Analyst: Madden Sales to Fall 50% if NFL Season is Cancelled

[kjcheezhead]

Quote: Originally Posted by roadman

I agree somewhat, but what about the other 5 million fans that bought 11 and thought it was good? You don't sell 5.5 million games and a majority are unhappy. I'm not talking about people that peruse the internet, either. I don't really think a majority of people would start boycotting NFL products, but maybe I'm wrong.

Not all 5.5 million sales are to unhappy customers obviously, but Madden 11 was seen as catering to casuals and recieved alot of backlash from the community early on. It started out strong out of the gate (probably after Madden 10 was recieved better than the past 4) and then faltered once gamers started getting their hands on it. 5 patches and strong holiday sales saved this title.

Initial sales seem to reflect how people liked the last version, so with the early backlash from 11, I would expect day 1 sales of Madden 12 to be down slightly already. If there is a loss of NFL games, I do think fans will boycott. The game is as popular as ever, there is no excuse for a work stoppage from a fans point of view, it will only happen because of greed.

Now Madden and it's exclusive NFL license symolizes the NFL's greed perfectly. What better response to an NFL work stoppage than for fans to refuse to buy an exclusively licensed product like Madden?

[roadman]

Quote: Originally Posted by kjcheezhead

Not all 5.5 million sales are to unhappy customers obviously, but Madden 11 was seen as catering to casuals and recieved alot of backlash from the community early on. It started out strong out of the gate (probably after Madden 10 was recieved better than the past 4) and then faltered once gamers started getting their hands on it. 5 patches and strong holiday sales saved this title. Initial sales seem to reflect how people liked the last version, so with the early backlash from 11, I would expect day 1 sales of Madden 12 to be down slightly already. If there is a loss of NFL games, I do think fans will boycott. The game is as popular as ever, there is no excuse for a work stoppage from a fans point of view, it will only happen because of greed. Now Madden and it's exclusive NFL license symolizes the NFL's greed perfectly. What better response to an NFL work stoppage than for fans to refuse to buy an exclusively licensed product like Madden?

I see what you are saying and thinking and others may agree, but I just don't feel those casuals outside the net look into it that deeply. They just want video game football.

[sportyguyfl31]

50% is way too inflated..if its half that, that would be a lot.

[sportyguyfl31]

Quote: Originally Posted by coogrfan

This is a moot point-the NFL season will start on time, take it to the bank. Much ado about nothing, imo.

I agree.

At best, this is "The Sim Standard" troll fodder.

[sportyguyfl31]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tyrant8RDFL

To me it plain and simple. Athletes once again thinking they are bigger than the game.

Lazy statement.

The athletes arent asking for anything/

They are satisified with status quo.

It's the owners, fighting among themselves, because they all arent as marketing savvy as Jerry Jones.

That's all this is about.

[Strofan7]

I think they will decrease, but 50% seems extreme (pachter-style). I assume many people will buy the new game to help offset the loss of the NFL season by playing their own. However, someone mentioned just buying Madden 11 and simulating a season. Which is smart because it isn't like they are missing out on drafted players. So that could hurt my opinion some...

What I really think will be interesting is how college football will react. I expect a ton more fans at all of the games as well as a HUGE spike in sales if there is even a half decent NCAA 12 game released.

We'll see soon enough!

[TNT713]

EA isn't scared. No matter what - Die Hard Madden players will buy Madden.

There is a HUGE DIFFERENCE between a Die Hard Madden player and a gamer that plays Madden. For die hards, Madden is the #1 gaming priority. We purchase our consoles, extra controllers, TV's, and equipment to better our Madden experience...

Where as those who are less than die hard Madden fans buy the same things for a different reason - they simply enjoy gaming. Being a person who enjoys gaming and plays a little Madden is worlds apart from the Madden fan that enjoys gaming.

A 50% reduction in sales is the harshest number I could possibly imagine... This article is probably written by one of the guys that enjoys gaming - but is NOT a die hard Madden fan. It's highly likely that he's one of the guys that feels Madden is nothing more than the same game with a roster update every year - AKA, a writer who has no clue.

Die hard Madden fans live to have Madden every year... WITHOUT FAIL.

44% of the consoles in the US play Madden... As of yesterday afternoon there were still approximately 10,000 Madden players online.

No... Madden's sales might drop, but 50% is an astronomical figure... I'm guessing it will be more like 30-35% drop in sales from the average sales figures.

Later

[TNT713]

Quote: Originally Posted by Strofan7

What I really think will be interesting is how college football will react. I expect a ton more fans at all of the games as well as a HUGE spike in sales if there is even a half decent NCAA 12 game released. We'll see soon enough!

Doubtful there will be an NCAA spike... According to figures announced in one of the EA Madden podcasts (1 or 2 - can't remember), less than 10% of the people who play Madden also own NCAA.

There is VERY little crossover...

Later