Sideline Camera Men

[Jono078]

Firstly, watch the IGN Drew Brees Interview video.

Ok it's been one hectic week and largely I've liked what I've heard and seen.

But if there was one thing that Id like to bring to EA's attention while it's still early enough to possibly fix, is the statue like camera guys on the sideline.

It just kills the atmosphere and looks silly. This year there seems to be a hell of a lot more than past Maddens, but why can't they give them at least a little bit of animation like the crowds?

Why can't they have them at least a tiny bit animated, like instead of facing straight get them turning to face the ball carrier. Get them to kneel or move around within a 1-2 yard vicinity to get in a better position?

Then with the cutscenes where you can see them in the background standing still, at least make the camera's flash in night games?

Anyone agree, or does it just bother me a lot? I think it's what makes the NBA 2K games awesome, is the atmosphere it provides at game level. Everyone outside the lines of the court is usually busy doing something, moving and doing something which looks unique. And that is lacking in Madden. But I do understand it's much harder to do in Madden because of the sheer number of people on the screen at one time.

Once again look at the IGN Drew Brees Interview video, especially from 1:25 onwards you get a perfect example of the sideline statues and then see them in the background of a cutscene.

Would love to hear from Michael Young on this and his opinion on the chances of getting them animated or if it's feasible or not.

[Boregard]

I agree with you. Now I would not put it high on the priority list - if I were making such a list - but it is definately something you would think they could tweak - especially within the cutscenes.

I guess if the gameplay was further along, and franchise was on solid footing I would be like yep, fix it now - but with the way things are now I would say back burner, but address with tweaks as time/resources allow.

[kalimmortal]

i've been wishing for the sidelines to be upgraded...players, coaches, chain gang, cheerleaders, the whole nine yards ...

the players on the sideline don't look athletic at all ... and they have some really goofy animations...

my understanding is that if the developers add more detail and a.i. to the sidelines they would have to reduce some of the definition of the onfield players...

to me..that would be an ok sacrifice ..if it means that i would get a complete in-game atmosphere...

[Boregard]

^^^ I agree, but you would get some nit-picker looking for 3D grass maoning about the level of detail on the field.

Me, I think that a little sacrifice in graphics, like I really do not care one bit if "Joe QB" actually looks like his real counterpart does as far as his face is concerned, is more than acceptable if it means more immersion somewhere else!!!

[Valdarez]

Good camera men don't move. Ever.

[Jono078]

It's probably not the biggest issue.

But you watch a pre season game compared to the Superbowl and see how busy the sidelines are and how much it adds to the atmosphere of the game.

[Michael_Young_EA]

Jono078 here is my take. Being Art Director of Madden and an official NFL sideline photographer, I would obviously love to have this area of the game upgraded (Who better to design it than myself ). We have talked about it and it eventually it will be improved. Boregard makes good points, we always have to prioritize what we work on and in what order to satisfy the most fans. I am confident you guys will like the choices we have made for Madden NFL 11.

Also NFL sideline photographers don't use flashes for game action

[Valdarez]

Quote: Originally Posted by Michael_Young_EA

Jono078 here is my take. Being Art Director of Madden and an official NFL sideline photographer, I would obviously love to have this area of the game upgraded (Who better to design it than myself ). We have talked about it and it eventually it will be improved. Boregard makes good points, we always have to prioritize what we work on and in what order to satisfy the most fans. I am confident you guys will like the choices we have made for Madden NFL 11. Also NFL sideline photographers don't use flashes for game action

Bah on camera men. Ian says you're a story guy as well. When are you going to talk him to getting story based elements into Franchise? Part and parcel of the NFL is the drama that goes along with it. That requires characters, plots, and story lines. In addition, to be told well.