Revisiting the idea of same-sport competition and 'better games' - RaychelSnr's Blog

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Revisiting the idea of same-sport competition and 'better games' Stuck

Posted on July 26, 2010 at 04:29 PM.

(8)

About 16 months ago or so, I wrote a column that was so inflammatory I actually had people threatening to come find me and beat my rear end. As a writer, I couldn't help but chuckle that I had most likely stirred a hornets nest of giganto proportions. I felt that I had done such a thorough job of enraging the mob, I haven't revisited the issue until today.

And I still firmly believe that in terms of what creates better sports games, same-sport competition still isn't close to the reason I'd point to for why any specific game is successful or not. Let me lay out my case again:

Generally, reviewers on a whole get it right. There are aberrations, and different folks value different things, but when a game gets an 80 vs. another that gets a 90 on Metacritic, almost without fail is the latter game the better game. So downplay this factor all you want, but there is no critical evidence that same sport competition creates better games than sports without that same type of competition -- if anything the evidence shows the exact opposite is true. And hey, if multi-billion dollar companies use Metacritic to judge how they did quality wise, I think it's good enough for us to use too.
On an even more important note to companies, sales aren't affected much, if any, by same sports competition. There are bigger factors which go into how well a game sales, and it all revolves around economic conditions -- micro and macro, marketplace competition, and the advertising plan behind it (better doesn't always mean more sales). NBA Elite's biggest competition isn't NBA 2K on store shelves when gamers see the latest Call of Duty and Rockstar's newest creation sitting next to them. Basically put: Little Johnny Casual is wondering whether he should buy NBA 2K or Call of Duty more than NBA 2K or NBA Elite. And whether we like or it not here at OS, little Johnny Casual's sale is the type that'll make or break a release sales wise.
There are numerous other factors I'd rate ahead of same sports competition which determine how well a game will end up on the quality spectrum: 1)Money available for investment into the game, 2)corresponding developmental talent/imagination present, and 3)external factors in the development process which are hard to quantify. These external factors include things such as developing for new hardware or corporate decrees on how to develop marketable games. And let's not forget that in competition: there are always winners and losers -- just ask NHL 2K.

Finally, I do think same sports competition is better for sports gamers, because having a choice with two varying takes on a sport is always more desirable than a single choice for the gamer. Games seem less stale over time since you can change up the formula. And yes, from time to time, we see 'idea borrowing' go on between games in the same sport -- which could be the only real quantifiable positive aspect of same sports competition. But as far as does same-sport competition above all other factors create better quality games at the end of the day?

I still don't believe it, but same-sport competition is still definitely good for the consumer.

Comments

# 1 1WEiRDguy @ Jul 26

Good article, however imho, i would say that companies who use...no RELY on metacritic to determine sucess of their games are idiots...maybe idiot is a strong word, but I am one of those gamers who straddle the fence of hardcore/causal. Im casual being that I work alot and dont have alot of time to devote to the games I buy, but im also hardcore b/c I care about core fundamental aspects that every sports game should have by now in the year 2010.

Do i get upset if Florida doesnt have the right helmets or if LSU isnt wearing the latest nike cleats. NO, but that doesnt mean i dont care about proper OL/DL interaction, or silky smooth animations that truly feel next gen either. While i care about those issues, they dont ultimately determine if I buy the game or not. WORD OF MOUTH is the best review system...If most of my XBL buddies say a game is good, I buy it. I havent been steered wrong yet. Im not sure what makes up the metacritic scores, nor do I care quite honestly. But if the game is good, people will buy it and tell others about it. Its been like that since my NES days.

# 2 ajaxab @ Jul 26

I don't put a lot of stock in Metacritic scores, especially given the unfortunate way in which many sports games are reviewed. This may not necessarily be the reviewer's fault as sports games are extremely difficult to review. However, many sports game reviewers are failing to see some important issues that could considerably change a review score (e.g. NCAA '11's Dynasty Mode after year 1). The July 26th column at http://nutweasel.blogspot.com/ articulates these things a whole lot better than I can. The article may still have a good point about same sport competition and game quality, but it seems review scores aren't necessarily the best evidence.

# 3 HealyMonster @ Jul 26

Where exactly is your case? You touch on metacritic ratings, the consumers bankroll, economic conditions, etc. When there is only 1 game in a genre, Madden as an example, what exactly are you comparing it to? Obviously, its going to see more units. Obviously Metacritic isnt going to rise and/or fall based on there being no competition.

The argument all along has been the proverbial fire under someones but. With competition, its always there. Without it, its not. If there are 3 companies making NFL games, they are pushing each other. With 1 company doing it, they can take their time and milk features and "try out things". I dont understand why you almost seem "proud" of causing a ruckus and truthfully if It was that important to you, i think you could have done better and made a better argument. You essentially just keep saying that you dont think competition helps make games better, then you finish off your article saying same sport competition is still better for the consumer. yet, if your argument holds water, which you believe it does, why would competition be any better than no competition is quality of product isnt the same. It seems like that last line makes your case irrelevant does it not?

# 4 stlstudios189 @ Jul 26

with or without competition I assure you the Madden team is striving to make a great game. Most of my friends are casual gamers and they were all blown away with Madden 10 so we are the minority. Would I like to have a choice of course.

# 5 Acedeck @ Jul 27

If you stirred up the hornets nest the first time, what makes you think it'll be different this time? You are going suggesting sports game development is immune to the laws of capitalism, mostly based on objective review scores. I didn't agree with you on this back then, and I still don't.

If you're going to drag up the same topic, at least shed some different light on it. Don't just lay out the same argument all over again, because it wasn't really that strong of an argument before. Time doesn't change how ignorant your stance is. I'd break down each area, but they're so vague and off target, I don't feel it's even worth it.

# 6 Acedeck @ Jul 27

Sorry for the double post but it's late and I made a typo above. I meant to say, "You are suggesting sports game development is immune to the laws of capitalism."

# 7 RaychelSnr @ Jul 27

All,

A follow up blog coming later today to answer some of the concerns/opinions held here.