Head Coach '09 only available in Madden '09 Collector's Edition
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ Mar 28th 2008 at 5:30PM }
Madden's Marketing Director, Christopher Erb, says the decision was not made out of fear that the game couldn't stand on its own, and explains it's a way for the company to "reduce the price and make it a bonus to our fans." He's got a point, if it was at retail the two games separated would cost $120, but given the tepid response of the original Head Coach and its niche factor, this may be the best way to move units. Erb believes those who play Head Coach are hardcore Madden fans anyway and the company may consider releasing it as a separate title if there's enough outcry.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Marlos Hill @ Mar 28th 2008 5:33PM
The outcry will resonate so quietly that no one will care.
Mr.ESC @ Mar 28th 2008 5:35PM
That picture reminds me of that old apple commercial.
Joystiq could you do me a favor and 'shop John Madden face into this commercial.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYecfV3ubP8
For the lulz.
Mr.ESC @ Mar 28th 2008 5:37PM
If you are wondering why I don't do it myself I don't have photoshop in this computer and my MS paints aren't exactly l33t.
Raikage (LDF CRAB BATTLE!!!) @ Mar 28th 2008 5:39PM
Now there's a classic:D
Someone put Kutaragi/Moore/Reggie on there LOL!
samfish (Brawl: 2793 0291 2277) @ Mar 28th 2008 5:37PM
Golly gee-wilikers, I sure would hate to be unable to play Head Coach '09.
DangerMouse @ Mar 28th 2008 5:55PM
Looks like i won't be buying Madden this time around. I'll keep playing 97 on my PC.
Shmil (Brawl Code 2621-2310-1994) @ Mar 28th 2008 6:40PM
MAN I CANNOT WAIT! WOOOO FOOTBALL!!!! WOOOOOOOOO!!
ApolloIV @ Mar 29th 2008 12:38AM
Calm down Brian.
kojo87 @ Mar 28th 2008 6:41PM
my brother is a die-hard Madden fan (has owned every one since 2002 and he is 15 now) and played the first Head Coach game and hated it. from what he tells me though the new one is supposed to be not sucky like the other one. well EA you can basically count up his $90 now if you want...
LaughingTarget @ Mar 28th 2008 6:57PM
It looks like Madden is taking a dump in that picture...all over this idea.
theRick119 @ Mar 28th 2008 7:19PM
I'm not sure I follow EA's logic on this one.
If the majority of the ones who buy this game are diehard Madden players anyway then why not wait and release it as a standalone product closer to the NFL draft when Madden gamers are jonesing for a new football fix. That way they'll get $60 out of Madden diehards twice a year instead of $90 once.
I'm sure they've got a few math nerds in a basement somewhere who know I'm wrong and have calculated they'll make more money the way they are doing it, but screw stats, I'm right.
Dan Davis @ Mar 28th 2008 7:51PM
Consider me one of the (very) few who will gripe about this. I actually liked the micromanagement style of the original HC. Oh well.
theRick119 @ Mar 28th 2008 9:26PM
buy front office football, way better simulation anyway
ron1587 @ Mar 28th 2008 10:10PM
EA appears to bear the one true mark of a great organization, only making things right when 'there is enough of an outcry'.
Not that I'd be caught dead buying any EA sports title anyway, much less one which has a $5 resale value the day after release.
BigD145 @ Mar 28th 2008 10:12PM
Assuming any gaming store will buy them, waiting a month will see a dramatic price shift and you can probably pick up both for under $30. I wouldn't buy if the price dropped to $1.
Stumper @ Mar 29th 2008 10:16AM
The first head coach was pretty much bottled fail, and this is coming from a guy that won't play more than 4-5 games a year in franchise mode because I prefer the offseason / roster management. I have never been so disappointed by a game in my life.
kimjeongi @ Mar 29th 2008 1:22PM
The picture reminds me of something that Hitler would have as a backdrop.