Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Madden 25 trailer gets defensive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/madden-25-trailer-gets-defensive/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/madden-25-trailer-gets-defensive/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/madden-25-trailer-gets-defensive/#comments
This video for Madden 25 shows a sizzle reel of defensive features while San Francisco 49ers linebacker Navorro Bowman discusses tactics for tackling players in the NFL. The game will see some under-the-hood changes, including Infinity Engine improvements and the addition of heat-seeker tackling.

JoystiqMadden 25 trailer gets defensive originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defenseEAEA-Sportsea-tiburonElectronic-Artsfootballmaddenmadden-25madden-nfl-25microsoftnavorro-bowmanplaystationps3tacklingxboxSun, 19 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 14 not coming to Wii U due to poor FIFA 13 sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/fifa-14-not-coming-to-wii-u-due-to-poor-fifa-13-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/fifa-14-not-coming-to-wii-u-due-to-poor-fifa-13-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/fifa-14-not-coming-to-wii-u-due-to-poor-fifa-13-sales/#comments With this morning's revelation that EA does not have any Wii U games in development comes the outright confirmation that FIFA 14 will not be appearing on the system as well.

"Although FIFA 13 on Wii U featured our award-winning HD gameplay and innovative new ways to play, the commercial results were disappointing," an EA representative told Joystiq. "We have decided not to develop FIFA 14 on Wii U. We have a strong partnership with Nintendo and will continue to evaluate opportunities for developing FIFA for Nintendo fans in the future."

The game was initially announced for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3, so while Wii U was never in the picture for the game, it still marks a noticeable absence for a series that launches on every major platform each year. It's not the only EA Sports title to avoid the system, as EA confirmed earlier this month that the Madden series will not see a release in 2013 on Wii U either.

JoystiqFIFA 14 not coming to Wii U due to poor FIFA 13 sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAEA-CanadaEA-Sportsfifa-13fifa-14fifa-soccer-14nintendosaleswii-uFri, 17 May 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Limited Amazon-exclusive Madden 25 special edition includes free Sunday Ticket subscription]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/limited-amazon-exclusive-madden-25-special-edition-includes-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/limited-amazon-exclusive-madden-25-special-edition-includes-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/limited-amazon-exclusive-madden-25-special-edition-includes-free/#comments Since Madden NFL 25 skipped 12 years is named to commemorate the series' 25th anniversary, it shouldn't be surprising that EA Sports recently unveiled a special Anniversary Edition. What is a little surprising are the contents of the special edition, which includes a free one-year subscription for DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket service, allowing fans to watch every out-of-market NFL game throughout the season.

EA Sports tells us that the subscription is limited to the NFL Sunday Ticket computer, tablet and mobile service. Additionally, those who are able to receive DirecTV service in their area can get $10 off per month for the service, which starts at $225, as well as a free subscription to the higher-tier NFL Sunday Ticket MAX.

The Anniversary Edition of Madden 25 is exclusive to Amazon, and limited to 50,000 copies on each of the game's platforms, Xbox 360 and PS3 (100,000 copies total). It will also include complimentary Madden Ultimate Team card packs every week of the NFL's 17-week regular season. Madden 25's Anniversary Edition is available to pre-order now on Amazon for $99.99.

JoystiqLimited Amazon-exclusive Madden 25 special edition includes free Sunday Ticket subscription originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 May 2013 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversary-editioneaea-sportsea-tiburonfootballmaddenmadden-25madden-nfl-25microsoftnflnfl-sunday-ticketplaystationpreorderps3special-editionsubscriptionxboxFri, 17 May 2013 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[EA puts an end to its Online Pass program]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ea-online-pass-ends/#comments EA has announced it will discontinue its Online Pass program. "Yes, we're discontinuing Online Pass," EA's senior director of corporate communications John Reseburg told GamesBeat in an e-mail. "None of our new EA titles will include that feature."

Reseburg added that "many players didn't respond to the format," despite EA going on record months after instituting Online Passes, reporting it had not seen a "significant" backlash. "We've listened to the feedback and decided to do away with it moving forward."

The Online Pass, a one-time use code required for online play, was first introduced in 2010 with the intent of being exclusive to EA Sports games, though it quickly escalated from there. Online Pass revenue generated between $10-$15 million for EA in its first year alone.

JoystiqEA puts an end to its Online Pass program originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 20:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-online-passea-sportsmicrosoftnintendoonline-passpcplaystationps3wiiwii-uxboxWed, 15 May 2013 20:14:00 EST<![CDATA[NCAA 14's Ultimate Team mode to include season tournaments, former greats]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ncaa-14s-ultimate-team-mode-to-include-season-tournaments-form/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ncaa-14s-ultimate-team-mode-to-include-season-tournaments-form/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ncaa-14s-ultimate-team-mode-to-include-season-tournaments-form/#commentsNCAA 14 Ultimate Team news While we learned in April that NCAA Football 14 will include its own Ultimate Team mode this year, EA Sports announced details on how it will operate today. The mode will include more than 1,400 former college football players at the game's launch, as well as both solo and special head-to-head challenges. Ultimate Team is the long-running mode that spans most of EA Sports' properties, which combines standard on-field gameplay with a card-collecting system for building and managing your team.

NCAA 14's version of Ultimate Team will also include a head-to-head season mode, in which players match up against one another with their specially crafted teams in a 10-game season, before entering an end-of-the-season tournament. Players can earn rewards along the way for toppling challenges that increase in difficulty, such as coins for procuring more card packs.

The game will receive similar treatment in the mode that other EA Sports games got in the past, with challenges and card collections being added throughout the real-life football season. NCAA 14 is slated to launch July 9 on PS3 and Xbox 360.

Continue reading NCAA 14's Ultimate Team mode to include season tournaments, former greats

JoystiqNCAA 14's Ultimate Team mode to include season tournaments, former greats originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>College-FootballEA-Sportsea-tiburonfootballmicrosoftncaa-14ncaa-football-14playstationps3ultimate-teamxboxWed, 15 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports and FIFA extend exclusive license until 2022]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ea-sports-and-fifa-extend-exclusive-license-until-2022/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ea-sports-and-fifa-extend-exclusive-license-until-2022/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/ea-sports-and-fifa-extend-exclusive-license-until-2022/#commentsImage You know that couple where everything is just public displays of affection and love notes? That's Electronic Arts and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). The two companies announced this morning they'll continue going steady until December 31, 2022.

Under the agreement, EA retains the exclusive rights to FIFA-branded games, including the exclusive rights to the official FIFA World Cup game. In the executive understatement of the week, EA Sports EVP Andrew Wilson said, "EA Sports released the first FIFA-branded soccer game in 1993, and 20 years later our partnership with FIFA continues to be very strong."

FIFA 13 sold 14.5 million units through March, EA announced yesterday as part of its year-end financial results. That's up 30 percent from FIFA 12's sales the prior year. The franchise is doing so well that maybe folks in the States will start calling it football soon. We joke, Madden, we still love you too, baby.

JoystiqEA Sports and FIFA extend exclusive license until 2022 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 May 2013 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsElectronic-Artsfifafifa-13microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3wii-uxboxWed, 08 May 2013 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 15, UFC not planned before next March]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/ea-tiger-woods-pga-tour-15-ufc-not-planned-before-next-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/ea-tiger-woods-pga-tour-15-ufc-not-planned-before-next-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/ea-tiger-woods-pga-tour-15-ufc-not-planned-before-next-march/#comments Electronic Arts has confirmed to Joystiq that neither Tiger Woods PGA Tour, nor its take on the UFC rights it acquired last June, will be released in fiscal year '14 (concluding March 31, 2014). Although this doesn't necessarily confirm there will be no Tiger Woods PGA Tour 15 as has been rumored - due to the awkward timing of the game's standard release in late March - it does confirm the game won't come out in its usual spot during the last week of March, which it has done for three years.

Speaking during today's investor call, EA Labels boss Frank Gibeau explicitly mentioned 11 games the company plans to launch before next March, none of which were UFC or Tiger. When asked for clarification, a representative for EA told us the games would not release in the fiscal year, though they are "still in development."

JoystiqEA: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 15, UFC not planned before next March originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportselectronic-artsfy-2014tiger-woodsufcTue, 07 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NHL 14 cover vote goes to the sweet sixteen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/nhl-14-cover-vote-goes-to-the-sweet-sixteen/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/nhl-14-cover-vote-goes-to-the-sweet-sixteen/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/nhl-14-cover-vote-goes-to-the-sweet-sixteen/#commentsNHL 14 cover vote goes to the next round EA Sports has announced the final sixteen players that have advanced to the next round of voting for NHL 14's cover. Each of the remaining players are lumped into a bracket format, competing head-to-head until the final match-up is decided and revealed during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final.

According to EA, more than 12 million votes have been cast in the competition's first two rounds, "with daily vote totals up nearly 70% over the NHL 13 Cover Vote Campaign."

Fans signed into their EA account can vote an unlimited number of times during this round until May 12 at 11:59pm ET. Votes can be doubled on Thursdays on Twitter and Instagram by using specific hashtags for each of the remaining players.

NHL 14 launches in North America on September 10, 2013, and worldwide on September 13. My expert recommendations can be found in the image above.

JoystiqNHL 14 cover vote goes to the sweet sixteen originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cover-VoteEAEA-SportsHockeymicrosoftNHLnhl-14playstationps3Vote-for-a-Maple-Leafs-PlayerxboxMon, 06 May 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 25 trailer shows a few new moves]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/madden-25-trailer-shows-a-few-new-moves/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/madden-25-trailer-shows-a-few-new-moves/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/madden-25-trailer-shows-a-few-new-moves/#comments
A recent blog from EA Tiburon provided more specific examples of how Madden 25's combo moves for ball-carriers would operate. The latest trailer for the game shows off some of the noted moves, such as stutter steps, back jukes and the runner's newfound ability to recover from stumbling.

JoystiqMadden 25 trailer shows a few new moves originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 May 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ball-carriercombo-movesdoug-martineaEA-Sportsea-tiburonMaddenmadden-25madden-nfl-25microsoftplaystationprecision-modifierps3run-freetrailertrey-wingoxboxSat, 04 May 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Collision Physics takes the ice in NHL 14 trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/collision-physics-takes-the-ice-in-nhl-14-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/collision-physics-takes-the-ice-in-nhl-14-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/collision-physics-takes-the-ice-in-nhl-14-trailer/#comments
EA Canada recently detailed NHL 14's Collision Physics in a developer diary video and blog. New to the hockey game this year are left stick hits, where the speed and momentum of skaters can cause big hits without the use of the right joystick. Right stick hitting controls are still accessible in the game.

The Collision Physics system, which borrows from the FIFA series' Player Impact Engine, introduces more ragdoll reactions to players suffering hits, including the goalie. EA Canada says NHL 14 will also see less hip check spamming and more incidental contact due to the game demanding better player positioning. Likewise, the developer says the system will make better use of a player's individual attributes for keeping their balance and delivering hits on opponents.

JoystiqCollision Physics takes the ice in NHL 14 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 04 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collision-physicsdeveloper-diaryEAEA-CanadaEA-Sportsmicrosoftnhlnhl-14physics-engineplaystationps3trailerxboxSat, 04 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No Madden NFL football from EA Sports on Wii U in 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/no-madden-nfl-football-from-ea-sports-on-wii-u-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/no-madden-nfl-football-from-ea-sports-on-wii-u-in-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/no-madden-nfl-football-from-ea-sports-on-wii-u-in-2013/#comments Wii U football fans must suffer a drought this year. EA Sports has confirmed with Joystiq that it has no plans to launch Madden NFL 25 on Wii U in 2013.

"We will not be releasing a Wii U version of Madden NFL in 2013. However, we have a strong partnership with Nintendo and will continue to evaluate opportunities for delivering additional Madden NFL products for Nintendo fans in the future," an EA Sports representative said in an email to Joystiq. Eyebrows were initially raised by the omission of Wii U as a listed platform on a fact sheet sent out by EA last week.

Madden NFL 25 boasts a new combo system for the running game and tweaks to the Infinity Engine introduced in last year's Madden NFL 13. Hall of Famer Barry Sanders was recently chosen by fans to grace the cover of Madden NFL 25, beating out Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson.

JoystiqNo Madden NFL football from EA Sports on Wii U in 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 May 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsmadden-nfl-25nintendowii-uThu, 02 May 2013 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[John Madden Football designer's lawsuit against EA going to court]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/john-madden-football-designers-lawsuit-against-ea-going-to-cour/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/john-madden-football-designers-lawsuit-against-ea-going-to-cour/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/john-madden-football-designers-lawsuit-against-ea-going-to-cour/#commentsMadden lawsuit going to court Robin Antonick, designer of John Madden Football for 8-bit computers, will have his case against EA proceed to trial June 17, after a federal judge denied EA's motion to dismiss Antonick's lawsuit. Antonick filed in 2011, seeking royalties and a cut of profits from the Madden series' subsequent success.

"We have very compelling evidence indicating that EA used Mr. Antonick's ground-breaking code and design elements as the basis for both past and present Madden NFL titles," Robert Carey, one of Antonick's attorneys, said in a press release. "Yet, EA has failed to compensate him as required by his agreement or give him proper credit for his work. We look forward to proving our case at trial, and we are very confident that we will prevail." Antonick claims he signed a deal with EA in 1986 entitling him to royalties from derivative works, and claims that the later Madden games all count as derivative from his game.

[Image: Mobygames]

Continue reading John Madden Football designer's lawsuit against EA going to court

JoystiqJohn Madden Football designer's lawsuit against EA going to court originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsjohn-madden-footballlawsuitrobin-antonickTue, 30 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 15 isn't happening]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/report-tiger-woods-pga-tour-15-isnt-happening/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/report-tiger-woods-pga-tour-15-isnt-happening/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/report-tiger-woods-pga-tour-15-isnt-happening/#comments Tiger Woods PGA Tour is going to sit the next round out, according to sources speaking to Kotaku. The site has been informed by folks with knowledge of the series that Tiger Woods PGA Tour 15 - which was to be outsourced - isn't happening in the wake of EA CEO John Riccitiello's departure. An in-house team will work for the next two years to make Tiger Woods 16 and take advantage of next generation systems.

EA responded: "We don't comment on speculation about our franchises. We have nothing to announce today about future games on the Tiger Woods PGA Tour franchise. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 is now available on PS3 and Xbox 360."

An EA Sports representative also tells us the company will be delivering patches this week to fix known issues with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14.

The Tiger Woods brand has hit a rough patch these past few years. EA reaffirmed its relationship with Woods in 2010 despite the golfer's penchant for putting around. Later that same year EA did note it'd like to see the golfer winning to make their relationship worthwhile. But, here's the hard truth: As much as EA may want to move on from Tiger, um, name another golfer...

JoystiqReport: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 15 isn't happening originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaEA-SportsElectronic-Artsgolfmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3tiger-woodstiger-woods-pga-tour-14tiger-woods-pga-tour-15wii-uxboxMon, 29 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 25 features ball-carrier combos, engine improvements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/madden-25-features-ball-carrier-combos-engine-improvements/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/madden-25-features-ball-carrier-combos-engine-improvements/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/madden-25-features-ball-carrier-combos-engine-improvements/#comments
Among the news of all-time great Barry Sanders gracing the cover of Madden NFL 25, EA Sports recently announced two of the series' marquee changes due this year: improvements to the Infinity Engine and a new running game feature called "Run Free."

Run Free promises 30 new ball-carrier combo moves. Using the left trigger, ball-carriers will stutter step before slowing down, enabling combo moves through the use of the right stick on the controller. While past games allowed players to use the right stick to take a step in one direction, then rotate in the other direction to spin away from defenders, these were separate animations. Run Free's system combines these animations.

Changes to the Infinity Engine - the physics engine that powers the series - include the same improvements such as the Force Impact system announced for NCAA Football 14. Madden will share avoidance animations with NCAA 14, with runners sticking their arms out to push off their blockers instead of taking awkwardly sensitive collision tackles. EA Tiburon has promised run blocking improvements, which has especially been needed since the introduction of the engine last year.

Continue reading Madden 25 features ball-carrier combos, engine improvements

JoystiqMadden 25 features ball-carrier combos, engine improvements originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaEA-Sportsea-tiburonfootballinfinity-enginemaddenmadden-25madden-nfl-25microsoftphysics-engineplaystationps3rex-dicksonrun-freexboxThu, 25 Apr 2013 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCAA Football 14 to include offline-only Kinect support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/ncaa-football-14-to-support-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/ncaa-football-14-to-support-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/ncaa-football-14-to-support-kinect/#comments NCAA Football 14 to support Kinect, gets official cover artWhile Kinect integration isn't all that new for EA Sports, as both Madden 13 and FIFA 13 included support for the device last year, the Xbox 360 cover art for NCAA Football 14 includes the "Better with Kinect" banner at the top. EA Sports told Joystiq that Kinect support will be for offline play only, and will be "similar to what we've done in Madden, focused on pre-play voice commands."

Check out the hi-res versions of the game's box art, which features speedy-looking Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson, in the gallery below. NCAA 14 will sprint to Xbox 360 and PS3 on July 9.

Gallery: NCAA Football 14 (Cover Art)

JoystiqNCAA Football 14 to include offline-only Kinect support originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>box-artCollege-Footballcover-artcover-athletedenard-robinsonEA-Sportsea-tiburonfootballkinectmicrosoftncaa-14ncaa-football-14playstationps3xboxWed, 24 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NHL 14 asks fans to face off in cover vote contest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/nhl-14-asks-fans-to-face-off-in-cover-vote-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/nhl-14-asks-fans-to-face-off-in-cover-vote-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/nhl-14-asks-fans-to-face-off-in-cover-vote-contest/#comments NHL 14 asks you to pick a player for Following last year's successful demonstration of democracy through NHL.com, NHL 14 will ask hockey fans to once again vote for their favorite cover athlete. Fans may choose from an initial list of sixty players, with voting taking place across two rounds that will be followed by a 16-player bracket to narrow down NHL 14's cover captain.

The winning player will be revealed later this year during the Stanley Cup Finals. The initial round of voting is going on now; you can see the full list of sixty eligible players through the source link below. Last year, over 25 million votes for the inaugural NHL Cover Vote campaign were registered, awarding the cover spot to Philadelphia Flyer's captain Claude Giroux.

NHL 14 skates off to retail on Xbox 360 and PS3 September 10 in North America, September 13 in Europe.

JoystiqNHL 14 asks fans to face off in cover vote contest originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cover-voteeaea-sportsmicrosoftnhlnhl-14playstationps3xboxMon, 22 Apr 2013 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[NCAA 14 presentation trailer features White Stripes chant]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/ncaa-14-presentation-trailer-features-white-stripes-chant/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/ncaa-14-presentation-trailer-features-white-stripes-chant/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/21/ncaa-14-presentation-trailer-features-white-stripes-chant/#comments
This trailer for NCAA Football 14 offers a glimpse at the game's new presentation elements, which include post-play celebrations and familiar chants such as the Seven Nation Army chant heard at many college games. NCAA 14 is coming to PS3 and Xbox 360 on July 9.

JoystiqNCAA 14 presentation trailer features White Stripes chant originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>College-Footballeaea-sportsea-tiburonfootballmicrosoftncaa-14ncaa-football-14playstationpresentationps3trailerxboxSun, 21 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 14 scores 'great goals' on PS3, Xbox 360, PC fall 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/fifa-14-scores-great-goals-on-ps3-xbox-360-pc-fall-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/fifa-14-scores-great-goals-on-ps3-xbox-360-pc-fall-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/fifa-14-scores-great-goals-on-ps3-xbox-360-pc-fall-2013/#comments FIFA 14 announced for PS3, Xbox 360, PCFIFA 14 will bring "the emotion of scoring great goals" to PS3, PC, and Xbox 360 this fall, EA announced today. It refines the formula of EA Sports' past soccer games with "Pure Shot" shooting "so players have the intelligence to adjust their stride and approach angle to find the best position for hitting the back of the net."

There are more new (and newly named) systems involved. "Protect the Ball" lets players block defenders while dribbling; "Teammate Intelligence" is self-explanatory; "Sprint Dribble Turns" allows extra maneuverability while sprinting; "Variable Dribble Touch" adds finer control on dribbling.

Of course, if you'd rather exert your control before the match even starts, you can do so with the new "Global Scouting Network," a career mode in which you build a network of professional scouts.

Gallery: FIFA 14

JoystiqFIFA 14 scores 'great goals' on PS3, Xbox 360, PC fall 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-canadaea-sportsfifa-14microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 17 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Court extends claims period on $27 million EA Sports settlement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/court-extends-claims-period-on-27-million-ea-sports-settlement/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/court-extends-claims-period-on-27-million-ea-sports-settlement/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/court-extends-claims-period-on-27-million-ea-sports-settlement/#comments Court extends claims period on $27 million EA Sports settlementThe United States Federal District Court for the Northern District of California has sent word that it has modified the settlement distribution plan and certified the ongoing lawsuit against Electronic Arts and its exclusive NFL, NCAA, and AFL licenses. Because fewer than expected claims have been filed, the court has extended the claim period from this past March to May 15, 2013.

If you've already filed a claim, you're good to go, and the court says this agreement won't decrease your portion of the settlement. If you haven't filed a claim yet, aren't an EA employee, and bought a Madden NFL, NCAA Football, or Arena Football game for Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 or 3, the GameCube, or the Wii between January 1, 2005 and June 21, 2012, you can file a claim on the website and still be eligible to receive some compensation.

This decision does not mean the court has agreed to any wrongdoing on EA's part, and EA itself still denies the claims that these exclusive licenses were anything but "legal and proper," according to the notice. But EA says that it is filing this settlement "solely to eliminate the uncertainties, burden, and expense of further protracted litigation."

JoystiqCourt extends claims period on $27 million EA Sports settlement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>claims-periodcourtcourtseaea-sportsextensionMadden-06Madden-NFL-06microsoftnintendoplaystationps3settlementwiixboxMon, 15 Apr 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NHL 14 out Sept. 10 in North America, Sept. 13 in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/nhl-14-out-sept-10-in-north-america-sept-13-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/nhl-14-out-sept-10-in-north-america-sept-13-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/nhl-14-out-sept-10-in-north-america-sept-13-in-europe/#comments
NHL 14 will (hockey reference) its way to stores in North America on September 10, with a European release (different hockey reference)-ing three days later.

EA's latest hockey game, by EA Canada's Vancouver studio, turns a hodgepodge of EA Sports tech into a new hockey experience, with new "NHL Collision Physics" based on the Player Impact Engine used in FIFA games, and "Enforcer Engine" fighting based on Fight Night. The "Be a Pro" mode now lets you experience the life of a neophyte NHL player both on and off the ice.

NHL 14 was announced only for PS3 and Xbox 360.

Continue reading NHL 14 out Sept. 10 in North America, Sept. 13 in Europe

JoystiqNHL 14 out Sept. 10 in North America, Sept. 13 in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-canadaea-sportsmicrosoftnhl-14playstationps3release-datexboxMon, 15 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 review: Thin shot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/tiger-woods-pga-tour-14-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/tiger-woods-pga-tour-14-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/tiger-woods-pga-tour-14-review/#comments Golf is a sport of heritage, as much shaped by the past as it is the equipment and talent found in today's elite class of clubbers. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 pays homage to the former with the in-depth Legends of the Majors mode, a nostalgic big-budget presentation that takes players through a series of contests from golf's important moments of yesteryear. The latter is represented in the addition of connected tournaments, live contests where multiple golfers compete simultaneously online.

These two modes create a great balance of old and new, and provide just enough to keep Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 from feeling too much like iterative apathy.

Gallery: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14

Continue reading Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 review: Thin shot

JoystiqTiger Woods PGA Tour 14 review: Thin shot originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsmicrosoftplaystationps3tiger-woods-pga-tour-14xboxThu, 04 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NCAA 14 to include physics engine, improved running game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/ncaa-14-to-include-physics-engine-improved-running-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/ncaa-14-to-include-physics-engine-improved-running-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/ncaa-14-to-include-physics-engine-improved-running-game/#comments NCAA 14 to include physics engine, improved running gameNCAA Football 14 will feature the same physics engine seen in Madden 13, the Infinity Engine. EA Tiburon is calling the engine the "Infinity Engine 2" specifically, which certainly drives the point home about its expected improvements. The developer told Polygon that the engine will be tuned to the same level as its upcoming pro football game, Madden 25.

NCAA 14 will also include "ball carrier avoidance," which improves the AI of runners so they raise their arms to push off linemen instead of taking an awkward tackle in the backfield due to incidental contact, as seen quite often with the current iteration of the Infinity Engine in Madden 13. EA Tiburon says other physics-based movements will see marked improvement with NCAA 14's Force Impact system. The Force Impact system is expected to lend more realism to the process of moves such as stiff arms, which will now be targeted to specific parts of a defender and carry out all the way to the ground.

Other changes to the game include the removal of the sprint button, which is now replaced with a more realistic speed burst when runners hit the hole in the defensive line. Additionally, ball-carriers will be able to use the right stick to regain any balance lost when breaking tackles. The changes to the running game start with better block targeting for offensive line AI, which EA says is a priority for the NCAA 14 team this year. The publisher will also reveal details about the game's own Ultimate Team mode in May, which is new to the NCAA Football series, but a mainstay in EA's other sports franchises.

NCAA Football 14 will launch on Xbox 360 and PS3 on July 9, and will feature former Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson on its cover.

Continue reading NCAA 14 to include physics engine, improved running game

JoystiqNCAA 14 to include physics engine, improved running game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>College-Footballea-sportsea-tiburonfootballforce-impact-systemgameplayinfinity-enginemicrosoftncaa-14ncaa-football-14playstationps3xboxWed, 03 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tiger Woods 14 gets Country Club updates]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/tiger-woods-14-gets-country-club-updates/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/tiger-woods-14-gets-country-club-updates/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/tiger-woods-14-gets-country-club-updates/#comments EA Sports recently announced a number of updates for Country Clubs in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14. Not only will clubs see the 25-player limit raised to 100, but club members now earn a coin payout called the "Country Club Loyalty Bonus" for playing consecutive days in a row.

Stats populated from club games will now be weaved into the whole game, so players enjoying a standard game online will be updated on their club's progress between holes. Other added features include a pervasive club chat option, for players that wish to talk with their club friends regardless of where they are in the game, and club versus club leaderboards for Connected Tournaments. Tiger Woods 14 will launch March 26 on PS3 and Xbox 360, and will be available March 22 for Season Ticket holders.

Gallery: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 (Country Clubs)

Continue reading Tiger Woods 14 gets Country Club updates

JoystiqTiger Woods 14 gets Country Club updates originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>country-clubsEA-Sportsea-tiburonmicrosoftpga-tour-14playstationps3tiger-woods-14tiger-woods-pga-tour-14xboxSat, 23 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 25 is this year's Madden game; cover voting starts March 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/madden-nfl-25-is-this-years-madden-game-cover-voting-starts-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/madden-nfl-25-is-this-years-madden-game-cover-voting-starts-ma/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/madden-nfl-25-is-this-years-madden-game-cover-voting-starts-ma/#comments Yesterday, EA quasi-announced Madden NFL 25, at the time presumably a name-change for its annual football sim. Today EA confirms that Madden NFL 25 will indeed be this year's game, choosing to forego the usual title for one that celebrates the franchise's silver anniversary: 25 years on store shelves.

Fan voting for the cover athlete will kick off on March 11 featuring two 32-player brackets on ESPN and SportsNation - one bracket will be all-time greats, the other 32 modern players. A special episode of SportsNation will air at 4pm ET on March 11 where both brackets will be unveiled.

Over 25 years, the Madden franchise has managed to sell 99 million units and earn EA Sports "more than $3.7 billion in net revenue." Last year's entry in the series, Madden NFL 13, introduced the Infinity Engine, providing more realistic physics, dynamic player collisions and hilarious gifs. Madden NFL 25 launches on Xbox 360 and PS3 on August 27, 2013.

Continue reading Madden NFL 25 is this year's Madden game; cover voting starts March 11

JoystiqMadden NFL 25 is this year's Madden game; cover voting starts March 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-sportsmadden-nfl-25microsoftplaystationps3xboxFri, 01 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA announces 'Madden 25,' out August 27]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/madden-14-out-august-27-possibly-called-madden-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/madden-14-out-august-27-possibly-called-madden-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/madden-14-out-august-27-possibly-called-madden-25/#comments Madden 14 dated, possibly renamed Madden 25EA Sports has just announced something called Madden 25, and all signs (by which we mean the picture immediately above this paragraph) indicate that it could either be a Madden NFL 14 sister product or stand-in, referencing the 25th anniversary of the series. It's launching on Tuesday, August 27.

Of course, it's also possible that Madden 25 is set in the dystopian year of 2025, starring a rough and tumble football coach that must reunite the fractured world underneath the banner of football, but we're gonna stick with the name change thing for now.

JoystiqEA announces 'Madden 25,' out August 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportselectronic-artsmadden-25madden-nfl-14teaserThu, 31 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden simulation picks Baltimore Ravens as Super Bowl XLVII winners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/madden-simulation-picks-baltimore-ravens-as-super-bowl-xlvii-win/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/madden-simulation-picks-baltimore-ravens-as-super-bowl-xlvii-win/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/madden-simulation-picks-baltimore-ravens-as-super-bowl-xlvii-win/#comments
According to EA's annual Madden simulation, the Baltimore Ravens will beat the San Francisco 49ers by 27 to 24 in Sunday's Super Bowl XLVII. So now you know the score and the winner there's no reason to tune in, especially since EA also produced footage of the game's final moments, which sees a last-ditch play by the 49ers nullified by a trophy-winning Ravens interception.

EA does have decent form in this department; its Madden simulations picked seven of the last nine Super Bowl winners. Interestingly, the two times EA got it wrong featured wild card teams as champions. So maybe, on the whole, these Madden simulations are onto something. Or maybe, as Sunday could prove, it's all a load of sportsball.

JoystiqMadden simulation picks Baltimore Ravens as Super Bowl XLVII winners originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAEA-sportsea-tiburonmadden-nfl-13superbowlMon, 28 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ballesteros and McIlroy join Tiger on Euro PGA Tour 14 cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/27/ballesteros-and-mcilroy-join-tiger-on-euro-pga-tour-14-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/27/ballesteros-and-mcilroy-join-tiger-on-euro-pga-tour-14-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/27/ballesteros-and-mcilroy-join-tiger-on-euro-pga-tour-14-cover/#comments Seve Ballesteros, Rory McIlroy on Euro PGA Tour 14 coverEA Sports recently announced Rory McIlroy and Seve Ballesteros as co-cover athletes for the European version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14. Yes, Tiger Woods is on the cover of his game as well, but he's flanked by the legendary Ballesteros and current top pro golfer McIlroy this year, marking the first time the series has featured three athletes on its cover. Fingers crossed for a fourth face next year.

Woods will be joined by Arnold Palmer on the North American cover, while Bubba Watson and Bobby Jones will be featured on the Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14: The Masters Historic Edition cover. Check out our gallery below, which includes the full European box art. Tiger Woods 14 will arrive in North America on March 26, and will go international on March 28.

Gallery: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 (European Cover)

Continue reading Ballesteros and McIlroy join Tiger on Euro PGA Tour 14 cover

JoystiqBallesteros and McIlroy join Tiger on Euro PGA Tour 14 cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAEA-Sportskinectmicrosoftmoveplaystationps3rory-mcilroyseve-ballesterostiger-woodstiger-woods-14tiger-woods-pga-tour-14xboxSun, 27 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 13 is AbleGamers' 'Accessible Mainstream Game of the Year']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/05/fifa-13-is-ablegamers-accessible-mainstream-game-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/05/fifa-13-is-ablegamers-accessible-mainstream-game-of-the-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/05/fifa-13-is-ablegamers-accessible-mainstream-game-of-the-year/#comments The AbleGamers Foundation continues to spearhead the charge for greater accessibility in modern game design, and just as it did last year, the organization has taken it upon itself to determine which mainstream game released in 2012 offered the most helpful features for gamers with physical and/or mental disabilities.

Surprisingly, EA Sports' FIFA 13 has earned the honor of being 2012's Accessible Mainstream Game of the Year. "For disabled gamers with Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, and even one-handed gamers," the announcement reads, "the ability to play such a sophisticated sports game with simple controls that can be handled by a trackball or mouse mean gamers who may not have been able to enjoy iconic sporting activities like baseball, football, hockey or soccer can now take part in the fun."

AbleGamers also appreciated the game's color customization abilities and clearly presented, easily navigated menus, but was most impressed, however, by how deeply FIFA 13's AI can be altered. "The entire game can be slowed down. The computer can be set to perform slower and with less efficiency. Player controlled avatars can utilize additional speed, accuracy and shot power. For those with cognitive disorders and motor impairments, the ability to set the game to an acceptable rate of speed enables those with even the most severe of disabilities."

JoystiqFIFA 13 is AbleGamers' 'Accessible Mainstream Game of the Year' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsablegamersablegamers-foundationaccessibilityAccessible-Mainstream-Game-of-the-YeardisabilityEAEA-Sportselectronic-artsfifa-13microsoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxSat, 05 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 11, NBA Jam, Sims 2, other EA games go offline in January]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/31/madden-11-nba-jam-sims-2-other-ea-games-go-offline-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/31/madden-11-nba-jam-sims-2-other-ea-games-go-offline-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/31/madden-11-nba-jam-sims-2-other-ea-games-go-offline-in-january/#comments Madden 11, NBA Jam, Sims 2, other EA games go offline in JanuaryIf it's in the game, it's in the game, until the game gets too old and the servers are shut down. EA is taking some games offline starting on January 3rd, when FIFA Manager 11 for PC will cease online connectivity.

Most of the unplugging will take place on January 11: that's when FIFA Soccer 11, FIFA Soccer 11 Ultimate Team, Madden 11 and its Ultimate Team, NBA Jam, NBA Live 10, NCAA 11, NHL 11, and NHL 11 Ultimate Team will lose their online capabilities. The loss of NBA Live 10 effectively ends online play for EA's NBA series.

On the 14th the Sims 2 will end online service, and Trenches 2 for iOS will follow on the 19th.

JoystiqMadden 11, NBA Jam, Sims 2, other EA games go offline in January originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Dec 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-sportsiosiphonemicrosoftmobilenintendoofflinepcplaystationps3the-sims-2wiixboxMon, 31 Dec 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 13 is Wii U eShop's first demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/fifa-13-is-wii-u-eshops-first-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/fifa-13-is-wii-u-eshops-first-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/fifa-13-is-wii-u-eshops-first-demo/#comments There is one game demo on the Wii U eShop in North America, and it's for EA Sports' FIFA 13. The approximately 1.2GB download is available within the game's page on the eShop, though the size isn't explicitly shown until you begin the process.

Bear in mind that there is no dedicated section for demos in the store, nor is there a way to search for demos. Instead, you either have to click on individual game icons to see if demos are available, or view everything in the eShop as a list and hunt for the "demo" icon.

Having just done all that, we can confirm that FIFA 13 is at present the only demo.

[Thanks, Jon B.]

JoystiqFIFA 13 is Wii U eShop's first demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoea-sportseshopfifa-13nintendowii-uWed, 05 Dec 2012 10:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Madden 13 title update lands Thursday, adds Ultimate Team features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/next-madden-13-title-update-lands-thursday-adds-ultimate-team-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/next-madden-13-title-update-lands-thursday-adds-ultimate-team-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/next-madden-13-title-update-lands-thursday-adds-ultimate-team-f/#comments Next Madden 13 title update landing Thursday, adds Ultimate Team featuresThe fourth title update for Madden NFL 13 is scheduled to go live November 29, and includes a few new features for Madden Ultimate Team (MUT). The ability to set multiple lineups for your MUT squad highlights the list of changes. Players will now be able to save up to five different lineups.

Another change coming in this week's title update is described as "more nuanced roster management," and is also geared towards Ultimate Team. Instead of breaking down roster management by offense, defense and special teams in MUT, the update sorts teams by more specific positions, such as offensive line and defensive secondary. Each roster segment will show your team's starters as well as eligible players on your bench. The Madden team is also adding a boosts screen in this update, which will display every ratings boost equipped to your team.

Among the other features being added to MUT are quick collections and the ability to play two minute quarters in the mode. Quick collections reward players that are among the first to finish a card collection in Madden Ultimate Team with special bonuses.

"What we're really striving for is aiming these title updates not just at bug fixes, but adding brand-new content so people feel like they're constantly getting a new game experience," an EA rep told Joystiq. Past title updates added server-side fantasy drafts and player editing in career mode. We've also been told that another announcement is due later this week. Click past the break to see the list of bug fixes included in the update.

Gallery: Madden NFL 13 (Title Update 4)

Continue reading Next Madden 13 title update lands Thursday, adds Ultimate Team features

JoystiqNext Madden 13 title update lands Thursday, adds Ultimate Team features originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAEA-Sportsea-tiburonmadden-13madden-nfl-13madden-ultimate-teammicrosoftMUTnintendopatchplaystationplaystation-vitaps3title-updatevitawiiwii-uxboxWed, 28 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 13 Wii U walks onto the pitch with an instructional video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/fifa-13-wii-u-walks-onto-the-pitch-with-an-instructional-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/fifa-13-wii-u-walks-onto-the-pitch-with-an-instructional-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/21/fifa-13-wii-u-walks-onto-the-pitch-with-an-instructional-video/#comments
FIFA 13 Wii U uses the WiiPad for touch-based passing, kicking and tackling, plus real-time manager options like substituting players and changing positions. Also if you take off your shirt and run around screaming after you score a goal, EA sends you a nice email - okay, we made that last one up.

Continue reading FIFA 13 Wii U walks onto the pitch with an instructional video

JoystiqFIFA 13 Wii U walks onto the pitch with an instructional video originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsfifa-13nintendowii-uwii-u-gamepadwiipadWed, 21 Nov 2012 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports donates $500,000 of in-game ads to Movember initiative]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/ea-sports-donates-500-000-of-in-game-ads-to-movember-initiative/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/ea-sports-donates-500-000-of-in-game-ads-to-movember-initiative/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/ea-sports-donates-500-000-of-in-game-ads-to-movember-initiative/#comments EA Sports donates $500,000 of ingame ads to Movember initiativeIn good guy news, EA Sports is putting up $500,000 worth of in-game advertising for Movember, free of charge. You may have already spotted the ads, which will run this month, in the latest iterations of FIFA, Madden, and NHL.

Movember's been going for several years now, but in case you're yet to link it to the surge of facial hair above November lips, the charity's website can fill you in. In short, dudes grow their mustaches out across the month, all in the name of raising money for men's health charities like the Prostate Cancer and LiveStrong foundations.

While this is excellent of EA Sports, we're a little disappointed to not hear of EA CEO Peter Moore growing out his whiskers - we mean really growing out his whiskers. We reckon he could totally pull off this little number. Of course, even that 'stache woudn't compare to a certain reviews editor's super sexy stylings.

JoystiqEA Sports donates $500,000 of in-game ads to Movember initiative originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityEAEA-Sportsfifa-13madden-nfl-13movembernhl-13Mon, 05 Nov 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Failing the NHL 13 academy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/failing-the-nhl-13-academy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/failing-the-nhl-13-academy/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/failing-the-nhl-13-academy/#comments Failing the NHL 13 academyI love sports, but I know next to nothing about hockey. Maybe my lack of NHL love has something to do with my Wisconsin upbringing, a sort of "no-man's land" for professional hockey. The Milwaukee Admirals AHL team doesn't excite me, and picking between the Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild and Detroit Red Wings is an uncomfortable proposition.

My knowledge of the sport itself is even more limited. Aside from the terms "icing" and "line changes," hockey is alien to me. Joystiq recently ran an editorial discussing how simulation sports games don't do enough to assist people like me in learning the ropes in the sports they feature. To test that theory, I attempted to learn more about hockey through NHL 13.

Gallery: NHL 13

Continue reading Failing the NHL 13 academy

JoystiqFailing the NHL 13 academy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilityEAEA-CanadaEA-Sportshockeymicrosoftnhlnhl-13Opinionplaystationps3xboxSat, 13 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA assured by EA next NBA Live will meet 'mutual standard of excellence']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/nba-assured-by-ea-next-nba-live-will-meet-mutual-standard-of-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/nba-assured-by-ea-next-nba-live-will-meet-mutual-standard-of-ex/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/nba-assured-by-ea-next-nba-live-will-meet-mutual-standard-of-ex/#comments The NBA said it will "continue to work together with [EA] as we always have," when recently asked about the cancellation of NBA Live 13.

John Acunto, VP of Marketing Communications for the NBA told Joystiq that the NBA has "had a great relationship with EA for more than 20 years. We are obviously disappointed that EA will not be releasing NBA LIVE 13 this year, but have been assured by EA that the next release of NBA LIVE will meet our mutual standards of excellence."

EA's Executive VP Andrew Wilson said the team plans on "making next year's game great."

Take-Two recently revealed record sales for the other major NBA licensed game this year, NBA 2K13, which sold 49 percent more in its first week than past games in the series.

JoystiqNBA assured by EA next NBA Live will meet 'mutual standard of excellence' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>basketballEAEA-Sportsea-tiburonElectronic-ArtslicensemicrosoftNBANBA-Livenba-live-13playstationps3xboxFri, 12 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Approaching Wii U's GamePad like a 'toy' in Madden NFL 13]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/approaching-wii-us-gamepad-like-a-toy-in-madden-nfl-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/approaching-wii-us-gamepad-like-a-toy-in-madden-nfl-13/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/approaching-wii-us-gamepad-like-a-toy-in-madden-nfl-13/#comments Madden 13 Wii U Approaching the Gamepad like a 'Toy'Madden NFL 13 on Wii U may lack the Infinity Engine, which brought stronger collisions and dynamic animations into the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game, but the console's gamepad fills that void with a tablet-drive, play calling system. The only problem, EA tells Joystiq, was getting players to want to use the new control system.

"A challenging thing at the beginning was getting people to actually want to touch the screen," says Yuri Bialoskursky, lead designer on Madden 13 for Wii U. "They would just stare at it blankly and not interact with it. We had to come up with a way to make it like a toy, essentially - make you want to mess around with it."

The Wii U GamePad lets players navigate their playbook through the gamepad's touch screen, allowing them to tap and drag to the right play. More importantly, players can draw offensive and defensive hot routes right on the screen. Offensive and defensive linemen are represented by yellow circles, while the hot routes you draw are represented by a red line. You can also play in "detached mode" and play Madden entirely on the WiiPad, freeing your television for any other piece of entertainment, like watching real life football.

Gallery: Madden 13 Wii U (10/11/12)

Continue reading Approaching Wii U's GamePad like a 'toy' in Madden NFL 13

JoystiqApproaching Wii U's GamePad like a 'toy' in Madden NFL 13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EA-Sportsmadden-13madden-nfl-13nintendoNYCC-12NYCC-2012wii-uThu, 11 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 13 sells 'over 4.5 million' units in first five days]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/fifa-13-sells-over-4-5-million-units-in-first-five-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/fifa-13-sells-over-4-5-million-units-in-first-five-days/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/fifa-13-sells-over-4-5-million-units-in-first-five-days/#comments Kids these days sure do seem to like the football, if FIFA 13's crazy-pants sales figures are any indication. The game, which Joystiq's resident sportsball enthusiast Mike Suszek liked an awful lot, has sold "over 4.5 million games across all platforms" since its launch on September 25, according to a press release from EA.

More than 1 million of those sales took place in the UK and within the game's first 48 hours of availability, which falls in line with the chart-topping performance we covered a couple of days ago. FIFA 13 has also been responsible for the most concurrent online users of any EA game to date, with 800,000 footballists throwing down simultaneously on September 30. We suspect, however, that very few of those players drive Range Rovers and are married to Victoria Beckham like most footballists.

JoystiqFIFA 13 sells 'over 4.5 million' units in first five days originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsEA-Sportsfifa-13microsoftnintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitawiiwii-uxboxWed, 03 Oct 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Canceled NBA Live 13 noted as downloadable title, EA has 'no comment']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/canceled-nba-live-13-downloadable-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/canceled-nba-live-13-downloadable-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/03/canceled-nba-live-13-downloadable-title/#comments EA Sports' canceled NBA Live 13 was going to be a digitally distributed product on Xbox Live Arcade. The word of the XBLA release comes directly from Microsoft community guru Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb. It had been rumored before that NBA Live 13 was going to be a digital release for $20.

"NBA Live 13 was supposed to be today's XBLA title, but EA made the decision not to launch it today," wrote Hryb on Twitter. He then directed queries on the topic to the September 27 announcement of the game's cancellation.

Checking with Hryb to confirm he meant to say XBLA and not Microsoft's retail Games on Demand section of the Xbox marketplace, he noted the information was "unclear."

EA Sports responded to our request for clarification with a "no comment."

EA Sports had been sketchy about NBA Live's status ever since its absence from the company's E3 press conference, finally mentioning in mid September the game had been delayed. This will be the third year in a row the company skipped or canceled its basketball game due to quality concerns. Meanwhile, Take-Two's NBA 2K series has the run of the court.

Update: Added EA response.

JoystiqCanceled NBA Live 13 noted as downloadable title, EA has 'no comment' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportselectronic-artslarry-hrybmajor-nelsonmicrosoftnba-live-13xboxWed, 03 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: FIFA 13 scores 353K in North America on day one]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/ea-fifa-13-scores-353k-in-north-america-on-day-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/ea-fifa-13-scores-353k-in-north-america-on-day-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/ea-fifa-13-scores-353k-in-north-america-on-day-one/#comments NBA Live 13 may be lost, but EA's got one win on its hands at least, as FIFA 13 has sold at record numbers already. The popular soccer sim has sold through 353,000 copies on Xbox 360 and the PS3 in just one day, according to EA, giving those sales an increase of 42 percent over last year's iteration. The iOS version has also done well, with the best launch day sales of the game on that platform in history.

FIFA 12 sold 3.2 million copies in its first week last year, and went on to sell over 10 million total. Presumably, FIFA 13 is on track to do even better than that this year. It arrived in North America this past Tuesday, and will release on Friday around the rest of the world.

JoystiqEA: FIFA 13 scores 353K in North America on day one originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsfifafifa-13footballmicrosoftmobileplaystationps3releasesalessoccerxboxThu, 27 Sep 2012 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NBA Live 13 delayed, no release date in sight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/nba-live-13-delayed-no-release-date-in-sight/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/nba-live-13-delayed-no-release-date-in-sight/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/nba-live-13-delayed-no-release-date-in-sight/#comments NBA Live 13 delayed
NBA Live 13 has officially been delayed, and won't launch at the beginning of October as expected. EA hasn't given a new release date for the game yet. Competitor NBA 2K13 is still set to drop on October 2, and the NBA season is scheduled for a start on October 30 of this year.

EA decided to cancel its basketball series back in 2010. NBA Live 13 was supposed to be its triumphant return, but EA hasn't shown much of it.

The same announcement of the game's delay contained the trailer above, so it certainly seems to be on its way to reality. We'll stay tuned for any more information on a possible release.

JoystiqNBA Live 13 delayed, no release date in sight originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayeaea-sportsmicrosoftnbanba-live-13playstationps3release-datexboxThu, 13 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST