How Will EA Handle Future Realignment

[mestevo]

I expect the static state of the league they're portraying will be what is delivered on release with nothing pending factored into future seasons. We've seen a similar approach in Madden (ie not relocating teams who are relocating the following year, etc)

Options, features, etc are nice but not free and it remains to be seen the amount of 'live service' treatment this title will receive.

[kehlis]

Quote: Originally Posted by Wildcats302

Rumor is this won't happen until 2025 so i doubt the game in July 2023 is accurate based on sec expansion. To be fair I can see this being moved up to 2023 as 4 seasons is awkward lol. I say custom conferences and customization playoff as far as number of teams will be a good idea in the game.

What rumor?

Every rumor I see has them in the SEC next season.

[bwburke94]

It might happen in 2022, it might happen in 2025. We don't really know at this stage.

[sherrane]

Quote: Originally Posted by bigbob

I would assume it will be in the first game released. I am more interested in if we are going to be able to add teams, or if we will only be able to replace them. One dream for me is to be able to not only do conference realignment, but also conference removal. Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk

Agreed. You need this functionality to have a decent online dynasty because players want to play against each other and most will want to play as their favorite program. I don't think I've ever been involved with an online dynasty without conference changes.

[jwilphl]

Quote: Originally Posted by canes21

West Virginia not a good fit for the ACC? They're a great fit for the ACC. They get to be back with their old Big East buddies. Pitt and VT are legitimate rivals to them and Miami has a case for being one as well. They're only not a good fitacademically, but the ACC can't use that argument anymore after admitting Louisville. Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

I agree, but it's actually interesting that, going back to the Southern Conference days when seven teams left to form the ACC, West Virginia has never been invited to join. Through all their various realignments and so forth. There always seems to be a reason to not invite them.

And it's unfortunate because they should be invited. College rivalries draw eyes regardless of affiliations, which means better money.

I only wonder if the ACC will go to 15 teams, otherwise it may hinge on whether Notre Dame decides to become a full-fledged member or wants to keep its distance as an affiliate, of sorts.

I think, if Notre Dame joined, the money would be better for them overall. Perhaps they prefer their independence, though, even if it means less revenue. Getting to schedule who they want, etc.

As to how this all fits into the game, well, we will have to see what shakes out before release. I think it makes sense to at least have the NCAA '14 system where you can re-organize conferences up to 16 teams. I doubt we'll be able to completely remove conferences, probably can't add any, either. I wish we had more customization, but EA isn't exactly known for their sophisticated programming.

If I had my way, assuming there are still 130 teams, I'd make 13 conferences of 10-teams each. Everyone plays their entire conference each year. 16-team playoff. 13 conference winners with three extra at-large bids.