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[NCAA 14 Dynasty mode levels up with coach skills, recruiting changes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/ncaa-14-dynasty-mode-levels-up-with-coach-skills-recruiting-cha/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/ncaa-14-dynasty-mode-levels-up-with-coach-skills-recruiting-cha/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/ncaa-14-dynasty-mode-levels-up-with-coach-skills-recruiting-cha/#comments
NCAA Football 14 will receive some changes this year to Dynasty mode, the series' career mode in which players lead a school's football team to victory. Of the changes, the addition of coach skills stand out, which grant your team's leader and play-caller more nuance in the form of 18 RPG-like abilities that can be upgraded as your dynasty progresses. The abilities range from "Road Warrior," which helps your quarterback succeed on the road against teams, to "Clutch," which encourages your team to play better in high-pressure situations.

NCAA 14 will also see a more streamlined athlete recruitment process. Whereas NCAA 13 included a phone call system, the feature's been stripped out entirely in favor of a points system called "Power Recruiting." Players will receive 5,000 points per week and can allocate points how they see fit towards scouting, recruitment and offering scholarship.

Like minutes on a cell phone plan, points roll over every week, so players can put off their athlete recruitment process as well and not falter too much. The offseason recruitment phase, in which players receive 10,000 points to play with, has also been rolled into a single stage, making for a faster, likely more stressful experience.

JoystiqNCAA 14 Dynasty mode levels up with coach skills, recruiting changes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 May 2013 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coach-skillsCollege-FootballDynastyEAEA-Sportsea-tiburonElectronic-Artsfootballmicrosoftncaa-14ncaa-football-14playstationps3trailerxboxWed, 29 May 2013 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 25 will let you move to 17 different cities, revive historic teams]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/madden-25-will-let-you-move-to-17-different-cities-revive-histo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/madden-25-will-let-you-move-to-17-different-cities-revive-histo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/madden-25-will-let-you-move-to-17-different-cities-revive-histo/#comments
In Madden 25's Connected Franchise career mode, players can take on the role of team owner and perform a number of new tasks, including relocating teams to new cities. Madden's Creative Director Mike Young told Joystiq today that the mode is designed to limit the franchise relocation option to 17 different markets. The 17 cities include Brooklyn, London, Dublin, Toronto, Mexico City, Los Angeles, Austin, Columbus, Orlando, Portland, Oklahoma City and Memphis.

Additionally, some locations with an already-established NFL presence can receive a second team, such as Chicago and Houston. Players will have the option to retain their team name, logo and uniforms when moving or select from three different preset options for each city, including the Brooklyn Beats. The mode also grants players the option to reboot now-defunct teams from the NFL's history, such as the Columbus Panhandles, London Monarchs or the Houston Oilers. Players can opt to turn off the team relocation feature, disabling the option entirely.

EA Sports provided us with a new trailer for the game in which Young discusses the move from Madden 13's Connected Careers mode to this year's Connected Franchise mode. Madden 25 will launch August 27 for PS3 and Xbox 360.

JoystiqMadden 25 will let you move to 17 different cities, revive historic teams originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connected-franchiseeaEA-Sportsea-tiburonElectronic-Artsfootballmaddenmadden-25madden-nfl-25microsoftmike-youngplaybookplaystationproducer-videops3relocationteamtrailertrey-wingoxboxWed, 22 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Relocate your team in Madden 25's franchise owners mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/relocate-your-team-in-madden-25s-franchise-owners-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/relocate-your-team-in-madden-25s-franchise-owners-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/relocate-your-team-in-madden-25s-franchise-owners-mode/#comments
EA Sports lifted the curtains today on one of its core additions to Madden 25 this year, Connected Franchise owners mode. In it, players take on the role of team owner, setting prices for tickets and concessions as well as having the option to relocate teams to both domestic and international cities. Owners also handle the hiring of team personnel, such as scouts, trainers and coaches, and they answer questions from the media. Players will manage stadium upgrades and market their superstar athletes so fans will buy their jerseys, increasing their teams' yearly profit.

The options to import draft classes from EA's NCAA Football series and take control of all 32 teams in the Connected Careers mode were woefully absent from last year's game, but will return to Madden 25. Additionally, the game's primary career mode will receive a face-lift thanks to an improved user interface that includes a transaction log to follow the movement of players from team to team. The mode's UI includes a new Trade Center, allowing users to see what other teams are offering for players and draft picks so they can top their opponents' bids.

Lastly, Madden 25 will feature more media personalities for the career mode's in-game Twitter feed, such as ESPN fantasy analyst Matthew Berry and Fox Sports NFL writer Peter Schrager. It will also receive new legendary players and coaches, including Mike Ditka and William "The Refrigerator" Perry.

Gallery: Madden NFL 25 (Connected Franchise)

JoystiqRelocate your team in Madden 25's franchise owners mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connected-careersconnected-franchiseEAEA-Sportsea-tiburonElectronic-Artsfootballmaddenmadden-25madden-nfl-25microsoftownersplaystationps3xboxMon, 20 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![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[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[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[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[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[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[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[DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket kicks off another season on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/directv-nfl-sunday-ticket-kicks-off-another-season-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/directv-nfl-sunday-ticket-kicks-off-another-season-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/directv-nfl-sunday-ticket-kicks-off-another-season-on-ps3/#comments DirecTV customers who signed up for NFL Sunday Ticket can stream games through their PS3 yet again this year. Sunday Ticket Max subscribers - the $299.99 plan that allows subscribers to access games on computers, tablets and phones, not just through their television - will be able to download the new app through their PS3 on September 4 and get started.

In addition to streaming games in HD, the PlayStation Blog tells us the PlayStation app will also include Red Zone Channel access and special stat-tracking for key fantasy football players - and if you play fantasy football on NFL.com, the app will let you follow your team in real-time as you watch the games. If you're not a DirecTV customer and still want access to all of this, you can run an audible and pay $299.99 directly through your PS3 for access to NFL Sunday Ticket games. Sports references!

JoystiqDirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket kicks off another season on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>directvfootballnfl-sunday-ticketplaystationps3sportssports-tag-for-sports-postsFri, 31 Aug 2012 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Fowl on the play: Angry Birds teams up with the Philadelphia Eagles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/fowl-on-the-play-angry-birds-teams-up-with-the-philadelphia-eagles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/fowl-on-the-play-angry-birds-teams-up-with-the-philadelphia-eagles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/fowl-on-the-play-angry-birds-teams-up-with-the-philadelphia-eagles/#comments Fowl on the play Angry Birds teams up with the Philadelphia Eagles
A new version of Angry Birds is coming exclusively to the Philadelphia Eagles Facebook page on September 4. Each week, a new free level will be available to play during this year's season. The teaser trailer above gives us a taste of what to expect, including a new unit type: the Mighty Philadelphia Eagle.

JoystiqFowl on the play: Angry Birds teams up with the Philadelphia Eagles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdseaglesfootballmacpcphiladelphia-eaglesMon, 27 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vikings' Adrian Peterson rehabs using specially-designed games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/12/vikings-adrian-peterson-rehabs-using-specially-designed-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/12/vikings-adrian-peterson-rehabs-using-specially-designed-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/12/vikings-adrian-peterson-rehabs-using-specially-designed-games/#comments Vikings' Adrian Peterson rehabs using speciallydesigned gamesAdrian Peterson, star running back for the Minnesota Vikings, suffered a torn ACL in December 2011. As part of Peterson's regiment to rehab his injured knee, he played Wii Fit and other specially-designed games to regain strength and balance.

As seen in a video on the team's site, Peterson uses a leg press machine to guide an on-screen icon through a maze of boxes in one game, and dodge falling balls in another. The exercise machine strengthens his knee while also providing him with something other than agonizing pain to focus on. With the high-powered training programs they're used to, it's interesting to see a pro football player include games like these as part of their recovery methods.

JoystiqVikings' Adrian Peterson rehabs using specially-designed games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Aug 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adrian-petersonfootballminnesota-vikingsNFLnintendorehabRehabilitationvikingswiiwii-fitSun, 12 Aug 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PES 2013 demo now available on XBL and PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/pes-2013-demo-now-available-on-xbl-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/pes-2013-demo-now-available-on-xbl-and-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/01/pes-2013-demo-now-available-on-xbl-and-psn/#comments PES 2013 demo now available

Anyone else think it's weird that as faithful as Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 (known in Asia as World Soccer: Winning Eleven) is to the world's most popular sport, it's still called "Soccer" instead of "Football"?

But that's neither here nor there: The hardcore football simulation is getting its latest entry this fall, and the demo for the new game is now available for download on Xbox Live and PSN. You can see new mechanics like PES FullControl, play with eight fully-licensed teams, or check out cover athlete Cristiano Ronaldo in the game, running at any difficulty level. Go, download, and enjoy yourself some brand new Pro Evolution Footb-- sorry, Soccer.

JoystiqPES 2013 demo now available on XBL and PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demodownloadfootballfutbolkonamimicrosoftpes-2013playstationpro-evolution-soccer-2013ps3psnsoccerxblaxboxxbox-liveWed, 01 Aug 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA files $27 million settlement in lawsuit, cannot renew current NCAA license [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/21/ea-files-27-million-settlement-in-lawsuit-cannot-renew-current/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/21/ea-files-27-million-settlement-in-lawsuit-cannot-renew-current/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/21/ea-files-27-million-settlement-in-lawsuit-cannot-renew-current/#comments Electronic Arts reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit that dates back to 2008 for $27 million, and will be unable to renew its exclusive agreement with the NCAA, providing the court upholds the settlement terms.

The original lawsuit claimed that EA violated antitrust laws by entering exclusive license agreements with the NFL, NCAA, and AFL. The $27 million settlement fund proposed by EA would, in part, benefit those that purchased any EA Sports football game from January 2005 to today. Specifically, customers that bought any of the included GameCube, Xbox, and PS2 games may get up to $6.79 per game, and $1.95 per Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3 game.

EA also agreed to stipulations on future license agreements as part of the proposed settlement, as it will not make any exclusive licensing deals with the AFL for five years, and will not renew its current agreement with the NCAA. Additionally, EA won't be able to enter another exclusive licensing agreement with the NCAA for five years. The company's exclusive NFL trademark licensing deal remains untouched in the proposed settlement, which awaits final approval by the court on September 27.

Update: As a clarification, EA Sports' future NCAA license will be non-exclusive. EA sent us the following statement: "We made a business decision to settle this lawsuit and put the matter behind us. We look forward to continuing our partnerships with the NFL and NCAA."

Continue reading EA files $27 million settlement in lawsuit, cannot renew current NCAA license [Update]

JoystiqEA files $27 million settlement in lawsuit, cannot renew current NCAA license [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aflarena-footballEAElectronic-Artsfootballlawsuitlawsuit-settlementMaddenncaancaa-footballsettlementSat, 21 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yuke's acquires Lingerie Football League license]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/yukes-acquires-lingerie-football-league-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/yukes-acquires-lingerie-football-league-license/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/yukes-acquires-lingerie-football-league-license/#comments Yuke's acquires Lingerie Football League licenseYuke's recently obtained the Lingerie Football League license to develop a video game based on the "aggressive yet sexy" sport. The studio developed the WWE series as well as the UFC Undisputed series, so it is experienced with scantily clad individuals in video games.

The LFL is a league of under-dressed women playing 7-on-7 indoor American football, with 12 teams and 14 more to come in the next four seasons. The sport is often criticized for its portrayal of female athletes, as women wear little more than protective pads on the field.

Yuke's has not announced information on which platforms it is developing the game for. We're hoping there's no mention of "jiggle physics" in future updates.

JoystiqYuke's acquires Lingerie Football League license originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>footballlfllingerie-football-leagueYukesWed, 20 Jun 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA picks NY Giants as Super Bowl XLVI winner in Madden simulation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/ea-super-bowl-46-prediction/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/ea-super-bowl-46-prediction/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/ea-super-bowl-46-prediction/#comments
Are you wondering who has the upper hand in this Sunday's National Football League sporting contest, but you're beyond trusting those silly old sports journalists? Let EA answer that for you, with its annual simulation of the Superbowl as conducted in Madden NFL 12 on Xbox 360. As evidenced in the video above, the New York Giants are set to overtake the New England Patriots in Superbowl 46 by three points (GO GIANTS WOOOO), with a field goal in the final quarter locking the win for big blue.

We might seem a tad dismissive, but EA has set a precedent in the past with annual predictions being spot on (at least in terms of a winner ... less so in terms of actual scores). That either tells us that Madden's numbers game has been spot on for several years, or that football is easily predicted. We'd rather avoid the pummeling that will assuredly result in supposing the latter, so we're gonna go with option A.

JoystiqEA picks NY Giants as Super Bowl XLVI winner in Madden simulation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportselectronic-artsfootballmadden-nfl-12microsoftne-patriotsnew-england-patriotsnew-york-giantsnflny-giantssimulationsuperbowlsuperbowl-46superbowl-xlvixboxMon, 30 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam cuts Blood Bowl down to $8 today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/steam-cuts-blood-bowl-down-to-8-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/steam-cuts-blood-bowl-down-to-8-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/steam-cuts-blood-bowl-down-to-8-today/#comments Once again, Steam's offering an awfully big discount on Games Workshop's curious fantasy football title, Blood Bowl. If you haven't grabbed it during a similar promotion in the past, you can pick up the violent (well, more violent) version of the sport for $8.00 today.

Continue reading Steam cuts Blood Bowl down to $8 today

JoystiqSteam cuts Blood Bowl down to $8 today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-bowlfocus-home-interactivefootballgames-workshoppcsteamTue, 29 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Why JRPGs should look at the NFL's playbook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/why-jrpgs-should-look-at-the-nfls-playbook/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/why-jrpgs-should-look-at-the-nfls-playbook/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/why-jrpgs-should-look-at-the-nfls-playbook/#commentsThis is a column by Jason Schreier dedicated to the analysis (and occasional mocking) of his favorite genre, the Japanese role-playing game. Whether it's because they're too antiquated or just too niche, he believes JRPGs don't get enough attention in the gaming industry today. It's time to change that.


Joystiq's Ben Gilbert once bemusedly pointed out that my taste in games oscillates between "kawaii!" and "yeah bro!" This is true. Two of the games I enjoyed most this year were Radiant Historia and Madden NFL 12, which is about as huge a disparity as you can get without diving into the terrifying click fields of games like FarmVille.

But wait a minute. Are they really all that different? Sure, the National Football League athletes who lend their images to Madden might not have much in common with the anime-like sprites of a Japanese RPG, but in terms of game design, there are some striking similarities.

As Kill Screen Editor-in-Chief Chris Dahlen pointed out in a GameSpy article last year, football is, at its core, a strategy role-playing game. Each team gets several turns to move the ball down the field, during which they can select from a variety of different attacks. Competing teams match wits over field position and strategy in an attempt to wrest an advantage. At the end of the game, whichever team does the most damage -- or scores the most points -- wins.

Though it has been tweaked quite a bit over the past century, the core rules of football have remained the same since the forward pass was introduced over 100 years ago. It is America's most popular sport for a reason: it is an extraordinarily well-designed game.

Perhaps it could teach JRPG developers a thing or two about combat.

Continue reading Why JRPGs should look at the NFL's playbook

JoystiqWhy JRPGs should look at the NFL's playbook originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsfootballjrpgmicrosoftnflnintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxFri, 25 Nov 2011 16:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Some NCAA Football 12 features reportedly broken by patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/some-ncaa-football-12-features-reportedly-broken-by-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/some-ncaa-football-12-features-reportedly-broken-by-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/some-ncaa-football-12-features-reportedly-broken-by-patch/#comments According to plenty of angry forum posts from players of NCAA Football 12, a recent patch for the game has broken or hampered several key features including no-huddle play calling, custom playbooks and, most rampantly, the Dynasty Mode. Apparently, players on both the 360 and PS3 have received frequent "Transfer Failed" errors when attempting to upload the results of games in the online mode.

A company staffer going by the name of EA_Jaga on the EA forums informed players that the error had been fixed, but the dozen or so posts right after from users still getting the "Transfer Failed" error indicates otherwise.

We've reached out to EA for some sort of timetable on a fix. We'll let you know what we hear.

[Update: EA tells us that the custom playbook issue was fixed by the recently released Title Update 2. The other issues are still under investigation.]

[Thanks, Russel]

JoystiqSome NCAA Football 12 features reportedly broken by patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsdynasty-modeeaea-sportsfootballglitchesmicrosoftncaa-football-12playstationps3transfer-failxboxMon, 12 Sep 2011 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Follow the bouncing ball in this new FIFA 12 video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/follow-the-bouncing-ball-in-this-new-fifa-12-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/follow-the-bouncing-ball-in-this-new-fifa-12-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/follow-the-bouncing-ball-in-this-new-fifa-12-video/#comments
It's nice to know that Team Ninja isn't the only development house out there pioneering the field of bounce-physics. EA Sports, for instance, is more than happy to let FIFA 12 animator Kantcho Doskov and his surprisingly excellent football skills explain the simulator's fancy footwork.

JoystiqFollow the bouncing ball in this new FIFA 12 video originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EA-SportsFIFAfifa-12fifa-soccer-12footballmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxSun, 11 Sep 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 12 review: Vacuum-sealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/madden-nfl-12-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/madden-nfl-12-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/madden-nfl-12-review/#comments Reviewing, let alone investing in an annual sports game series is difficult. In my experience, Madden fans are typically the reluctant type; they hope for vast improvements every year and expect a new game that will blow them away. Madden NFL 12 is not that game. It's not the kind of game that answers every problem players have with football games. But this year, EA Sports tackled some core issues that elevates this game as one of the best in the series.

Gallery: Madden NFL 12 (8/25/11)

Continue reading Madden NFL 12 review: Vacuum-sealed

JoystiqMadden NFL 12 review: Vacuum-sealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsfootballMaddenmadden-nfl-12microsoftNFLplaystationps3xboxFri, 26 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DirecTV teams up with PS3 for Sunday NFL Ticket [update: first image!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/directv-teams-up-with-ps3-for-sunday-nfl-ticket/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/directv-teams-up-with-ps3-for-sunday-nfl-ticket/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/directv-teams-up-with-ps3-for-sunday-nfl-ticket/#comments In addition to baseball and hockey, PS3 owners now have the opportunity to catch football games, streamed live through their console. The PlayStation Blog today announced a partnership with DirecTV to offer the satellite television provider's popular NFL Sunday Ticket service, which allows individuals to view out-of-market football games.

Existing DirecTV subscribers can access Sunday Ticket on the console for an additional $50 at the start of the season (on top of what they paid for Sunday Ticket, of course) and can use their console as an additional receiver. PS3 users looking to opt into NFL Sunday Ticket without a DirecTV subscription will have to shell out a hefty $339.95. The PS3 will both show games in HD each week (up to 14) and display DirecTV's Red Zone channel. Or you could just sign up for DirecTV and get NFL Sunday Ticket for free, but then you'd have a bulky satellite dish to deal with.

Based on comments made to Shacknews by DirecTV's director of public relations Robert Mercer, NFL Sunday Ticket will "at least for this season" be exclusive to PS3. "We just want to work with a single partner this time around to give everyone a great experience," he concluded.

Update: Added image of PS3 UI, courtesy of our pals over at Engadget.

JoystiqDirecTV teams up with PS3 for Sunday NFL Ticket [update: first image!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>directvfootballnfl-sunday-ticketplaystationps3sportsWed, 17 Aug 2011 16:38:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA Street reboot in development at EA Canada, coming early next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/fifa-street-reboot-in-development-at-ea-canada-coming-early-nex/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/fifa-street-reboot-in-development-at-ea-canada-coming-early-nex/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/fifa-street-reboot-in-development-at-ea-canada-coming-early-nex/#comments EA's Gamescom 2011 keynote has already brought about one intriguing bit of news about the revival of its more palatable, outrageous sports franchises: FIFA Street. Coming to PS3 and 360 early next year, the EA Canada-developed title will bring back the rough-and-tumble action of the original series, with the depth of the later installments in FIFA Prime. In fact, it might possess more depth -- according to EA, it will feature "twice as many moves as FIFA 12."

The game will also feature the suite of EA Football Club features first announced at E3 this year, among other, unspecified social networking features. EA Sports Season Ticket holders will also get early (temporary) access to the full game, should they choose to accept it. Keep an eye out for the game's debut trailer in the coming hours.

JoystiqFIFA Street reboot in development at EA Canada, coming early next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-canadaea-sportsfifafifa-streetfootballgamescom-2011microsoftplaystationps3sportsxboxTue, 16 Aug 2011 10:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 12 demo coming August 9, pits Bears against Packers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/madden-nfl-12-demo-coming-august-9-pits-bears-against-packers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/madden-nfl-12-demo-coming-august-9-pits-bears-against-packers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/madden-nfl-12-demo-coming-august-9-pits-bears-against-packers/#comments Whether you're a diehard Green Bay Packers or Chicago Bears fan, you've probably had last year's NFC Championship game running through your mind on repeat, refilling you with the thrill of victory or agony of defeat, respectively. Today, EA Sports announced that you'll be able to have a hand in the proceedings August 9, when the Madden NFL 12 demo arrives on Xbox Live and PSN, giving you a 20-minute, four-quarter recreation of the Packers-won contest.

The rosters of each team will be, of course, a tad outdated thanks to the very, very recent settling of the NFL lockout. EA Sports confirmed on Twitter that a launch day update will reflect the free agent changes that happen over the course of this week. Until then: Just relive that thrill/agony in its purest form.

JoystiqMadden NFL 12 demo coming August 9, pits Bears against Packers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoeaea-sportsfootballmadden-nfl-12microsoftplaystationps3release-datexboxWed, 27 Jul 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Backbreaker: Vengeance tackles XBLA this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/backbreaker-vengeance-tackles-xbla-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/backbreaker-vengeance-tackles-xbla-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/backbreaker-vengeance-tackles-xbla-this-summer/#comments NaturalMotion officially unveiled what it was teasing earlier this week, and ... it's kind of confusing. Backbreaker: Vengeance uses the same subtitle as the company's recent iOS football game, but it is not the same game.

The new Backbreaker: Vengeance (who are these football players seeking vengeance against?) is an XBLA-exclusive, arcade-style game that "takes inspiration" from the first Backbreaker's "Tackle Alley" mode. That means one runner attempting to cross the field against various arrangements of pre-placed defenders.

Check out a trailer after the break -- especially if you're fond of body-crunching sounds. Actually, that advice also works in regards to buying the game this summer.

Continue reading Backbreaker: Vengeance tackles XBLA this summer

JoystiqBackbreaker: Vengeance tackles XBLA this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesbackbreakerbackbreaker-vengeancefootballmicrosoftnaturalmotionq2-2011release-datesportsxblaxboxThu, 14 Apr 2011 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[NaturalMotion teases new Backbreaker game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/naturalmotion-teases-new-backbreaker-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/naturalmotion-teases-new-backbreaker-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/naturalmotion-teases-new-backbreaker-game/#comments The official forum for NaturalMotion's Backbreaker football series was updated with the above image of three players from three different teams navigating a field of tackle dummies.

It could be a console sequel to Backbreaker, either original or adapted from the iOS Backbreaker 2: Vengeance (which makes sense given the tagline on the image), but the forumites all arrived pretty quickly at the idea that it could be an Xbox Live Arcade/PSN title based on the "Tackle Alley" mode, which tasks players with getting past a line of defenders.

When NaturalMotion is ready to tackle an official announcement, it said, it'll do so on the Backbreaker Facebook page.

JoystiqNaturalMotion teases new Backbreaker game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbreakerfootballiphonemicrosoftmobilenaturalmotionplaystationps3sportsxboxTue, 12 Apr 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Class action suit filed against EA Sports over football monopoly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/class-action-suit-filed-against-ea-sports-over-football-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/class-action-suit-filed-against-ea-sports-over-football-monopoly/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/class-action-suit-filed-against-ea-sports-over-football-monopoly/#comments The Madden lawsuit season is beginning! If you bought one of EA Sports' Madden, NCAA, or even Arena Football games between 2005 and now, you might be receiving an email naming you as part of a "class" of plaintiffs in a class action suit against EA.

The case "Pecover V. Electronic Arts, Inc." claims that EA's exclusive licenses "foreclosed competition in an alleged football video game market." Because of this lack of competition, the plaintiffs in the case claim that this monopoly allowed EA to overcharge for its games (even though EA Sports games cost the same as most other mass-market console games).

Right now, you're a member of the "class" of allegedly fleeced football fans if you bought any of the games, unless you bought them on a mobile platform, pre-owned, directly from EA, or while working for EA. If you want to opt out of the class (what -- you don't want to be part of something?), you can do so by following the instructions here. We've contacted EA for comment.

JoystiqClass action suit filed against EA Sports over football monopoly originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-actionea-sports-arena-footballfootballlawsuitmaddenmadden-nflncaa-footballnflWed, 06 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Onion: Madden NFL 12 to let players feel tackles, go deaf from crowd noise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/onion-madden-nfl-12-to-let-players-feel-tackles-go-deaf-from-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/onion-madden-nfl-12-to-let-players-feel-tackles-go-deaf-from-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/onion-madden-nfl-12-to-let-players-feel-tackles-go-deaf-from-c/#comments We realize The Onion, purveyors of funnies, is joking with this video segment past the break that details a new head-and-neck peripheral for Madden NFL 12, but we think there's actually potential here. Think about the people who play Madden: people who like football; people who play professional sports; and people who wish they still played professional sports.

That last group has got memories to relive and the cash to make it happen. They've also got skulls thick enough to not die when the pistons in the helmet fire.

Continue reading Onion: Madden NFL 12 to let players feel tackles, go deaf from crowd noise

JoystiqOnion: Madden NFL 12 to let players feel tackles, go deaf from crowd noise originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comedyfootballmadden-nfl-12microsoftnintendoplaystationps3spoofsportsthe-onionwiixboxFri, 25 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fit used to diagnose football-related concussions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/wii-fit-used-to-diagnose-football-related-concussions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/wii-fit-used-to-diagnose-football-related-concussions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/wii-fit-used-to-diagnose-football-related-concussions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Did you know that a football player's vocation requires them to hurtle their head at other football players' heads with little regard for the safety of either? Did you know that this type of reckless cranial colliding can cause concussions and other serious, long-term head injuries? It's true -- but according to the Washington Post, athletic trainers at the University of Maryland and Ohio State University have found a tool to help diagnose and monitor players' dome-piece health: Wii Fit.

Trainers at the two universities now require players to use the Wii Balance Board to get a baseline reading of their -- what else? -- balance. When a player suffers a fairly nasty blow to the head region, they can take another Wii Fit test to see if their balance has deteriorated -- one of the telltale signs of a concussion. Man, combine this test with the Vitality Sensor, and the Wii will become a one-stop-shop for sports-related injury diagnoses!

JoystiqWii Fit used to diagnose football-related concussions originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-boardfootballhealthnintendosportswiiWii-FitSat, 21 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Madden NFL 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/madden-nfl-11-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/madden-nfl-11-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/madden-nfl-11-review/#comments Sports is the ultimate common ground for the common man. From the salt-of-the-earth mechanic to the high-powered Wall Street exec, sports has always broken social barriers and given all (well, most) of us something to relate to each other with. Sports games, on the other hand: not so much.

As technology improved, the pursuit's become "realism." In the place of arcade-style fun is simulation, and sports games have become a kind of secret fraternity that often don't welcome newcomers with open arms. You need years of experience or worse, a degree in sportgameology to enjoy them. On the surface, Madden NFL 11 doesn't appear to buck that trend, but key design decisions help it shake off some of the inaccessibility of Maddens past.

Gallery: Madden NFL 11

Continue reading Review: Madden NFL 11

JoystiqReview: Madden NFL 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsfootballmaddenmadden-nfl-11microsoftplaystationps3sportsxboxTue, 10 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Backbreaker update 'Greathouse' getting ready to huddle up in 'early August']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/backbreaker-update-greathouse-getting-ready-to-huddle-up-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/backbreaker-update-greathouse-getting-ready-to-huddle-up-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/backbreaker-update-greathouse-getting-ready-to-huddle-up-next/#commentsFiled under: , ,

505 Games has announced a new update for its Euphoria-powered footballer, Backbreaker. Dubbed "Greathouse," this new update -- which should be available sometime in "early August" -- adds a host of features the community have apparently clamored for, such as an "improved Quarterback camera view and passing game" and 100 new plays, including nine new formations to use. Greathouse also tweaks gameplay on the other side of the ball, introducing a new "user catch system" and "full control" over interceptions.

For the full patch notes, head past the break.

Update: We mislabeled the launch window for the "Greathouse" update as "next month," when in fact we meant to say "early August." We apologize for the confusion.

Continue reading Backbreaker update 'Greathouse' getting ready to huddle up in 'early August'

JoystiqBackbreaker update 'Greathouse' getting ready to huddle up in 'early August' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesbackbreakereuphoriaeuphoria-enginefootballmicrosoftnaturalmotionnaturalmotion-gamesplaystationps3sportsxboxTue, 03 Aug 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 11 videos preview AFC East and AFC West]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/madden-nfl-11-videos-preview-afc-east-and-afc-west/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/madden-nfl-11-videos-preview-afc-east-and-afc-west/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/madden-nfl-11-videos-preview-afc-east-and-afc-west/#comments Sales of Madden NFL 11 are set to kick off on August 10, and leading up to the title's launch, EA plans to release a series of videos highlighting the different divisions of the NFL. This week, we've got preview videos for the AFC East and AFC West, which you can find huddled up past the break.

The team to beat in the AFC East is undoubtedly The Jets, who fell just shy of the AFC Championship game last year -- but don't discount The Patriots, who've still got plenty of weapons at their disposal. In the AFC West, it's going to be a tough year. The Broncos, The Chiefs, The Raiders and The Chargers all have a shot at winning the division this year.

But, hey, don't take our word for it! Spin past the break and run down each team's skill set for yourself. Hut-hut-hike!

Continue reading Madden NFL 11 videos preview AFC East and AFC West

JoystiqMadden NFL 11 videos preview AFC East and AFC West originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfootballmadden-nfl-11sportsSat, 03 Jul 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: Madden NFL 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/preview-madden-nfl-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/preview-madden-nfl-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/preview-madden-nfl-11/#comments I went into our Madden NFL 11 play session expecting nothing really new, except for the announced online co-op multiplayer and Game Flow features. While the latter is something I'll definitely touch on later, the former was sadly out of our reach -- the E3 space for the game was limited, so EA couldn't network six stations to let any attendees get at it. Still, my session wasn't entirely a letdown.

The feel of the game was very familiar. The controller layout was largely the same and nothing much has changed from a presentation standpoint, save for some minor control updates -- like the new locomotion system.

Gallery: Madden NFL 11

Continue reading Preview: Madden NFL 11

JoystiqPreview: Madden NFL 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010EAElectronic-Artsfootballmadden-nfl-11sportsWed, 16 Jun 2010 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 11 to support 3-v-3 online, Game Flow play-calling system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/madden-nfl-11-to-support-3-v-3-online-game-flow-play-calling-sy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/madden-nfl-11-to-support-3-v-3-online-game-flow-play-calling-sy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/madden-nfl-11-to-support-3-v-3-online-game-flow-play-calling-sy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

EA's Peter Moore detailed some changes coming in the latest iteration of its football series, Madden NFL 11. Now your friends can get off the couch and get into the game through 3-vs-3 support for online play. Aside from the new online functionality, Peter Moore also promised game length would be cut in half for online games.

Then there's Game Flow, a system that not only suggests plays but will also help make play-calling simpler. But have no fear, diehard fans: Game Flow is simply an option for a more guided experience. At any time, players can choose to go with the full playbook should they not wish to take advantage of the game's assistance.

Madden NFL 11 blitzes retail on August 10.

JoystiqMadden NFL 11 to support 3-v-3 online, Game Flow play-calling system originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2010footballMaddenMadden-NFL-11sportsMon, 14 Jun 2010 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Browser-based QuickHit Football catches NFL licensing deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/browser-based-quickhit-football-catches-nfl-licensing-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/browser-based-quickhit-football-catches-nfl-licensing-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/browser-based-quickhit-football-catches-nfl-licensing-deal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Browser game developer Quick Hit, Inc. has announced that it has secured the rights to use NFL teams, logos, uniforms and all other trademarks associated with the league during the next "season" of its flagship online sports title, QuickHit Football. The game will also feature current NFL coaches and players, as well as legends, like Barry Sanders.

When the license goes into effect this fall, users will be able to play through a season or go head-to-head using their favorite professional teams and will have the ability to customize the rosters and sign new -- and old -- players using Coaching Points they've accrued over their careers. You can check out the current version of QuickHit for free on the game's official site.

Clarifying that Quick Hit's deal does not violate EA Sports' exclusivity agreement with the NFL, an EA representative told Joystiq that "the exclusivity agreements we have with the NFL and NFLPA have always been specific to football simulations on video game consoles."

Hopefully 2K will get this message and start working on one of those electric, vibrating football board games.

JoystiqBrowser-based QuickHit Football catches NFL licensing deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedfootballlicensenflpcquick-hitquickhit-footballsportsThu, 10 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Supreme Court ruling states NFL teams are separate entities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/supreme-court-ruling-states-nfl-teams-are-separate-entities/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/supreme-court-ruling-states-nfl-teams-are-separate-entities/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/24/supreme-court-ruling-states-nfl-teams-are-separate-entities/#comments According to USA Today, a recent Supreme Court ruling has denied the National Football League antitrust law protections, stating that its 32 constituent teams must be considered separate entities. The court reversed the dismissal of a suit filed against the league by American Needle, Inc., a company which was locked out of the football-themed hatmaking business after the NFL penned a 10-year exclusivity agreement with Reebok. Gee, that sounds awfully familiar.

The case of American Needle v. NFL has returned to the lower courts, where a decision in favor of the former could drastically change the face of the NFL's licensing business. In short, if the district courts find the league in violation of antitrust laws, it could repeal exclusivity agreements like the one with Reebok -- or, likely more pertinent to your interests, the one with EA Sports, which brought a hasty end to the NFL2K series. We'll keep an eye out for further developments in this lawsuit.

JoystiqSupreme Court ruling states NFL teams are separate entities originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 May 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antitrusteaea-sportsElectronic-Artsfootballlawsuitmaddenmadden-11nflnfl-2ksportssupreme-courtMon, 24 May 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Backbreaker video shows off team customization options]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/backbreaker-video-shows-off-team-customization-options/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/backbreaker-video-shows-off-team-customization-options/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/backbreaker-video-shows-off-team-customization-options/#comments The Euphoria-powered football game, Backbreaker, shows off team customization tools in its latest trailer. Sure, you could use the robust editing suite to manufacture a pretty sweet team logo and end zone design ... but we know most people won't.

When it launches on June 1st, could you at least promise us to keep your creations clean and devoid of objectionable genitalia for, like, the first day? How about you be a bit more mature and go with something like the Sioux City Slammers or, dare we suggest, the Jasper Joystiqs? No no, not the Joy Sticks. What is wrong with you people?

JoystiqBackbreaker video shows off team customization options originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>505-gamesamerican-footballbackbreakercustomizationeuphoriafootballMicrosoftsportsteam-customizationXbox-360Wed, 05 May 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: Tecmo Bowl Throwback touches down on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/this-wednesday-tecmo-bowl-throwback-touches-down-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/this-wednesday-tecmo-bowl-throwback-touches-down-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/this-wednesday-tecmo-bowl-throwback-touches-down-on-xbla/#comments Our burning desire for a renovated version of timeless basketball classic NBA Jam won't be sated until the remake drops on Wii later this year. However, our similar jones for a new old football title will be catered to this Wednesday with the Xbox Live Arcade release: Tecmo Bowl Throwback. For 800 ($10), you'll get all the birds-eye pigskin action previewed in the trailer above.

Sorry, PS3 players -- Tecmo still hasn't set a firm date for the PSN version of Throwback. We'll let you know as soon as we find out!

Gallery: Tecmo Bowl Throwback

JoystiqThis Wednesday: Tecmo Bowl Throwback touches down on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>footballmicrosoftrelease-datesportstecmotecmo-bowltecmo-bowl-throwbackthis-wednesdayxblaXbox-360Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST