a good game and making strides but if I feel as though certain aspects are not up to my liking im gonna voice my opinion and hope it gets heard and if it doesn't i'll assume they disagree with my opinion. Arguing strongly for EA puts you on the same fanatical boat as The negative people. It's just best to stay somewhat nuetral and voice your likes and dislikes instead of try to convince,tease or get mad at those who are on the other side of your spectrum.

# 11 eye guy @ Jul 3

So if "they're on their way" and since it "takes time" should we all wait untill they reach where their going? Why would we waste our hard earned cash on a title that we know will be better later on? That's been the question since the launch of 2nd gen consoles... Why has it taken so long? Why up until now, have they listened to fan/user requests?

How is it possible to see more complete games like NBA 2K and The Show in less time, and not Madden?

It shouldn't have taken this long for EA to finally admit that thier on their way to improving.

That's just more bull**** excuses...........

# 12 mirrored32 @ Jul 3

Thank you for this Blog and the reference to mr.Cummings blog on the systems that make up 'Madden' as we know it. my opinion of this article, all whom read should be chilled

well said

# 13 So Cal @ Jul 3

I tend to side with both of the argument. I do think that it has taken EA a bit longer than it should have to finally get the course of this game corrected, especially when every yr we see strides and the work put in with NBA 2K and MLB series. When I look at that I tend to just think that EA is focused more on other parts of the game instead of getting the core right. In my opinion this was EA's mistake from day one. In 06 when they debuted a watered down madden to the next generation fans that was when they should have set their mind to getting the core right, and the years that followed should have been to work out the kinks. True enough we have been graced with online franchise and the game has taken steps in the right path, but the core always seemed to lack. Im not a fan of things like madden ultimate team , its just not for me, but it seems that using that for only an example, that they just put more effort into that.

While all things considered I do say we have to take the game for what it is. I dont see myself buying a game and then using every opportunity to bash it. Is it frustrating, yes it is and do we desire and deserve a deeper product of course, I just think once you get your opinion out and voice it to them just leave it alone. My girlfriend of all people told me something one day during my rants and it was simply if you act like you hate the game or it bothers you so much, why keep playing? She was right, does she understand that as a football fan this is my only option to playing NFL style gaming...no, but if I gonna take time out of my day to play it I outta just make the best of it.

# 14 sarlndr @ Jul 3

Quote:


	Amen!!!! I just wrote in the NCAA impressions forum that guys need to stop expecting NCAA (and Madden) to get on The Show's level in one year.

I like a good football game as much as the next guy, believe me. This 3 year plan they come up with every 3 years is way past old. EA has had multiple years to get their act right and still haven't.