Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

[chargerrich]

Re: Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

If EA's Franchise Mode was as deep as 2k's...if even they had a global editor in-game, I don't believe you would see all these "movements" and hashtags...I really don't. But, the constant putting in and taking out, unfulfilled promises etc...and your Franchise Mode is lackluster already...you're inviting what's happening. It doesn't bode well for the future...but I mean they still have 5 years on this deal so...

So much this... along with some of the most - obvious if you really think about it - details such as historic stat tracking.

That we even have to ask for something so basic as this is mind boggling to me. Anyone that plays franchise for more than a single season instantly knows how these missing details make franchise mode feel like an afterthought that no one on the development team really gave a second look at, which reeks of a lack of passion and/or direct guidance to follow the coin at all costs.

[parent22]

Re: Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

As a game developer myself, I know how long it takes to develop a game and add new features. But those features that were added probably took them 2 months. With their team and resources it just makes me angrier and angrier.

But what if they weren't getting all of those resources? They most likely aren't getting ANY of the Ultimate money, or if they are it's only a small portion. The majority of that money is going to higher ups like Sean Graddy that control Madden's every move.

This is why I think that people like Clint aren't to blame. It's not like he's making it better for himself by tweeting "Well, 2 is better than 1!". That to me is just plain stupid. He's already low hanging fruit, and now he's making himself seem likely a juicy target for all of the criticism. If I developed this game and one of my co-developers tweeted that, they would have a serious discussion with me.

A 0.4 user score is just flat out embarrassing. This isn't a game worth defending. When I go back and play older Maddens and NFL 2k5 I just see such a difference in Franchise Mode. It's really unacceptable that Madden 2005 has a better franchise mode than Madden 21.

If we're going to get change, the ONLY way to do that is to not buy the game. If you are one of those people who MUST have the game every year, then please don't spend as much money on Ultimate Team. I assume that you want a better game, and the only way to do that is to hurt EA with their sales.

Since we can't reach the people who make the decisions, there's no point attacking the people who can't do anything. That's like attacking a waiter if the restaurant's food is horrible. I know it's really popular to bash these people, but they want a better game as well!

[redright88]

Re: Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

To be honest, I don't know how much more 2k can do form a Franchise Mode standpoint that they haven't already done other than to continue fine tuning it. They have literally everything that you could ask for in a Franchise, with a global editor included in-game. So, while they may be catering more to the MyPlayer/Pro-Am crowd, the Franchise guys aren't left hanging because they have everything you pretty much could ask for. So, I think the complaints from the 2k community is more geared towards the standard that 2k has set for themselves.

Madden on the other hand...a whole other ballgame. If EA's Franchise Mode was as deep as 2k's...if even they had a global editor in-game, I don't believe you would see all these "movements" and hashtags...I really don't. But, the constant putting in and taking out, unfulfilled promises etc...and your Franchise Mode is lackluster already...you're inviting what's happening. It doesn't bode well for the future...but I mean they still have 5 years on this deal so...

One also has to wonder how much of Madden’s chaotic implementation (or lack there of) has to do with each passing cycle and the need to “innovate” or a new manager or exec “wanting to make their mark,” and leaving previous work by the wayside. Certainly anyone who has a corporate job can see this myopic and flawed perspective in their own companies.

Slowly, genuinely and thoughtfully improving on core fundamental aspects of the game doesn’t get you the promotion...being “the guy” who came up with The Yard does.

[CujoMatty]

Re: Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

To be honest, I don't know how much more 2k can do form a Franchise Mode standpoint that they haven't already done other than to continue fine tuning it. They have literally everything that you could ask for in a Franchise, with a global editor included in-game. So, while they may be catering more to the MyPlayer/Pro-Am crowd, the Franchise guys aren't left hanging because they have everything you pretty much could ask for. So, I think the complaints from the 2k community is more geared towards the standard that 2k has set for themselves.

Madden on the other hand...a whole other ballgame. If EA's Franchise Mode was as deep as 2k's...if even they had a global editor in-game, I don't believe you would see all these "movements" and hashtags...I really don't. But, the constant putting in and taking out, unfulfilled promises etc...and your Franchise Mode is lackluster already...you're inviting what's happening. It doesn't bode well for the future...but I mean they still have 5 years on this deal so...

If EA would just do the little things that would at least portray an effort was made they would be able to alleviate so much of the hatred.

Change the UI. Change the faces we can choose for CAPs and coaches. Etc..... the list goes on and on.

When the UI is carbon copy just with a different color people get the perception you are lazy/dont care. When the faces you can choose have been the same for a decade people get the perception you are lazy/dont care.

[50West]

Re: Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

https://twitter.com/PatMcAfeeShow/st...966731264?s=20

Fans are NOT happy with #MaddenNFL21

Big time gamer
@DariusJButler
joined
@OfficialAJHawk
& I to chat about #NFLdropEA #McAfeeAndHawk

While I think Darius did a really bad job of expressing why people are upset, I'm glad to see it on the platform.

[roadman]

Re: Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

They've had about a decade to improve Madden and at least add some features the user base had been screaming for. Last few years franchise mode was not a focus for EA either. Instead of introducing a new mode like The Yard they could have spent the time improving franchise and FOTF more. No sympathy from me...

I agree with you, but Rex was a good guy.

He left because his idea was shot down of fixing game play one year and fixing franchise mode the next year.

[TarHeelPhenom]

Re: Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

Here was the NFL's response in reference to the re-up with EA:


Commissioner Goodell

"The expansion of this partnership is not only about the continued success of the Madden NFL franchise but also the creation of new avenues for our fans to connect with the sport they love,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

DeMaurice Smith

"We have a shared vision to expand the fanbase of football through interactivity, and we’re thrilled to continue our strong partnership with EA SPORTS to bring this to life in more ways than ever,” said DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFLPA."

Another quote:

NFL owners are a conservative-minded group, and not necessarily just in the political sense. Once again, they were unwilling to pass up a known quantity — tens of millions in guaranteed revenue from EA — in favor of an uncertain future. It’s always easier to maintain the status quo, especially when it’s working for everyone involved. And it is: The most recent Madden title, 2019’s Madden NFL 20, is “the most successful game in franchise history,” said EA.

https://www.polygon.com/2020/5/28/21270647/madden-nfl-ea-renew-contract-license-football

This is old news by now that everybody has probably read. But to go back and read it again...I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer; but that deal was made because EA has the track record of bringing in C.R.E.A.M. and it doesn't appear that the NFL cares one bit how the game plays. As long as Madden isn't doing anything to make the "Shield" look bad in terms of subject matter then they couldn't care less. Knowing this, I just don't see an incentive for major changes to be made.

The NFL is the most popular sport in America. Their vision though Madden is expanding the fanbase and creating more avenues(I take that as revenue streams). How do you continue expanding your fanbase??? I would say with modes like The Yard, Superstar KO etc. I'm sure a new mode of some sort will be introduced next year too.

[Madden08PCgmr]

Re: Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

Statements from Rex:

Rex Dickson
@Rex_Dickson_

As a game developer I am going to say with 100% confidence that the pandemic hitting in the middle of their beta phase is what set them back.

Delay the release if Covid was a problem. Nobody would have faulted them for it.

But no. The suits wouldn't take that kind of hit to their bottom line.

Sorry Rex, we're past excuses here... nevermind that you followed it up with saying how great the gameplay was...

[CujoMatty]

Re: Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

Here was the NFL's response in reference to the re-up with EA:


Commissioner Goodell

"The expansion of this partnership is not only about the continued success of the Madden NFL franchise but also the creation of new avenues for our fans to connect with the sport they love,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

DeMaurice Smith

"We have a shared vision to expand the fanbase of football through interactivity, and we’re thrilled to continue our strong partnership with EA SPORTS to bring this to life in more ways than ever,” said DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFLPA."

Another quote:

NFL owners are a conservative-minded group, and not necessarily just in the political sense. Once again, they were unwilling to pass up a known quantity — tens of millions in guaranteed revenue from EA — in favor of an uncertain future. It’s always easier to maintain the status quo, especially when it’s working for everyone involved. And it is: The most recent Madden title, 2019’s Madden NFL 20, is “the most successful game in franchise history,” said EA.

https://www.polygon.com/2020/5/28/21270647/madden-nfl-ea-renew-contract-license-football

This is old news by now that everybody has probably read. But to go back and read it again...I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer; but that deal was made because EA has the track record of bringing in C.R.E.A.M. and it doesn't appear that the NFL cares one bit how the game plays. As long as Madden isn't doing anything to make the "Shield" look bad in terms of subject matter then they couldn't care less. Knowing this, I just don't see an incentive for major changes to be made.

The NFL is the most popular sport in America. Their vision though Madden is expanding the fanbase and creating more avenues(I take that as revenue streams). How do you continue expanding your fanbase??? I would say with modes like The Yard, Superstar KO etc. I'm sure a new mode of some sort will be introduced next year too.

Fantastic post!!!!
This is probably as close a take as to what is actually going on that I've read here.

[JayhawkerStL]

Re: Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

Yeah, I have no idea why no one has noticed this before.

[Darth Aegis]

Re: Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

Delay the release if Covid was a problem. Nobody would have faulted them for it.

But no. The suits wouldn't take that kind of hit to their bottom line.

Sorry Rex, we're past excuses here... nevermind that you followed it up with saying how great the gameplay was...

He was there for 12 yrs I think, so I'm sure he enjoyed his time there to some degree. Let's be real, the majority of the mob would've never let EA get away with bringing up the Covid situation. It would've been more of the EA evil empire being lazy again. I actually appreciate them releasing the game on time. I'll be honest the game has issues & bugs every yr. I don't see this yr being any different or the next.

[50West]

Re: Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

Yeah, I have no idea why no one has noticed this before.

I'm pretty sure everyone has noticed it before. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know why the NFL keeps re-signing exclusive agreements with EA. They'll keep doing it as long as EA is willing to write them billion dollar checks.

[chargerrich]

Re: Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

He was there for 12 yrs I think, so I'm sure he enjoyed his time there to some degree. Let's be real, the majority of the mob would've never let EA get away with bringing up the Covid situation. It would've been more of the EA evil empire being lazy again.

This is not relevant because there is/was ZERO chance that EA would ever miss a ship date regardless of a pandemic or state of a game (see Madden 06 for the 7th gen).

For EA... money is not the lion's share of their drive, its the ONLY driver. You know because "if its in game, its in the game" (like MUT, canned glitchy animations and microtransactions but not good stat tracking, real physics and a franchise simulation).

[Darth Aegis]

Re: Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

This is not relevant because there is/was ZERO chance that EA would ever miss a ship date regardless of a pandemic or state of a game (see Madden 06 for the 7th gen).

For EA... money is not the lion's share of their drive, its the ONLY driver. You know because "if its in game, its in the game" (like MUT, canned glitchy animations and microtransactions but not good stat tracking, real physics and a franchise simulation).

Not sure what any of your comment has to do with my post. Thanks for sharing your opinion/rant with me though.

[SeaTownGamer]

Re: Thanks to Tiburon dev Clint Oldenburg, #NFLdropEA is trending on Twitter

Is competition really the issue? I don’t believe it is, but I still believe the exclusive is.

Think about it for a second. Say NBA 2k and Madden both sell 7 million copies and both make $1 billion in microtransactions. You would say they were equally successful right?

However 2k pays a regular sum for a NBA license and EA pays what? 5, 10, 20 times more? Maybe more for that exclusive.

So instantly 2k has more resources to put back into their game than madden does. Add to the fact EA was called out for not doing that with its micro transactions revenue and it’s a problem.

What’s the result? 2k has more resources to polish and expand their basketball game than EA does for its football game because of the cost of exclusive licensing and the depth and quality speaks to this.


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I get what you’re saying but Madden makes close to a billion a year off MUT and they paid the NFL a billion to renew the license. Are u telling us they don’t have money left over to use it on resources that matters?


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