SEC, Pac-12, Big Ten Won't License Trademarks in Future Video Games

[LowerWolf]

My best guess: If the SEC is pulling out, Mike Slive will "suggest" that its member schools do as well. And they'll most likely listen to that suggestion.

And after years of pushing up against the line in terms of using player likenesses, EA won't go near that line when it comes to conferences and schools.

[pietasterp]

Well, it's been a fun 20+ years of sports gaming, but it looks like we're headed into some dark times ahead for the sports gaming scene...

[aholbert32]

Quote: Originally Posted by pietasterp

Time will tell; you may be right. But I think some people (myself among them) view this as a dominos situation, with one falling after another in succession. I think without the cover of the conferences and CLC, the individual schools may be more exposed in a legal sense to future similar litigation (which I would guess is what all of these pre-emptive moves are about). It's true that not having to shell out for a license saves EA money in a direct sense, but if the number of people that don't buy the game because there is no "SEC" (no SEC title game, branding, etc.) results in a loss of revenue greater than the upfront fixed cost of securing the license, it will be a net loss for EA. My guess is that there are a lot of people that won't buy the game if there is no "SEC" in it, since most purchasers of the game are casual gamers, not hardcore, and just want to take Alabama or LSU to the SEC title game.

Who wouldnt buy the game because of a logo? The SEC logo isnt prominent on NCAA football 14's packaging so its not like people will know that the SEC isnt in next year's game from the cover.

So lets say I'm a casual video gamer who loves college football specifically Alabama and I read ESPN's headline that the SEC isnt going to be in the game. I assume that means Bama wont be in the game. So that means I wont buy the game, right?

The problem with that is its August 2013. EA has a year to use its marketing machine to let people know that all the teams are in the game. Ea can use its cover (like it did in the past) to make it clear that all the teams are in the game. Also, there is the internet. Bama fan can easily google search to see if Bama's in the game. Or even after release discover that Bama is in the game.

Finally, the title game will still be in the game. It just wont be called the SEC title game. It will still be at the GA dome in the game and still occur right before the bowls.

[aholbert32]

Quote: Originally Posted by LowerWolf

My best guess: If the SEC is pulling out, Mike Slive will "suggest" that its member schools do as well. And they'll most likely listen to that suggestion. And after years of pushing up against the line in terms of using player likenesses, EA won't go near that line when it comes to conferences and schools.

There is no line. Likenesses are completely different than trademarks. The could call the league the "South 14" and be fine.

[pietasterp]

Quote: Originally Posted by aholbert32

Who wouldnt buy the game because of a logo? The SEC logo isnt prominent on NCAA football 14's packaging so its not like people will know that the SEC isnt in next year's game from the cover.

I would guess a not-insignificant number. Honestly, not having the "B1G" in the game is a huge negative for me. Verisimilitude is a big part of the appeal of these games.

Quote: Originally Posted by aholbert32

So lets say I'm a casual video gamer who loves college football specifically Alabama and I read ESPN's headline that the SEC isnt going to be in the game. I assume that means Bama wont be in the game. So that means I wont buy the game, right? The problem with that is its August 2013. EA has a year to use its marketing machine to let people know that all the teams are in the game. Ea can use its cover (like it did in the past) to make it clear that all the teams are in the game. Also, there is the internet. Bama fan can easily google search to see if Bama's in the game. Or even after release discover that Bama is in the game. Finally, the title game will still be in the game. It just wont be called the SEC title game. It will still be at the GA dome in the game and still occur right before the bowls.

Look, I started my comments by readily admitting that you may be right. I gave my opinion, but since none of us knows how this is going to turn out, I intentionally couched all my statements with "if" and "my guess is...". All I'm saying is, I don't think any of us can make any declarative statements or state what is going to happen with future releases with any certitude whatsoever.

[DJ]

Not time to panic yet, but as soon as a school like Alabama or Oregon opt out (if they are allowed to under terms of the contract), than it's likely a wrap for college football video games going forward.

[aholbert32]

Quote: Originally Posted by pietasterp

I would guess a not-insignificant number. Honestly, not having the "B1G" in the game is a huge negative for me. Verisimilitude is a big part of the appeal of these games. Look, I started my comments by readily admitting that you may be right. I gave my opinion, but since none of us knows how this is going to turn out, I intentionally couched all my statements with "if" and "my guess is...". All I'm saying is, I don't think any of us can make any declarative statements or state what is going to happen with future releases with any certitude whatsoever.

Hold on. I'm not attacking you. This is just a discussion. I'm really trying to understand your thought process here. I just dont get in this age why someone would not buy the game because of a logo. The confusion should be lessened by marketing and by the amount of info available on the web.

Back in 1994-95, when EA released its last unlicensed game, I could see people being confused because most people didnt have the internet and marketing budgets were much smaller. Just cant see that happening now.

Also saying "there are dark times ahead" is kind of a declarative statement.

[BizDevConglomerate]

It's not big to me. I look at what Backbreaker did and say to Hell with all trademarks. Just open up the teambuilder and ability to upload custom teams. This is all we need. Make a generic game for all sports and offer DLC content. Give us a college game worth 60$ that mimics intercollegiate sports, postseason, stadiums, recruiting, etc. We can upload the schools and structure the conferences, sane with basketball.

My thoughts are with good graphics, and a similar layout to NCAA now, my proposal would bring more exciting times and less complaints. It's all custom. All community efforts.