Yeah, you're right nobody reads anything anymore. I like the way that SEGA/VC/ESPN is handling the marketing of this game this year. The FF's really helped get across to alot of us hardcore how much/hard they worked for us. They built alot of excitement by keeping certain modes as secret which some didn't like, but it kept us intrigued. Now we are still looking for more secret announcements so this method defintely worked. Most maddenites were bickering because they really thought that VC would copy Owner's Mode so they could boast that Madden had it first, but VC has done a whole
360 on the industry & created a FPF mode that really is underestimated when you look at the possibilities & all the while seperating it's game from Madden in a # of ways.(Let's see if Madden tries to steal this one(playmaker) with that tired gameplay engine).
Now, they will release a demo of ESPN NFL FOOTBALL in OXM & OPM on 08/10/03 right before Madden hits the shelf. This will not only give people a chance to play the game for under $10 but sway some consumers to rent Madden instead & wait for ESPN in September. Let's not forget that alot of converts just converted in the past 6 months when they dropped the price of 2k3 to $10 & football consumers tried it out & saw the light.

I think this is the #1 reason why ESPN is set up for success this year because people got to experience 2k3 for $10 when Madden 03 had ran it's course with gamers. Look for a tighter race when the commercials start to run on ESPN & cable channels. This year Madden better watch it's back because ESPN is breathing down it's neck with little room to spare.