EA Talks 'Fewer, Better, Bigger' Titles, NFL Strike Ramifications, 3D Not Important

[Steve_OS]

Check out the article, over at Gamasutra.

"EA also said an expected NFL strike in the coming year could have an effect on the company's bottom line, due to the signature Madden NFL American football game franchise, and that this effect has already been factored into its financial expectations.

"We, like you, are looking forward to the NFL and the [players] resolving their differences and starting the season on time this year," said EA COO John Schappert, "but in terms of a planning assumption ... we've baked in the most conservative assumption, meaning no season. We're optimistic it can be better than that, so there's an upside."

Responding to a question about the impact of stereoscopic 3D on the market, Schappert said he actually thought other technologies were more important to EA and the industry's bottom line."

[RedZoneD25]

Re: EA Talks 'Fewer, Better, Bigger' Titles, NFL Strike Ramifications

Thanks for the article Steve.

[at23steelers]

Re: EA Talks 'Fewer, Better, Bigger' Titles, NFL Strike Ramifications

Yeah thanks Stevo!! I am glad EA doesn't think 3D is that important right now, because there is just so many other needs.

[TheCreep]

Re: EA Talks 'Fewer, Better, Bigger' Titles, NFL Strike Ramifications

So what would this mean for the Madden series for said year I wonder? A Madden game without the NFL exclusive would still sell if ya ask me. What would we get, a fully editable football title? Cant go wrong there.

[JDoze]

Re: EA Talks 'Fewer, Better, Bigger' Titles, NFL Strike Ramifications

So what would this mean for the Madden series for said year I wonder? A Madden game without the NFL exclusive would still sell if ya ask me. What would we get, a fully editable football title? Cant go wrong there.

Backbreaker...

Also, thanks for the info. I wonder if they are going to try and use the motion sensing devices. I hope not.

[jhogan3132]

hopefully they focus on online dynasties........ Maybe?

[jyoung]

I'll be shocked if EA doesn't just release Madden 12 and ignore the lockout like they did with NBA Live 99 and the NBA Lockout.

Madden will sell regardless of whether or not there's a NFL season.

[PVarck31]

Re: EA Talks 'Fewer, Better, Bigger' Titles, NFL Strike Ramifications, 3D Not Importa

Trust me, Madden 12 will release in August. NFL season or not.

[RedZoneD25]

Re: EA Talks 'Fewer, Better, Bigger' Titles, NFL Strike Ramifications, 3D Not Importa

I'll be shocked if EA doesn't just release Madden 12 and ignore the lockout like they did with NBA Live 99 and the NBA Lockout.

Madden will sell regardless of whether or not there's a NFL season.

I'd expect highly increased sales if there were no NFL season. People need their "fix", especially if they aren't getting weekly live games.

[adembroski]

Re: EA Talks 'Fewer, Better, Bigger' Titles, NFL Strike Ramifications, 3D Not Importa

I'd expect highly increased sales if there were no NFL season. People need their "fix", especially if they aren't getting weekly live games.

I thought that myself, but it doesn't tend to be the case with strikes. Maybe the NFL is different, but MLB and NHL games took big hits during their strikes. Apples and oranges, maybe, but I think it's a fairly strong indicator considering that, while smaller, their fan bases are just as fanatic.

[Dog]

Re: EA Talks 'Fewer, Better, Bigger' Titles, NFL Strike Ramifications, 3D Not Importa

I may be crazy, but I think Madden will get HUGE sales if there is a lockout in the NFL with all the football fans wanting an NFL fix

[biggiejerseys]

@adembroski Baseball's strike happened towards the end of the season so there would be no effect in games sold not to mention in 94 video games weren't as big as they are in 2011.

[RedZoneD25]

Re: EA Talks 'Fewer, Better, Bigger' Titles, NFL Strike Ramifications, 3D Not Importa

I thought that myself, but it doesn't tend to be the case with strikes. Maybe the NFL is different, but MLB and NHL games took big hits during their strikes. Apples and oranges, maybe, but I think it's a fairly strong indicator considering that, while smaller, their fan bases are just as fanatic.

Fair enough. Hopefully we won't have to see if that's the case (for fans and EA alike)..

[Dazraz]

I'm glad EA are not prioritising 3D. There is much to be addressed with their titles. Taking time on this area will deflect away from more immediate issues.

EA must realise that the potential of Madden 12 is going to be factored by the improvements made to the title & not on any impending lockout. If EA take the game where it needs to go it will sell. There are pages & pages of feedback on any number of forums regarding what the consumer wants from the Madden title, with many issues consistently recurring. Maybe this will be the year EA have listened.

[spit_bubble]

Re: EA Talks 'Fewer, Better, Bigger' Titles, NFL Strike Ramifications, 3D Not Importa

I'd expect highly increased sales if there were no NFL season. People need their "fix", especially if they aren't getting weekly live games.

I'd be willing to bet a lot of people buy the game to sort of follow along with the season.

That being said, I think the juggernaut that is a Madden release is hard to slow down at this point. My guess is there would be a small hit in sales if there is no agreement in place, but nothing too significant.