With the Success of Ultimate Team Modes, What is the Future of Franchise Modes in Sports Video Games?

[RaychelSnr]

The first sports video game I fell in love with was Bulls vs Lakers and the...

Written By: Brandon Kosal

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[Cardot]

Re: With the Success of Ultimate Team Modes, What is the Future of Franchise Modes in

I will preface this with the acknowledgment that I am old and out of touch.

While the popularity of UT is undeniable (my teenage son is certainly part of that community), I still don't get the appeal. Sure, maybe as a mini-game add on, but not the bread and butter of the franchise?

I date back to Atari (and Mattel electronics before that), so I had to wait a while to actually get real teams & players. But for me, that was the appeal...to be able to play with and against real teams. I just don't get the long lasting appeal to UT???

[actionhank]

If the NHL series is any indication, they'll slowly be put on the back burner and given pretty modest updates over years instead of with each release.
The NHL series has become incredibly stale in the GM mode, and is the primary reason I stopped playing and buying the series. EA clearly doesn't care much outside of their online play, so why should I sink my money into something they're not worried about? 

[stocksy]

I think the popularity is overblown and overstated. 

If more effort was put in franchise modes they would be played more. Truth is most series have given up making massive improvements to franchise mode and have convinced people that paying for UT modes is the way to go.

its  Emperors new clothes - people believe everyone loves this modes and they don’t....

but they are the modes companies are pushing And advancing ....

its a shame as the modes are shallow and a good dynamic franchise mode would be far More rewarding  

[dynastymgrguy]

My interests in sports gaming would die if franchise modes became even more stripped down and less engaging. However, today's youth love the thrill of connecting online and facing human opponents (some were born into Ultimate Team as a norm). I see this in my son -- although not for sports, but for games like Battlefield and Battlefront. If it's where the money is, then EA has to keep share holders happy. That's why they're in business. So, do I think Franchise Mode is an endangered species? Not altogether... but it will be VERY VERY interesting to see what EA does with NBA Live later this year. That will tell the tale - and it will be the deciding factor if I pump any more cash into basketball gaming. I'm just old school and gotta have an engaging franchise mode to stay happy.

[goillini03]

Re: With the Success of Ultimate Team Modes, What is the Future of Franchise Modes in

If the NHL series is any indication, they'll slowly be put on the back burner and given pretty modest updates over years instead of with each release.
The NHL series has become incredibly stale in the GM mode, and is the primary reason I stopped playing and buying the series. EA clearly doesn't care much outside of their online play, so why should I sink my money into something they're not worried about?*

I agree Hank. NHL used to be a yearly buy for me. No question. I have not picked a version up in 3 years due to the lack of Franchise development.

I do not think that Franchise modes will die, because I think that UT types modes will fall out of favor at some point. There is always a pivot. They already get little, no no, attention as it is. To be frank, they would lose way too many yearly sales if they do away with Franchise modes.

I can enjoy playing UT, and even spend money on it. If the Franchise mode were to disappear, I would no no longer buy the games every year. Madden is already a no buy for me next year, because of the lack of improvements In Franchise. (See my NHL comment above). The only reason I played Madden was because it was gifted to me.

At some point, the devs will realize that they neglected their bread and butter customers. The true question is, will it be too late for them when they realize it?

[goillini03]

Re: With the Success of Ultimate Team Modes, What is the Future of Franchise Modes in

To add, will sites like OS continue to be around if this happens? Love this place. Some days more than others. Check out the card collecting forums here. Crickets.

[rlb1976]

Re: With the Success of Ultimate Team Modes, What is the Future of Franchise Modes in

I'm not a fan of card collecting modes at all. I want the most realistic experience possible. If franchise modes start to suck or go away I'll no longer play sports games. If you ever watch 2KTV on NBA 2K, they pretty much never talk about mygm/myleague.

[Junior Moe]

Re: With the Success of Ultimate Team Modes, What is the Future of Franchise Modes in

I've said it before and I'll say it again; I hope these modes continue to be successful. I hope The Show, 2K and Madden continue to see revenue increases. The market has changed and they have to adapt. That being said, with a successful product just don't forget about the other segments of your gamers. Whether you hit franchise hard over a cycle or two, or more incrementally over a longer stretch, give us what we want too. With 2K, I'm at the point where I don't have any major franchise wants. Tuning is honestly what's needed now. I hope the online franchise heads get the full offline offering. The actual gameplay and graphic changes shine through more now as I dive deeper into the game. We're not going to be able to bottle the MUT/MyTeam genie. It's here. Just don't leave the old timers behind in the process.

[Junior Moe]

Re: With the Success of Ultimate Team Modes, What is the Future of Franchise Modes in

My interests in sports gaming would die if franchise modes became even more stripped down and less engaging. However, today's youth love the thrill of connecting online and facing human opponents (some were born into Ultimate Team as a norm). I see this in my son -- although not for sports, but for games like Battlefield and Battlefront. If it's where the money is, then EA has to keep share holders happy. That's why they're in business. So, do I think Franchise Mode is an endangered species? Not altogether... but it will be VERY VERY interesting to see what EA does with NBA Live later this year. That will tell the tale - and it will be the deciding factor if I pump any more cash into basketball gaming. I'm just old school and gotta have an engaging franchise mode to stay happy.

I saw the same thing with my son. I got him Ghost Recon Wildlands and watched him grin from ear to ear as it installed. Then, jumped strait online with his friends. I played some of the campaign, but I don't think he has ever touched it. Now they're on to PUBG. It's just where the gamers are now. It's an online social thing now.

[garyjr33]

I can't get into the ultimate team modes if they force me to play other people. I just get so frustrated with the "bought teams" and the cheating and glitching. I have always preferred to play solo in franchise mode, and watch a movie in the background or a sporting event. For the past two years I bought NHL but was very disappointed and traded it in very early. Currently, all I play is the Show. But even that needs a lot added to the franchise mode this year. I really hope that they come through with some solid additions. I enjoyed the Diamond Dynasty mode more than I ever have with the solo challenges/missions.

The solo challenges in Ultimate team for NHL made me buy the game again but they were sorely lacking and the franchise mode is so stale for some reason. I feel that that game plays like/caters to "video game" hockey and not real strategic hockey. I would love to be involved in a robust online franchise mode that does not have severe lag in the NHL series or MLB series. That would be the only way I would be willing to play online with friends again. 

[JasonLin]

I do realize that now maybe more than 50% of NBA 2K gamers here in China are playing MT mode, and some of them are investing heavily on it. I know a few friends who spent more than 1000 USD  on each 2K title buying card packs. 

but me, as a 2K gamer since 2K1, I never got into these modes. I just want to play using my favorite LAKERS, going through a season just like the team does in real life. 

My favorite mode is actually NBA LIVE 10's dynamic season, where all the stats and rosters get updated each and everyday according to the real NBA season, that made me felt like I was participating the real NBA season. And you can rewind to play some games to change the outcome or re-experience the day. I've always hoped that one day this mode shall return to NBA LIVE or come to NBA 2K, but obviously for many gamers and developers,  it's not important. I understand. 

So please.. Season mode and Franchise mode, don't die.....

Or I'll just have to go to quick game. 

[statum71]

Of course UT type modes "seem" more popular because for the most part they are played online. Most gamers that play franchise or league modes play them offline.

I personally buy all my sports games to play offline franchise/season or tournament leagues in FIFA.

Don't get rid of franchise mode.

[thescoop]

If Franchise mode goes away, I stop buying. It is the only mode I care about. 

[thescoop]

If Franchise mode goes away, I stop buying. It is the only mode I care about.