Why the NFL’s Labor Strife Might Be the Best Thing That Happened to Madden (Kotaku)

[LiquorLogic]

Quote: Originally Posted by ryan36

TONS. Tons and tons and tons and tons. The game still sells, EA has no competition, and the NFL gets its money from ONE source, and is able to tell that source what can and cannot be in the game. It's easier than doing that for 2 to 4 titles every year. Yes, LiquorLogic doesn't like Madden. You're a minor annoyance to them, if they know you exist. Which they don't. A game going exclusive means you either like their product or don't buy it, but you can't buy another one... In fact, unhappy customers are the reasons FOR the exclusive license...not happy ones.

This has nothing to do with me, or my displeasure with the Madden series on this generation of consoles. It has to do with EA's incentive, or lack there of, in paying a higher premium for an exclusive license when there are no viable competitors to exclude.

Even if another publisher comes out with a game in 2014, it won't come close to outselling Madden no matter how good it is.

[ryan36]

Quote: Originally Posted by LiquorLogic

This has nothing to do with me, or my displeasure with the Madden series on this generation of consoles. It has to do with EA's incentive, or lack there of, in paying a higher premium for an exclusive license when there are viable competitors to exclude. Even if another publisher comes out with a game in 2014, it won't come close to outselling Madden no matter how good it is.

Yeah but then Madden is leaving money on the table. The license will cheaper but will be in EA's hands for a long time... the NFL loves that EA can pay it, EA loves that they're the only game. Consumers are an afterthought.

[kjcheezhead]

Quote: Originally Posted by rgiles36

This, I agree with. EA will hold many (if not all) of the cards as far as the price and negotiation. But make no mistake about it, they're not naive enough to lock into a non-exclusive agreement. LiquorLogic envisions a scenario where EA will let their guard down and let a competing company slip in through the back door. It doesn't make any sense to me...

At this point, there is zero chance of a competing company slipping in the back door. The NFL wouldn't take 1/10th of what it is getting now for an exclusive license, but it probably doesn't matter to EA.

2k is the only company with an existing football title to work on. The team that worked on it is disbanded and most of the code will be over 9 years old when the deal expires. Not to mention Activision is said to be looking to buy take two and has zero interest in the sports division outside of NBA 2k. Then there is the fact that 2k's best game sold 1/5th of what Madden did in its hey day.

I agree no one but EA is making a football game any time soon. The problem for the NFL is no one knows that better than EA.

[roadman]

Quote: Originally Posted by LiquorLogic

Even if another publisher comes out with a game in 2014, it won't come close to outselling Madden no matter how good it is.

And now we are back to ground 0.

Why would EA risk another company taking even a small chunk out of their profits?

[kjcheezhead]

Quote: Originally Posted by roadman

And now we are back to ground 0. Why would EA risk another company taking even a small chunk out of their profits?

There would be hundreds of millions saved by doing away with an exclusive license. That alone would make up for a small chunk of sales lost. Also these possible lost sales wouldn't even be a threat for at least 2-3 years after the license expires and then it would only happen if the new game could top Madden's name recognition and 9 year head start.

[GiantBlue76]

Quote: Originally Posted by kjcheezhead

There would be hundreds of millions saved by doing away with an exclusive license. That alone would make up for a small chunk of sales lost. Also these possible lost sales wouldn't even be a threat for at least 2-3 years after the license expires and then it would only happen if the new game could top Madden's name recognition and 9 year head start.

Then again, all of this nonsense could be put to rest if EA put out a quality product worthy of our money.

[Hova57]

I've always found it funny that the Deal was always looked at as if EA conned their way in. When it was a good business deal at the time. Madden was at a very high point that really lasted two years. Due to some mismanagement on EA part they have felt the sting. Whether a lockout could encourage a better product I doubt. But rather more money to invest in people is what going to bring madden back. You can only do so much with limited man power. That cut made a couple more jobs in EA, whether we as the consumer see any benefit is anybody's guess.

[roadman]

Quote: Originally Posted by kjcheezhead

There would be hundreds of millions saved by doing away with an exclusive license. That alone would make up for a small chunk of sales lost. Also these possible lost sales wouldn't even be a threat for at least 2-3 years after the license expires and then it would only happen if the new game could top Madden's name recognition and 9 year head start.

Last time I checked there is still an exclusive license. As Rgiles stated, it's all speculation beyond that point.

I really don't think EA and the NFL is looking at it the way you are. I don't think either party wants to risk that chance.

Having the exclusive license, as Ryan said, is beneficial to both parties, even at much reduced rates.

As you stated earlier, no one is making a NFL football game except for Madden in the near term. I'm agreeing with Ryan and taking it a step further and saying it will be a long time partnership.