If anything, we should blame the NFL (and FIFA)

[jazz]

here are sales figures for both the madden and espn 2k series over the past two years. it's obvious espn was cutting into their profits big time this year, so i really don't blame ea for trying to secure the rights. it was up to the NFL and FIFA to make the moral decision and act in good faith in respect to its supporters, but like bitches they got bought out...

espn nfl football (2004)

216,000 units sold; $10.1 million in sales

madden nfl (2004)

3.4 million units sold; $167 million in sales

____________________________________

espn nfl football (2005)

1.2 million units sold; $24.4 million in sales

madden nfl (2005)

2.3 million units sold; $111.4 million in sales


ea dodged a bullet.

...but they seem to have forgotten about a little something called action replay. :sly:

[iha]

My older brother (he's 29) bought an xbox just so he could play a football game (forgot which one it was).

[JDMCivicHatch96]

from everything ive heard/read, didnt the NFL put the offer on the table for the exclusive rights? Its not like EA went to them and asked them for the rights. EA had the money and someone was going to purchase it. And, evidently, they were the ones that had the money to do it. Im not standing up for EA, because I think they are a crappy game developer and they try and rush everything out onto the market no matter how poorly made it is just to gain a buck. But facts are facts. :shrug:

[dionysusolympus]

I think you're right, and I do wholeheartedly agree with you. I am more concerned about the games being developed wholesale by EA since they now have multiple sports licenses under their belt and have essentially squeezed out their competition (Infogrammes and Monster Games from NASCAR...a shame)...

[jazz]

from everything ive heard/read, didnt the NFL put the offer on the table for the exclusive rights? Its not like EA went to them and asked them for the rights. EA had the money and someone was going to purchase it. And, evidently, they were the ones that had the money to do it. Im not standing up for EA, because I think they are a crappy game developer and they try and rush everything out onto the market no matter how poorly made it is just to gain a buck. But facts are facts. :shrug:

i'm not too familiar with how the deal went down, but even if ea made the first move, it was up to the nfl to act accordingly.

[MAGO]

i don't like these companies signing all these exclusive deals, but what can you do..i'm still getting a football game next year and a baseball game regardless of who makes them..

[jazz]

bump