2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

[Blzer]

Re: 2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

I have to imagine the NFL would reject this on some grounds, and I also have to imagine the NFLPA has some fiduciary interest in not actively harming the NFL with its own business dealings. Signing on to appear in a game involving a rival football league would actively and materially harm the NFL.

I also doubt the XFL would be okay with their league being represented by players who aren't on their fields for their games.

Hmm, I wouldn't think of the XFL as competition to the NFL. They play during a different season, players would ideally transfer over to the other league at some point if good enough, and it helps grow the sport as a whole. If anything, I'd think the NFL would want the XFL to wildly succeed.

The only way this wouldn't help them is if 2K didn't already have a deal with the NFL. If 2K only made a game for the XFL, and irate Madden gamers finally have that "better gameplay" football option, then that's the only way that would steer customers from an NFL product. But if 2K is also able to make an NFL product at some point that rivals the same gameplay as the XFL, then I wouldn't think it's much of a concern.

All this is likely moot, anyway. 2K has dealings with the NFL, and if they're legitimately already making two games for them at this point, I just don't see where the resources allotted to a third [XFL] game would come to existence anyway. So in the end, this is still a nonstarter.

[Blzer]

Re: 2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

Then that's a STUPID deal...they paid for specific agreements with the NFL and NFLPA to make card and playground games in HOPES to get the NFL deal in 2026? That's what you telling me? Hell, it's more of a stupid deal, because I think Take-Two always had the rights to make non-sim videogames since the original NFL/EA deal.

Well, I'm now just learning about these silly card games myself, but if it makes them money, then sure?

I don't know how much 2K spent when the dotted line was signed, but it sure wasn't $1.5 billion. They want to churn out a profit and they want to begin a good relationship with the NFL. Five years from now, they want to keep that relationship going so they can potentially be the exclusive rights holder or share third-party rights with EA.

I'm still looking big picture, and that's 2026-onward. Selfishly, I would kill to play a customizable, sim next-gen football title from 2K that can very eerily replicate the NFL experience in every way but that one name. I really would. I'm just looking at it from 2K's perspective right now.

And look, if 2K does come out with that one title, there isn't an "I told you so" to be had. That just goes to show that they either are less considerate about future holdings with the NFL to go bigger and bolder later down the line, or the NFL is granting them this inlet (remember, they aren't the NFLPA and that deal didn't strike first, so this is harder to say) with the intention of putting everything back on the table again when the next negotiations come around.

But if the NFL thought they could squeeze even a single dollar more out of 2K by shape-shifting that deal and not letting 2K loophole them by dealing with the NFLPA on the side, you'd think they would have wanted to do that, and this "act of betrayal" might not be so good for a future partnership that brings them NFL rights, and moooooore.

Five years from now, Take-Two will be receiving massive earnings from NBA 2K, GTA VI, GTA:O and RDR:O, and hopefully from whatever NFL-based titles 2K releases from then till now. They won't make EA money, but they might make enough money to claim what's rightfully theirs in the future. The NFL might deal with them if they play ball for the next five years, but if they start doing shady business then it will be 2004 all over again. I won't be able to play another NFL 2K game until I'm 50 years old.

[Rocky]

Re: 2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

Someone needs to contact the NFL rep and ask about potentially acquiring a non-simulation license and get the details about what non-simulation means.

I'm sure it's that simple.

No kidding.

I would even be surprised if it is that laid out. It's probably more on EA's end to enforce what their contract doesn't allow.

I know when the initial TT/NFL release was announced, EA made a big stink about Madden being the only game that had 11 vs. 11 gameplay. Then in the EA/NFL deal, I don't remember that being mentioned at all.

Obviously, the NFLPA deal could differ in some regard. I think the hope is that NFL "simulation" wouldn't allow:

-Customization so far to replicate real NFL teams
-Users having the ability to create NFL teams using current players.
-No season modes that replicate an NFL schedule (or contracts and all of that).

And that's pretty much it as far as the main sticking points. No real way to replicate a NFL game. That's essentially Neighborhood/MUT and quite frankly I think that's the best case scenario.

To add: It's pretty ironic because I would MUCH rather have 2K handle the simulation franchise portion of the game and Madden have the MUT/Superstar KO modes they seem to love so much.

[SolidSquid]

Re: 2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

No kidding.

I would even be surprised if it is that laid out. It's probably more on EA's end to enforce what their contract doesn't allow.

I know when the initial TT/NFL release was announced, EA made a big stink about Madden being the only game that had 11 vs. 11 gameplay. Then in the EA/NFL deal, I don't remember that being mentioned at all.

Obviously, the NFLPA deal could differ in some regard. I think the hope is that NFL "simulation" wouldn't allow:

-Customization so far to replicate real NFL teams
-Users having the ability to create NFL teams using current players.
-No season modes that replicate an NFL schedule (or contracts and all of that).

And that's pretty much it as far as the main sticking points. No real way to replicate a NFL game. That's essentially Neighborhood/MUT and quite frankly I think that's the best case scenario.

To add: It's pretty ironic because I would MUCH rather have 2K handle the simulation franchise portion of the game and Madden have the MUT/Superstar KO modes they seem to love so much.

i think 2k is going to steal the MUT/Superstar KO modes and try to do them with better more realistic game play. Even though Madden did those modes first they have the SIM license with doesnt encompass those mode, so 2K will hop on the gravy train.

[J_Posse]

Re: 2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

I read it and it made zero sense. Point blank, EA's deal gives them exclusive rights to make 11v11 games with NFL themed environments. That deal runs through May 2026. Take-Two's NFL deal allows them make NFL games that is NOT 11v11 gameplay, hence "non-simulation". Take-Two's deal with the NFLPA allows them to use the current players however they see fit. The NFL deal allows them to make this stupid card game and NFL Playground that everyone keeps talking about. The NFLPA deal opens the door for 11v11 gameplay without the NFL themes. Unless I'm misunderstanding something, these are two separate deals.

It's really simple to what they can or can't do. In fact, if the 11v11 game outsells Madden, it opens the door for a possible future NFL/Take-Two deal.

EDIT: Look at the soccer videogames. There's the FIFA sponsored game (EA has the exclusive rights) then there's the "other" game in PES. There's literally a real-world example of what Take-Two can legally do.

Right, but people are being intentionally obtuse. As if EA will be monitoring the development of whatever they intend to create.

Everything is in place for 2K Sports to create either strictly arcade, casual title or using the NFLPA license to make a pro football title a keen to Madden 64, the original Joe Montana Football and (in international footie) PES.

It is all up to how ambitious & interested they are in really attempting to compete in the pro football space, again. Seems they are pretty interested if they struck these deals & are moving forward with multiple titles.

Official HQ of Bills Backer/Spurs Nation

[J_Posse]

Re: 2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

Well, I'm now just learning about these silly card games myself, but if it makes them money, then sure?

I don't know how much 2K spent when the dotted line was signed, but it sure wasn't $1.5 billion. They want to churn out a profit and they want to begin a good relationship with the NFL. Five years from now, they want to keep that relationship going so they can potentially be the exclusive rights holder or share third-party rights with EA.

I'm still looking big picture, and that's 2026-onward. Selfishly, I would kill to play a customizable, sim next-gen football title from 2K that can very eerily replicate the NFL experience in every way but that one name. I really would. I'm just looking at it from 2K's perspective right now.

And look, if 2K does come out with that one title, there isn't an "I told you so" to be had. That just goes to show that they either are less considerate about future holdings with the NFL to go bigger and bolder later down the line, or the NFL is granting them this inlet (remember, they aren't the NFLPA and that deal didn't strike first, so this is harder to say) with the intention of putting everything back on the table again when the next negotiations come around.

But if the NFL thought they could squeeze even a single dollar more out of 2K by shape-shifting that deal and not letting 2K loophole them by dealing with the NFLPA on the side, you'd think they would have wanted to do that, and this "act of betrayal" might not be so good for a future partnership that brings them NFL rights, and moooooore.

Five years from now, Take-Two will be receiving massive earnings from NBA 2K, GTA VI, GTA:O and RDR:O, and hopefully from whatever NFL-based titles 2K releases from then till now. They won't make EA money, but they might make enough money to claim what's rightfully theirs in the future. The NFL might deal with them if they play ball for the next five years, but if they start doing shady business then it will be 2004 all over again. I won't be able to play another NFL 2K game until I'm 50 years old.

Brother, it has been 16 years since the license was non-exclusive & it can safely be assumed it'll stay that way forever (or when EA decides it is no longer fruitful). EA has the advantage of their relationship with the NFL, the deepest pockets of any publisher & the logistical (player, uniform, stadium renders, etc, etc.) know how to maintain this current relationship.

Maybe, Take - Two has finally come, or came, to that realization & are going forward with what is available to them (the "arcade" & NFLPA licenses).

We'll all find out sometime next year.

Official HQ of Bills Backer/Spurs Nation

[ksuttonjr76]

Re: 2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

Right, but people are being intentionally obtuse. As if EA will be monitoring the development of whatever they intend to create.

Everything is in place for 2K Sports to create either strictly arcade, casual title or using the NFLPA license to make a pro football title a keen to Madden 64, the original Joe Montana Football and (in international footie) PES.

It is all up to how ambitious & interested they are in really attempting to compete in the pro football space, again. Seems they are pretty interested if they struck these deals & are moving forward with multiple titles.

Official HQ of Bills Backer/Spurs Nation

Maybe it's because I play NBA 2K and GTA Online and know how they tried to kill the consumer with microtransactions, but I don't see how a company of their "mindset" would just "settle" on card games and playground/blitz games. Someone at Take-Two thinks they can snatch the football crowd from EA, and they finally generated enough revenue to pursue that quest. From what I'm reading, Take-Two is one of the top "new money" publishers in the gaming industry. Meaning, they haven't been around as long as the Nintendos, Sonys, Activisions, Ubisofst, etc of the world. Remind you, their gaming library is not as deep at those other companies. If you want the honest-to-God truth, I think Take-Two is greedier than EA, and THAT'S saying a lot.

Yes, gamers are starved for a new football game, but card and playground games are not going to cut it. Take-Two/2K Sports have a name for itself already with football, so it's not like they're some rookie coming into the game. They're going to make a 11v11 football game. Book it.

If the NFL was that "concern" about what Take-Two might do with the license, there would have been no agreement in the first place.

[canes21]

Re: 2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

Take Two isn't that new. They've been around for about 30 years, no? They have a TON of blockbusters behind their name, too. The GTA series, Bioshock series, Borderlands series, Max Payne series, the Civilization series.

They are good at making money. Call them greedy if you want, I don't necessarily call them nor EA evil and greedy. The consumers are spending the money, but Take Two isn't that young and they're climbing the ladder quickly as one of the wealthier companies out there.

[Blzer]

Re: 2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

It Takes Two isn't that new. They've been around for about 30 years, no?

32 years old, sir.

Just doing the research you've requested!

[SmashMan]

Re: 2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

Right, but people are being intentionally obtuse. As if EA will be monitoring the development of whatever they intend to create.

Is this not what companies have legal departments for?

[kehlis]

Re: 2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

Is this not what companies have legal departments for?

Not usually, most companies I'm familiar with who have their own internal legal teams primarily use them as a means to prevent risk, not seek out infringement violations.

That said, I'm not anywhere near the field of video game work so I don't know. I think generally EA's own internal team would see something they don't like and then seek the help of their legal team (not the other way around).

(I also know we have an infringement lawyer on here that can answer this question better than anyone else can if he chooses to)

That said, I think it's incredibly naive to assume EA won't be paying attention to what 2k is doing.

[canes21]

Re: 2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

Not usually, most companies I'm familiar with who have their own internal legal teams primarily use them as a means to prevent risk, not seek out infringement violations.

That said, I'm not anywhere near the field of video game work so I don't know. I think generally EA's own internal team would see something they don't like and then seek the help of their legal team (not the other way around).

(I also know we have an infringement lawyer on here that can answer this question better than anyone else can if he chooses to)

That said, I think it's incredibly naive to assume EA won't be paying attention to what 2k is doing.

I would also think that it is naive to think 2k has a lot of grey area to work with. I would assume that EA and the NFL have made it very clear what can and cannot be done in a non-simulation game. EA is paying $1.5 billion for their exclusive license. I cannot imagine for one second they left any room for 2k to find some type of loophole or grey area to exploit.

[SmashMan]

Re: 2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

Not usually, most companies I'm familiar with who have their own internal legal teams primarily use them as a means to prevent risk, not seek out infringement violations.

That said, I'm not anywhere near the field of video game work so I don't know. I think generally EA's own internal team would see something they don't like and then seek the help of their legal team (not the other way around).

(I also know we have an infringement lawyer on here that can answer this question better than anyone else can if he chooses to)

That said, I think it's incredibly naive to assume EA won't be paying attention to what 2k is doing.

Makes sense. My assumption was just that there would be people whose duties include keeping an eye out for anyone getting too close to infringing on existing deals.

But I’m not in games or legal work, so I’m open to the perspective of anyone that is.

[J_Posse]

Re: 2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

Not usually, most companies I'm familiar with who have their own internal legal teams primarily use them as a means to prevent risk, not seek out infringement violations.

That said, I'm not anywhere near the field of video game work so I don't know. I think generally EA's own internal team would see something they don't like and then seek the help of their legal team (not the other way around).

(I also know we have an infringement lawyer on here that can answer this question better than anyone else can if he chooses to)

That said, I think it's incredibly naive to assume EA won't be paying attention to what 2k is doing.

I'm sure they will be made aware of anything that would infringe on the agreement - by the NFL, news outlets or an "inside" source - but I doubt these companies, especially 2 with such heated history, are in the business of "informing" each other of their development plans or goings on.

If anything the parameters were already set forth when they inked their deals with the NFL & NFLPA, respectively. I doubt those negotiations had anything involving EA "monitoring" their titles development(s) or what their future titles even are.

Official HQ of Bills Backer/Spurs Nation

[J_Posse]

Re: 2K Partners with NFLPA to Allow NFL Players in Multiple Football Games

I would also think that it is naive to think 2k has a lot of grey area to work with. I would assume that EA and the NFL have made it very clear what can and cannot be done in a non-simulation game. EA is paying $1.5 billion for their exclusive license. I cannot imagine for one second they left any room for 2k to find some type of loophole or grey area to exploit.

Again, the "grey area" as you continue to state it could be an unlicensed pro football title with full backing by the NFLPA.

Again, just like what EA Sports previously did with Madden 64 which was unlicensed by the NFL - but had NFLPA licensing - because those rights were held by Acclaim & the NFL Quarterback Club title.

It really isn't difficult to understand how it COULD happen - that doesn't mean it will - and I'm starting to wonder why some individuals can't understand that.

Another option I would love for them to explore, especially on mobile titles or Switch, is a "spiritual successor" to Tecmo Bowl. Even if they aren't the holder's of that IP there still is a market for that type of arcade title.

Official HQ of Bills Backer/Spurs Nation