The Abomination That is Madden Nation

Feature Article

Submitted on: 10/20/2008 by Wil McCombs

I may be a little late to this party, but have pity on me. After all, I’m old.

This past week, I sat in my less-than-stellar hotel room in Norwalk, Conn., wearily searching for something to watch on television. A frequent business traveler these days, my few meager hours of free time are spent watching drivel on limited hotel cable packages, rather than being spent throwing long TD passes and running a mean spread option offense from my couch. Truly tragic stuff.

This week, I came across the ESPN program Madden Nation. Now, I have seen this program before, but I had never really looked at it with an analytical eye. For those unfamiliar with the show, the idea is simple: set up a reality-style television show pitting the "best" Madden players against each other in an elimination tournament, all while touring the country and visiting some of the NFL’s most prominent stadiums. Sounds great, in theory. Execution, however, is another animal altogether.

The terms "cheese" and "cheesers" get thrown around a lot in sports gaming, and Madden Nation is nothing if not a celebration of marquee "cheesery." While hardcore OS Madden gamers spend hours making their gameplay not only dominant, but realistic, ESPN has deemed it appropriate to showcase a gaggle of gamers whose offense consists of a perfected (and perpetual) roll-and-chuck. It is, in a single word, abhorrent.

Madden Nation....an abomination.

Although I often times feel like Andy Rooney when I speak out against the rampant cheese that has consumed Madden, I feel that it is highly necessary that I continue to do so. To me, utilizing the idiosyncrasies of Madden to gain an unrealistic advantage is sacrilege. It is no different than using the BxR glitch in Halo 2. It’s not strategy, no sir. It’s cheap and underhanded, and to reward such tactics with a national television show that celebrates them is an insult -- far be it from a vehement insult, but an insult nonetheless.

The first episode that I viewed featured a spirited contest between two players, one using the Cincinnati Bengals, the other, my beloved Chicago Bears. The game played out like the old NFL Blitz on speed: Quarterbacks were in shotgun formations flitting around (and eventually out of) the pocket like gnats, firing darts across their bodies to receivers. The Bears even scored a TD with Rex Grossman (that’s correct, the correct depth charts weren’t even used) on a 2-yard QB sneak where he hurdled over the offensive line. My knuckles grew a rancorous shade of white after only 10 minutes of viewing.

Madden Nation celebrates everything that is wrong with competitive Madden play. To reduce the game to a half-assed offensive pyrotechnic show is simply revolting. Not only is it a reminder of the many online contests where I faced such deplorable antics, but it is also the face of EA Sports’ quest to appeal to the lowest common denominator: the feared "casual" gamer market. Casual football fans/gamers want to see a lot of points, and lots of big plays. They don’t share our appreciation for a well-laid gameplan and intelligent playcalling. They would rather see a 70-yard bomb than a perfectly set up play-action pass, capping off a run-driven 70-yard drive. Madden Nation is a perfect fit for the casual gamer, tied up neatly in a banter-filled realty show package. It is poignant for the masses, rubbish for those who know better.

The worst part of Madden Nation is that it is a constant reminder that the game we love is imperfect. As much as we would like it to be a flawless interpretation of the NFL action we consume on chilly fall Sundays, it is tragically, faulty. Sadder still is the fact that gamers like these Madden Nation contestants, these Gluttons of the Glitch, will almost always have the upper hand over we cerebral game-planners. As long as the game will allow it, we will play second fiddle to those gaudy, braggadocios dimwits who love them some deep ball.

Suffice it to say, my eyes will not be glued to the screen when Madden Nation next airs on ESPN, and neither should yours.

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Member Comments

# 21 realtalktruth @ 10/20/08 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedskinsGM2B


	Despite ANY other comment in this thread, this article is surgically accurate! I agree that EA HAS indeed been pouring more & more of it's focus and resources into this exact type of community that is nothing less than a country club attempt at "thuggery" and "gangsta" "playas"...OVER A VIDEO GAME!!! But, it's OUR video! And it has been RAPED of it's innocence and purity. It is now poisoned with glitz & glamour just like some cheap shiny "bling" to attract the masses that will dive in and study, research & disect the game to reveal it's every weakness and hole. WHY? You know why. So, they can go out and jump online and call all "2" plays of their strategy and exploit every game glitch that they found or that they read about. Why oh why...WHY don't they commit such diligence toward scholastics?? Honestly, how many NFL games have you seen that the QB drops back 30 flippin' yards?! This is the style that is common and accepted amongst these youngsters. Suffice it to say, they'll never become football coaches...that win. Here! Here! I applaud this article. Nice to see some old dogs still fighting the good fight.

yeah... ea loves cheesers, the #1 goal in its development cycle is adding glitches into madden and other things that others can abuse to win games. icons disappearing after running back 15 yards, not putting in the wildcat formation after "anti-sim" heads were crying about it, nerfing user catching, no fatigue for defenders to help against no huddle offense, genius we can abuse that all day. ea is all "hood" they represent, put on for the cheesers. its not like they want the most realistic football game ever, Ian said no such thing.

# 22 RedskinsGM2B @ 10/20/08 11:12 PM

There, there now puppy. We certainly wouldn't suggest that EA has intentional goals to provide or include these...toxins, if you will. However, we DO indeed imply that it is the very lack or absence of goals in product quality or NFL representation that allows them to happen, exist, and be discovered. Surely, we needn't the saturated use of sarcasim. It's quite clear; the sides that exist. I think the majority is siding with, "if it's not REALISTIC, don't make it possible or don't allow it online in "RANKED" games. Engineer a dragnet. This argument has been rampant for years so, it's not like the bell is going off for the first time and poor EA hasn't had the opportunity to adjust. These "best" Madden gamers would NOT be as elite as the show may suggest if they were forced to leave the "cheese" at the door. They would quickly become lost in a crowd of mediocre players. Wouldn't that be shameful? To take away their advantages?

# 23 bkrich83 @ 10/21/08 12:57 AM

I don't even like playing Madden myself. . I can't imagine spending time watching a TV that shows a bunch of jokers playing Madden.

# 24 tril @ 10/21/08 01:05 AM

At the end of the day its just a video game, something that was really created for hour of mindless entertainment.
Hard core sim gamers would probably bore a television audience with a true sim style of play on a video game.

# 25 SteelerSpartan @ 10/21/08 01:18 AM

Yeah that show just pisses me off....for not only reminding me of the numerous flaws of the game that cheesers take advantage of and gloat about...........

but also many of em are jackasses and their face would be a serious shade of black and blue if they got that way while playing me

(I remember someone got kicked off for slugging that little punk in the Titans jersey......major assbag and deserved an even harsher beat down

You should get a screen all to yourself an play through system link

# 26 AdamVinatieri4xsbchamp @ 10/21/08 03:35 AM

If you want them to make the video game more sim, than the only thing you can really do is just not buy it. This is capitolism at its core. You vote with your wallet as a consumer. EA Sports is free to produce whatever type of video game or cater to any demographic that they want. The NFL does take an interest in this, as they have the exclusive license deal with EA Sports. They are concerned with the overall quality of the product and how many units it sells. Thats it. They are not at all concerned with wether or not it plays like the real NFL.

So in reality, the sim players who buy this game every year and then complain that its not what they wanted are the biggest part of the problem, not cheesers. Very ironic. EA Sports is in the best position a business can be in. They can cater to one group of people for their sales, and even people that dont like the game will still buy it due to marketing and hype. Why would they want to change anything? Would you in their position?

Stop buying the game every year.

# 27 SoxFan01605 @ 10/21/08 06:35 AM

lol...not only are we angry about the game, but now we're angry about a TV show? Good lord, I guess not watching is as silly as a suggestion as don't buy Madden. I'm now convinced that some of you need to be angry and offended...lol

Also, on a side note...I find it funny that some people get infractions for bashing Madden or it's devs, yet a guy compares the Madden situation to rape (cute analogy, big guy

)and doesn't even get a warning. Must have MLB umps officiating this particular forum at the moment...lol...floating infraction zones. Sorry, enough silly jokes...on with the anger and drama

# 28 gotmeamodel @ 10/21/08 09:49 AM

As in the Movie Jerry McGuire....This is the Perfect "Madden Mission Statement" Bravo!!!!

# 29 TarHeelPhenom @ 10/21/08 10:20 AM

I agree with everyone up here who thinks that show is absurd. I caught it last week and I believe that the two teams were the Chargers and Jags(really doesn't matter b/c there is no strategy involved). All one dude did was direct snap to the running back and all the other did was run WR screens. He would call the screen for the WR on the left, run straight to the right sideline and wait until he was just about to get hit/or he was even getting hit b4 he threw and would complete it everytime. The I have is what it's always been. There is no risk/reward anywhere. Drop back 20 yards and throw off one foot...pinpoint accuracy. Rollout under intense pressure and u have 78 QB ACC rating? No fear...pinpoint accuracy. I've seen these guys lineup in goalline formation and run all the way down the field and they have the nerve to talk trash. It's kind of like playing fullcourt basketball and one goal is 10' and the other is 7'. The guy on the other team jumps in your face after a dunk in the 7' rim as if he has done something special. But, if you asked him to do the same thing in the regulation goal he couldn't even touch the rim. SO, here's to the 7' goal dunking Madden Players!!

# 30 Trevytrev11 @ 10/21/08 11:00 AM

I get the point of the article and agree 100% on what it's trying to accomplish. Madden Nation exposes Madden for what it really is; a football game catered to casual fans who want high scores and highlights.

However, this is a Reality show on ESPN. While I agree these guys probably fit the "cheese" build, you have to understand that this show, like every other "reality" show and like every Sportcenter highlight is edited to show the good stuff. It's going to show the 70 yard bomb, the mindless jukes and spins and the annoying trash talking. What would be the draw if it was two players being civil and respectful to eachother in a 6-3 punt / field goal fest? What kind of audience would Surivor or Big Brother or any reality show get if everything was calm and cool in the game? There is a reason ESPN brings personalities like Skip Bayless and Steven A Smith on the show, it's the same reason why Sportscenter is more about a catch phrase than it is about actually breaking down a game. It's a show that is geared toward the casual fan who enjoys the highlight.

The show does what it is supposed to do. It combines personalities with highlight after highlight of bad football.

The fact is the problems in the show all stem from the problems in the game and this is a whole different topic. These guys are cheesing, but the game allows it and that is the games fault. I doubt the TV show producers were aware or care that the game allows for unrealistic play when they decided to put this show on TV. They just want a TV show. The quality of the gameplay is not important to them. In fact the bad gameplay makes for better action and better TV.

The bottom line is that the problems with the show stem directly from the game. If the game tightens things up to be more realistic, then the show might be forced to reflect that, but in the end you are still going to see the 3 or 4 big plays that happen even in the most realitsic games.

# 31 sportyguyfl31 @ 10/21/08 11:50 AM

Have you seen the people that are on Madden Nation? They are a collection of life losers.

Skinny, pimply faced kids who have never done anything remotely athletic in their entire life, kids from the suburbs who think its cool to talk in street slang, and fat guys who proudly talk about how they play the game 5-6 hours a day.

Who on earth would want to be anything like any of these people?

# 32 kt-od @ 10/21/08 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportyguyfl31


	Have you sen the people that are on Madden Nation? They are a collection of life losers. Skinny, pimply faced kids who have never done anything remotely athletic in their entire life, kids from the suburbs who think its cool to talk in street slang, and fat guys who proudly talk about how they play the game 5-6 hours a day. Who on earth would want to be anything like any of these people?

QFT!

# 33 BezO @ 10/21/08 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptialG


	Geez,I swear some of you guys whine too **ing much. If it's fun for those guys to get up there and play the game like that,that's their goddamned business.

I doubt anyone would have a problem with that type of play if it weren't forced on them. But that Madden strategy will trump football strategy every time. It's not the users we have a problem with it. It's the game giving those users the advantage.

And for a game to represent itself as a simulation of NFL football, promoting this type of play is disturbing.

# 34 sportyguyfl31 @ 10/21/08 02:12 PM

There was a moment on unintentional comedy by Tony Gonzalez on last year's Madden Nation that spoke volumes as to what type of people get on that show.

He had one of the kids over his house, a skinny, bookish looking 16 yr old.

After he played him, and the kid left his home, Gonzalez says, "I could tell just by looking at him that he is a gamer, so I think he is going to do very well."

That was really a nice way of calling the kid video game junky and a geek.

There are people who approach Madden no different then they would approach playing a game of "Super Smah Bros. Brawl"

They could give a dang about the football aspect of it all.

# 35 SoxFan01605 @ 10/21/08 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportyguyfl31


	There was a moment on unintentional comedy by Tony Gonzalez on last year's Madden Nation that spoke volumes as to what type of people get on that show. He had one of the kids over his house, a skinny, bookish looking 16 yr old. After he played him, and the kid left his home, Gonzalez says, "I could tell just by looking at him that he is a gamer, so I think he is going to do very well." That was really a nice way of calling the kid video game junky and a geek. There are people who approach Madden no different then they would approach playing a game of "Super Smah Bros. Brawl" They could give a dang about the football aspect of it all.

I agree. It's a videogame tourny. The people who excel at it are going to be good at the videogame aspect of it...nothing more.

# 36 baumy300 @ 10/21/08 03:09 PM

Great article.

It's sad that they can even enjoy playing like that.

Wouldn't Blitz be more their style?

# 37 kt-od @ 10/21/08 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpdfrank


	It becomes more obvious that EA is not committed to sim style football. I guess thats fine, at least we know it. This is my last Madden game that i purchase. But what shows me even more that EA is not about real football is the fact that they have on Madden Nation nothing but a bunch of players acting like ghetto trash hoodlums, who could care less about football, as long as they get to be on TV acting the fool. Or on the other hand, maybe Madden Nation is modeling what the NFL has turned into. Half of the players have either been arrested, or are incarcerated. And when a certain percentage of NFL players cant score a touchdown without acting like fools, i guess the Madden Nation participants fit the bill.

Great post!!! I don't watch Madden Nation anymore because of what you just explained.

# 38 asu666 @ 10/21/08 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kt-od


	Great post!!! I don't watch Madden Nation anymore because of what you just explained.

I watched one of the first episodes of Madden Nation hoping to learn how some of the really good players have mastered the game. What I saw was a bunch of what-a-be thugs (read dorks) using the same exploits over-and-over again. The current gen Madden has pretty much lost any simulation credit it built up on Xbox and PS2 over the years. Too many missing options and too much tuning for the five minute quarter crowd. I don;t think the game is so far gone that it can't be saved, but it will probably take Petter Moore putting his foot in someone's rear to get the dev team's attention.

# 39 LBzrule @ 10/21/08 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grunt


	I like the show. it is what it is. There will always be cheese in the game, no matter what. Pick sim friends and have fun. I don't know why so many people get mad cheesers.

I'm not for sure people get mad with cheesers. I think it is more that people get mad with EA because the game tends to favor the tactics that cheesers like to use. The issue isn't that there will always be cheese, but at least give me a different flavor. They have had the same flavor of cheese since the game went online with the 2003 version on PS2, rocket catching, audibling up and down formations, screwing up defensive assignments, pocket rolling ect. Some of it can be contained but it will require a particular effort. Pocket rolling, dropping back and heaving, FB Dives, Rocket catching all of this stuff shouldn't be still hanging around for people to exploit almost 7 to 8 years later.

# 40 Shinyhubcaps @ 10/21/08 11:01 PM

Just because someone doesn't play the same way as you, it doesn't make them a bad player. I understand the author's gripes about cheesing, but all of the snide comments that make them sound either less intelligent or less able to play a simulation style... that's aggravating. You put them down because they play to win and not to make it look like the NFL. Give it up. Let the people play the way they want AS LONG AS it is not an actual glitch or cheat.

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