Podcast - Behind the Ratings w/ Dustin Smith (@EquipmentGuru)

[PhillyPhanatic14]

Really cool podcast with Dustin Smith, the ratings adjuster for Madden. Good behind the scenes look at the process and what goes into the ratings. A lot of the discussions around ratings tend to center around people's anecdotal opinions about players, but there's a lot more than just checking the box scores that go into the ratings. Dude talks about the process- from tape study to PFF grades - and it's a great listen.

https://fanpages.philadelphiaeagles.com/eagleeyeinthesky.html

This is also a great football podcast in general if you're looking for one.

[reverend_heat]

Re: Podcast - Behind the Ratings w/ Dustin Smith (@EquipmentGuru)

Really cool podcast with Dustin Smith, the ratings adjuster for Madden. Good behind the scenes look at the process and what goes into the ratings. A lot of the discussions around ratings tend to center around people's anecdotal opinions about players, but there's a lot more than just checking the box scores that go into the ratings. Dude talks about the process- from tape study to PFF grades - and it's a great listen.

https://fanpages.philadelphiaeagles.com/eagleeyeinthesky.html

This is also a great football podcast in general if you're looking for one.

Hard to take any ratings talk seriously when you have guards in the game with 90+ lead block ratings completely ignoring initial defenders as they run right past them and let them tackle the hb for a loss. I have absolutely zero excitement for Madden releases anymore, I'll care again when the game is built 100 percent from the ground up without a single line of code from whatever the current frankenstein game is built on carried over.

[canes21]

Re: Podcast - Behind the Ratings w/ Dustin Smith (@EquipmentGuru)

Hard to take any ratings talk seriously when you have guards in the game with 90+ lead block ratings completely ignoring initial defenders as they run right past them and let them tackle the hb for a loss. I have absolutely zero excitement for Madden releases anymore, I'll care again when the game is built 100 percent from the ground up without a single line of code from whatever the current frankenstein game is built on carried over.

That's not really a ratings issue, though. More of the logic behind the blocking in the game. Not saying you are wrong, the blocking in the game, and most everything else, needs to be redone, but I do personally feel that you can see a much bigger differentiation in players who are rated differently than ever before in the past two generations of consoles. It's been so long since I played the PS2 games, but I definitely think if EA has done anything well recently, it's been making non-real looking presentation packages and getting players to actually feel and play different finally.

[roadman]

Re: Podcast - Behind the Ratings w/ Dustin Smith (@EquipmentGuru)

That's not really a ratings issue, though. More of the logic behind the blocking in the game. Not saying you are wrong, the blocking in the game, and most everything else, needs to be redone, but I do personally feel that you can see a much bigger differentiation in players who are rated differently than ever before in the past two generations of consoles. It's been so long since I played the PS2 games, but I definitely think if EA has done anything well recently, it's been making non-real looking presentation packages and getting players to actually feel and play different finally.

That is spot on, much better differentiation.

[jerwoods]

Re: Podcast - Behind the Ratings w/ Dustin Smith (@EquipmentGuru)

Dustin is a great guy works his tail off

[SolidSquid]

Re: Podcast - Behind the Ratings w/ Dustin Smith (@EquipmentGuru)

What bothers me is how they change ratings when there is a social media campaign. With all the stats and metrics they use why can’t they stick by their guns? They can’t have it both ways.

And I also wanna thank Dustin for being the only person at EA who seems to care about getting proper equipment in.

[ripcandlestickpark]

Re: Podcast - Behind the Ratings w/ Dustin Smith (@EquipmentGuru)

And I also wanna thank Dustin for being the only person at EA who seems to care about getting proper equipment in.

Same. Ever since M17 or so, he's been very good about introducing new equipment options at a solid pace. Unfortunately, I didn't notice anything new during the M21 beta, but maybe something will be announced prior to release.

FWIW, he's also the only member of the dev team (to my knowledge, at least) that's still pretty responsive on social media.

[SolidSquid]

Re: Podcast - Behind the Ratings w/ Dustin Smith (@EquipmentGuru)

Same. Ever since M17 or so, he's been very good about introducing new equipment options at a solid pace. Unfortunately, I didn't notice anything new during the M21 beta, but maybe something will be announced prior to release.

FWIW, he's also the only member of the dev team (to my knowledge, at least) that's still pretty responsive on social media.

I’m pretty sure I saw one new arm brace but I may be misremembering. I know he said he wants mouthpieces but I don’t see that happening.

I’d be happy with equipment upgrades if they were proper cleat spats like we used to have on ps2 and just adding some wrinkles/texture to sleeves so they don’t look painted on.

[PhillyPhanatic14]

Re: Podcast - Behind the Ratings w/ Dustin Smith (@EquipmentGuru)

Same. Ever since M17 or so, he's been very good about introducing new equipment options at a solid pace. Unfortunately, I didn't notice anything new during the M21 beta, but maybe something will be announced prior to release.

FWIW, he's also the only member of the dev team (to my knowledge, at least) that's still pretty responsive on social media.

Yes to all of this. He is a really cool dude and very responsive on social media. The equipment was insanely stale before he joined and he has really done an awesome job.

[ripcandlestickpark]

Re: Podcast - Behind the Ratings w/ Dustin Smith (@EquipmentGuru)

IIRC, he did an interview with Sports Gamers Online last Summer and implied that mouthpieces almost made the final cut for M20. Because of that, I'm surprised they don't appear to be in either version (current gen or next gen) of M21.

Sleeve textures would be a fantastic small fix. But, based on the next-gen screenshot of Brady, that doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon.

Hopefully some other small additions or changes can make it into the game this year, either at launch or via title updates. Things like Oakley visor tabs, smaller shoulder pad sizes, shooter sleeves with padding on the elbow, options for towel placement, or some of the new thigh pad designs being worn these days would be welcome.

For a long time, I was one of those people who couldn't have cared less about equipment in Madden, but ever since Dustin started making the in-game options a lot more up-to-date, I've been kind of obsessed with tinkering with equipment in the name of authenticity.

[canes21]

Re: Podcast - Behind the Ratings w/ Dustin Smith (@EquipmentGuru)

IIRC, he did an interview with Sports Gamers Online last Summer and implied that mouthpieces almost made the final cut for M20. Because of that, I'm surprised they don't appear to be in either version (current gen or next gen) of M21.

Sleeve textures would be a fantastic small fix. But, based on the next-gen screenshot of Brady, that doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon.

Hopefully some other small additions or changes can make it into the game this year, either at launch or via title updates. Things like Oakley visor tabs, smaller shoulder pad sizes, shooter sleeves with padding on the elbow, options for towel placement, or some of the new thigh pad designs being worn these days would be welcome.

For a long time, I was one of those people who couldn't have cared less about equipment in Madden, but ever since Dustin started making the in-game options a lot more up-to-date, I've been kind of obsessed with tinkering with equipment in the name of authenticity.

Unless we are in for a surprise, this seems par the course with the series. This was the first thing I looked for in the beta. When it was talked about potentially getting patched in last year I assumed that meant it was so close it just had to be in 21. Instead, we still don't have the mouthpieces so I guess they wasted their time for nothing?

[KANE699]

Re: Podcast - Behind the Ratings w/ Dustin Smith (@EquipmentGuru)

I'm tryin for ya'll, I can't always get in what I want but I am steady trying.

[Iteachpercussion]

Re: Podcast - Behind the Ratings w/ Dustin Smith (@EquipmentGuru)

I'm tryin for ya'll, I can't always get in what I want but I am steady trying.

Any time you can add classic equipment I am happy. I appreciate all of the added classic equipment for M20.

Besides equipment, I would love to see more classic uniform options. Such as full Home and Away styles.

But again, I appreciate everything you have been able to get added into the game.

[l8knight1]

Re: Podcast - Behind the Ratings w/ Dustin Smith (@EquipmentGuru)

Cowboys Retros Kane.....Cowboys retros....and as Teach said, MORE retro unis.

The face mask additions mid season - 20 were phenomenal. I play classic and they got me immersed in game again. Need just a few tweaks, I’m here if you need me .

[4thQtrStre5S]

Re: Podcast - Behind the Ratings w/ Dustin Smith (@EquipmentGuru)

Excellent interview. I really believe the next two key equipment additions needs to be mouth guards and shoes. Both items create an individuality to the player. And with shoes being a way to advertise a good cause/charity/social awareness, it would be awesome to see those shoes highlighted.



Maybe even link to player sponsored charities in game.

Wanna sell some more MUT packs? Give a percentage of each purchase to an NFL player sponsored charity. Each week or each pack can support a new charity or cause.