EA Still Owns the NFL License Exclusively

[RaychelSnr]

While there has some some question as to the status of the exclusivity of the Madden license, owing to the fact the last mention of the license by EA only said there were a number of years left on it with no mention of exclusivity. That was never a guarantee that the license wasn't exclusive, as EA hadn't mentioned in official documents that the license was either extended or exclusive since the initial deal -- the news of the prior extension was never fully confirmed by EA.

Expecting a different approach where EA held a pomp and circumstance parade has led to a rash of unfounded rumors that another competitor, namely 2K, was developing a football game. There was even an unfounded expectation that 2K might even debut a football title at E3.

However, the biggest news to come out of the 2K camp at E3 might have been Ronnie2K confirming that not only was 2K not working on a football game, but that the license was still exclusively owned by 'someone else.'

This isn't surprising, considering the NFL license being open for other partners would have almost certainly leaked by now by someone. The current deal's term length which has been widely speculated and rumored is that Madden still has two to three years in its current deal, pushing the game well into this new generation.

It still remains unlikely, even if the license was open, that a competitor could rise up to compete with Madden in any reasonable amount of time given the more advanced needs of today's sports gaming audience. Thus, given the license's current status, it is possible that any possible competitor wouldn't be ready for release for at least 18-24 months after the license was actually acquired by someone, which puts the most reasonable timeframe for a Madden competitor at least four to five years from now, if ever. The most likely scenario remains that EA and Madden will remain the only major NFL gaming option on big box consoles for the foreseeable future.

[Gilley]

Edit:Wrong forum for this.


(For my own post)

[Hooe]

This is about what I expected, honestly.

Certainly not the best situation for video game consumers, but at least firm knowledge of the situation is better than endless speculation.

[Jr.]

Makes me wonder what the whole "bring it 2k" was all about.

[Gilley]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jr.

Makes me wonder what the whole "bring it 2k" was all about.

It was an empty challenge. He knew they couldn't do anything.

[apollon42]

Quote: Originally Posted by Gilley

It was an empty challenge. He knew they couldn't do anything.

That's like challenging someone to a one on one fight but brining 20 of your friends.

[dkp23]

I remember rumors a few years ago that m14 (m25) would be the final year of exclusitivity. NOw another 3-4 years? This is sad for all football gamers because EA has not lived up to the hype at all.

Making empty challenges to 2k is quite sad, they need to look in the mirror and realize they are only selling because it is the only football game. EA doesnt want 2k to return, if they did, you would see madden go the way of nba live.

[boxboy99]

The EA challenge to 2K looks pretty disgusting assuming EA still holds the exclusive license. I really need to quit giving EA my money. First test is next week, as I planned to purchase EA UFC. I really don't need another game right now with The Show, NBA 2K, and Watchdogs, so I might be able to hold out........ but probably not