Black College Football - The Xperience: What's Behind the Name?

Feature Article

Submitted on: 07/10/2009 by Jayson Young

It's not surprising that a non-EA football game is generating a bit of intrigue and hype prior to release, but what’s unusual about Black College Football Xperience is that it has garnered some attention for the wrong reasons. Some people are not interested in what the game has to offer on the field, but instead are interested in the title of the game.

In two weeks, Operation Sports will be reviewing Nerjyzed Entertainment's Black College Football Xperience: The Doug Williams Edition for the Xbox 360. Rather than ignore this issue and let it cloud over our review, Operation Sports is here to tackle the issue head-on in this article, so that the review can be solely devoted to what’s coded into the game disc -- instead of what’s written on the game's box.

What’s in a Name?

The title, Black College Football Xperience, has been called many things:

A blatant marketing ploy designed to stir up controversy
Emblematic of a "double-standard" that allows for the production of explicitly "black" entertainment as opposed to those that are explicitly "white"
Just plain "racist"

In truth, it is none of those things. The title is simply misinterpreted and misunderstood.

While the average person reading the title seems to gravitate towards the word "Black," with an emphasis on the players' race, the focus of the title should actually be "Black College," meaning the 34 historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) that are represented in the game, all of which admit students of any race, not just those who are black.

Essentially, Black College Football Xperience is a game dedicated, not to a single race, but to the HBCUs and their proud football traditions, which include members of all races.

Ignorance has always been at the heart of racism, and the controversy behind BCFX is no different.
Source: aladdinsarcade.com

HBCU 101

For those who don’t know, HBCUs are institutions that were -- for the most part -- founded after the Civil War. They gave newly freed African Americans a chance to pursue the college educations that were being denied to them by "regular" colleges and universities -- many of which remained segregated long after the end of the Civil War in 1865.

In fact, it took almost 100 years, with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, before the racial segregation of schools was finally outlawed in America.

During those hundred years and all the way up to the present, schools like Morehouse College, Howard University, Hampton University and so on have established themselves, not just as fine academic institutions, but also as schools with proud athletic traditions.

Central to those traditions are the schools' marching bands and their drumlines, which give black college football games a party-like atmosphere distinct from other collegiate sporting events.

It’s the unique traditions and atmosphere that Black College Football Xperience is trying to capture, as it’s something that EA’s NCAA Football series has not tried very hard to imitate, even when historically black football conferences were a part of EA's game.

Live-band recordings and an interactive halftime show bring the party atmosphere to life in BCFX.
Source: BCFXgame.com

EA’s Loss Is Nerjyzed's Gain

Since moving the franchise onto next-gen consoles, the NCAA Football series has omitted all FCS teams (Division I-AA) from its roster.

Among those casualties were historically black conferences like the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) and SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference). Those two conferences account for a total of 20 HBCUs.

As with the other FCS teams, the absence of HBCU powerhouses like Grambling State, Southern, Florida A&M, and so on has surely been noticed by a significant group of NCAA Football gamers.

But with the July release of Black College Football Xperience, those two FCS conferences, as well as Division II leagues like the SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) and CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) now have a virtual home in a current-gen video game.

And while all of these historically black conferences compete yearly for the black college football national championship (as voted on in the SBN black college football poll), this will be the first time that fans of those schools can fight for the BCF national championship in a videogame format.

A History Worth Celebrating

As readers may have picked up on by now, the phrase "black college" is simply a colloquial term used as a shorthand method of referring to historically black colleges and universities.

No one has ever taken offense to the use of the term "black college" as it relates to the HBCU polls or the dozens of yearly classics that many HBCUs schedule instead of participating in their leagues' national playoffs. So why would the use of the term "Black College" in a videogame cause such a huge reaction?

Apparently the reason for the misjudgment is that gamers are simply unfamiliar with black colleges in general, not to mention the history behind them. It is Operation Sports' hope that, after reading this article, ignorance is no longer an excuse.

Of the 105 black colleges and universities that exist today, many of them have been around for well over a century, so surely we can all agree that it’s time for these schools to get their due in a videogame. It's time to celebrate everything that makes HBCUs stand out from other colleges and universities.

So make sure to keep an eye out for Black College Football Xperience: The Doug Williams Edition, scheduled to arrive on the Xbox 360 on July 20.

And check back here shortly after release for the official Operation Sports review.

Member Comments

# 161 Jukeman @ 07/16/09 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grunt


	The problem is the lack of historical knowledge about our great country. There is a rich history of HBCU and it is sad more people do not have this information. HBCU is American history and played a major role in making America ...America.

By far the best post in the thread

# 162 texastarheel @ 07/16/09 05:45 PM

I went to Livingstone College (class of '87) in Salisbury, NC which is a HBCU. Livingstone played in the first, I repeat first football game ever between two black schools. (The other school was Biddle University which now is named Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC) I am just glad that I now can play my alma mater in a game without creating them in an EA game. If anyone has ever been to a HBCU game they would know why this game is named what it is. It is an experience!!! I currently live in Dallas, TX now and one of the highlights of the year is the Prarie View vs Grambling game in the Cotton Bowl. A few years ago I took a couple of my co-workers (1 white and 1 black) who both went to predominately white colleges and had never been to a black college football game. They said it was the most fun they have ever had at a football game. And their exact words were "that was one of the best experiences we have ever had!!"
Will the gameplay be up to par with NCAA 10 probably not, will it sell as many copies as NCAA 10, probably not. But what it will do is let gamers who went to these schools have a little fun and remember their college days with enjoyment.

# 163 HMcCoy @ 07/16/09 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aholbert32


	Why would be offended once when you know why the label exists? Most HBCU's are 95% or more black so its not politically incorrect to call them Black Colleges. Liberty University and Orel Roberts University are 100% Christian and no one gets offended when they are called "christian schools." Why? Because thats what they are. So if they are "Black Colleges" whats wrong a game that features those schools "Black College Football" Also the developers are trying to sell games. Its simple name recognition. Calling it HBCU Football doesnt work because no one who follows those schools calls it that. Cant call it Division 2 football because some of those teams are Division 3 teams. What looks better on a cover "Black College Football" or "SIAC, MEAC, SWAC Football". It has nothing to do with controversy. Its simple marketing. Also why would non blacks be offended by this? Honestly, I havent met one black person who is offended by the labeling of an HBCU. I have a family full of people who attended HBCUs and no one here is offended by someone calling it a "black school." It has NOTHING to do with equality. Non blacks are admitted into HBCU's (most of them receive minority scholarships when they attend.) Blacks attend primarily white schools. The label is primarily focused on the history of the school and the label is something I'm proud of. My school (Clark Atlanta) is different than Georgia Tech or Georgia and I dont have a problem recognizing that. Clark's history, mission statement, culture and student population are different than those schools. I dont want my school lumped in with every school in GA. My school is different.

Again, you are preaching to the choir, bro. My point is simply...

Why do you get to decide what's offensive to some one else?

Every point you make can be twisted to fit anothers agenda. Im quite sure some southern proponents of segregation weren't bad people, but simply didn't understand why black people didn't want to eat/learn/shop with other black people. They felt they had good reason why blacks "shouldn't be offended". The concept that you decide what people should just STFU and accept is ludicrous.

Im not making a judgement...I obviously comprehend the historical significance of HCBU's. Im just saying that the fact that you refuse to acknowledge someone else has the right to be offended by it...is hypocrisy, and the root of intolerance and racism. Folks should (and some have) be able to explain their view coherently, without getting fly, attacking, or calling names. If you believe there is no double standard when it comes to bigotry, you are being naive.

I guess Im just saying that after knowing about this country's wicked, disgusting past, I make it a point to try really hard NOT to be arrogant enough to think that my sensibilities should dictate what is accepteptable...like those that have opressed us. If you feel theres a significant reason to label HCBU's thats cool...but be big enough to be tolerant to those who don't. From the outside, it does give the connotation of exclusion, and to simply say.."well thats just how we roll...suck it you inbred racist!" is not right. Again, not all have said this, but enough have.

# 164 Dynamite @ 07/17/09 06:23 AM

Well said.

Ultimately this is going to end soon, as the game is out or nearly out (I forget seeing as I'm on vacation from working at a video game retailer), but I can't say enough: they're called HBCUs by many different places because that's what they are. Not to exclude, not to offend, not to call attention to, but because they are Historically Black schools, simple and plain.

That somehow having black colleges constitutes some large problem in America...it really strikes me as funny. I mean, isn't that how most of the ethnic groups outcast in America really began to make in-roads to acceptance and tolerance (rather than just grudging tolerance)? I believe so. I'm not bothered that people are questioning the name of the game, the more striking point here is that people had the nerve to question the existence of black schools by claiming reverse discrimination. That's what's low about it, and comparing having a black school to having BET (which is the worst representation of blacks since minstrel shows...), I just hope that after this chapter is closed, we can find a way to not fault blacks for doing what every other group has done in the United States, which is find a way to start educational institutions to serve their needs. How is that threatening, racist, or unjust?

# 165 HMcCoy @ 07/17/09 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P2K


	But many other cultures do the same exact same deal. I live right down the avenue from a Jewish institute of learning. But, it's a big deal when African Americans do their own thing. I don't understand how it is hypocrisy. I agree with you that people have the right to be offended. I guess my standpoint is why are the certain people that feel offended...offended? Do they feel opressed by black folks? Do they feel so threatened by seeing black people hold dear to their culture and history? Do these people feel uneasy or appalled that HBCUs exist? I don't see it. I can't. To me, it's like a wealthy person watching homeless people be glee and playful in a dumpster...and the wealthy bastard has the nerve to be jealous. It...it just doesn't register to me. I try but...I mean...it's not like we're putting pamphlets under car windshield wipers telling folks "We have black schools and YOU AREN'T ALLOWED!!! MuaAHAhaHAhAhaha!!!" And the big thing with me is that these schools and this game isn't telling anyone that blacks are better than everyone else. Just my opinion.

Good post, and I agree. I don't have a problem with anyone's viewpoint, really. Just in how we consider and discuss them.

# 166 Happyvally74 @ 07/17/09 01:28 PM

Is anyone truly considering buying this game?

# 167 aholbert32 @ 07/17/09 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HMcCoy


	Again, you are preaching to the choir, bro. My point is simply... Why do you get to decide what's offensive to some one else? Every point you make can be twisted to fit anothers agenda. Im quite sure some southern proponents of segregation weren't bad people, but simply didn't understand why black people didn't want to eat/learn/shop with other black people. They felt they had good reason why blacks "shouldn't be offended". The concept that you decide what people should just STFU and accept is ludicrous. Im not making a judgement...I obviously comprehend the historical significance of HCBU's. Im just saying that the fact that you refuse to acknowledge someone else has the right to be offended by it...is hypocrisy, and the root of intolerance and racism. Folks should (and some have) be able to explain their view coherently, without getting fly, attacking, or calling names. If you believe there is no double standard when it comes to bigotry, you are being naive. I guess Im just saying that after knowing about this country's wicked, disgusting past, I make it a point to try really hard NOT to be arrogant enough to think that my sensibilities should dictate what is accepteptable...like those that have opressed us. If you feel theres a significant reason to label HCBU's thats cool...but be big enough to be tolerant to those who don't. From the outside, it does give the connotation of exclusion, and to simply say.."well thats just how we roll...suck it you inbred racist!" is not right. Again, not all have said this, but enough have.

I'm totally confused. I ask why people are offended and you accuse me of telling people to STFU but when P2k asks the same thing...he has a great point? I'm asking why anyone would be offended and then listed the reasons why it doesnt make any sense. You should have a reason behind being offended and its ridiculous to allow people to yell "THAT TITLE IS OFFENSIVE" and not ask them to back it up.

Since you already claimed I did it, I'll do it formally. If you are offended by the title and cant articulate a reason for it...STFU. If you have a reason for it, I will listen and will have a counter if your reason is nonsensical.

If its arrogant for me to expect people to ask questions or research before immediately reacting...**** it I'll be arrogant. I would also have a little more patience if the entire 2 page article didnt explain the title and why its named that way. So even if you think that title is exclusionary on its face, the article explains that the title isnt.

# 168 TracerBullet @ 07/17/09 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneStarState

Didn't the guy who got banned stop talking about the HBCUs and start just talking about black history instead? Technically he wasn't on topic. But honestly the reason that people aren't excepting the other viewpoints is kinda obvious. They keep presenting the same exact arguments, "Where's white college football?" "These Schools are racist because they only have black people." "Our nation should intergrate and we should get rid of the title HBCU." etc. People came back with valid statements against the arguements but the people refused to listen to it and kept repeating the same thing over and over. It's not that they can't present the other side of the arguement, most of them just have gone about it the wrong way.

# 169 TracerBullet @ 07/17/09 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outtamind


	Alcorn State Class of '02 reporting in here. Funny thing about my school, is that in a way, it is both historically white AND black. How? It was founded as a school for whites by the Presbyterians back before the Civil War. When it failed to reopen afterwards, it became Alcorn State---named ironically enough for the governor of Mississippi. When it reopened it was a school for black men. And it was a pretty brave thing to do, although at the time it was more a vocational school (i.e. how to fix things on a farm) than an educational one (i.e. get smart and get a better job than working on a farm). But you have to start somewhere, and eventually about a 100 years later, it became a full fledged university. Today, it's designated as a HBCU---and the alma mater of the late, great Steve McNair, RIP. About the title of this game.....I see why they didn't call it Historically Black College Football. Eeesh, that'd be a mouthful. On the other hand, I sort of, sort of, see where the other side is coming from. It does to some extent sound exclusionary if you don't know what the game is truly representing. And while we would all like to think that everyone knows about HBCU's and their dignified history, not everyone does. And even then, some will make the argument, as Pike did, that the name isn't necessary anymore. And while I don't agree, the point is valid. There's a senator in Georgia even that is trying to combine a HBCU with a couple of others on the premise that the HBCU designation is no longer significant or some such. Honoring the past of these schools is vital--that no one can argue. What the founders of these schools did was difficult and brave and shouldn't be forgotten. And the term HBCU, in my book, is one way to honor them. Maybe there is a better way, but I'm not sure as to what that would be. Now, I will say that yes, these schools are predominantly black. And the reasons for that are varied. But if a white student wishes to attend, he can. And, in fact, I would recommend it to any white person as a way to open up your horizons---much in the same vein as going to Europe or Asia. The culture at these schools IS different, but in a good way. That said, I do think the day will come when these schools are more mixed than they are now--and contrary to some of my fellow alumni, I think that is great. And when that day comes, maybe Alcorn will just be Alcorn and we'll have a Hall of History telling the story of our school. Anything is possible. So, in summary, Black College Football: The Xperience, is certainly not without some controversy, but also not without some valid reasons for the branding that I don't think are meant to be exclusionary or racist. For one, I can't think of what else they would call the game that would sell very well. They probably can't use the NCAA name because of EA Sports, and it's not as if all these schools are in just one conference--so you can't call it 'Southland' football or what have you. Lastly, to some of you guys who are defending the title of the game--and of HBCU's in general: It's great that you are sticking up for the history of these institutions. They are deserving of the defense. People need to know why these schools are designated as they are. People need to know about the brave people who set these schools up. And they need to know that in no way does the term 'HBCU' mean segregated and exclusionary. What they do not need, and what we as black people do not need, are people representing us in a way that is so aggressive, ish-filled and crass that the message gets lost in the end. You may hate that not everyone sees it your way, but what you are missing is that by calling people out, being rude as hell and, telling them to 'STFU', and so on...is that you are giving these people exactly what they expected from the stereotypes they may have brought into the conversation. If a white person gets into this conversation thinking that black people are using 'reverse racism' in the title of this game and in the use of the term HBCU, what do you think will change if your tactics are to be rude and insulting to them? It just helps to confirm their feelings, in my honest opinion. And that isn't cool for us. It's fine to educate them about the history of these schools--it's great even. But leave it at that. And if they don't--if they persist in views that are in opposition to yours, just leave them be. Kill them with kindness, remember that growing up? You'll be much more likely to get your point across, and it will be much more likely that they'll see your point of view. And if they don't, well then that's on them. At least you and our point of view, will come out looking dignified and respectful. And while I don't see any indication that aholbert32 is a moderator here, if he is then it is not a good thing to have such a flagrant violation of the TOS committed by someone who is here to defend it. I can't imagine how someone telling another member to 'STFU', for any reason, could be a moderator here. And if anyone wants a cool, non-ish filled conversation about the subject of this game and its correlation with HBCU's, hit me up. I won't bite. Peace.

Good post. You sure that's only your 4th lol.

# 170 mgoblue @ 07/17/09 08:53 PM

Question on the actual game itself. I really get that the halftime band aspect is a huge matter of pride for each HBCU, but do you fans really want to play a button pressing game at halftime of a football video game? Just wondering...seems like something that'll get skipped 9 times out of 10, but that's just my thoughts

# 171 superjames1992 @ 07/17/09 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happyvally74


	Is anyone truly considering buying this game?

I was, until I leaned two things...

The game has no dynasty mode, which kills it dead on the spot.

And the game doesn't feature my hometown team of North Carolina A&T. That's the only HBCU I can relate to other than West Virginia State University, which although is technically an HBCU, is 85% white. My dad went there years ago.

# 172 BigTigLSU @ 07/18/09 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P2K


	Yeeeaaaahhhh, I see your point. It's a cool feature, but it can get old and annoying fast from the look of it. And superjames has a major point. I NEED a franchise/dynasty mode. Sorry, that's a must for me.

I think it is actually a selling point for the game... Some people will try for that aspect alone...

# 173 NAdkins01 @ 07/18/09 04:39 PM

It is sad the game won't match the intentions. It won't have online play or a dynasty mode. This is simply a game to try and capitalize on the title. It might sell at $20 but won't at $60. I don't find this game racist but why do they feel the need to call it historically black? At the same time these schools were black only, if other schools were white only why aren't they called "Historically White" schools? People want stuff segregated one moment but not the next. A school is a school but they can't compete with EA so calling it a black college game is meant to help it sell. Again though it won't sell because it doesn't offer the gameplay and features to bring in anyone besides someone strictly looking for a the experience, but drumlines at halftime aren't going to be enough.

# 174 Dynamite @ 07/18/09 05:12 PM

And here we go again...

Read the thread before you start typing, and you'll see that we had this discussion before, and it's not an exclusionary title, it's a factual title based on history, but not current student body composition. Chill out.

# 175 Dollar Theater @ 07/19/09 12:25 AM

About the game itself...it's apparently been moved back.

It was slated to come out Monday (July 20) but Gamestop's site has moved the release date back to August 25. Amazon has it even farther back - the second week of September.

# 176 jyoung @ 07/19/09 12:43 AM

I hope the delay just means they are taking extra time to fine-tune the game.

Would've been nice to have a new, non-EA football game to look forward to next week, but I suppose I can wait another month.

# 177 WdnUlik2no @ 07/20/09 10:47 AM

Another HBCU Graduate here; Morehouse College. I can't say I'm surprised at the many people being "offended" by this "racist" game. But truth is, there is NOTHING racist about this game, it is simply a college football game that uses HBCU's. But you would be surprised (or not) at the many people who don't know that HBCU's even exist or that they are some sort of urban legend or myth; or if they did exist then they are not "sophisticated" enough to play organized sports.

When I graduated, even people in the state of Georgia didn't know what Morehouse was. I distinctively remember my mom calling 411 for the number and the operator was clueless and insisted that she meant to say "Morehead" instead.

There is no use in arguing with the ignorant people here who claim this game is racist. They are clueless and what's even worse they refuse to LEARN about something before making inaccurate comments. Maybe the name throws some people off, but perhaps a little more research would have revealed that Black College in the title of the game refers to the HBCU's themselves, and NOT simply being a game about "Black football".

Admittedly, I wasn't much into college football either at my school or Division 1-A when I was in college, but now that I'm older that has changed. I stopped buying EA sports games after the 2006 editions and I see no reason for me to purchase their latest edition either. My last football game was APF 2K8 however this game has sparked my interest and I will definetely be checking it out. I think its a wonderful idea and commend them for having the guts to make this game in spite of the many who claim it promotes segregation.

# 178 shad_moss93 @ 08/10/09 02:51 PM

IGN, Gamespot, Gamestop, and http://www.amazon.com/Black-College-...=operasport-20 all have the release date for August 24, 2009.

# 179 Dollar Theater @ 08/22/09 12:58 PM

Gamestop has pushed the release date back to Sept. 8. This game is never going to come out.

# 180 dabigman9748 @ 08/22/09 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sois


	I hate football developers. They remind me of the 3 stooges. EA is Moe. 2K is Curly. This game is Shemp. They all fail at satisfying the customer.

EA is the good businessman but crappy game designer, 2k is the crappy businessman but good game designer. nerjyzed is the crappy businessman and crappy game designer lol.

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