One week away till the end of exclusive license.

[stiffarmleft]

Don't put too much stake in to what said at a shareholders meeting, they'll double talk and embellish things to keep the shareholders happy, it's basically akin to a pep rally. If he never explicitly said exclusive agreement then I don't think it should be implied by a media outlet that it will remain exclusive. He may want the shareholders to think that but I agree with others if the deal was still exclusive that would be something he would have boasted about and not inferred. Maybe wishful thinking on my part but I will keep every sliver of hope alive until they say they have exclusivity.

[roadman]

If the CEO lies or embellishes in a shareholders meeting, you ditch the stock and sell.

[Segagendude]

Quote: Originally Posted by mestevo

Maybe we can get HipHopGamer on the case to chear this all up for us. Sent from my VZW Note 3

As reliable as Weekly World News, lol

[Rekkapryde]

Quote: Originally Posted by CM Hooe

I think the hope is stemming from the observation that Wilson did not explicitly use the word "exclusive" this particular time. That said, I'm with you in believing that the term is implied; the previous agreements - which were exclusive - are continuing.

To be fair though

- the extension of the previous deal was last year and it ends next week. If EA made another deal to extend the license why didn't they make a big announcement about it as they've done in the past?

- we all know EA will continue to make madden games, so that isn't the point. what people are wondering is if others are now allowed to do so.

- I don't see how the players union would sign exclusivity if they have the ability to get monies from not only EA but other publishers as well.

where there's smoke there's fire.....

If everything ends up being nothing, then so be it, but I do find it quite strange that no extension or new deal "announcement" has been made by EA. They've done it in the past, why not now? made sure everyone knew they had exclusive NFL rights the last 2 times....what's changed?

[mestevo]

Last March the NFLPA said this:

Atallah: We have an agreement with EA and Madden. I have heard some opinions like yours, but honestly, EA is one of our best partners. I know they hear some of your input as well and work to improve the game every year.

If there's smoke someone set something on fire. Little else IMO, no matter how many times you type that.

Is it odd there weren't press releases, etc? Sure, a little. But it's a routine deal it seems at this point, and perhaps they know the PR value of making a big deal out of it (threads like this one, the general vitrol the internet enjoys wallowing in) and just moving on and continuing to make Madden.

The reality is they gain little by spiking the football and saying 'YAY! MADDEN IS STILL OURS!!one1'

Was there even a press release from EA when they got the extension from the NFL in the face of labor uncertainty? 1up's article has a quote from the NFL, nothing else. http://www.1up.com/news/madden-nfl-e...ement-extended.

[ajk49er]

I am interested to see how long this lasts. because to me, the game is getting worse, while 2k remains the most realistic football game out there. I may be playing this game and creating new players/draft picks/uniforms for another 10 years. that is a scary thought. I wish 2k would just make another game. I like many here would gladly pay double, triple, the price for one. even without any license, real players, real teams etc. just give us 2k8 with a franchise mode and the same ability to create players while adding dreads. not too hard.

[roadman]

Quote: Originally Posted by Rekkapryde

To be fair though - I don't see how the players union would sign exclusivity if they have the ability to get monies from not only EA but other publishers as well. where there's smoke there's fire.....

Interview last March with the Asst. Dir of the NFL Players Union on Reddit. It's clear the NFL and NFLPA love EA.

Q: George, I wanted to ask you about the madden exclusive license. Do you plan to end this soon? The the 9-yr exclusive license ends this year and the fans are sick and tired of not having a choice of picking a nfl game to play. Madden is becoming stale and the community wants 2k sports to have a chance to make video games again. Nfl 2k5 was the best representation of the nfl to this date…. Please make this happen Mr. Atallah. Thanks for your time
Atallah: We have an agreement with EA and Madden. I have heard some opinions like yours, but honestly, EA is one of our best partners. I know they hear some of your input as well and work to improve the game every year.
Q: Sorry Mr. Atallah, but I will not purchase another ea nfl licensed game until the consumers are ale to have a choice again. The consumers should be in your best interest sir.
Atallah: I’m sorry to hear that. One thing to clarify though, my job and the job of the NFLPA, is to ensure that the players’ interests are top priority. I know that might not be the most popular answer, but it’s our mission.

[Rekkapryde]

Quote: Originally Posted by roadman

Interview last March with the Asst. Dir of the NFL Players Union on Reddit. It's clear the NFL and NFLPA love EA. Q: George, I wanted to ask you about the madden exclusive license. Do you plan to end this soon? The the 9-yr exclusive license ends this year and the fans are sick and tired of not having a choice of picking a nfl game to play. Madden is becoming stale and the community wants 2k sports to have a chance to make video games again. Nfl 2k5 was the best representation of the nfl to this date…. Please make this happen Mr. Atallah. Thanks for your time Atallah: We have an agreement with EA and Madden. I have heard some opinions like yours, but honestly, EA is one of our best partners. I know they hear some of your input as well and work to improve the game every year. Q: Sorry Mr. Atallah, but I will not purchase another ea nfl licensed game until the consumers are ale to have a choice again. The consumers should be in your best interest sir. Atallah: I’m sorry to hear that. One thing to clarify though, my job and the job of the NFLPA, is to ensure that the players’ interests are top priority. I know that might not be the most popular answer, but it’s our mission.

of course they'd say that since they were in a deal with the players. lots can change in a year especially when it comes to being able to get more money. Article below is from THIS year.

http://business-news.thestreet.com/p...2276127?page=1

"NFL players weren't exactly thrilled with the deal, either. NFL retirees accused their union of rejecting more money from 2K Sports in favor of a deal that used their likenesses without permission. "

No one said they won't deal with EA anymore, but if the union has a chance to double their dollars, they won't turn that down.