Why Line Play Will Never Be Realistic in Football Games

[TimLawNYC]

Unfortunately, "realistic line play" isn't as simple as just forcing "3 second rule" to be in effect on pass rush. Even assuming that most gamers could accurately read a defense and take action in that time frame, a gamer will take longer to release the ball than any NFL QB, even if they make the read in the same amount of time, because the gamer requires an extra step. A real QB makes his read and then reacts by beginning his throwing motion; the timer ends when he releases the ball. A gamer makes the read, then reacts by pressing the appropriate receiver button, to which the game reacts by beginning the QB's throwing animation, and the timer ends when the ball is released. The extra "action step" required for the gamer will add at least another few tenths of a second to the process.

Also, I'd bet that the throwing animations in video games actually take longer to complete than a real QB's throwing motion does. Add to that the fact that receivers run and develop their routes much slower in video games than in real life, and it becomes clear that line play adhering to the time limits in this article would result in even the best gamers being unable to generate a decent passing game. I'm all for realism, but it doesn't make sense if it doesn't fit in with the balance and mechanics of the game.

[AzureEffect]

2K has done it most effectively on this generation of consoles. It can be done; question is...will we ever see it again.

[Afroholic315]

APF 2k8 has there pass rush down pretty good, the average time i throw a ball in that game is about 2.5-3 seconds I would say, now in my league right now, i have 38 sacks thru 11 gms, Reggie white 15.5, Art Donovan 10, Jerome Brown 8.5, Jack Youngblood 3 and 1 sack for another player, Reggie White can easily get in there in 1.5 seconds, now that doesnt happen everytime but that line forces the QB to get rid of it in 3 seconds or your getting sacked if white doesnt explode thru the line. Steelers in 2010 posted 48 sacks, I have 38 with 5 games to go I will probably get about 10-15 or more sacks in those 5 games, That looks pretty real to me.

[dxdude2004]

People would complain because they want to be like Charlie Sheen: Winning

[Afroholic315]

I also didnt account for all the bad throws that where forced and balls that were throwin in the dirt form getting hit and hits on QB, there were quite a few probably in 15-20's

[Palo20]

WRs will need to get into their routes much faster if they increase the DLine pass rush. Right now, they take too long to get downfield.

[pasgedden]

I have not read everyone's comments...

That being said I just want to express my opinion...

How can a editor ever say that something is not possible in a game??? The reason why I feel this way is because He/She is not a game designer nor developer and if they were I'm sure they would rather be doing it still or if not didn't love doing it and is not good at. NO DISRESPECT! This is not a jab.

So know I have to ask whats your definition of realistic or realism. A game can be realistic but not real. Take a look at ******. "any year" To me its "Arcade". But it can be seen as realistic, so you take that into account there are ways to have a realistic O/D line without it being over pathetic like in ****** or too over powering like in BB. The all mighty 2k wasn't perfect but the O/Dline was the best and the most realistic, hell BB was/is realistic and can be tweaked to be more balanced. To me BB has the most potential when it comes to realism BECAUSE BB HAS REAL TIME PHYSICS!!!!!!! Natural Motion just needs to tweak the gameplay

Football is not a finesse or graceful sport. It's organized chaos when seen up close or played!

How a game could easily play out dline pass rush is to make sure the player knows that its coming and they have to make a good decision or else.. The "or else" should not kill the gameplay or be u***lanced like always fumbling or throwing ints. Simple as that.

(Of course it will be compli***ed when it comes to code and what not)

Realistic Football should not be compared to ****** because its not realistic, period. I would show you video but we all know what would happen.

[elgreazy1]

For those of you claiming White, Jones, and the other sack masters in APF can't get consistent sacks - or more importantly PRESSURE - hit me up for a game. I'm sure my DL will wreak havoc in your backfield.