The Importance of Being...Social - PRGUY85's Blog

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The Importance of Being...Social Stuck

Posted on November 26, 2008 at 02:43 AM.

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Community. For thousands of years humans have commuted together forging the great societies of today and tomorrow. It goes from the minute conversation between two individuals on some remote coffee shop to the gargantuan colossus that is the Internet. After reading the title for this current post, some might think I am trying to indulge into the softer, lyrical side utilizing some rhetorical way to throw out some random opinion, yet it couldn't be more apt or sincere. Over the years, the video game community has been headed toward the social aspect of gaming. We began with the still relevant offline multiplayer sessions. For some of us (specially those of my age) this means those countless split-screen matches on Goldeneye. Then, we continued with the first online matches on Half-Life, CounterStrike and Quake. Later on, the Dreamcast (...sigh) understood console gamers would want a piece of the community aspect of the Internet and shipped with the first-ever console modem. And nowadays, we take part in fully realized online worlds through World of Warcraft or any other game of the like. However, after all this future thinking, somehow, some way, the developers of some videogame franchises stayed behind...

Seeing as how this blog is mainly geared toward the EA Sports Fight Night series, most of you might have already guessed my "rant" is going toward that specific franchise. Sports games are one of the best examples of how a true community foundation could help them live on for months/years after their release. And yet, developers fail to realize this. In the case of the Fight Night series, each released version has always focused on some gameplay aspect or better graphics or trying to revamp (miserably so) the franchise mode. Yet, the online mode always stays behind offering simple lobbies and nothing more. Haven't the developers realized the potential this series could achieve if they just used more of their time, talent and fundings in this critical area? Imagine, if you will, a fully online career where you don't have to worry that the A.I. will be cheap or repetitive since you are fighting true opponents on the other side of the ring. Imagine an online experience where you can record your fights and share them with the world. How about waiting for some night to jump in on the servers and actually watch a big event between the two online welterweight contenders for the crown. It is my opinion that this would greatly improve the life cycle and fanbase of this franchise just by focusing on online career and community options.

One of the features that the Fight Night fanbase have been clamoring for years now is the much desired Spectator Mode. People want to sit down and watch others fight. Call it Peeping Tom syndrome or voyeurism, I call it an outstanding community tool that will enhance the fan experience. I just hope with this next release of Fight Night Round 4 the new developers, EA Canada, utilize the same gusto and bravado they employed on NHL 09 to give Fight Night fans what they have been expecting for years: a true simulation of the sport with enough options to last a year. And a word of advice for them (assuming they even care), focus on the community aspects and online experience of the game. Do that...and you'll have a winner.

Comments

# 1 RaychelSnr @ Nov 26

Good blog, I think a lot of games could take this suggestion and it would benefit them, not just Fight Night...but still good thoughts overall.

# 2 PRGUY85 @ Nov 26

Thanks. As I said, community features give games longevity. Look how Bungie added Forge/Theater mode to Halo 3 just to add community aspects to an already sure-fire hit.

# 3 Hooe @ Nov 26

I'd like to think that EA's games are heading in this community-oriented direction, based on the addtions and successes of the online dynasty in NCAA Football 09, the 5v5 and 10v10 online modes in NBA Live 09 and FIFA 09, and the EASHL in NHL 09. I'm not even a huge boxing fan, but the idea of developing my own boxer in an ever-changing online environment, watching other fights, and fighting for titles against other human opponents is something that sounds very fun.

# 4 PRGUY85 @ Nov 26

My thoughts exactly Krioniq. Seeing as how EA Canada (makers of NHL 09) is now the Fight Night developer, I can only hope for the same innovation on this new game.