Madden NFL and the Future of Video Game Sports (Grantland)

[jyoung]

Quote: Originally Posted by roadman

Interesting that the author took a big paragraph to explain 22 players on the field makes it a difficult game to code. I've heard the same from others on here.

It's not just the number of players on the field, but the fact that each player is following a different AI script (running a route, covering a zone, etc.).

Plus for the game to be realistic, each player can't just follow his pre-play script entirely.

There has to be a mix of prescripted movement and "on the fly" AI adjustments based on what the other players on the field are doing.

[roadman]

Quote: Originally Posted by wEEman33

It's not just the number of players on the field, but the fact that each player is following a different AI script (running a route, covering a zone, etc.). Plus for the game to be realistic, each player can't just follow his pre-play script entirely. There has to be a mix of prescripted movement and "on the fly" AI adjustments based on what the other players on the field are doing.

True, great point, I didn't go the extra yard in explaining that.

Thanks.

[Big FN Deal]

Quote: Originally Posted by rgiles36

I'm curious to see what they come up with. Like you mentioned, it's encouraging to see that they realize they've gotta come up with something new. Perhaps a new passing mechanic? Spitballing obviously... In any event, I don't know if what they're hinting at will bear fruit for M13 -- but I am anxious to see how doubling the gameplay team impacts the upcoming game.

It's always fun to speculate and I kept picturing a new position specific field level gameplay view option when reading that part. Just seems like a rather simple addition that instantly adds more immersion and realism. imo.

The story telling aspect Young alluded to, brought a uncontrollable smile to my face. lol. I constantly read on OS how so many franchise gamers have to use their imagination to invent there own franchise storylines to create the "game inside the game" that exist in the real NFL. It's great to read the Creative Director acknowledge that and realize the need for Madden to represent this aspect going forward.

I never have played a franchise mode of any sports game, by myself, against the CPU. However, that would definitely change if Madden can actually represent the internal conflicts and challenges of the NFL, like, "....the long shot who makes the team, is the hero, and has a fall. From there we can almost sequel it and have episodes: his comeback, his being tossed aside for the new rookie. We could go through that whole world...".

I can just imagine each player in Madden having a random "choose you own adventure" type storyline that plays out uniquely over each 30 season franchise. Teams refusing to make marquee trades to division opponents, past players motivated to play against former teams, veterans demanding trades if teams signs a potential replacement, etc. I love the way Mike Young's mind seems to work in relation to NFL football games.

[Danknugmelo]

They need to omve away from Madden and get in people who are more familiar with how football is played NOW. Madden hasnt coached since, what, the late 70s? And he hasnt announced in 4-5 season.

Game has changed and left him in the past.

[roadman]

Quote: Originally Posted by Danknugmelo

They need to omve away from Madden and get in people who are more familiar with how football is played NOW. Madden hasnt coached since, what, the late 70s? And he hasnt announced in 4-5 season. Game has changed and left him in the past.

I doubt it, really.

That mancave he has isn't set up to play twiddly winks. Last year, he told the Madden team there seems to be more middle and bubble screens in the NFL.

So, I don't think the game is passing him by.

[dfos81]

Quote: Originally Posted by Danknugmelo

They need to omve away from Madden and get in people who are more familiar with how football is played NOW. Madden hasnt coached since, what, the late 70s? And he hasnt announced in 4-5 season. Game has changed and left him in the past.

haha...yeah, John Madden has probably forgot more about todays game than anybody at EA/Tiburon even knows.
If anything Madden is explaining what coaching schemes/strategies are trending now. Didn't you read Madden's retired, he has more time to be a football fan now.
Since when does not having a recent NFL coaching job, and announcing for NFL games, keep a person from being qualified enough to help improve the Madden series? Especially, the Legend himself.....

[huskerwr38]

Quote: Originally Posted by Danknugmelo

They need to omve away from Madden and get in people who are more familiar with how football is played NOW. Madden hasnt coached since, what, the late 70s? And he hasnt announced in 4-5 season. Game has changed and left him in the past.

That is probably one of the more ignorant statements I've seen on this board. People's stupidity never cease to amaze me.

Anyways, the x's and o's of Madden isn't what really bother me. In terms of gameplay, it's the way the players move and interact with each other that really bother me. Most games these days use some sort of motion capture animation system, but Madden's animation system is the worse I have played (out of the major games). They really really need to re-vamp their animation system.

[TreFacTor]

Quote: Originally Posted by wEEman33

It's not just the number of players on the field, but the fact that each player is following a different AI script (running a route, covering a zone, etc.). Plus for the game to be realistic, each player can't just follow his pre-play script entirely. There has to be a mix of prescripted movement and "on the fly" AI adjustments based on what the other players on the field are doing.

Not to mentioned variations on when certain animations are performed. It surprises me that to this day we still have mirroring animations where a receiver and DB will do the same exact animation at the same exact time, or 2 defensive players perform the same animation at the same exact time. For them to tout the progress in animation and AI but still not see the faults doesn't give me the confidence that it will be corrected until next gen. I still can't foresee m13 being anything but the norm for this generation of consoles especially considering the emphasis that is made with the statement that the game is already pushing this gen to it's limits.