I hate Madden even more!!

[BigPoppa3]

This is just stupid!! I cant beleive the NFL and the NFLPA :mad:


http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/sportsbusiness/news/story?id=1945691

[JeffD18]

Wow...well I never liked NFL 2K5 any way

[BigPoppa3]

Wow...well I never liked NFL 2K5 any way
I was always a Madden fan until I got dreamcast and started playing the 2k series, i liked the graphics and game play much better

[Buccaneer 54]

im huge madden player this is good news for me 5 more guaranteed years of madden

[BigPoppa3]

I just think it is stupid for the reason the NFL and NFLPA gets money from both. Now Madden wil be back to $50+ and they could make no effort to make it better since there is no competition

[Engr4m]

monopoly for the win!

[wtmcgee]

:D

See ya in 5 years, 2k players!

[JMac]

I wonder how the monoply laws will affect this?

[XTrenTX]

Wow....there was a thread about this a while ago, everyone, myself included were saying that it would be bad for the growth of Madden, but this would never happen....

I was a 2k fan up until this year, Madden was much better....

I don't like this deal at all.

[Toronto Buc Fan]

Sega and Visual Concepts will take this to court, that's a guarantee. If they need to, they'll take it to the Supreme Court equivalent in the U.S. I'm not sure what you guys call it.

This is a monopoly and will be striken down by the courts.

[no1wookie]

This is a monopoly and will be striken down by the courts.

Is it? Nobody is precluded from making football games they're simply not allowed to use NFL and it's related images. Just as you can't use coca cola or McDonalds without permission.
The best soccer game doesn't have real team or player names but nobody cares as it's simply better than EAs version. Sega could still make a game they'd just have to call the teams by the city name alone and call Greise Greasy or something like that. If the game was clearly better I certainly wouldn't worry about some names, after a few seasons all the players are retired anyway.

[XTrenTX]

EA already has contracts with NASCAR, FIFA and the PGA.

[BannedBucFan]

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-9/51278/Hitler-Madden-06-Cover.jpg

This should be the cover :mad:

[jls-bucs]

Similar sort of thing happened with Formula One and World Rally Championship racing games. Sony acquired an exclusive licence for both, and as a result the only new F1 and WRC games are released on PS2.....which is annoying considering I play all my games on PC.

[wtmcgee]

How is a licensing agreement a Monopoly? The NFL owns the trademarks to their products, along with the NFLPA owning licensing rights for player names, etc. Any corporation can make exclusive deals such as this.

Why not take Nintendo to court over Mario not being on the Xbox?

This is capitalism, plain and simple. Nothing illegal about it. You may not like what happened, but blame the NFL and the NFLPA, not EA. They're the ones who took the cash.

I personally don't care, as I've bought both games for the past 2 years, but I wasn't planning on picking up 2k6 anyhow. But, hearing you guys whine about the Supreme Court and monopolies makes it that much sweeter. :-)

[RobBase]

How is a licensing agreement a Monopoly? The NFL owns the trademarks to their products, along with the NFLPA owning licensing rights for player names, etc. Any corporation can make exclusive deals such as this.

Why not take Nintendo to court over Mario not being on the Xbox?

This is capitalism, plain and simple. Nothing illegal about it. You may not like what happened, but blame the NFL and the NFLPA, not EA. They're the ones who took the cash.

I personally don't care, as I've bought both games for the past 2 years, but I wasn't planning on picking up 2k6 anyhow. But, hearing you guys whine about the Supreme Court and monopolies makes it that much sweeter. :-)

Man, you're missing the point. Did you play Madden in pre-PS2 era? Because, let me tell you, they put out a really crappy product when they don't have competition. It's kind of like how we stop working out and paying attention to our appearance once we get married......

[wtmcgee]

Man, you're missing the point. Did you play Madden in pre-PS2 era? Because, let me tell you, they put out a really crappy product when they don't have competition. It's kind of like how we stop working out and paying attention to our appearance once we get married......

No, I understand people are disappointed. Competition is a good thing, and while I thought the 2k series was overall a close 2nd to Madden, it has a lot of great things going for it as well, and push(ed) Madden to be a much better game. With the NFL/NFLPA licensing now in EA's court, the NFL2k guys will really have to find an innovative way to set their game apart next year. Who knows, they could put together a product that still kicks madden's butt.

However, I'm talking to those who claim this is a monopolistic move by EA Sports. It is perfectly legal, and things like this happen all the time.

While it isn't' the best thing for the two games, it is in no way, shape, or form illegal.

[Bucfather]

How is a licensing agreement a Monopoly? The NFL owns the trademarks to their products, along with the NFLPA owning licensing rights for player names, etc. Any corporation can make exclusive deals such as this.

Why not take Nintendo to court over Mario not being on the Xbox?

This is capitalism, plain and simple. Nothing illegal about it. You may not like what happened, but blame the NFL and the NFLPA, not EA. They're the ones who took the cash.

I personally don't care, as I've bought both games for the past 2 years, but I wasn't planning on picking up 2k6 anyhow. But, hearing you guys whine about the Supreme Court and monopolies makes it that much sweeter. :-)

Your an idiot.

[BucNear]

Your an idiot.

Remember, when calling people idiots, its probably a good idea to spell "you're" correctly.

[wtmcgee]

Your an idiot.

Care to expand on that idea, sparky? Just because you don't LIKE what EA did doesn't mean it's illegal.

[falconfan2]

umm EA owns the rights to NASCAR, FIFA and PGA liscencing. THere is a loophole in the system. Papyrus made a game called Nascar Racing 2003, a MUCH better game than Nascar Thunder, an EA title. But because EA bought the liscencing rights, the game cannot be made anymore. Just like a tv commercial, where Pepsi is the "official cola of the NFL" Madden is the "official game of the NFL" its not a monopoly in terms because the NFL is an orginization and a league, and is not the sole football league in America.

Sorry 2K fans, the buck stops here.

[Bucfather]

Care to expand on that idea, sparky? Just because you don't LIKE what EA did doesn't mean it's illegal.


I didn't appreciate your comment that called people whiners b/c you think that EA's monolpolistic move is "sweet". I never said it was illegal but the point is is that they took away the ability to choose which game consumers want to play. That includes ESPN 2K fans, Madden fans and those of us who play both games for a change of pace. If you can't see that than you are a lost cause.

Competition is the reason why both games have gotten better over the past several years. Without any competiton EA can just sit back and charge fees for roster downloads, online play, etc. If you don't think it could happen than just wait.

[Bucfather]

Remember, when calling people idiots, its probably a good idea to spell "you're" correctly.

I didn't realize I was in the presence of a spelling wizard.

[BucNear]

I didn't realize I was in the presence of a spelling wizard.

Not a wizard by any stretch. It just looked kind of idiotic.

[gipctech]

This is just stupid!! I cant beleive the NFL and the NFLPA :mad:


http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/sportsbusiness/news/story?id=1945691


You couldn't give me a copy of Madden it blows and so does EA.....they will never see another penny of my money !

[BucsD OwnsAgain]

Not a wizard by any stretch. It just looked kind of idiotic.
Not only was it idiotic but it was quite ironic as well.

EA puts a great product out in Madden and as it was said in the article that was one of the deciding factors. This kind of makes you think... why would EA give the contract to Madden? Because they liked the games quality more. Either side could have done it and why share a business when you can monopolize it? This will not hurt EA as many of you say, many old 2k players who never played Madden will have to try out the game, and its adictiveness. Tnere is no doubt that 2k was always a 2nd to Madden as most would say in this discussion, but a 2nd to Madden is like Apple being a 2nd to Microsoft, it isn't even that close.

There is no need to have a hatred towards EA it isn't their fault 2k5 couldn't be as good as Madden, which was one of the factors in the NFL/NFLPA's decision.

[Bucfather]

Not only was it idiotic but it was quite ironic as well.

EA puts a great product out in Madden and as it was said in the article that was one of the deciding factors. This kind of makes you think... why would EA give the contract to Madden? Because they liked the games quality more. Either side could have done it and why share a business when you can monopolize it? This will not hurt EA as many of you say, many old 2k players who never played Madden will have to try out the game, and its adictiveness. Tnere is no doubt that 2k was always a 2nd to Madden as most would say in this discussion, but a 2nd to Madden is like Apple being a 2nd to Microsoft, it isn't even that close.

There is no need to have a hatred towards EA it isn't their fault 2k5 couldn't be as good as Madden, which was one of the factors in the NFL/NFLPA's decision.

One game being better than the other is your opinion.

[Mexican Buc]

I wonder how the monoply laws will affect this?
Nah, they'll just get Johnny Cocrin as there lawyer.

"Monopoly? Monopoly? Monopoly's a game played with little hats and shoes. No one is buying boardwalk here, merely NFL rights. No one is building a hotel. All this monopoly mumbo jumbo is to confuse the issue. and the issue is this. What was Chubaca, an 8 foot wookie, doing on a planet of 2 foot ewalks? It does not makes sense! just liek this monopoly accusation!"

Done

HAHA! bye bye ESPN fans. LOSERS! i cant think of much improvemnt for madden alreayd. all i kno its it's the shiznick and i have it for another 5 years.
Any1 dat plays madden can PM me for a game, like Buc54

the only bad thing about EA is Fifa, Winning 11 is much better.

[Bucfather]

[QUOTE=Mexican Buc]Nah, they'll just get Johnny Cocrin as there lawyer.

"Monopoly? Monopoly? Monopoly's a game played with little hats and shoes. No one is buying boardwalk here, merely NFL rights. No one is building a hotel. All this monopoly mumbo jumbo is to confuse the issue. and the issue is this. What was Chubaca, an 8 foot wookie, doing on a planet of 2 foot ewalks? It does not makes sense! just liek this monopoly accusation!"

Done

HAHA! bye bye ESPN fans. LOSERS! i cant think of much improvemnt for madden alreayd. all i kno its it's the shiznick and i have it for another 5 years.
Any1 dat plays madden can PM me for a game, like Buc54

More ignorance. But your from Miami so I can see where it comes from. Some of you guys just don't get the ramifications that this deal could bring do you? This isn't about ESPN vs. Madden. If you don't think so than go to IGN.com and read what some of there writers are saying. Better yet go to Maddenmania.com. Most of the members there are saying the same thing...this is not good for video football and other games in general.

[Sortin]

Well then, I guess it's final. Put a fork in them, EA is done.

I mean, they sign a billion dollar deal giving them exclusive rights to the NFL and NFLPA, which obviously will lead to the demise of NFL style football games. EA programmers will quickly learn the "Cut & Paste Technique" or be replaced by someone who can handle the task. After all, there is no need for innovation in a market with no competition.

Somehow, I don't think so. EA blew Sega away in the football game market, plain and simple. How did Sega attempt to gain ground? Their product was appearantly near to EA's quality, but they priced it far less. Great?! Not necessarily. They were trying to build a fan base, and it's bit them in the rear. Now where's their fan base they sacraficed profit for? Buying Madden for the next 5 years, that's where.

The NFL sought a exclusive deal, and EA had the finances to meet the requirements. That's not a monopoly. That's business as usual.

Can you put up a restaurant and call it McDonald's? Why not, that little copyright issue? Is that a monopoly? No.

Sega can get licensing for the CFL, AFL, and XFL, if they're willing to negotiate. Canada is probably a good market for them to entrench themselves in. I get the feeling eventually, they'll have a football team or two, and which company would they then be more loyal to, EA or Sega?

That's what I'd do, bundle the CFL, AFL, and defunct XFL into one game, and market it in both the US and Canada. Complete with 3 separate rule options, and inter-league play. Heck, I'd probably buy it just for the novelty.

Point is, there's no monopoly involved that wasn't involved already. That monopoly is the NFL and NFLPA having exclusive rights to use their materials, which they sold exclusive rights to EA to use. So now only the NFL, NFLPA, and EA may use them.

I wonder what would happen if the NFL and NFLPA decided they were not selling licenses for gaming. Oh the outcry that would ensue I'm sure.

[nflbucs]

I guess the cost of madden will go up since it is the only pro football game in town.

[wtmcgee]

Yea, cause so many games cost more than 49 dollars. :rolleyes:

[nflbucs]

Yea, cause so many games cost more than 49 dollars. :rolleyes:

Why not, if they could sign an exclusive five-year contract with the National Football League for the game, why not raise the price. It would be the only realistic football game and they know people will buy it.

[wtmcgee]

Why not, if they could sign an exclusive five-year contract with the National Football League for the game, why not raise the price. It would be the only realistic football game and they know people will buy it.

Oh, come on. There are so many games out there that have unique or "exclusive" content, but prices have remained at 50 dollars or less. The reason? The law of diminishing returns. 49.99 is the accepted price of a new game, and any higher would not actually net them any money in the long run.

Many people, myself included, already think $50 for a game is steep, and I wouldn't pay any more than that for a game.

Madden's lock on the NFL license will not affect the price, you can bank on that.

[nflbucs]

Oh, come on. There are so many games out there that have unique or "exclusive" content, but prices have remained at 50 dollars or less. The reason? The law of diminishing returns. 49.99 is the accepted price of a new game, and any higher would not actually net them any money in the long run.

Many people, myself included, already think $50 for a game is steep, and I wouldn't pay any more than that for a game.

Madden's lock on the NFL license will not affect the price, you can bank on that.

I hope there is no change in the price. I always like the nfl 2k series and now espn, but now iam forced to get used to madden and hear his annoying voice.

[wtmcgee]

Amen, the absolute WORST part of Madden (and conversely, the best part about NFL2K) is the presentation. I never did like the gameplay of 2k, but I always felt more immeresed in the game while playing it.

What I'd give if Madden became EA NFL Football, and Madden was given the boot. Wasn't this a rumor anyhow? Apparently JM wanted an obscene ammt. of money to have his name on the game.

[Sortin]

Of course Madden will want a lot of money to have his name on the game.

It's the OTHER side of signing a exclusive deal worth a BILLION dollars. The big name guy is going to want money too, or the game could tank due to lack of recognition.

Also, why do you think that if EA and Sega joined (or, EA and ESPN, doesn't matter how you say it) that they would "combine"the two games? You can't combine working staff, or you increase the salary cost of the game, which would raise the price you pay for the game.

As for the price of the game, I get this feeling there's a bean-counter somewhere working for EA that knows more about their situation than any of us does. And he's probably been doing his job for a while, with a lot of success. So let him do his job, and buy the game next year, if you want to.

[Digital_Damage]

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-9/51278/Hitler-Madden-06-Cover.jpg

This should be the cover :mad:


pffffft lol That has to be the finnest thing I have seen on here.

[All_da_way]

pffffft lol That has to be the finnest thing I have seen on here.

Funny but scary...some people have too much time on their hands....

[wtmcgee]

I dunno, that's a pretty bad photoshop job. :smileretr

[Fear's Cabinboy]

The NFL does this with everything they own, they offered up an exclusive contract because they know it brings in more money and EA just outbid everyone.

However, one thing everyone should recognize is if they wanted a budget title ESPN 2k6 was not going to be 20 dollars. SEGA said they could not afford to keep the 20 dollar price tag for more than 1 gaming generation, it was a last ditch effort at getting market share. Which they did. Then EA boned them.

[Airborne Eagle]

I guess the cost of madden will go up since it is the only pro football game in town.
Is that so????? (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=581&e=1&u=/nm/20041216/tc_nm/nfl_midway_dc)