Phil Frazier is Leaving EA Sports Tiburon

[DickDalewood]

Re: Phil Frazier the Latest to Leave EA Sports Tiburon Studio

It's interesting that this seems to be (so far) the biggest jump in quality we've gotten in Madden in quite some time, and it's the same year that both Ian and Phil have now left. I wonder how much say they had in this year's title, and if it was their vision that created what we've seen in videos thus far, or if that direction is coming from elsewhere.

I think the real results of these moves will be seen NEXT year... hopefully the end result doesn't go the route of NBA Elite after having a title that has seemingly improved so much. Steve eluded to it, but I really hope we don't end up realizing how great we had it now that these two guys are gone...

[RogueHominid]

Re: Phil Frazier is Leaving EA Sports Tiburon

Tazdevil has some surprises in store on that score, fellas. Think of it like Oceans 11.

Back to the point of the thread, I'll say that having new draft classes with randomized names will make the online franchise experience much more compelling. Lots of us are looking forward to that.

Once again, thanks, Phil. Your demeanor at E3 was unbelievably pleasant given the sheer number of interviews and repeat questions and garbage players you had to see. I don't have that kind of patience. Thanks as well for the running man clip.

[roadman]

Re: Phil Frazier the Latest to Leave EA Sports Tiburon Studio

It's interesting that this seems to be (so far) the biggest jump in quality we've gotten in Madden in quite some time, and it's the same year that both Ian and Phil have now left. I wonder how much say they had in this year's title, and if it was their vision that created what we've seen in videos thus far, or if that direction is coming from elsewhere.

I think the real results of these moves will be seen NEXT year... hopefully the end result doesn't go the route of NBA Elite after having a title that has seemingly improved so much.

Well, going back to when Ian first stepped into the role he had, he came out and said, "Everything you See on Sunday. Based off the initial statement, I would have to believe Phil and Ian wanted the game to become more sim. Steve said in this thread both Phil and Ian are hard core guys and Ian mentioned in this thread that he felt when he decided to leave, it was turning into a sim game.

[lions2k9]

Re: Phil Frazier is Leaving EA Sports Tiburon

This is probably for the best. Madden 12 is going to be the best Madden on the current gen, however it's been seven years since we've all played a new truly great football game. Ian took over on Madden 09 I believe and the game became better overall in my opinion, which isn't hard to accomplish considering how poor 08 was, but it's grown at a snail pace ever since. I know it's harder for them because they don't have multiple years to develop and things of the sort but really, Phil and Ian's games haven't been very good. Maybe they shouldn't have created features like fight for the fumble, just to remove them two years later, or create half time shows and weekly shows just to remove them two years later. it seems a lot of time ended up being wasted really. I wouldn't be surprised if madden 13 and 14 blew us out of the water now that these two are gone. It's nothing personal, but let's face it.. they've only made one good madden, and we haven't even played it yet, so who knows how many problems could arise.

Good luck to them in their career, but I really do feel this will be for the best.

[iamgramps]

I hate the departure of Ian and Phil, good luck on your futures, but where will the direction of Madden go from here? I still play Madden 11, today. Hopefully, the franchise is in good hands.

[adfletch71]

Re: Phil Frazier is Leaving EA Sports Tiburon

First off if you want to compare presentation MLB2K11 is the game. Play the Show. Secondly Phil and Ian did the best with what they had. Madden 12 is still two months away. Most likely their current build is in Beta. I think what we saw at E3 was an alpha game still. These guys worked their butt of to get the game when Madden 12 is. Once again Cam Weber seems to be very knowledgeable and was able to make the number 1 sporting game in the World not North America, but the world. Madden will be fine people leave all the time.

Hey Hova57

I have played the SHOW, and the commentary and presentation is just as boring as Madden. Only graphics are way better. don't want too get off topic, but i think Cam Weber will turn the franchise around and i think he is cleaning house. He has stated that he has read the forums over the years and the disappointment with the franchise. He also stated he is a sim gamer. Which makes me very happy, but we have too see in the future about that. If he can make the franchise what i see on sundays and surpass NFL2k5 in presentation and ALLPRO2K8 in gameplay, i don't have nothing to complain about

[roadman]

Re: Phil Frazier is Leaving EA Sports Tiburon

Like any job, there comes a point in time where you feel that you have either maximized your potential, or realize that there are better opportunities out there for you. I wont go into some of the reasons that people are leaving, but rest assured that they are doing something that has been a topic for a few years now.

Its just that now is the time that opportunity is knocking. Dont think for one minute that anyone that has left....or that is leaving ( 2 more very likely within the next 2 months ) , is not doing it on their own free will.

You will hear these names again...count on it

Pasta's mole? haha, j/k.

Conspiracy theorists take note.

I'm guessing your between the lines posting has something to do with the Marketing Dept.

Phil seems like ever the professional. Taking all the questions at E3, marketing Madden and knowing he has the potential of leaving the company shortly.

[gbombbay]

Yea, because they can just end the exclusive license in one snap of the fingers.

smh no s#!t they can't Captain Sarcastic. another guy in the world that takes things too literal.

[SageInfinite]

Re: Phil Frazier is Leaving EA Sports Tiburon

Great thread guys really entertaining.

Personally for me I wish all the departing members luck in their future endeavors. I can't say how I feel about any of them leaving because I don't know who was responsible for what I like about madden and what I don't like, so really I don't know what difference it makes. I do appreciate the effort that Ian and Phil put into getting info from these very boards though.

This news was certainly surprising to me though.

[Bumble14]

He is probably leaving because EA is not giving the Madden team enough resources or control over the game.

Guys,

As many have already said, have you ever just thought that Phil decided it was time for a change, or has received a great new opportunity?

I think it's time to put this mindset to bed that if someone from EA leaves it is because they are either forced out, or there is something brewing within the company to dumb the games down. When you are good at what you do (as both Ian and Phil are), new and exciting opportunities present themselves regularly. The bottom line is that within every career there comes a point where you take a good hard look at what you've been doing for years and have to make some decisions about the future.

Start understanding that at the end of the day, even making sports games is a business and people like Phil and Ian are businessmen. They have to make the best career decisions for their family and personal/professional growth. We may not understand why anyone would ever leave the chocolate factory known EA Tiburon, but after working there for 10+ years, from a career perspective I'm sure Phil and Ian do.

In no way am I trying to speak for Phil or Ian, it's just getting so old seeing these knee jerk reactions and generalizations as to why people left the company and the future of Tiburon's franchises.

Let's try and keep this thread focused on saying farewell to a friend of OS instead of turning it into ridiculous speculation and doomsday theories on Madden 13 and beyond.

[Matt Diesel]

Re: Phil Frazier is Leaving EA Sports Tiburon

We should be more concerned about who is replacing Phil, not Phil leaving. Whats done is done. IMHO I believe Madden is finally turning a corner. But, I am more interested to see the vision of his replacement as that will have the greatest impact on Madden now.

Godspeed gentlemen.

[spit_bubble]

Re: Phil Frazier is Leaving EA Sports Tiburon

Guys,

As many have already said, have you ever just thought that Phil decided it was time for a change, or has received a great new opportunity?

I think it's time to put this mindset to bed that if someone from EA leaves it is because they are either forced out, or there is something brewing within the company to dumb the games down...

...In no way am I trying to speak for Phil or Ian, it's just getting so old seeing these knee jerk reactions and generalizations as to why people left the company and the future of Tiburon's franchises.

Let's try and keep this thread focused on saying farewell to a friend of OS instead of turning it into ridiculous speculation and doomsday theories on Madden 13 and beyond.

I wouldn't categorize any speculation regarding this as a "knee jerk reaction". This is a significant story... Two top guys leaving at the same time. Yeah sure it could just all be coincidence, but at the same time asking people not to wonder if there might be something else going on is foolish.

Besides, I see no real absurd "doomsday theories". What I do see is an big name title in a massive industry going through multiple personnel changes at a very peculiar time. Could be for the better, could be for the worse. Take into account EA's history, along with the hefty price tag of the NFL license, and these departures stand out as something worth noting beyond just a fond farewell.

[roadman]

Re: Phil Frazier is Leaving EA Sports Tiburon

I wouldn't categorize any speculation regarding this as a "knee jerk reaction". This is a significant story... Two top guys leaving at the same time. Yeah sure it could just all be coincidence, but at the same time asking people not to wonder if there might be something else going on is foolish.

Besides, I see no real absurd "doomsday theories". What I do see is an big name title in a massive industry going through multiple personnel changes at a very peculiar time. Could be for the better, could be for the worse. Take into account EA's history, along with the hefty price tag of the NFL license, and these departures stand out as something worth noting beyond just a fond farewell.

I respectfully disagree.

This happens all the time across corporate America, it's just not front page news on a forum message board.

There are other exclusive contracts across the country where people leave their jobs everyday.

It's "us" that make it into more of a significant story than it needs to be.

The sun still rises in the east and sets in the west in the beginning and end of the day.

Time will tell how all this washes out.

That is what Cam Weber was hired for, to lead Madden to NG and beyond.

[Computalover]

I can understand if he left.. EA reminds me of a time when i tried to req a couple of file servers.. had a perfect config.. submitted the req.. when the servers arrived found out that management removed the RAID system for 1 80GB HD.. the 32 GB memory for 1GB and changed the windows server SW for desktop.. without consulting me.. which would not run on the box anyway.. the reason.. they thought it was too much for a desktop computer.. its a SERVER you butwaad!! why not ask first!! but thats what happens when management intervenes on everything.. lol

[Only1LT]

Re: Phil Frazier the Latest to Leave EA Sports Tiburon Studio

Do they ban people on this forum for stupidity?

Aren't insults against the rules as well and subject to banning?

I understand that you have a more personal stake in his comment than just about everyone else on here, as you actually know Phil, but why stoop to Shiz' level?