Madden Developer Podcast

[TheCreep]

Good afternoon Mr Cummings. I think the art/design fanatics here would like to know more about why we never get all of the helmets and facemasks (Ion schutt is an example), and many variations of facemasks are always missing. Couple that with the actual design of available facemasks being spot on but the proportion/size is off, specifically in the "Revolution" category.

Thanks.

[wallofhate]

I want to hear about the evolution of gameflow. Will it ever get advanced enough to use a 2 back system and place player and certain spots during the course of the game? Small gripe but i never understood why do you tell us the other teams formation on the playcall screen? I like the direction madden is going i just wish it wasnt so uniform. You should movements more ugly like trying to get a sack or catch a ball or even reaching for the endzone give it that determination twisting the body fighting for the ball added to it.

[thejake]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ian_Cummings_EA

Do you guys have any major topics of discussion for future podcasts? I'd love to hear what people would like us to answer the most.

Any plans to overhaul special teams play? Especially return blocking and coverage? Seems like it hasn't been touched in a long time.

I'd also like to know what the cpu uses to select a defensive play. Does it know the offensive play I picked and does it use that info to help it call a defensive play?

[InSainn]

The link's not working for me but I will say, I just traded in my Madden and NCAA 11 games and without certain improvements I won't be coming back to video game football as long as it's controlled by EA. Those improvements start with consecutive hit tackles (which real-time physics should make possible), route/timing based passing and finally, no more skating effect. Watch some NFL games and figure out basic 40 yard times but also count the number of steps it takes to get there. Because of the skating it's impossible to get proper speed and stats in relation to the game clock. Oh, and fix the accelerated clock issues.

[BezO]

Quote: Originally Posted by thejake

Any plans to overhaul special teams play?

Yes please.

Double team gunners on punt return?
More punt formations (spread on one side, tight on the other)?
More punt return formations (double & single team blocks on gunners on each side)?
Middle FG block?
Special teams formation subs(pause menu)?
Trick plays?
Surprise onside?
Kicking meter removed?
Remove arbitrary jumping on FG block?
Special teams ratings?

[at23steelers]

Why are penalties so tough to program in?

Crowd noise louder during certain parts of games, along with Gus reacting correctly, and not be more excited when I have it on my own 20 than when I score a TD.

Why doesn't Gus announce before the play, and only announce 3 seconds after something happens?

Why do CPU punters never have good accuracy on punts?

Kicking meter seems dependent only on skill level and not the skill level of the kicker?

Will you start to integrate more ESPN / NFL Network features into Madden 12, to make it look more authentic with presentation of unique stats (where on the field the QB throws the ball, where the RB runs the ball, catches allowed by CB's, franchise mode: future scheduling, announcing talk about story lines and individual players and specific matchups on field). Add NFL today like NBA 2k11 and MLB2k10? http://www.pastapadre.com/2010/04/08...re-in-mlb-2k10

[InSainn]

I like the suggestions for the special teams, add to that list that punt coverage actually comes down the field in their lanes. I don't know how many times I've just seen everyone except the gunners running down in one big group or line.

[Palo20]

Ian, I'd love to hear if you have access to "ESPN Stats and Information" and is that something you'll be able to incorporate into Madden to get every coach and team to play as realistically as possible?

Even better, could you use this info to update team tendencies on a weekly basis, including in franchise mode?