I’m the type of person who welcomes progression rather than regression. Technology-wise, I can’t even go back to 1998, let alone 1988. If the past few years are any indication of what new ideas and new technology can bring, we are in for quite a treat in the next few years. So, here are a few ideas and predictions when it comes to future sports titles ... Oh and here are part one and two in this three part series dealing with the past, present, and future of sports games.

Revamped Create-a-Player

A lot of us are nostalgic. We want to relive the glory days of sports. Unfortunately, a lot of the greats played during a time when technology wasn’t up to par. Also, licensing issues prevent a lot of our favorite players from being recreated in video game form. An easy way to solve this is to totally revamp create-a-player in all sports games.

One way to do this is by giving us more options. Some games have done this well (i.e. Tiger Woods), but with new graphics, gamers should have the chance to toy with all types of skin tones, facial hair, and hairstyles. Let us customize EVERY aspect of an athlete. I know I’m not the only one who's unsatisfied that hairstyles such as Mohawks and extremely large Afros are still not available across the board.

Another idea would be the option to allow photo mapping in the create-a-player. Let’s face it, some of us aren’t that refined in artistry, and creating a legend, let alone yourself can become quite a difficult task. However, if you have the option to take a photo, or upload one off the internet or computer, this eliminates time it would take to make sure your created player looks perfect.

Customized Music

It’s a mystery why custom music isn't in every game; I first remember it being introduced in NFL 2K5. How great was it to have your own personal music come up during certain points in the game (I personally liked when Nas’ "Thief’s Theme" would come on during an interception). It was also in NBA 2K5, but not done as well. Just give us the option to cue in music at the right moments, and we all will be satisfied.

Superstar Mode

I assume player-centric modes will become a new staple in sports games and will be as important as having solid franchise modes. Instead of the focus being to winn a championship and achieve a high rating, give us the option to choose what TYPE of superstar we want to be. Some stars are humble, some are greedy, and some are even considered dirty players. Let us develop reputations!

Intuitive Commentary

For the most part, the commentary in many sports games leaves a lot to be desired. I think it’s highly possible to have outstanding commentary in current-gen videogames, but the developers for whatever reason don’t take the time. During a game, I would like to know when a player is having a sub-par game, or playing out of his mind. Also, I don’t want key points (injuries, big shots, etc.) to be ignored because the color guy is in the midst of a long monologue.

Improved Franchise Mode

Lets say you’re one of the bad teams in the league, so you end up with the first pick in the draft at the end of the season. Would it be too much effort to actually have a draft show where players get to pose with the commissioner? Also, why is it that prospects never play like their comparisons? Too many times the "next Magic Johnson" is 6-foot-1 with a low rebound rating. The fact that Magic was a 6-foot-9 point guard is what made Magic who he was! That brings me to another point: the game shouldn’t be so quick to compare unworthy players to legit legends. Another draft idea would be the ability to find diamonds in the rough through the draft or minor leagues -- a rarity in today's sports games.

Trades also need to be tweaked. NBA 2K9 has definitely made strides with the "player ambitions" but far too many questionable trades occur in sports games across the board.

Franchise mode can get dull after a while, so we need reasons to continue playing year after year. A Hall of Fame tracker for legends in the league, numbers being retired, and also banners getting raised would be definite improvements.

Intangibles

The final way to make sure our sports games are truly capturing the essence of watching an actual sports broadcast is to to totally revamp the presentation. Whatever it takes, whether it’s securing certain licenses or broadcasters, developers need to go all out. Video games are now a multi-billion dollar industry and still growing, so there is no reason it can’t be done.

Another interesting idea would be to have actual player voices in the game (it has been done in small doses in the past). One would argue that it would be difficult to get every player in to interview for the game, but if you ever watch interviews, all players seem to say the same thing anyway -- just ask Rasheed "both teams played hard" Wallace. Simply recording old audio from within games and interviews would do the trick.


Some of these ideas will make it, and some will not. The good thing is that some ideas I haven’t even thought of will be brought to life, and that is what I look forward to the most in the coming years.