Could a Great Game Elevate a Sport's Status?

[RaychelSnr]

Eric Faynberg, another rookie writing sensation here at OS, checks in with his first article ever to take a look at how a great game could elevate a sport's status in the sports world. Check out his article and let him know your thoughts!

"Ever wonder why companies bother making games based on minor sports? The games rarely help the sport, they tend to not sell well, and are often just bad games altogether. Maybe there's a connection. Maybe if the games were better, they'd sell better. In fact, if the games were really good, maybe, just maybe, they could even help bring a little notoriety to the sport."

[DubTrey1]

Good article and good points made - For me, I think it does have the possiblity to do so. If we compare what games have done in terms of influence to movies (Max Payne movie, possible Halo film etc.) so why not the other way around? I mean, I literally got interested in baseball by picking up and playing Triple Play baseball... It was good enough for me to actually invest some interest in the real players that I played against in the game. Been a fan ever since -

[matt8204]

Definitely. Think of how many people became hockey fans after falling in love with the NHL series back in the Genesis and Super NES days? I know that it piqued my interest in the sport. I mean, I liked hockey anyway, but those games just reinforced my passion for it. I'm sure the skill stick innovation and Be A Pro mode has attracted even more new fans.

[LingeringRegime]

I used to be an avid soccer despiser. But, I played FIFA way back in 1994 and since then I have enjoyed the real life counterpart.

[scamden311]

Re: Could a Great Game Elevate a Sport's Status?

All my friends used to hate soccer, until I brought home Winning Eleven 6 from college.

Now they actually enjoy the sport, and one of my friends subscribes to soccer channels.

[zodiac52]

Re: Could a Great Game Elevate a Sport's Status?

i always loved football since i was little but Madden was what made me like the NFL, basically learned everyones rosters, names, coaches pretty much everything about the NFL in that game.. of coarse i dont think playing a baseball game would make me like it any more than i do, i just dont like baseball, never have. but if it is a sport im somewhat interested in like soccer it would prob convert me.

[bukktown]

Re: Could a Great Game Elevate a Sport's Status?

I couldn't care less about hockey until I got hooked on NHL '08. Then I started following the Wild and I started to watch the offensive and defensive strategies of the real NHL and all of a sudden hockey made sense to me and I watched the Stanley Cup playoffs for the 1st time ever.

For me the biggest thing that these games can do is educate. It gives you a virtual experience of the sport. I would probably get into lacrosse or cricket if there was a fun game on the market. Heck I would enjoy Integral Calculus better if there was a fun game about it.

[Zlax45]

I loved Kings of the Beach for the NES so I think a beach volleyball game would be an excellent addition.

[Caveman Mafia]

its kinda funny that u didnt mention the Tony Hawk franchise in this article.... i remember when it released, everyone became aware of all these pro skaters practically overnight..... i haven't played a tony hawk game in years but i believe the original titles had a huge impact on the sport..... its too bad no surfing franchise ever took off....

[Lieutenant Dan]

Great article and comments, especially those that took to hockey from videogame hockey. That's a great example.

What I would dearly love to see is a hydroplane racing game (unlimiteds, limiteds and classic unlimiteds from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's). A really exciting sport with boats skimming the water at over 140 mph on lakes and rivers. If I had won millions in a lottery, I'd finance the thing myself, no doubt about it. But could I get it PUBLISHED? LOL It'd be a niche title, but I'd make it absolutely top-drawer.

[dave731]

I remember playing EA's rugby game against friends for a good time. We never had watched Rugby before but decided to give the game a shot and we had a blast playing tho we didn't know many rules....

[BobbyZ23]

Someone mentioned Kings of the Beach, it definitely brings back great memories. Randy Stoklos and Sinjin Smith battling the Samoans. I may have played it as much as Tecmo Bowl. Good times.

[rdelizo35]

I definitely feel that a great game can elevate a sports' status and this is especially the case if the game is done right.