Can a Lebron James cover bring people back?

[Pared]

Just throwing this out there. If you're going to start going on about how LBJ compares to other players, etc. etc. then go post in the NBA forum, please.

Picture this: LBJ, one of the most followed players in the NBA today, FINALLY graces the cover EA's next NBA game. The ONE player that has held out and never been on a video game cover is finally featured... on the same game that EA is trying to use to create on a comeback.

Do you think it would bring out fans and non-fans alike? Believe me when I tell you there are people out there that purchase games just because of the cover - and I see LBJ fans (and non-fans) actually giving this "revival" of EA basketball a look just because he is the face of the game.

Thoughts? What do you genuinely think this would do for the game, if you leave your personal feelings aside? Do you see it as helping EA's chances of people giving them another shot?

[rockchisler]

Ill say no, maybe a few more copies but if the game is trash it wont matter, Kobe was on the front of Sony's game when he still was the man and it didnt sell that great because the game was garbage..Just my opinion..To shake things up get rid of cover boys and go back to action shots like Bull vs Blazers Bulls vs Lakers, Nba Showdown.. Name the game of whoever is in the finals will make old heads like me go crazy...

[CX1329]

I agree with rockchisler. Sure, it would probably sell a few more copies due to people buying it because of the cover, but if it turns out to be a bad game, then word-of-mouth and the Internet will certainly guarantee a sales fiasco. Not many gamers go on OS, but plenty do go on YouTube and such to watch videos of the game and read comments.

I think action shots should make a comeback in the next iteration of Elite/Live, as a little extra to hardcore EA customers who have been purchasing their games since the old days. The most important thing is that the gameplay be solid, though, and EA must be patient.

I think of it as trying to get your loved one back. You can't expect him or her to be heads over heels again overnight, but real, effective change, some careful planning and plenty of patience ought to do the trick over time. It's the only thing that would bring people back, as I believe a cover alone (like, say, just putting on some fancy clothes and memorizing a few lines, sticking to the analogy) wouldn't do much.

[DirtySouf]

I'll say that LeBron James on the cover would steer me away... But that's just me...

Personally, a solid game is what it takes to "bring people back"

[mrclutch]

I think Pared asks a great question. No doubt that Lebron would give a lift but I don't think anyone here can give a true answer. I've wonder about this a before as it related to the Madden series. They really don't seem to go for the most popular guy and they do pretty well. As a die hard Titans fan it certainly suprised me when Eddie and Vince made the cover. Sure we love them down her but those guys didn't have as wide of a following as player from bigger market. I still can't figure out the Browns guy on the cover this year. I would put his name but I can't even think of it at the momment.

I tend to think that Lives biggest problem the last few year (at least before the Elite panic move) was that 2K has been so good. I held over as a Live fan for a long time I think mainly because of comfort. Now that I've made the switch it will be hard for me, and i think others to go back.
Because let's face it, the first year of the new game just will not be that good. The first year never is.

[BiggD]

Maybe...tough to say,

i think people are more switched on to the Reviews and demos of a game these days to worry about who is on a cover

[Ceteris Paribus]

I think LBJ has screwed the pooch on getting a game cover. I think he carries too much baggage. For me, he's the face of douchebaggery.

[danny]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ceteris Paribus

I think LBJ has screwed the pooch on getting a game cover. I think he carries too much baggage. For me, he's the face of douchebaggery.

Couldn't have said it better. I mean everyone was watching the NBA Finals not to see Lebron James play but to see him loose. He really devalued his name with the way he left Cleveland and all the unprofessional-ism that followed.