Ten-Year Anniversary: What Sports Gaming Looked Like a Decade Ago

[RaychelSnr]

Today, we're going back 10 years to look at the world of sports gaming as it existed in 2006. This was a year that proved revolutionary for certain series, while others struggled under the weight of a new console generation. The Xbox 360 was entering its first full year, but Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii would have to wait until their respective launches in November of 2006 (US) to make a statement.

Looking back, there are more similarities with today's gaming scene than you might expect. EA Sports’ titles still reigned supreme for the most part, and series such as NBA 2K and MLB: The Show enjoyed immense popularity, as they do today. However, there were also plenty of highlights that disappeared from the gaming market in later years. Let’s go back and take a look at some of 2006's most important sports game releases.

Read More - Ten-Year Anniversary: What Sports Gaming Looked Like a Decade Ago

[snc237]

I literally was thinking about this yesterday how we were at a magical place 10 years ago (push that to 12 years and look at how many sports games we had). Would be great if we still had all these options now but the games that are coming out are outstanding quality. Let's just hope we don't lose anymore series

[Junior Moe]

Quote: Originally Posted by snc237

I literally was thinking about this yesterday how we were at a magical place 10 years ago (push that to 12 years and look at how many sports games we had). Would be great if we still had all these options now but the games that are coming out are outstanding quality. Let's just hope we don't lose anymore series

That was a good time for sure. Especially 12 years ago. I may be naive but I firmly believe that we will see college football and basketball games again once the likeness issue is settled. I could see someone jumping into baseball again as well. The Show isn't going anywhere but the market is there on XB1.

[Jershy88]

Arguably the darkest few years of Madden

[Qb]

A nice stroll down memory lane -- oh Winning Eleven how I loved thee. And a few OS old-timers snuck in there too.

[bakan723]

Quote: Originally Posted by Qb

A nice stroll down memory lane -- oh Winning Eleven how I loved thee. And a few OS old-timers snuck in there too.

PES5/WE9 is still the GOAT soccer game.

[scottyp180]

2k7 was nearly perfect back then. That was the first 2k game I got for 360 and was not disappointed. Graphics, at the time, were very impressive as was gameplay. First basketball game I remember having signature shots and styles. Playing as different teams and players was so exciting because you could see and feel a difference.

I remember the demo dropping, back when demos were released regularly, and I was hooked. I believe the demo was just 1 quarter, only a few minutes long, and featured the Heat and Mavericks. I played nonstop until the game finally released. I still have such strong, fond, nostalgic memories for that game

[23]

We actually had about SIX basketball games even if some people didn't acknowledge them much.

Man sad times