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Originally Posted by CM Hooe |
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This would be all well and good, and I actually like this idea. However, it's not a game with a high score component if you don't introduce a means for the user to control it. The user can't play the mini game without having a mini game to play. You've clearly (by implication) introduced control mechanics and a mini-game with which to prove skill in using those mechanics here - again, this is good, I like this.
The existence of user mechanics wasn't assumed in the premise I was countering, though. All that was offered was (paraphrasing) that Tiburon ought to make the game "more sim" and offer more robust AI before innovating the user experience, and that the opposite approach to this is asinine. That doesn't make sense to me. It's not how I would go about making a game. It offers effectively nothing to the user of the game with respect to directly playing the game. Just putting in WR-DB interaction / foot planting / whatever by itself without a means for the user to engage with the improvements doesn't cut the mustard for the average person and thus it's likely not going to even be considered.
Put more simply - why should an average gamer - who isn't necessarily a student of the game of football and in-fact may be playing Madden for the first time ever in Madden 15 - care about the mechanics of playing wide receiver if he's never asked to play wide receiver and run routes? Why is focus on that worth the developer's time and attention over any means by which said user can actually control the game and affect the outcome - be it the Precision Modifier running controls, the new tackling gameplay mechanics, the new pass rushing mechanics, etc. etc.? Heck, even foot planting for the ball carrier was complimented by the Precision Modifier and new ball carrier controls, so the user has reason to pay attention to his ball carrier's feet to some extent.
To be perfectly clear, I'm by no means arguing that Madden shouldn't get more realistic or shouldn't add these things. Realism is the direction I want the series to go. However, I understand that Madden is a console video game first, and any and all design decisions Tiburon makes about things to add to the game are going to be based around that fact and the assumptions which come along with it.
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Introduce "trophies" or in game accomplishments. Cash in on these trophies or cards online for upgrades, 50 user controlled picks (interceptions) in a season; 5 user controlled interceptions in a single game; run routes with a wide receiver and beat the defender ... Use the weaker teams (browns, dolphins, jaguars, etc) and you get bonus points, bragging rights. Get a hands of steel trophy ... Something to get the casual to want play either a wide out or a defensive back. Beat the defender, press x or a button to raise your arms to signal to the CPU quarterback that you're open. Draw 25 pass interference penalties ... Get some type of ego reward.
Footplanting .... Posterize the defensive back with your wide receiver route running stick skills. Red zone ... Beat Richard Sherman with Calvin Johnson. Introduce footwear... Focuses on footplant. Put the defensive back on his butt ... Something.
Marketing just have to learn how to spin things to cater to new and experienced gamers. Wide receiver vs. defensive back tournaments. Offensive vs Defensive lineman tournaments. The burden is on the marketing team to spin simulation elements that will appeal to the masses. Be a baller. Be a football player.
With regards to the mini game controls, you implement those into the game either as a general blanket that encompasses all modes, or simply a simulation mode or in all madden mode. Money can be made if marketed properly with the proper avenues. Return on investments can be had. Simulation elements can be marketed. The creative genius in the marketing department just needs to huddle up. Everything can be marketed if you've got the know how.