NBA LIVE Post Launch Support

[blackflash83]

Hey guys,

It's been a while since I popped in to talk to you guys but it's good to be back talking to you guys.

One of the things that have been on my mind has been what we can do to improve the post launch experience for NBA LIVE. It's easy for me to come up with ideas to improve post launch support but I would like to hear from you guys regarding what you would like to see done better regarding post launch support. I can't promise that EVERYTHING that is listed by you guys can be done but the key thing here is that we should be working toward trying to make the experience better for you guys throughout the year that a title is launched.

With that let me know what you would like to see improved.

[ehh]

Re: NBA LIVE Post Launch Support

You guys had a constant presence on the board and communicated with us damn near daily. You fixed what you could (goaltending glitch, DS lineup issues, etc) and listened to all the other complaints. Seeing how you aren't required to even be here, as gamers we can't really ask for much more.

But we'll certainly take more if you're offering.

[blackflash83]

Re: NBA LIVE Post Launch Support

It's all about giving you guys what you want in a basketball game. The game team knows that a lot needs to be done but they're working hard to make a better game for all of you to enjoy.

It's great to be able to provide information to all of your regarding what's going into the game but it's also important that we give you guys incentives to continue wanting to play NBA LIVE after the game comes out. I know we can do a lot better in that area and I want to hear what you guys think needs to be improved in that area. I want to you all to be able to enjoy NBA LIVE and continue coming back to the game all year so knowing what you guys want to see improved is important.

Thanks.

[ehh]

Re: NBA LIVE Post Launch Support

Well, the answer you are probably going to get from a lot of OSers is to beef up the Dynasty mode a great deal. Granted that doesn't fall under the Post Launch Support tent, it certainly will give gamers around here much more incentive to continue playing Live after the game comes out.

The constant roster updates are great but I feel like most OSers did not find much replay value in Dynamic Season. But again, OS has mostly hardcore gamers who are big into Dynasty/Franchise type modes. Casual gamers may have loved DS.

I know that online gaming is the wave of the future (and present) but it would be awesome to have an improved Dynasty mode. Right now, it's the only thing that is unquestionably better in your competitor's game. Just about every thing else can be debated - the dynasty mode cannot.

I for one really, really enjoyed the gameplay in Live this year. But I barely touched the game from mid-December until last week. There just wasn't enough there for me to continue playing the game, even though I was more impressed with Live's gameplay than any other basketball game I've ever played.

What are some of the ideas you have, if you can share them without giving away too much? Outside of the constant roster updates being more accurate (eliminating the PG/SG lineup bug) and getting the appearances/sneakers/accessories more accurate and updated more frequently I'm not sure what other post-launch support can be done on your end.

[adub88]

Re: NBA LIVE Post Launch Support

I think Ehh just about covered it all. There could be more of a presence in the player accessories, shoes, etc thread.

This is not post launch related, but I was happy to come back to Live after playing 2k for the past few years. Just give us way more signature style and add some replay value to the game for Live '11.

[Pared]

Re: NBA LIVE Post Launch Support

Post launch support is meaningless if your bosses can not *grasp* the concept that sports gaming needs to evolve based on user input.

There are TONS of things that are asked for year in and year out that never transpire. There needs to be less focus on the guys that "love NBA Live the way it is" and more on the guys that want to see it become a great NBA title.

There is a reason why the game sold so poorly. Being sloppy seconds to features and innovation isn't going to do anything other than continually put this series behind 2k's efforts.

For years the player has wanted more control of online leagues. Still hasn't happened.
Players have wanted better presentation - Better, but still VERY behind what is possible.
Franchise mode = stale.
Player specific animations are few and far between.

I'm actually holding a good deal back in this post as well. I could go on and on but that wastes everyone's time since I've done so before and it has been met with hesitation.

I understand the developers need to answer to the "suits in charge." But until they can have a little more freedom to actually implement feedback from the gamer, the series won't advance with an incredible turnaround in just one year, no matter how solid the game is. Too much harm has already been done.

They just need to put in the massive amount of work needed now. And detailing what that is, so far, has been useless.

[noshun]

Re: NBA LIVE Post Launch Support

I agree with everything Pared just wrote. These guys wanna show up now trying to save face, after not showing up after NCAA 10 dropped and think that the people forgot about that.
Years of wishlist, surveys, and "we're back" rhetoric. Damage is done, and overdone. As much as I love NBA basketball, Live isn't on my radar even for rental this year, much less purchase. I'll still check in but thats the extent of it for me.

Mike Wang wasnt inspired to stick around and ditched the series. Marcus felt need to try something else.

being there and spending some time over at EA, it was clear that they do things a different way, and in a way it's just inefficient and just not the place to be to make the best games

It's all about giving you guys what you want in a basketball game.

We've heard this 5 years in a row. I even QA'd a few Live's a few years ago only to see the same stuff I said were issues make it into the final game.

Im only speaking for myself when I say this, but why bother?

[joel0078]

Re: NBA LIVE Post Launch Support

I hope this doesn't come off the wrong way, because I mean no offense. But I'd rather see you spending your time making improvements on this years game instead of using it to conjure up ideas for post launch support. The simple fact you're asking for ideas for post launch support, has me concerned. I'm hoping post launch support isn't needed as much this year as in past years!

The only thing I can think to ask for is MORE of a presence, post release. It really bothered me as a devoted consumer that the development staff spent a great deal of time here hyping the game and providing info, pre release (which was much appreciated). But after the game released and problems arose, the developers time spent here had drastically decreased, and that was frustrating (to me anyways).

Everything "Pared" said is dead on.

[blackflash83]

Re: NBA LIVE Post Launch Support

I agree with everything Pared just wrote. These guys wanna show up now trying to save face, after not showing up after NCAA 10 dropped and think that the people forgot about that.
Years of wishlist, surveys, and "we're back" rhetoric. Damage is done, and overdone. As much as I love NBA basketball, Live isn't on my radar even for rental this year, much less purchase. I'll still check in but thats the extent of it for me.

Mike Wang wasnt inspired to stick around and ditched the series. Marcus felt need to try something else.





We've heard this 5 years in a row. I even QA'd a few Live's a few years ago only to see the same stuff I said were issues make it into the final game.

Im only speaking for myself when I say this, but why bother?

I unfortunately can't say anything about NCAA Basketball. The only thing that I can do from this point is to ensure that whatever happened with NCAA Basketball NEVER happens again. That is why I want to reach out to you guys, the true hardcore b-ball fans, to gather ideas from you on what we need to do better regarding post launch support. Pared made a lot of important points which I will address in another post but it's about not repeating the mistakes of the past and really going forward and making sure that we are doing what we can do to provide support to the community that have bought the title.

I know at this point it's all talk but I want to be able to prove that through my actions not just the words coming from my work but I need your help to make this happen.

[DJ]

Re: NBA LIVE Post Launch Support

I thought the interaction here was pretty good this year.

I would've liked to have seen a detailed explanation as to why team rotations and rosters were so messed up (and are still messed up when you try and play Dynasty mode).

[blackflash83]

Re: NBA LIVE Post Launch Support

Post launch support is meaningless if your bosses can not *grasp* the concept that sports gaming needs to evolve based on user input.

There are TONS of things that are asked for year in and year out that never transpire. There needs to be less focus on the guys that "love NBA Live the way it is" and more on the guys that want to see it become a great NBA title.

There is a reason why the game sold so poorly. Being sloppy seconds to features and innovation isn't going to do anything other than continually put this series behind 2k's efforts.

For years the player has wanted more control of online leagues. Still hasn't happened.
Players have wanted better presentation - Better, but still VERY behind what is possible.
Franchise mode = stale.
Player specific animations are few and far between.

I'm actually holding a good deal back in this post as well. I could go on and on but that wastes everyone's time since I've done so before and it has been met with hesitation.

I understand the developers need to answer to the "suits in charge." But until they can have a little more freedom to actually implement feedback from the gamer, the series won't advance with an incredible turnaround in just one year, no matter how solid the game is. Too much harm has already been done.

They just need to put in the massive amount of work needed now. And detailing what that is, so far, has been useless.

There is absolutely nothing I can say about this post that you just made. Again it may sound like me just saying words but the big part of what I'm looking to improve on is ensuring that there is improved user feedback. User feedback that goes into pre-launch as well as post launch. Post launch going referring to any updates that may be on the way, online events such as community play dates, tournaments, all sorts of things to improve the experience. However, you are correct when you say that input from people who want to see an improved NBA product is paramount and regardless of whatever I may hope to accomplish post launch it's what's in the game that matters the most and I have faith in the development team and what they are trying to deliver.

We will be going in depth regarding what is going to be happening in the game and as I've said several times before it's very easy for me to talk, I would rather show you guys what the team are cooking. Actions speak louder than words and it's actions from our end that we want to be delivering to all of you, the hardcore basketball gamer.

The team are always on the forums lurking reading what you guys have to say about the game. I receive wishlists from a lot of people and so do members of the development team. I send everything that comes my way to them and they do read everything. It would be awesome if they could implement everything that you guys want to see in the game but of course there are numerous challenges to overcome. However, everyone knows how important it is to make a game that all of you want to be able to play and to do that means that we need to be listening to all of you. The team HAVE been doing that but it's about taking another step and being able to implement everything the community wants and that of course has its challenges.

[noshun]

Re: NBA LIVE Post Launch Support

Again it may sound like me just saying words but the big part of what I'm looking to improve on is ensuring that there is improved user feedback. User feedback that goes into pre-launch as well as post launch. Post launch going referring to any updates that may be on the way, online events such as community play dates, tournaments, all sorts of things to improve the experience. However, you are correct when you say that input from people who want to see an improved NBA product is paramount and regardless of whatever I may hope to accomplish post launch it's what's in the game that matters the most and I have faith in the development team and what they are trying to deliver.

We will be going in depth regarding what is going to be happening in the game and as I've said several times before it's very easy for me to talk, I would rather show you guys what the team are cooking. Actions speak louder than words and it's actions from our end that we want to be delivering to all of you, the hardcore basketball gamer.

The team are always on the forums lurking reading what you guys have to say about the game. I receive wishlists from a lot of people and so do members of the development team. I send everything that comes my way to them and they do read everything. It would be awesome if they could implement everything that you guys want to see in the game but of course there are numerous challenges to overcome. However, everyone knows how important it is to make a game that all of you want to be able to play and to do that means that we need to be listening to all of you. The team HAVE been doing that but it's about taking another step and being able to implement everything the community wants and that of course has its challenges.

Again speaking for myself only, not trying to be confrontational. But...

Why? Its not like you guys stuck around during the whole NCAA freezing thread issue. That thread went 27 pages for over 4 months. The only person to show up and comment was Marcus, and he wasn't with EA anymore.

Why should we have any faith you guys are going to stick around now? What incentive? Because you guys say you are now? Really?

Why does this sound so familar to me? Edited: found quote


It sounds similar to this quote from you in the Mike Wang left EA thread.

At this point the only thing that the development team can do is give you all a game that is worthy of what you all want. Talk is cheap but I have faith with in this team and everyone wants to see this series get better.

Deja vu.

These words are just a cycle of nothingness year after year. They hold no weight whatsoever. You guys cant speak on the NCAA 10 post issues, but your going to speak on post Live 11's? I guess this forum needed some type of action, its dead. Great post Live 10 forum action. Let me see how NCAA 10's post support is doing while I'm at it. Going to go play NCAA 10 with my cousin.

Post launch going referring to any updates that may be on the way, all sorts of things to improve the experience.

NCAA 10 freezing(no post patch) is sure improving my frustration to finish a game experience..

[Behindshadows]

Re: NBA LIVE Post Launch Support

As I'm reading these 2 pages, I love how people come here and try to bash Blackflash03 for doing his job.

Moving from the NCAA team to the NBA Projects and he gets heat. Now obviously they listened in the college series and gave us a better game than they've ever given us.

Live 10 in less than a year, was much better than Live 09, and honestly I think it was better than 2k10 in a lot of aspects. So to keep trying to compare apple to oranges, isn't helping anyone.

We understand the level that the competition has reached, yah! Pat them on the back for keeping a great team together since Dreamcast on a washed up engine, that still does wonders. (We get it!)

But from a business standpoint, EA as a company has ruined this series from too many movements in the structure. So why are you guys giving him a hard time for being a new part of the Live structure, when he's obviously willing to listen to us and so are the other developers. I am so glad you got to vent and boast all your hatred for the series.

But lets get back on what he asked for, support and suggestions to help them, while they are moving forward from Live 10. If none of you have been following what they are doing in development, either because of lack of interest or bias eyes still not caring, and waiting to microscope every flaw.

Live 11, is trying to difference itself from 2k series. Gameplay, graphics, and Presentation wise. When Mike W. was with them, he put a lot of 2k elements into Live 10 and made them more advance. This is the real reason a lot of people really enjoyed it so much, some things were familiar and some were done better.

So what we will honestly understand from this point in time is:

1. This game isn't 2k, and never will be like 2k. It will be it's on game.

2. If you are expecting anything of a kind to be like 2k, then you will never enjoy the series. They will always look and play completely different.

3. If you are expecting the animations to be 2k heavy, you will never enjoy this game. (Fact: Engine doesn't allow it!)

4. Bashing developers and doing nothing but looking at everything negative, will never come out positive or help anyone in the long run.

5. Fact is this game will never live up to your expectations, if the first thing you do is, begin to compare it to the competitions and try look for what isn't and is different. They will always be on different development pathways.

Either way! BlackFlash03, my info to help has been sent to you. Other guys on OS, who have some level of interest in improving this series with an unbiased eye and mind state. Please post some positive things, that you see in Live 10 and would like to improve upon. As well as the negatives and explain how they also can be improved.

Note: Don't mention animations, EA Devs already know and understand that part. Features, modes, and other little details that speak NBA....let them know and lets get them in the game.

BTW!!! Pared, you are spot on with the Online League improvements. I wish they had online Dynasty like Madden 10 did last year, great feature.

[clivo1050]

Re: NBA LIVE Post Launch Support

As I'm reading these 2 pages, I love how people come here and try to bash Blackflash03 for doing his job.

Moving from the NCAA team to the NBA Projects and he gets heat. Now obviously they listened in the college series and gave us a better game than they've ever given us.

Live 10 in less than a year, was much better than Live 09, and honestly I think it was better than 2k10 in a lot of aspects. So to keep trying to compare apple to oranges, isn't helping anyone.

We understand the level that the competition has reached, yah! Pat them on the back for keeping a great team together since Dreamcast on a washed up engine, that still does wonders. (We get it!)

But from a business standpoint, EA as a company has ruined this series from too many movements in the structure. So why are you guys giving him a hard time for being a new part of the Live structure, when he's obviously willing to listen to us and so are the other developers. I am so glad you got to vent and boast all your hatred for the series.

But lets get back on what he asked for, support and suggestions to help them, while they are moving forward from Live 10. If none of you have been following what they are doing in development, either because of lack of interest or bias eyes still not caring, and waiting to microscope every flaw.

Live 11, is trying to difference itself from 2k series. Gameplay, graphics, and Presentation wise. When Mike W. was with them, he put a lot of 2k elements into Live 10 and made them more advance. This is the real reason a lot of people really enjoyed it so much, some things were familiar and some were done better.

So what we will honestly understand from this point in time is:

1. This game isn't 2k, and never will be like 2k. It will be it's on game.

2. If you are expecting anything of a kind to be like 2k, then you will never enjoy the series. They will always look and play completely different.

3. If you are expecting the animations to be 2k heavy, you will never enjoy this game. (Fact: Engine doesn't allow it!)

4. Bashing developers and doing nothing but looking at everything negative, will never come out positive or help anyone in the long run.

5. Fact is this game will never live up to your expectations, if the first thing you do is, begin to compare it to the competitions and try look for what isn't and is different. They will always be on different development pathways.

Either way! BlackFlash03, my info to help has been sent to you. Other guys on OS, who have some level of interest in improving this series with an unbiased eye and mind state. Please post some positive things, that you see in Live 10 and would like to improve upon. As well as the negatives and explain how they also can be improved.

Note: Don't mention animations, EA Devs already know and understand that part. Features, modes, and other little details that speak NBA....let them know and lets get them in the game.

BTW!!! Pared, you are spot on with the Online League improvements. I wish they had online Dynasty like Madden 10 did last year, great feature.

^This. I've been the biggest 2k fan for years, but the last two versions have been a buggy mess. Live 10 played a respectable game of basketball and i'm excited for the future.

[ehh]

Re: NBA LIVE Post Launch Support

I don't see how the NCAA '10 debacle falls under this hood. Everyone knew the game was getting the ax, why should EA bother supporting it post-release? It would be a stupid business decision.

If the series was continuing you can bet that we would have gotten a patch fixing the issue.