Madden 09 News Post

Madden 09 Producer Blog: Play Call Changes: EA Sports

01:27 AM - May 7, 2008 by hdaniel1

EA Sports has posted another Madden 09 producer blog called Play Call Changes.

Quote:


	"Play Call is arguably the most important screen in the game. You spend the majority of your time on this screen and it is the epicenter of all the important decisions that are made in game. We set out this year with a goal of completely revolutionizing the Play Call screen with a new level of presentation and most importantly interaction."

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Member Comments

# 61 RaychelSnr @ 05/07/08 09:09 PM

Looks like the blitz is coming soon...so far the changes have definitely been positive. From what I hear there is a lot more to come. From what I hear the guys at EA are really pleased with this year, it's really a different tone this year. I'm still highly skeptical because the last 3 years weren't all that good. We'll see, so far so good..cautiously optimistic right now...

# 62 K_GUN @ 05/07/08 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BezO


	I've only purchased 1 Madden in the past 5 years. Thus, I only play at friend's houses. And as the game looks so far, I don't see me buying this year's version. Yeah, pwned.

once in 5 years?

friends house?

NOT getting this years version?

YET still in this forum?

Troll

# 63 countryboy @ 05/07/08 11:16 PM

Liked what I read and saw. Looking forward to more information.

# 64 ifiok25 @ 05/07/08 11:22 PM

I really like the new play call screen. Better than the one they started to use on Madden 2004-07.

# 65 sva91 @ 05/08/08 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K_GUN


	once in 5 years? friends house? NOT getting this years version? YET still in this forum? Troll

Not trying to defend this guy, but when you are a diehard NFL fan and a frequent gamer, and there is only ONE choice for a nfl football game, I think a forum is the only place where you can let your feelings, ideas, etc. out to keep the developers in check. But then again I guess we can keep the negativity on certain threads or Wishlists.

I havent bought Madden the past 2 years, but every year I check the forums and get hyped up upon it's release. I think this year may be a turning point for the franchise.

# 66 ewto16 @ 05/08/08 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K_GUN


	1. whether it's seen as a joke or not is NOT the issue.......the ESPN license IS being used 2. good point.....NBC would naturally take the highlight show 3. take you pity elsewhere.....I'm just trying to tell you that EA can't get the blame on the ESPN license not getting used the way it's been used in other games

It is people like yourself that are satisfied with the piss-poor use of a fantastic license that EA loves. Why would you not want or expect more from the ESPN license?? There are all sorts of things that EA could do with it.

From a technical perspective, yes you are right, they do use it. Too bad they could have made a score ticker without even having ESPN involved. It is such a slap in the face to limit the usage to something as meaningless as a score ticker.

Please tell me how the ESPN license is being used in other games that makes it so fantastic and such a WONDERFUL exclusive for EA. I've certainly played my fair share of EA Sports games and I can't think of anyway that it is truly utilized effectively. It isn't just Madden being limited by the NFL Network. EA does nothing with it.

NCAA actually changed it from SI to ESPN magazine this year, but that is the only difference. The rest is the same. Outside of a ticker and pre-recorded ESPN News updates, how are they using the license?

Not used in TW, not used in NHL, not used in Madden. Did they do something amazing with it in NASCAR, Live, or March Madness?

# 67 ausar72 @ 05/08/08 10:53 AM

What happens to the PIP screen, when it's two players playing on the same console? What happens to the replays and stats when it's two people on the same console? Are there different "TV-Style" camera angles to the replays or just replays from behind the center like you see when you are playing the game normally?

I think the graphics look cool, but I need to see if they actually are doing broadcast-style presentation or just some weird approximation of it. Why can't they just go for what we see on TV as opposed to trying to reinvent the wheel with this "beyond-broadcast" presentation they are talking up?

# 68 Pared @ 05/08/08 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewto16


	It is people like yourself that are satisfied with the piss-poor use of a fantastic license that EA loves. Why would you not want or expect more from the ESPN license?? There are all sorts of things that EA could do with it. From a technical perspective, yes you are right, they do use it. Too bad they could have made a score ticker without even having ESPN involved. It is such a slap in the face to limit the usage to something as meaningless as a score ticker. Please tell me how the ESPN license is being used in other games that makes it so fantastic and such a WONDERFUL exclusive for EA. I've certainly played my fair share of EA Sports games and I can't think of anyway that it is truly utilized effectively. It isn't just Madden being limited by the NFL Network. EA does nothing with it. NCAA actually changed it from SI to ESPN magazine this year, but that is the only difference. The rest is the same. Outside of a ticker and pre-recorded ESPN News updates, how are they using the license? Not used in TW, not used in NHL, not used in Madden. Did they do something amazing with it in NASCAR, Live, or March Madness?

Here's the thing that a lot of people don't get:

You're not going to see the ESPN Network and all of its coverage like you do on TV because EA Sports is more interested in promoting their own label than ESPN's.

It's that simple.

2k may have used the license to re-create what you see on TV... which, if you REALLY think about it, was almost a detriment to them.

You and others here who frequent video games boards know 2k Sports made ESPN NFL 2k5. Just look at the name: ESPN NFL 2k5.

I went to buy this game a while back with a co-worker and she said "She didn't know ESPN made video games."

Ask anyone if they know about Madden and EA Sports and they will most likely tell you yes. A hell of a lot more so than 2k Sports.

If you want presentation... fine, can't argue there. EA Sports IMO should make their own network... much like had back in the day, with the EASN. However, they were attacked by ESPN and had to squash it... Why?

See any similarities?

So the use of the ESPN license isn't going to happen in a way you guys think it will. If anything, they have more interest in pairing themselves with the NFL and there's more a chance of us seeing an NFL Network type broadcast for the sole reason of keeping the NFL exclusively.

# 69 BezO @ 05/08/08 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K_GUN


	once in 5 years? friends house? NOT getting this years version? YET still in this forum? Troll

Nah, just want the game to be good. And I don't know if I'm getting this year's version. I haven't seen the finished product. I said I don't see me getting it. That statement was based on info up to the date of the post. If impressive new info & vids come out, I'd get it.

Even if I weren't getting this year's game, it's not because of some sort of hate for Madden. I still want the game to be good so I can buy it. The primary reason I post my complaints here are so they can be seen, not because of some kind of hate for EA. For whatever reason, when folks make negative comments about the game, people make assumptions.

# 70 BezO @ 05/08/08 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sva91


	Not trying to defend this guy, but when you are a diehard NFL fan and a frequent gamer, and there is only ONE choice for a nfl football game, I think a forum is the only place where you can let your feelings, ideas, etc. out to keep the developers in check. But then again I guess we can keep the negativity on certain threads or Wishlists.

Despite not defending me, thank you. This is accurate. Other than not supporting the releases I don't like, posting here(I don't post many other places) is about all I can do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sva91


	I havent bought Madden the past 2 years, but every year I check the forums and get hyped up upon it's release. I think this year may be a turning point for the franchise.

Minus getting hype, this is exactly what I do. What I'm hoping is that they've maxed the graphical capacity of the game and start working more on the animations & player interaction. When that happens, I will say they've turned the corner.

# 71 BezO @ 05/08/08 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pared


	...and there's more a chance of us seeing an NFL Network type broadcast for the sole reason of keeping the NFL exclusively.

They've already said they're going "beyond" typical tv broadcast, and that stations will want to copy their presentation. So I'm doubting we'll see an NFL Network type of broadcast, at least not this year.

I wonder where they get their ideas from. It can't be from message boards. Not that I've read every post on every message board, but I've never seen anyone request anything other than a tv style broadcast. I don't understand why they don't go with that.

# 72 roadman @ 05/08/08 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BezO


	Nah, just want the game to be good. And I don't know if I'm getting this year's version. I haven't seen the finished product. I said I don't see me getting it. That statement was based on info up to the date of the post. If impressive new info & vids come out, I'd get it. Even if I weren't getting this year's game, it's not because of some sort of hate for Madden. I still want the game to be good so I can buy it. The primary reason I post my complaints here are so they can be seen, not because of some kind of hate for EA. For whatever reason, when folks make negative comments about the game, people make assumptions.

I think we all want the game to be good. Maybe your expectations are too high? Aim high, shoot low. Just because it doesn't meet your goals or expectations, doesn't mean it's a lousy game.

I'm guessing your lodging your complaints here because there might be a slim chance an EA producer or developer reads your complaints? I developed repore with a Sr. Developer of HH baseball and he said it's really a waste of time to read through messageboards. I can't remember when I've seen anyone from EA(Tibourian) here to discuss Madden.

I'm not saying to stop voicing your concerns, though.

# 73 ewto16 @ 05/08/08 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pared


	Here's the thing that a lot of people don't get: You're not going to see the ESPN Network and all of its coverage like you do on TV because EA Sports is more interested in promoting their own label than ESPN's. It's that simple. 2k may have used the license to re-create what you see on TV... which, if you REALLY think about it, was almost a detriment to them. You and others here who frequent video games boards know 2k Sports made ESPN NFL 2k5. Just look at the name: ESPN NFL 2k5. I went to buy this game a while back with a co-worker and she said "She didn't know ESPN made video games." Ask anyone if they know about Madden and EA Sports and they will most likely tell you yes. A hell of a lot more so than 2k Sports. If you want presentation... fine, can't argue there. EA Sports IMO should make their own network... much like had back in the day, with the EASN. However, they were attacked by ESPN and had to squash it... Why? See any similarities? So the use of the ESPN license isn't going to happen in a way you guys think it will. If anything, they have more interest in pairing themselves with the NFL and there's more a chance of us seeing an NFL Network type broadcast for the sole reason of keeping the NFL exclusively.

I see and understand what you are saying, but I don't like the fact that they promote ESPN integration and it is limited to the stupid ticker. You could easily integrate a lot of ESPN style stuff, without compromising their own brand.

Besides that, they own the ESPN license for like 10 years or something stupid like that. Pretty hard to dilute your own brand, when you don't have any competition anyway.

Regardless, I just want better presentation. I think most people ask for ESPN presentation because they have a good example and they know EA has the ESPN license and are basically wasting it. If NFL Network style presentation is what I get instead, then I'm OK with that. Just do something for goodness sake.

So far, I'm not terribly inmpressed with the presentation they have shown so far. Yes, it hasn't been a focus in any videos, but I'm expecting a lot. Showing me some players that are weapons and one overlay when Moss did something record breaking isn't good enough. It is a start, but I expect more.

I want stat-overlays and pop-ups in game. Like it used to be on the PS2 and currently is in MLB The Show. I want the commentators to talk about stuff happeneing directly in my game and highlight when big events happen.

I fear that the PIP stats will take place of all of this stuff and it won't be in game.

# 74 BezO @ 05/08/08 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadman


	I think we all want the game to be good. Maybe your expectations are too high? Aim high, shoot low. Just because it doesn't meet your goals or expectations, doesn't mean it's a lousy game.

I try not to say it's a bad game. It's just not my taste. But I don't think my expectations are too high. What I'm looking for has been done. I only complain about these things because I know they can be done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadman


	I'm guessing your lodging your complaints here because there might be a slim chance an EA producer or developer reads your complaints? I developed repore with a Sr. Developer of HH baseball and he said it's really a waste of time to read through messageboards. I can't remember when I've seen anyone from EA(Tibourian) here to discuss Madden. I'm not saying to stop voicing your concerns, though.

The other half of it is I enjoy discussing video games. If they don't see it, they don't see it. 99% of my post are made during downtime at work. It's not killing me. But I still feel it's better than not saying anything.

And I've said this in 2 other post already. Pared might go searching for them and tell me I'm saying the same things over and over, but...

If they don't read message boards, where do they get their ideas? How do they know what people want? Why would they not come check wishlist & complaint threads? These complains & wishes are not isolated. There are a lot of people asking for the same things year after year and they're not making it into the game.

Many here talk about casual gamers and how they're not posting on message boards. How does EA know what they want? How does EA know they don't want the same things the hardcore gamers want? If they are ignoring websites like this, that's part of the problem. Instead of experimenting, just check a few message boards and see what the people want.

# 75 Pared @ 05/08/08 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BezO


	...

If you really think your input is important enough for the developers to listen to, then you should be posting in the EA forums as well. Repeating yourself "to fix the issues they have had for years" obviously isn't working by posting here. Others see that.... don't you?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewto16


	I see and understand what you are saying, but I don't like the fact that they promote ESPN integration and it is limited to the stupid ticker. You could easily integrate a lot of ESPN style stuff, without compromising their own brand. Besides that, they own the ESPN license for like 10 years or something stupid like that. Pretty hard to dilute your own brand, when you don't have any competition anyway. Regardless, I just want better presentation. I think most people ask for ESPN presentation because they have a good example and they know EA has the ESPN license and are basically wasting it. If NFL Network style presentation is what I get instead, then I'm OK with that. Just do something for goodness sake. So far, I'm not terribly inmpressed with the presentation they have shown so far. Yes, it hasn't been a focus in any videos, but I'm expecting a lot. Showing me some players that are weapons and one overlay when Moss did something record breaking isn't good enough. It is a start, but I expect more. I want stat-overlays and pop-ups in game. Like it used to be on the PS2 and currently is in MLB The Show. I want the commentators to talk about stuff happeneing directly in my game and highlight when big events happen. I fear that the PIP stats will take place of all of this stuff and it won't be in game.

I hear ya. A lot of us want the same thing... most of the post in this thread were just out of the blue. This was a video that was supposed to show-case one aspect of Madden... and some people didn't even comment on it. They just chose to focus on things that we barely saw a glimpse of. You wouldn't go into a pre-release meeting at work to discuss or showcase a certain issue or feature and go on about something totally different, so why do it here?

A majority of us aren't 14 years old. You know what you're getting into with Madden... To be honest, look at what they're doing this year from the dreaded "bullet" list; Many things that weren't even asked for.

I wouldn't expect a lot. Despite the claim "beyond TV-style presentation" I just don't see them doing something amazing. I could be wrong but I just can't see why some can't wait and see.

This will all be forgotten in 3 months anyway.

# 76 BezO @ 05/08/08 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pared


	If you really think your input is important enough for the developers to listen to, then you should be posting in the EA forums as well. Repeating yourself "to fix the issues they have had for years" obviously isn't working by posting here. Others see that.... don't you?

I repeat myself over there on occasion. With the exception of your recent bs, I prefer the conversations here. The defenders here are bad enough. I can't imagine posting over there on a regular basis.

But you can't help but be a smart ***, huh? Despite your attacks, I've been polite. If you can't keep that sarcastic bs away from me, try skipping my post.

# 77 Pared @ 05/08/08 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BezO


	With the exception of your recent bs,

This comment is one of the most laughable forms of irony I've ever seen on OS.

# 78 countryboy @ 05/08/08 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pared


	Here's the thing that a lot of people don't get: You're not going to see the ESPN Network and all of its coverage like you do on TV because EA Sports is more interested in promoting their own label than ESPN's. It's that simple. 2k may have used the license to re-create what you see on TV... which, if you REALLY think about it, was almost a detriment to them. You and others here who frequent video games boards know 2k Sports made ESPN NFL 2k5. Just look at the name: ESPN NFL 2k5. I went to buy this game a while back with a co-worker and she said "She didn't know ESPN made video games." Ask anyone if they know about Madden and EA Sports and they will most likely tell you yes. A hell of a lot more so than 2k Sports. If you want presentation... fine, can't argue there. EA Sports IMO should make their own network... much like had back in the day, with the EASN. However, they were attacked by ESPN and had to squash it... Why? See any similarities? So the use of the ESPN license isn't going to happen in a way you guys think it will. If anything, they have more interest in pairing themselves with the NFL and there's more a chance of us seeing an NFL Network type broadcast for the sole reason of keeping the NFL exclusively.

Agreed 100%.

Damn, I miss the EASN. I used to play NHL Hockey on the Genesis and remember during the pause screen, scores popping up at the bottom of the screen with the label "EASN Hockey Night Scores"

# 79 K_GUN @ 05/08/08 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewto16


	It is people like yourself that are satisfied with the piss-poor use of a fantastic license that EA loves.

rather ballsy to assume that....show me a post where I state I'm satisfied?

don't make an arse of yourself with posts like that

i'm just stating facts:

the ESPN license IS being used

the NFL doesn't want their product to be 'presented' with a competitor's product

# 80 PVarck31 @ 05/09/08 12:19 AM

Everyone needs to calm down. Enough with the personal attacks, swearing, and so on. Its still over 3 months away and we are already getting crazy.

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