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# 21 brandon27 @ 07/06/15 09:28 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by kehlis
I don't have any issue with a course not being a real life course that we see on TV.

A few years ago they had a real nice "fantasy" course located in Japan. Don't remember the exact name but I think it had the word Dragon in it. I think it was a little longer than what you get in a PGA course but with the way the game was designed then it was okay.


I would actually welcome fictional courses as long as they actually look like golf courses. I just wish they would go that route rather than the crazy Lord of the Rings looking courses.
Absolutely. I remember that Japan like course. Was it Emerald Dragon maybe? I do agree though, if you're going to give me a fantasy course, at least make it seem like it could be an actual real golf course somewhere. I'm ok with it if it's not real, but I don't want to golf on, or around a battleship either, unless it's mini-golf.

I get the appeal from the EA side though. The amount they invest in this game for licensing of real courses, to build the exact, right down to every hill etc. Then license equipment, brands, etc. etc. It's not cheap. I imagine it's a pretty niche market for golf games. It doesnt seem like it to most of us I bet, because we're all sports gamers here for the most part. To the regular average gamer though, authentic golf doesn't appeal. The authentic side is there to the game, with real courses, and golfers etc to cater to us, but the fun side is there to try and attract other people in. I ge tthe strategy, I can't fault them for it either.

Long story short, I agree. I'm quite alright with fantasy courses. Just make it seem like they could be realistic.
 
# 22 Skyboxer @ 07/06/15 09:29 PM
As long as we can play a realistic game via settings , at this point I could care less about the fantasy stuff. It's there for those that want it and it does seen like a fun distraction.

As far as the comment that the "other game" is full of fantasy courses.. yes that's true but also with the capability of creating courses like Augusta etc...

Both games have their good and bad and franky any sport that I have options as far as buying I'm all for.

That's what irks me about NFL... I never once bought 1 over the other as I purchased all games. So having the competition , at least from my wallet, never hurt sales of anyone.
 
# 23 crazymallard @ 07/06/15 09:29 PM
I'm looking forward to the fantasy courses, to be honest. I do consider myself to be a serious golfer, but I've always enjoyed playing the Tiger Woods games with my friends, and it looks like this will bring the same entertainment value.
 
# 24 N51_rob @ 07/07/15 12:40 AM
Who are they marketing this game too? I'm just trying to figure that out. Its clear I'm not the target audience, but I would love to know who its.
 
# 25 manny2012 @ 07/07/15 01:27 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by N51_rob
Who are they marketing this game too? I'm just trying to figure that out. Its clear I'm not the target audience, but I would love to know who its.


I think they are attempting to attract the simulation folks and everyone in between as well.
 
# 26 bcruise @ 07/07/15 01:44 AM
It's just like with Madden really, as far as marketing goes - the flash goes in the trailers and the actual gameplay stuff in blogs and other text articles.

I get what they're doing - It really is the same thing they try to do with Madden in terms of getting the attention of both the casual and hardcore. The only problem with that is that for golf being what it is, I don't think there's enough of the casual element that is interested at all in the sport, and not enough of them will buy it to make that focus worthwhile.

I think the focus is in the wrong place, and that the game gets watered down because EA is trying to cater to everyone. That said...well, I played Wicked 18 way back in the day and my favorite golf series involves anime characters and blue flaming backspin shots, so it's not like I can't enjoy a good fantasy course. But I can understand why that kind of stuff is a huge turnoff to those who want a 100% realistic game.
 
# 27 SteveW91 @ 07/07/15 05:19 AM
Does anyone know any more about the Season/Career mode? This has always been my main interest in the game but I'm not sure how we are going to have a full season with Majors on only 9 courses (11 if include the fantasy)! We already don't have qualifying for the Masters to look forward to, do you think that the other 3 Majors will be played on the same course every year?

Fed-Ex cup will be finished in only 11 events so I assume there is no playoffs? I've always enjoyed playing on the real PGA Tour courses with real sponsored events but looks like Career mode might not really be worth playing this year What do you guys think?
 
# 28 brandon27 @ 07/07/15 07:31 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by N51_rob
Who are they marketing this game too? I'm just trying to figure that out. Its clear I'm not the target audience, but I would love to know who its.
It's pretty easy to figure out really. The answer is... Everyone.

They think with the PGA license, they will attract the real golf fans who want to play with real golfers, on authentic courses, with real equipment and apparel.

They also know, that golf games have a pretty small market. So when you're paying all sorts of money to license golfers, equipment, apparel, the PGA tour itself, the FedexCup (assuming reference to it is still in the game), all of the courses (and to go out and measure them all up with the laser equipment and stuff they used to get them as close to identical as possible). That being said, they also create a side section of the game to appeal to the less serious crowd, who's just looking for an entertaining type of game as well. Hence the fantasy courses, the night glow golf stuff, etc, etc. It just helps the game appeal to a much larger audience, likely in an attempt to boost the sales to a group of people who would have likely never bought.
 
# 29 strawberryshortcake @ 07/07/15 08:17 AM
I guess I would be considered one of the casuals seeing as I have no real interest in golf whatsoever. You know what caught my attention. The magnificent, extremely realistic lighting and the golf ball dropping in the water. Graphically it looks very nice, very enticing.

... But then seeing bright lights at night, someone in a military uniform, the massive ship, and granny swinging her golf clubs, I was like forget this. No way.
 
# 30 Chairman7w @ 07/07/15 09:13 AM
Yeah, let's call it what it is guys, that stuff was just stupid.

Very disappointed.

Quote:
Originally Posted by strawberryshortcake

... But then seeing bright lights at night, someone in a military uniform, the massive ship, and granny swinging her golf clubs, I was like forget this. No way.
 
# 31 brandon27 @ 07/07/15 09:55 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by strawberryshortcake
I guess I would be considered one of the casuals seeing as I have no real interest in golf whatsoever. You know what caught my attention. The magnificent, extremely realistic lighting and the golf ball dropping in the water. Graphically it looks very nice, very enticing.

... But then seeing bright lights at night, someone in a military uniform, the massive ship, and granny swinging her golf clubs, I was like forget this. No way.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Chairman7w
Yeah, let's call it what it is guys, that stuff was just stupid.

Very disappointed.

It might be stupid, sure. However, you can't make a business decision based on what you, personally think is stupid though. You have to cater to your customers. All of them. Especially when selling in a niche market, when putting out all of the expense you are in licensing authentic courses, golfers, brands/clothing/apparel and equipment. I'm not sure where the disappointment comes from? Because it's in the game? OK, don't play that portion. Problem solved? Should be.


So, the night golf with lights doesn't appeal to you. OK. Great. Don't play the mode. That's the point they're trying to make here with the "Golf without Limits" and "Play your way" catch lines in their videos. You want to play PGA golf. Go for it! You want to play fantasy golf, at night? Go for it! You have the option. That's the important part of all of this.


To actually make money selling this game, with the overhead going into it, you've got to expand your reach when it comes to your client base. Appeal to as many as you can. I have no problem with it. I likely will play the fantasy courses under regular golfing conditions. Likely never touch the night, glow junk, and it won't bother me one bit.


Of course, that's all assuming the game plays well and I enjoy it.
 
# 32 DivotMaker @ 07/07/15 10:13 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chairman7w
Yeah, let's call it what it is guys, that stuff was just stupid.

Very disappointed.
To you, me and other Simulation purists, yes. To the casual arcade crowd, maybe not.....
 
# 33 DivotMaker @ 07/07/15 10:14 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by brandon27
It might be stupid, sure. However, you can't make a business decision based on what you, personally think is stupid though. You have to cater to your customers. All of them. Especially when selling in a niche market, when putting out all of the expense you are in licensing authentic courses, golfers, brands/clothing/apparel and equipment. I'm not sure where the disappointment comes from? Because it's in the game? OK, don't play that portion. Problem solved? Should be.


So, the night golf with lights doesn't appeal to you. OK. Great. Don't play the mode. That's the point they're trying to make here with the "Golf without Limits" and "Play your way" catch lines in their videos. You want to play PGA golf. Go for it! You want to play fantasy golf, at night? Go for it! You have the option. That's the important part of all of this.


To actually make money selling this game, with the overhead going into it, you've got to expand your reach when it comes to your client base. Appeal to as many as you can. I have no problem with it. I likely will play the fantasy courses under regular golfing conditions. Likely never touch the night, glow junk, and it won't bother me one bit.


Of course, that's all assuming the game plays well and I enjoy it.
Spot on Brandon....
 
# 34 strawberryshortcake @ 07/07/15 10:25 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by brandon27
It might be stupid, sure. However, you can't make a business decision based on what you, personally think is stupid though. You have to cater to your customers. All of them. Especially when selling in a niche market, when putting out all of the expense you are in licensing authentic courses, golfers, brands/clothing/apparel and equipment. I'm not sure where the disappointment comes from? Because it's in the game? OK, don't play that portion. Problem solved? Should be.


So, the night golf with lights doesn't appeal to you. OK. Great. Don't play the mode. That's the point they're trying to make here with the "Golf without Limits" and "Play your way" catch lines in their videos. You want to play PGA golf. Go for it! You want to play fantasy golf, at night? Go for it! You have the option. That's the important part of all of this.


To actually make money selling this game, with the overhead going into it, you've got to expand your reach when it comes to your client base. Appeal to as many as you can. I have no problem with it. I likely will play the fantasy courses under regular golfing conditions. Likely never touch the night, glow junk, and it won't bother me one bit.


Of course, that's all assuming the game plays well and I enjoy it.
I hear you. Options is definitely always a good thing.

Someone mentioned "casual" in a previous post. I was just throwing it out there (using me as an example) that not all casuals are looking for arcade elements in their video games. A certain percentage of people (not you specifically, but just in general) like to possibly make the assumption that "casual" gamers mean arcade gamers, first person shooters, etc.

I am probably even more casual than your average casual gamer if you can even call me that. Maybe I am a complete outlier.

I bought my PS4 on launch with NBA2k14 and eventually MLBtheShow14. Played NBA2k14 for a couple or days or so. Turned off my PS4. Several months later, picked up MLB14 and played it for about 1 to 2 weeks. Turned off my PS4. The PS4 was in hibernation until a couple days ago, NBA2k14 once again. I don't regret my PS4 purchase at all; it does provide enjoyment.

For whatever reason, I have this feeling that any time a developer chooses to implement any type of "arcade" mode to their game, there's a possibility it may seep through to the other more realistic modes. There may be absolute no correlation between their arcade vs simulation modes, but that's just how I see things. It feels tainted. If the game replicates the simulation well, I may be able to overlook the arcade mode, never touch, or humor myself and give it go just for the sake of it.

Such a realistic pretty looking game, and they just had to throw in the arcade option ... that's all.

EA can choose as they please. I can also choose as I please. (NBA2k15 didn't include a legitimate halftime show and I chose not to buy it. If NBA2k16 also does not include a legitimate halftime show, I will most likely completely bypass it again.)
 
# 35 brandon27 @ 07/07/15 10:27 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by DivotMaker
Spot on Brandon....


Ha, thanks. I hate talking about it from a business standpoint, but I think we all have to remember video games are a business. Big business actually. It's not just something simply made for our own pleasure how we see fit.


I actually applaud EA for doing what they've done here. Assuming I have the option to play the game in a PGA mode, and in an Arcade mode. Which it sounds like I do. As long as they don't force me to play the side of the game I'm not interested in. I'm happy.


Similar to Madden/NHL/Fifa.. I HATE the Ultimate team modes. I hate that they waste time with them. I understand why they are there, and that people do like them. I'm not forced to play it, only see it on the menu as an option, so I don't care.


I just think sometimes we all need to take a step back and look at these games for what they are. It's not just 100% about yours, or my individual pleasure with it. We're not entitled to that. It's a game made to appeal to as many people as possible. It's impossible to make everyone happy. All I hope, is I have to option to avoid the ugly side of the game, because I've always enjoyed playing the EA Golf series for what it is... a round of video game golf.
 
# 36 DivotMaker @ 07/07/15 10:55 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by strawberryshortcake
I hear you. Options is definitely always a good thing.

Someone mentioned "casual" in a previous post. I was just throwing it out there (using me as an example) that not all casuals are looking for arcade elements in their video games. A certain percentage of people (not you specifically, but just in general) like to possibly make the assumption that "casual" gamers mean arcade gamers, first person shooters, etc.

I am probably even more casual than your average casual gamer if you can even call me that. Maybe I am a complete outlier.

I bought my PS4 on launch with NBA2k14 and eventually MLBtheShow14. Played NBA2k14 for a couple or days or so. Turned off my PS4. Several months later, picked up MLB14 and played it for about 1 to 2 weeks. Turned off my PS4. The PS4 was in hibernation until a couple days ago, NBA2k14 once again. I don't regret my PS4 purchase at all; it does provide enjoyment.

For whatever reason, I have this feeling that any time a developer chooses to implement any type of "arcade" mode to their game, there's a possibility it may seep through to the other more realistic modes. There may be absolute no correlation between their arcade vs simulation modes, but that's just how I see things. It feels tainted. If the game replicates the simulation well, I may be able to overlook the arcade mode, never touch, or humor myself and give it go just for the sake of it.

Such a realistic pretty looking game, and they just had to throw in the arcade option ... that's all.

EA can choose as they please. I can also choose as I please. (NBA2k15 didn't include a legitimate halftime show and I chose not to buy it. If NBA2k16 also does not include a legitimate halftime show, I will most likely completely bypass it again.)
I hear you. I expect that RM will have a clear distinction between pure arcade and simulating modes and anything in between like TW14 had. We are all waiting to get our hands on it to see how true to the PGA TOURNAMENTS it plays in Tour mode or will we have to go to Custom mode to dial in the difficulty that each of us are looking for. That is one of their tag lines for this game....play it your way....
 
# 37 MrSkagTrendy @ 07/07/15 11:15 AM
Anyone know if this title has GameFace featured in it? I'm trying to live my dream here! Would be great to see myself finally getting good at golf!
 
# 38 Chairman7w @ 07/07/15 12:49 PM
Very true, can't argue with that at all, good post.

My problem with it is that I think of the development time and money that went into that crap (a battleship crashing? Really?) and I think of the real courses that could have taken up that time instead. If they didn't take the time to make space golf (or whatever's going on there) they could have added a dozen more real courses, and golfers.

But I understand that doesn't change your point, they have to try and appeal to the widest possible audience. But the selfish side of me hates it.

Sigh... Oh well, first world problems, right?


Quote:
Originally Posted by brandon27
It might be stupid, sure. However, you can't make a business decision based on what you, personally think is stupid though. You have to cater to your customers. All of them. Especially when selling in a niche market, when putting out all of the expense you are in licensing authentic courses, golfers, brands/clothing/apparel and equipment. I'm not sure where the disappointment comes from? Because it's in the game? OK, don't play that portion. Problem solved? Should be.


So, the night golf with lights doesn't appeal to you. OK. Great. Don't play the mode. That's the point they're trying to make here with the "Golf without Limits" and "Play your way" catch lines in their videos. You want to play PGA golf. Go for it! You want to play fantasy golf, at night? Go for it! You have the option. That's the important part of all of this.


To actually make money selling this game, with the overhead going into it, you've got to expand your reach when it comes to your client base. Appeal to as many as you can. I have no problem with it. I likely will play the fantasy courses under regular golfing conditions. Likely never touch the night, glow junk, and it won't bother me one bit.


Of course, that's all assuming the game plays well and I enjoy it.
 
# 39 pietasterp @ 07/07/15 01:36 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by brandon27
Ha, thanks. I hate talking about it from a business standpoint, but I think we all have to remember video games are a business. Big business actually. It's not just something simply made for our own pleasure how we see fit.
The thing is, I'm not sure that 'conventional business wisdom' is accurate here. Theoretically you're correct: the focus-group tested mentality and "appeal to everyone" approach should, in theory, attract the broadest swath of consumers.

However, it's not clear to me that the actual data bears that out. The 2 biggest (by far and away) selling sports titles are essentially "sim" titles: Madden and NBA2K (no jokes about Madden not being sim...take that to the other forum ). Even for what's rapidly becoming more of a 'niche' sport, MLB the Show does phenomenally well on a single platform. In fact, I can think of vanishingly few examples (in sports gaming, anyway) where the "appeal to everyone" approach works particularly well.

The golf market may be smaller now (even that's not clear to me, given that the overall pie of gamers is much much larger now than it was in the heydey of golf games in the 90's), but that doesn't automatically mean 'appealing to a broader demographic' (if that's even possible) is the proper solution. Presumably, at least as many 'hardcore' golf fans will be turned off by the dilution of the product as non-golf fans will be turned on. If it were as simple as that, why isn't there a successful arcade NFL or NBA style game on the market (or, why aren't NBA-Jam style gameplay modes incorporated into NBA2K)?

TL;DR: I'm not saying you are wrong, but until/unless the actual data bears out that this "appeal to everyone" approach results in an appreciable difference in profitability for the franchise (although compared to what baseline is up for debate), you can't simply state that this approach is correct. We'll see. But in my experience, "appeal to everyone" = "appeal to no one".
 
# 40 ManiacMatt1782 @ 07/07/15 01:38 PM
Except you are limited to under 15 courses and only 8 real ones. Inexcuseable for a 60 dollar release from a major publisher. I just don't see how consumers are expected to pay 60 dollars for this. The value is simply not there.
 


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