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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![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[Electronic Arts opening EA Sports retail store in Charlotte airport]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/electronic-arts-opening-ea-sports-retail-store-in-charlotte-airp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/electronic-arts-opening-ea-sports-retail-store-in-charlotte-airp/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/electronic-arts-opening-ea-sports-retail-store-in-charlotte-airp/#comments It's a situation that the non-sporting chapter of the games community is likely familiar with -- you stop by your local GameStop on an early fall evening to grab a copy of some non-athletic title therein, but are prevented from crossing the building's threshold by an impenetrable wall of Madden enthusiasts. We've got great news for folks living in the vicinity of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport: EA plans to open an EA Sports retail location in said airport's terminal, potentially limiting your run-ins with prospective wedgie-executors.

News of the store's construction came from EA Sports VP of brand marketing Chris Erb, who told Forbes the megapublisher hopes the retail location will be the first of three stores opening across the nation. No details were given on where the other two locations will be planted, but we suggest they take their business to a place that's a little more accessible than an airport terminal. You know, like literally any other place on the planet.

JoystiqElectronic Arts opening EA Sports retail store in Charlotte airport originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charlotteeaea-sportsmaddenmadden-nfl-12microsoftnintendoplaystationps3retailwiixboxTue, 14 Jun 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden creative director departs along with EA Sports CTO [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/16/madden-creative-director-departs-along-with-ea-sports-cto/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/16/madden-creative-director-departs-along-with-ea-sports-cto/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/16/madden-creative-director-departs-along-with-ea-sports-cto/#commentsMadden 12 creative director Ian Cummings has announced his departure from EA on the official Madden Blog. His last day with EA Sports and the Central Florida-based Tiburon studio was yesterday, he confirmed in a tweet. He leaves behind a nearly 11-year career with the company to "seek opportunities elsewhere" -- in other words, "a new company."

"I leave the Madden NFL 12 development team with confidence that it is in great hands," wrote Cummings in his final Madden Blog post. Apparently, those hands don't belong to Richard Wifall. The EA Sports chief technology officer tweeted today that he had left, too.

The pair of high-profile resignations was first hinted at in a report last Sunday by sports game news site pastapadre.com, which suggested that "several high level members" of the Madden development team "may be joining a new studio." That studio is thought to be social gaming startup Row Sham Bow, founded by former EA Tiburon GM Philip Holt (aha!) and conveniently located in nearby Winter Park, Fla. According to the Orlando Business Journal, Row Sham Bow plans to create 60 "high-wage" jobs -- just the thing to lure over a few old friends.

Update: Wifall confirmed with Joystiq that he is indeed teaming up with Holt, Cummings, "and some other talented individuals" at Row Sham Bow. "We aren't ready to talk about our plans just yet," he added. "When we are ready to talk, you can expect to find out more at rowshambow.com."

[Pictured: Cummings; image credit: EA.com]

JoystiqMadden creative director departs along with EA Sports CTO [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-sportsea-tiburonian-cummingsmaddenmadden-nfl-12philip-holtrichard-wifallrow-sham-bowsocial-gamingtiburonSat, 16 Apr 2011 20:00:00 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[Madden 12 cover athlete vote expanded to 32-team bracket]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/madden-12-cover-athlete-vote-expanded-to-32-team-bracket/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/madden-12-cover-athlete-vote-expanded-to-32-team-bracket/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/21/madden-12-cover-athlete-vote-expanded-to-32-team-bracket/#comments Perhaps channeling the spirit of "March Madness," EA Sports and ESPN's SportsNation have partnered to present a five-week, bracket-style voting campaign for the Madden 12 cover athlete -- labor disputes be damned!

The first round, which starts today and runs through next Sunday, divides the field of 32 players (one from each NFL team) into two sides of seeded match-ups, with quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers representing the two #1 seeds. (League MVP Tom Brady is noticeably absent from the field of candidates.)

It's unclear how exactly the rankings and players were determined, but the first round craftily pairs match-ups by division, playing off of heated rivalries. While this setup encourages each team's dedicated fan base to vote (for themselves in the case of the lowly Seahawks), those loyalists might first have to overcome superstition. While electing Panthers' offensive tackle Jordan Gross to the cover would be quite a coup for Carolina fans, can they really risk cursing the standout lineman? Perhaps the best strategy, then, is to vote for the teams and players you hate the most.

JoystiqMadden 12 cover athlete vote expanded to 32-team bracket originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>covereaea-sportsespnmaddenmadden-nfl-12microsoftnintendoplaystationps3pspsonysportsnationvotewiixboxMon, 21 Mar 2011 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL Football rushes to 3DS launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/madden-nfl-football-rushes-to-3ds-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/madden-nfl-football-rushes-to-3ds-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/madden-nfl-football-rushes-to-3ds-launch/#comments EA Sports' Madden franchise will make it in time for the day of the 3DS launch, EA has confirmed at a recent preview event. But is that really a good thing?

Continue reading Madden NFL Football rushes to 3DS launch

JoystiqMadden NFL Football rushes to 3DS launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsea-sportsmaddenmadden-nfl-football-3dsnintendoThu, 17 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: EA developing Madden Curse movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/report-ea-developing-madden-curse-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/report-ea-developing-madden-curse-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/report-ea-developing-madden-curse-movie/#comments In what has to be one of the odder game-to-movie schemes we've come across, The Wrap reports that EA is currently working on a film based on the "Madden curse" that's supposedly plagued athletes who've appeared on cover art for the venerable football series. Bizarrely, the film is supposedly centered on "a former Madden video game champion who is forced out of retirement just as he finds himself on the corner of the game's cover -- and subject to the curse." So ... wait ... it's someone who plays Madden? You guys ... you guys know what the Madden curse is, right?

You know that game "Would You Rather?" where you have to choose between two reprehensible options? We've become convinced EA is playing a grandiose celluloid version of it. "Would you rather," the company asks, "see a movie about a guy who's good at Madden before he retires from video games or a movie where a kid plays the Sims and accidentally controls the real world?" If "neither" isn't an option, we hope "plucking the foul jellies we call eyes from our skulls before the trailers are over" is.

JoystiqReport: EA developing Madden Curse movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsmaddenmadden-cursemoviesTue, 21 Dec 2010 13:20:00 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[Retired NFL players sue EA over likenesses in Madden 09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/retired-nfl-players-sue-ea-over-likenesses-in-madden-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/retired-nfl-players-sue-ea-over-likenesses-in-madden-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/retired-nfl-players-sue-ea-over-likenesses-in-madden-09/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The likenesses of the historic teams in Madden 09 were apparently a little too lifelike, as over 6,000 retired NFL players have come together and filed a class-action lawsuit against EA. According to IGN, the lawsuit claims that EA used the stats and positions of past players, but changed their uniform numbers and removed their names in order to get around having to pay licensing fees.

The lawsuit also takes aim at the customization options available, which let players freely edit in the real names and uniform numbers of these classic athletes. "The only significant detail that EA changes from the real-life retired NFL players is their jersey number," the suit claims. "Despite EA's 'scrambling' of the retired NFL players' numbers, the games are designed so that consumers of the Madden NFL video game franchise will have no difficulty identifying who the 'historic' players are."

The lawsuit seeks damages associated with the "deprivation and violation of publicity rights."

JoystiqRetired NFL players sue EA over likenesses in Madden 09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dseaea-sportsmaddenMadden-09Madden-NFL-09microsoftnintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxTue, 03 Aug 2010 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart doing midnight launches for Madden NFL 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/walmart-doing-midnight-launches-for-madden-nfl-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/walmart-doing-midnight-launches-for-madden-nfl-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/walmart-doing-midnight-launches-for-madden-nfl-11/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Just eight more days until Madden NFL 11 hits store shelves. Those of you itching to get a copy as soon as possible will be happy to learn that Walmart's holding midnight launch events for the game, even giving $5 discounts to midnight purchases.

Continue reading Walmart doing midnight launches for Madden NFL 11

JoystiqWalmart doing midnight launches for Madden NFL 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maddenmadden-nfl-11microsoftmidnight-launchnintendoplaystationps3pspsonywalmartwiixboxMon, 02 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 11 PSP bundle touches down August 10 for $170]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/madden-11-psp-bundle-touches-down-august-10-for-170/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/madden-11-psp-bundle-touches-down-august-10-for-170/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/madden-11-psp-bundle-touches-down-august-10-for-170/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With two different PSP hardware bundles for upcoming games, today might randomly be the biggest day of the year for PSP news. In addition to the God of War: Ghost of Sparta Entertainment Pack, Sony has announced a bundle that includes Madden 11. If you still need a PSP before you're ready for some football, this is for you!

The Madden bundle doesn't come with a PSP in a unique color scheme -- it simply includes the Piano Black PSP-3000. But what it does come with is an effectively free copy of Madden. The whole bundle sells for $170, the same price as the PSP alone. (You don't have to be one of football's best coaches to recognize the appeal of that strategy.) The bundle will be available alongside standalone versions of Madden 11 next Tuesday, August 10.

JoystiqMadden 11 PSP bundle touches down August 10 for $170 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BundleEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsMaddenmadden-nfl-11playstationpspPSP-3000sonySportsMon, 02 Aug 2010 14:20:00 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[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[EA taps Gus Johnson for Madden 11 commentary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/ea-taps-gus-johnson-for-madden-11-commentary/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/ea-taps-gus-johnson-for-madden-11-commentary/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/ea-taps-gus-johnson-for-madden-11-commentary/#commentsGus Johnson is no ho-hum, run-of-the-mill announcer. He really gets into it. EA has taken notice and tapped Johnson for play-by-play announcer duties in Madden 11. Johnson will join Cris Collinsworth, who returns this year to provide the color commentary.

Johnson replaces Tom Hammond, whose commentary tracks last year were criticized by Madden players as being wooden and lifeless. While it's difficult to program engaging game commentary with pre-recorded audio, EA Tiburon remains committed to improving this facet of its football mega-franchise. With 90,000 lines of dialogue going into Madden 11, players will hear more dynamic play-calling than in past iterations, whether it's when a receiver drops a catch or a running back breaks into the open field.

Above, watch a video of some of the developers discussing the new audio approach in Madden 11. For a preview of Johnson doing some lines for the game, hit up ESPN.

JoystiqEA taps Gus Johnson for Madden 11 commentary originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commentaryeaea-tiburonElectronic-Artsgus-johnsonmaddenmadden-11madden-nfl-11MicrosoftNintendosportstiburonWiiXbox-360Fri, 21 May 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 11 videos chant new 'Simpler, Quicker, Deeper' design mantra]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/madden-11-videos-chant-new-simpler-quicker-deeper-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/madden-11-videos-chant-new-simpler-quicker-deeper-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/madden-11-videos-chant-new-simpler-quicker-deeper-design/#comments "Simpler, Quicker, Deeper." That's the tag line for Madden 11, as EA appears to be angling for the attention of the unsophisticated, no-time-to-waste "casual" demographic without dissuading its hardcore player base. The new Madden will be made both "simpler" and "quicker" through GameFlow, the buzzword for an optional auto-play calling mode, which puts players in the role of a quarterback that receives his plays from an AI coach. "Not everyone has an hour to dedicate," says senior producer Phil Frazier, alluding to the average length of a typical Maddden match. GameFlow is said to shave down match times to 30 minutes.

But fear not, bro, Madden also goes "deeper" this year with the option to create custom game plans before each match. Plus, there's another buzzword to memorize: Locomotion. That's the name for the game's "all new" animation system. While still short of the highs achieved by the Euphoria-powered animations of Backbreaker, there is a gameplay component to Madden's Locomotion system: Players can now lean and dodge during runs with the analog sticks.

According to the trailer, Madden 11 "will make every football game before it obsolete." (At least, GameStop's trade-in value will certainly reflect this sentiment.) Check out the dev diaries after the break, if you're not yet sufficiently pumped up for game day: August 10.

Gallery: Madden NFL 11

Continue reading Madden 11 videos chant new 'Simpler, Quicker, Deeper' design mantra

JoystiqMadden 11 videos chant new 'Simpler, Quicker, Deeper' design mantra originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-diaryeaea-sportsea-tiburonElectronic-Artsgameflowlocomotionmaddenmadden-11madden-nfl-11MicrosoftNintendotrailervideoWiiXbox-360Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Drew Brees discusses 'Madden Curse,' fan voting for Madden NFL 11 cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/drew-brees-discusses-madden-curse-fan-voting-for-madden-nfl-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/drew-brees-discusses-madden-curse-fan-voting-for-madden-nfl-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/drew-brees-discusses-madden-curse-fan-voting-for-madden-nfl-1/#comments Even people who avoid sports like the plague know that there is a certain "curse" associated with being on the cover of a Madden game. This year's cover boy, New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees, ain't sweatin' it though -- "it is what it is, but I look at it as a challenge," he told ESPN. Heck of a "challenge," Mr. Brees. The majority of your predecessors didn't fare so well.

On a more positive note, Brees also offered some of his opinions on the voting that led to his appearance on the Madden NFL 11 cover. "This game is driven by the fans, so it means so much more to me and to all the Saints players because we understand the bond we've had with our fans and with our city. Certainly when the fans have spoken, that means so much."

The ESPN interview is pretty insightful, including brief talk on the new Hit Stick controls, as well as GameFlow and GamePlan, the pair of managerial game types available in Madden NFL 11. Hit up the source link and give it a read.

[Thanks, Zoot Suit Jedi]

JoystiqDrew Brees discusses 'Madden Curse,' fan voting for Madden NFL 11 cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drew-breeseaea-sportsElectronic-Artsmaddenmadden-cursemadden-nflmadden-nfl-11Microsoftnew-orleansnew-orleans-saintssportsXbox-360Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 11 demo is Jets vs. Colts, will release in 'late July']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/madden-11-demo-is-jets-vs-colts-will-release-in-late-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/madden-11-demo-is-jets-vs-colts-will-release-in-late-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/madden-11-demo-is-jets-vs-colts-will-release-in-late-july/#comments Hot on the heels of the Madden NFL 11 announcement revealing Drew Brees for the cover, the votes have been tallied for the teams featured in the requisite pre-release demo: it'll be the Jets vs. Colts. The news comes via the official Madden NFL site, where voting was opened in late March to decide whether the demo would recreate the AFC Championship game, the NFC Championship game or the Super Bowl. There must've been a lot of disgruntled Jets fans voting in that poll.

Anxious to know when to expect the demo, Joystiq contacted EA Sports. A spokesperson was kind enough to reveal that the developer was aiming to hit the virtual gridiron sometime in "late July."

JoystiqMadden 11 demo is Jets vs. Colts, will release in 'late July' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoeaea-sportsElectronic-Artsmaddenmadden-11madden-nfl-11Microsoftplaystation-networkpsnsportsxblmXbox-360xbox-liveFri, 23 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Drew Brees singled out for Madden 11 cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/drew-brees-singled-out-for-madden-11-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/drew-brees-singled-out-for-madden-11-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/drew-brees-singled-out-for-madden-11-cover/#comments Boy, how quickly it all can change: One moment you're leading America's darling Saints to a Super Bowl victory and the next you're cursed by the very same fans that cheered you on. Such is the fate of New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees, who has almost certainly been afflicted with the "Madden Curse" following his selection as Madden NFL 11 cover guy. Perhaps unwittingly, fans hexed Brees through an online poll -- each click like a pin prick in a voodoo doll -- and now the Saints ownership must be scrambling to land a backup QB in the NFL draft tonight.

The first shot at Brees' knees will be televised nationally -- always a good betting opportunity -- when the NFL kicks off its regular season with the Saints hosting the Vikings on Thursday, September 9 on NBC. (That is, if Brees even manages to survive the preseason.) Something tells us he's gonna need more than a good luck kiss on the cheek.

Madden 11 will be released on August 10 for Xbox 360, PS3 (and PS2), Wii and PSP. Mobile versions, including an iPhone and iPod Touch release, will also be available.

JoystiqDrew Brees singled out for Madden 11 cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applecovercover-athletedrew-breeseaea-sportsea-tiburonElectronic-ArtsiPodmaddenmadden-11madden-nfl-11MicrosoftNintendorelease-dateWiiXbox-360Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[EA shifting ad sales in-house starting with Madden NFL 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/ea-shifting-ad-sales-in-house-starting-with-madden-nfl-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/ea-shifting-ad-sales-in-house-starting-with-madden-nfl-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/ea-shifting-ad-sales-in-house-starting-with-madden-nfl-11/#comments EA's been keen on in-game advertising since 2006, and, two years ago, signed a pretty big deal with in-game ad provider Massive. Apparently, though, EA won't be re-upping that agreement. As Mediaweek reports, the publisher has instead decided to take it upon itself to coordinate in-game ad sales starting with Madden NFL 11.

Elizabeth Harz from EA's global media sales division says it's basically a situation in which EA is cutting out the middle man. "Fundamentally, [EA sales execs] are talking about these gaming audiences everyday already," meaning that EA is already discussing who's playing and what products would best target those audiences.On its own, EA can create more diverse and specific advertising packages, with increased ability to personalize packages based on the potential advertisers' targeted demographic. Exciting stuff, we know.

[Via Game Politics]

JoystiqEA shifting ad sales in-house starting with Madden NFL 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisingeaelectronic-artsin-game-adsin-game-advertisingmaddenmadden-11massiveThu, 11 Mar 2010 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports mines your football data, and makes example out of Favre]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/ea-sports-mines-your-football-data-and-makes-example-out-of-fav/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/ea-sports-mines-your-football-data-and-makes-example-out-of-fav/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/ea-sports-mines-your-football-data-and-makes-example-out-of-fav/#comments
Brett Favre is one of the all-time greats. Still, he throws one untimely interception, and that's all people talk about. Just imagine if he threw 7 and a half million! That's the number EA highlighted during its EA Sports Opener last night in an extraordinary example of the game data the company collects from its players.

According to EA, Favre -- under our control -- has thrown 7,564,282 picks and counting. That's Hall of Shame material for sure. Each game of Madden played generates a single line of code, and that code gets sent to EA to the tune of over 173 million data instances every day. The company is mining all of this data in an attempt to make its Madden and NCAA Football games better every time you play them, but short of John Madden himself showing up at your door to explain what you're doing wrong, look for Favre to keep adding to the INT column.

Gallery: EA Sports Opener

JoystiqEA Sports mines your football data, and makes example out of Favre originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dataEAEA-SportsElectronic-ArtsFootballgame-dataGDC-2010MaddenMadden-10NCAANCAA-FootballonlineSportsWed, 10 Mar 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports supports 'Project Ten Dollar,' out to 'digitize' Madden consumers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/ea-sports-supports-project-ten-dollar/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/ea-sports-supports-project-ten-dollar/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/ea-sports-supports-project-ten-dollar/#comments Watch out, Madden consumer, 'cause Peter Moore is coming -- and he's gonna digitize you. In a speech at the Morgan Stanley Technology Conference yesterday, the EA Sports prez said, "I think we need to move much quicker, in particular with Madden, through a digital world ... you're going to see more announcements there how we digitize our Madden consumer." He was likely referring to the currently "burning" business model that revolves around disc-based media, a topic Moore has remained outspoken about for some time now.

In his eyes, rather than focusing on moving more units which each year's release, EA Sports should instead be looking at "How do I get an extra $4 or $5 dollars?" from the already existing 6 million person-strong install base. He insisted that, in line with the company's "Project Ten Dollar" aspirations, digital content keeps gamers from trading in their titles. "It keeps the disc in the drive longer, it stalls trading the game in, it allows me to be able to take further advantage of that consumer over a longer period of time." We'd like to remind you that Moore was speaking to a group of financial analysts, so when he talked about being able to "further take advantage" of you, he meant it in the nicest way possible. Promise.

He finished up by promising that future EA Sports titles will have new business models that allow for a customer to trade in their annualized sports games while simultaneously granting EA the ability to earn money from that customer -- a "best of both worlds" take on the transition from retail to digital, if you will. We'll see what happens in the not-too-distant future, as Moore also promised "We're [EA] certainly going to do a lot of that this year."

JoystiqEA Sports supports 'Project Ten Dollar,' out to 'digitize' Madden consumers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsdigital-distributiondlcdownloadable-contenteaea-sportsElectronic-Artsmaddenmoneymorgan-stanley-technology-conferenceproject-ten-dollarretailTue, 02 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports honors 'Game Changers' in its online communities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/ea-sports-honors-game-changers-in-its-online-communities/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/ea-sports-honors-game-changers-in-its-online-communities/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/17/ea-sports-honors-game-changers-in-its-online-communities/#comments Over the weekend, EA Sports announced a new community influencers program that it's calling "Game Changers" -- the idea is that the publisher will choose big EA sports fans who use their online community know-how "to improve the experience and overall growth of the EA SPORTS Community." Presumably, you have to yell "EA Sports" whenever you say it, which would be why the name is in all caps. The chosen few will get early access to EA games, as well as represent the community while giving feedback on future releases.

They've picked nine guys (no girls) so far, all of whom are active in the various EA communities and forums. They've also posted a video of the program's kickoff, and while we were totally going to make fun of it for sounding like a cliched sports team ("It's the dream of a lifetime, we just go out there to do our best" and so on), that Anton B dude actually gets a little choked up at the end after being honored with Game Changer of the Month. So all right, Anton, we get it. This Game Changers thing may not mean too much to the rest of us (just like the Xbox Ambassador program, it's just a way for the company to connect directly with their community), but everybody's got to have their thing, and this is yours. Rock on for that.

JoystiqEA Sports honors 'Game Changers' in its online communities originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anton-bawardscommunityea-sportsgame-changersmaddennflprogramrecognitionreleasestiger-woodsxbox-ambassadorWed, 17 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You can choose the Madden 11 cover athlete]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/you-can-choose-the-madden-11-cover-athlete/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/you-can-choose-the-madden-11-cover-athlete/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/you-can-choose-the-madden-11-cover-athlete/#comments Another year, another Madden cover announcement. But wait, this year has a twist! EA and Doritos have teamed up with a unique promotion, allowing fans to vote on who they want to grace the cover of this year's annual gridiron update. The three candidates for this year's cover include Vikings' defensive end Jared Allen, Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne.

It may be tempting to choose your favorite athlete out of the bunch, but we urge you to play it smart. Instead, think about this as a strategic opportunity to inflict the Madden Curse on your most hated team! Best of all, you can vote every day to inflict as much negative karma as possible.

In addition to being able to decide who lands the cover of Madden 11, the Doritos-sponsored promotion also offers entry into a contest. Most notably, the weekly grand prize is a trip for two to see the NFL Draft in New York City this April. Considering you don't have to buy a single bag of Doritos to participate, this promo seems like a must for any NFL fan.

JoystiqYou can choose the Madden 11 cover athlete originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cover-athletedoritoseaea-sportsElectronic-Artsmaddenmadden-11MicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA['PA Commentator' software beefs up commentary in sports games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/pa-commentator-software-beefs-up-commentary-in-sports-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/pa-commentator-software-beefs-up-commentary-in-sports-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/pa-commentator-software-beefs-up-commentary-in-sports-games/#comments Commentary in sports video games has come a long way. It's a little known but relatively true fact that for the first few years, the only commentary in any game was John Madden saying "Boom! He's on his back!" (This was especially confusing in luge-centric titles.)

Phonetic Arts is promising to push the limit even further with its newly-announced PA Commentator, which it claims will greatly improve the fluidity and diversity in sports game commentary by combining existing words to form new lines that pertain to the onscreen play. The tech's officially being launched at Microsoft's GameFest Feb. 10 and 11, so hopefully we'll get to hear it in action soon.

Joystiq'PA Commentator' software beefs up commentary in sports games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commentarycommentategamefest2010maddenpa-commentatorphonetic-artssportsThu, 04 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden predicts Saints win Super Bowl XLIV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/madden-predicts-saints-win-super-bowl-xliv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/madden-predicts-saints-win-super-bowl-xliv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/madden-predicts-saints-win-super-bowl-xliv/#comments If the "Madden Curse" is the unflapping revenge exacted by the fowl spirit of the Great Turducken, its devoured body unceremoniously carved up by the bare hands of John Madden on national television those many years ago (seriously, go wikipedia that joint), then the annual "Madden NFL Super Bowl Simulation" is just ... plain math.

In the latest case of crunching the numbers, Madden 10 has predicted the New Orleans Saints to be winners of this Sunday's Super Bowl XLIV over the Indianapolis Colts. It was a real nail biter, EA recalls: "with minutes left in the game the duo of Joseph Addai and Peyton Manning put the Colts back on top with a go-ahead touchdown pass. With the game hanging in the balance, Drew Brees hits David Thomas for an 11-yard touchdown and the game winning score." The final: 35-31.

But more intriguing than the projected outcome of a mere sporting event is EA Sports' coveted simulation formula, which has become scary good. Not only did it correctly predict the winners of the conference championship games a few Sundays ago within a three-point margin of error, according to EA Sports, the formula accurately played out last year's Super Bowl down to the final score and individual player stats, which begs the question: What can't it predict?

We'd like to put a request in to EA to simulate next week's retail showdown: BioShock 2 vs. Dante's Inferno. Place your bets now!

Gallery: Madden NFL 10 Super Bowl XLIV Simulation

JoystiqMadden predicts Saints win Super Bowl XLIV originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsElectronic-Artsmaddenmadden-10madden-nfl-10MicrosoftNintendopredictionssimulationsuper-bowlsuper-bowl-xlivsuperbowlWiiXbox-360Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Medal of Honor, Dead Space 2, Crysis 2 before March 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/ea-medal-of-honor-dead-space-2-crysis-2-before-march-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/ea-medal-of-honor-dead-space-2-crysis-2-before-march-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/ea-medal-of-honor-dead-space-2-crysis-2-before-march-2011/#comments During EA's half-hour investor callstravaganza yesterday, CEO John Riccitiello unleashed a flurry of game titles set to be released in the company's "FIscal 2011." For EA, that falls anywhere between April 1, 2010 and March 30, 2011 -- a window that now holds the release of "a great new version of Medal of Honor, a revitalized Need for Speed, Sims on console, FIFA in a World Cup year, an innovative and new take on Madden, Dead Space 2, Crysis at full margins, a new MMA game, and many others."

Considering this laundry list of games is getting little more than a 12-month window for release, we're taking the logical next step and throwing darts at images of the games on our cork-board calendar. According to our impeccable aim... everything is coming out in November. Not helpful!

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqEA: Medal of Honor, Dead Space 2, Crysis 2 before March 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crysiscrysis-2dead-spacedead-space-2eaea-mmaea-sportsElectronic-Artsfifainvestor-callmaddenmedal-of-honorMedal-of-Honor-2010Microsoftmmaneed-for-speedpcrelease-datesimsthe-simsXbox-360Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden Ultimate Team now available on Xbox 360 and PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/madden-ultimate-team-now-available-on-xbox-360-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/madden-ultimate-team-now-available-on-xbox-360-and-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/madden-ultimate-team-now-available-on-xbox-360-and-ps3/#comments If you've grown tired with tossing around the virtual pigskin for the last six months, then you may want to check out Madden NFL 10's free DLC, Madden Ultimate Team. Available as a free title update on the Xbox 360 and PS3, Madden Ultimate Team turns the football experience into a trading card game, allowing players to construct custom teams using collectible cards.

Upon initial start-up, you'll receive a starter pack with one coach, some players, an offensive and defensive playbook and home and away jerseys. You can then match your constructed team up against the CPU or take on a human opponent via online, where your performance will net you coins to purchase more cards.

You can check out a tutorial of the new mode above, but also feel free to get a closer glimpse at the cards and interface via the images in our gallery below. Or, you know, just boot up your copy of Madden NFL 10.

Gallery: Madden Ultimate Team mode

JoystiqMadden Ultimate Team now available on Xbox 360 and PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsElectronic-Artsfootballmaddenmadden-10madden-nfl-10madden-ultimate-teamMicrosoftsportsXbox-360Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Madden NFL Arcade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-madden-nfl-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-madden-nfl-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/x3f-tv-xbla-in-brief-madden-nfl-arcade/#commentsFiled under:

It would appear that Microsoft and Electronic Arts are onto our annual turkey-eating, football-watching ritual, as Madden NFL Arcade has landed on Xbox Live Arcade just in time for Thanksgiving. If you've been looking for a faster, simpler game of football, Madden NFL Arcade just might be the thing for you. Assuming you can stomach the 1200 ($15) price tag, of course. Watch the latest episode of XBLA in Brief to see what the game is all about.

Download the trial version of Madden NFL Arcade

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JoystiqX3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Madden NFL Arcade originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maddenmadden-nfl-arcadex3f-tvxblaxbla-in-briefWed, 25 Nov 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[This Wednesday: XBLA takes Madden NFL Arcade to the end zone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/this-wednesday-xbla-takes-madden-nfl-arcade-to-the-end-zone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/this-wednesday-xbla-takes-madden-nfl-arcade-to-the-end-zone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/this-wednesday-xbla-takes-madden-nfl-arcade-to-the-end-zone/#comments Just in case you've taken a few exceptionally hard tackles in the past couple of weeks, we thought we'd remind you that this week's XBLA release is Madden NFL Arcade, a five-on-five, backyard-rules take on EA Sports' darling. You'll be able to pick the game up just in time for your Thanksgiving celebrations for 1200 ($15).

Editor's Note: Thank you to reader TuchdwnMan449 for reminding us that it's called the "end zone" and not "the scoring rectangle thing" as our headline originally read. We pledge to improve our understanding of sports before writing future football posts.

Gallery: Madden NFL Arcade

JoystiqThis Wednesday: XBLA takes Madden NFL Arcade to the end zone originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsmaddenmadden-nfl-arcadexblaXblaWednesdayMon, 23 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL Arcade rushes towards early Thanksgiving release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/madden-nfl-arcade-rushes-towards-early-thanksgiving-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/madden-nfl-arcade-rushes-towards-early-thanksgiving-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/madden-nfl-arcade-rushes-towards-early-thanksgiving-release/#comments EA has pushed up the release of its upcoming Madden NFL Arcade downloadable game, just in time for when you're lounging around in a tryptophan-included daze. Like NHL Arcade 3 on 3 before it, PS3 owners will get early access to the game: it'll be available Tuesday November 24th on PlayStation Network and Wednesday, November 25th on Xbox LIVE Arcade for $14.99 and 1200, respectively.

Unlike its retail counterpart, NFL Arcade doesn't attempt to recreate the sport with any level of "realism." The field is much smaller and players will have to get touchdowns within four tries (no way to get a first down). The various power-ups, coupled with the smaller field, will make for much faster games and much higher scores. Its also likely to become one of the best-selling downloadable games ever, and from what we hear, EA really could use the cash.

Gallery: Madden NFL Arcade

JoystiqMadden NFL Arcade rushes towards early Thanksgiving release originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsElectronic-Artsmaddenmadden-nfl-arcadeMicrosoftpsnrelease-datexblaXbox-360Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Card-based Madden Ultimate Team mode coming in January]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/card-based-madden-ultimate-team-mode-coming-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/card-based-madden-ultimate-team-mode-coming-in-january/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/card-based-madden-ultimate-team-mode-coming-in-january/#comments
Click to open the foil wrapper on a giant version.
Well, this is a rarity: A sports game mode that's too nerdy even for us. When "Madden Ultimate Team" mode comes to Madden 10 on 360 and PS3 for free in January, you'll collect packs of cards (or buy them via the in-game store) and use those cards to compose a fantasy team, customizing everything from your head coach and stadium to your plays and players. You can then pit your ultimate team against those of other players or the CPU. Think fantasy football mixed with ... well, let's be honest, Pokemon.

Wow guys, really? Collectible card game battling? We thought Madden players were supposed to be the cool ones, but you're getting into some really noogie-prone territory here.

Gallery: Madden Ultimate Team mode

JoystiqCard-based Madden Ultimate Team mode coming in January originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcEAea-sportsElectronic-Artsmaddenmadden-10madden-ultimate-teamMicrosoftXbox-360Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL Arcade Achievements are funny, disturbing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/madden-nfl-arcade-achievements-are-funny-disturbing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/madden-nfl-arcade-achievements-are-funny-disturbing/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/madden-nfl-arcade-achievements-are-funny-disturbing/#comments Everyone loves Achievements. That's a fact. As such, we really appreciate it when developers put some thought into their Achievements. While the 'cheevos for Madden NFL Arcade -- as unearthed by MGC -- are fairly standard in their execution, the names are all pretty amusing. We're particularly fond of "Like a Boss," likely named for the (incredibly NSFW) song of the same name. One that we're not so fond of is "2 Points 1 Win," making Madden NFL Arcade the second game to riff on an abhorrent internet meme that we refuse to explain (don't investigate if you value your sanity). Hit the source link for the full Achievement list.

JoystiqMadden NFL Arcade Achievements are funny, disturbing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementseaEA-SportsFootballmaddenmadden-nfl-arcadeSportsxblaWed, 04 Nov 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Jay-Z is a gamer; likes Madden and, uh, you know, stuff like Madden]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/jay-z-is-a-gamer-likes-madden-and-uh-you-know-stuff-like-mad/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/jay-z-is-a-gamer-likes-madden-and-uh-you-know-stuff-like-mad/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/jay-z-is-a-gamer-likes-madden-and-uh-you-know-stuff-like-mad/#comments
When celebrities get on board for a game, the inevitable pitfall is the dreaded interview where said celebrity awkwardly tries relating to the "gamer" crowd (trust us, we know all about it.) With DJ Hero dropping this week, celebrity sponsor Jay-Z sat down with MTV News to talk about how much of a gamer he is (hint: not so much) and his support for the cultural awareness opportunities inherent in the recently released turntable title.

"Immediately, of course, with the success of Guitar Hero, you know, [DJ Hero] piqued my interest, and then on top of that it was something from the hip-hop culture. So, anytime you can, you know, I can expand the genre and introduce it to new audiences and widen it -- you know, the reach of what hip-hop can do -- you know, I'm interested in that," Jay-Z explains in the video interview (embedded after the break).

As far as Jay-Z's gaming roots, that's another story altogether. "I was really a gamer," Jay-Z urges. "Like, ask any of the guys. Like, I used to -- Madden and all these type of games," Jay-Z awkwardly cobbles together, "I was, like, really a problem. Like, those were my things -- for awhile." Presumably, until, you know, he got all that other stuff that impresses us, right? It's okay, Mr. Z -- you don't have to impress us with your gaming prowess, too. It's not like we have the numbers of "the guys" to fact check your claims anyway.

Continue reading Jay-Z is a gamer; likes Madden and, uh, you know, stuff like Madden

JoystiqJay-Z is a gamer; likes Madden and, uh, you know, stuff like Madden originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncelebritydj-herofreestyle-gamesguitar-herojay-zmaddenMicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Big Dawg' vs. Madden lawsuit dismissed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/big-dawg-vs-madden-lawsuit-dismissed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/big-dawg-vs-madden-lawsuit-dismissed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/16/big-dawg-vs-madden-lawsuit-dismissed/#commentsAccording to a report on Cleveland.com, the lawsuit filed against Electronic Arts by Cleveland Browns fan John "Big Dawg" Thompson has been dismissed. The suit had been filed on the grounds that EA featured Thompson's likeness in Madden NFL 09 without his permission. More specifically, the game featured the likeness of Thompson wearing a dog mask and orange hat, a costume he's worn to Cleveland Browns home games for years.

Thompson's lawyer, Alan Parker, noted that his client was happy the matter was closed, but noted that details of the dismissal are confidential. Thompson had been seeking damages "in excess of $25,000," so that's one thing he might be happy about. If his Big Dawg mask is sporting some gold teeth and a diamond encrusted hat during the next Browns home game, we'll know for sure.

Joystiq'Big Dawg' vs. Madden lawsuit dismissed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artslawsuitmaddenmadden-09madden-nfl-09Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL Arcade coming to XBLA & PSN; $15 this Dec.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/madden-nfl-arcade-coming-to-xbla-and-psn-15-this-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/madden-nfl-arcade-coming-to-xbla-and-psn-15-this-december/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/madden-nfl-arcade-coming-to-xbla-and-psn-15-this-december/#comments
Click for more highlights!
Dear Download-only Record Holder,

You had a good run -- time to move over. Madden NFL Arcade is coming to town. EA has detailed, priced and dated its bite-sized Madden for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. Targeted for the holiday season, Madden Arcade is described as fast-paced, 5-on-5 football. It's a classic backyard scenario -- first to 30; 4 plays per possession; no penalties; no field goals -- draped in NFL glamour.

Following in the tradition of its arcade-football predecessors (NFL Blitz, NFL Street, etc.) and EA's 3-on-3 NHL Arcade, Madden Arcade will feature a 'toonish art style, downsized playing field (60 yards) and 13 "Game Changers" (power-ups), including the ability to freeze your opponents, turn off their passing icons, or enlist an army of lineman to pretty much guarantee a sack. Each match is customizable, too, by altering skill level, points to win and other options, and supports up to 4-player co-op on a single console or 1-vs-1 online.

Madden NFL Arcade will be released this December on XBLA (1200) and PSN ($14.99). And shortly thereafter, the game is the odds on favorite to become the best-selling download-only title ever. How's the saying go: Don't hate the player? Hate the ...

Gallery: Madden NFL Arcade

JoystiqMadden NFL Arcade coming to XBLA & PSN; $15 this Dec. originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsea-tiburonElectronic-Artsfootballgame-changersmaddenmadden-nfl-arcadeMicrosoftnflpricingpsnrelease-datexblaXbox-360Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Reebok goes Madden, gives free PS3 DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/reebook-goes-madden-gives-free-ps3-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/reebook-goes-madden-gives-free-ps3-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/reebook-goes-madden-gives-free-ps3-dlc/#commentsHopefully, this redemption works a bit easier for you than today's LittleBigPlanet offer. Reebok is offering PS3 owners free DLC for Madden 10. The AFL Legacy Pack, which originally costs $7, adds eight original AFL teams and 15 AFL Legacy Game matchups. American PlayStation Network users will be able to register for this Reebok contest and get a free DLC code.

Enjoy!

[Via Slickdeals]

JoystiqReebok goes Madden, gives free PS3 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 06:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afl-legacydlcfreemaddenmadden-10reebokSun, 27 Sep 2009 06:45:00 EST<![CDATA[You bet the 'Madden curse' will strike again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/you-bet-the-madden-curse-will-strike-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/you-bet-the-madden-curse-will-strike-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/you-bet-the-madden-curse-will-strike-again/#comments No seriously, that's what you do on PlayBlackjack.com. For those not in the know, the Madden "curse" has afflicted every athlete featured on the cover of a Madden game. These pros get injured in some way through the course of the season, forcing them to miss a few games. When one of the two Madden 10 athletes, Troy Polamalu, suffered an injury to his left knee, many wondered if Larry Fitzgerald would follow. Well, at least one site is planning on turning that inquisitiveness into a real gambling operation.

To enter the pool, players will have to successfully guess which week Fitzgerald will get injured, with 9:1 odds offered for each possible game. With quite a number of games still left to play, the odds are definitely not in your favor. However, should Fitzergald manage to dodge a bullet, all bets will be called off. "If Fitzgerald does not get struck by the curse and remains healthy all regular season the bets will be graded as no-action and all money bet will be returned to the bettor."

It's certainly a morbid concept to spend money on. We wonder if Madden curse victim Michael Vick is getting in on the action ...

JoystiqYou bet the 'Madden curse' will strike again originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betgamblinglarry-fitzgeraldmaddenmadden-10madden-curseSat, 19 Sep 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 10 for Wii sold only 67K copies in August, EA calls overall sales 'discouraging']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/madden-10-for-wii-sold-only-67k-copies-in-august-ea-calls-overa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/madden-10-for-wii-sold-only-67k-copies-in-august-ea-calls-overa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/madden-10-for-wii-sold-only-67k-copies-in-august-ea-calls-overa/#comments
We first caught wind that an imperfect storm was brewing for this season's Madden offering shortly after kickoff in mid-August. Now we know that not only has Madden 10 for Wii been sacked at retail, but EA is less than happy with the performance of the franchise as a whole thus far in '09.

IndustryGamers received word from NPD that Madden NFL 10 for Wii -- a game touted as being rebuilt from the ground up for Nintendo's console this year, in part to improve sales -- sold only 67,000 copies in the month of August. In comparison, the PS2 version sold 160K copies, with the Xbox 360 SKU selling the best at 928K. This time last year, the Wii installment of Madden 09 sold ... just about 116K copies.

In the same afternoon, Bloomberg reported that EA CEO John Ricitiello emailed his employees a memo that stated, in part, "It is discouraging that one of our highest-rated and best-marketed Madden titles in years is facing strong headwinds." Ricitiello clearly wasn't faulting quality, but rather downward industry sales trends which he admitted "present a challenge." That may be the case, but it doesn't explain the Wii version's shockingly low sales, especially for a franchise that's about as mainstream as they come.

Source -- Madden Wii Sells Just 67K Copies [IndustryGamers]
Source -- Electronic Arts Says 'Madden,' Industry Sales Drop [Bloomberg]

JoystiqMadden 10 for Wii sold only 67K copies in August, EA calls overall sales 'discouraging' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsjohn-riccitiellomaddenmadden-10madden-nfl-10NintendoWiiThu, 10 Sep 2009 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[August NPD: PS3 sales soar as gamers go batty for Arkham Asylum in a Madden world]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/august-npd-ps3-sales-soar-as-gamers-go-batty-for-arkham-asylum/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/august-npd-ps3-sales-soar-as-gamers-go-batty-for-arkham-asylum/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/august-npd-ps3-sales-soar-as-gamers-go-batty-for-arkham-asylum/#comments
This year's August NPD sales numbers were, as usual, dominated by EA's monolithic Madden franchise -- but who's that creeping out of the shadows? "I'm Batman."

Rocksteady, Warner Bros. and Eidos officially have themselves a critical and commercial hit in Batman: Arkham Asylum, with the game having sold more than half a million copies across PS3 and 360 in its first week on sale. Even the Joker can't laugh at sales like that.

Hardware saw a slight increase for the month, with the exception of PS3, which saw an impressive 72% jump in sales, no doubt due to early sales of the lower-priced 120GB slim SKU. Wii is still the best-selling home console, but its numbers are gradually dipping down into "maybe we should consider a price cut, too" territory. Here's how sales of the stuff we play are games on stacked up:

-DS: 553K14K (+2%)
-Wii: 277K24K (+9%)
-360: 215K12K (+6%)
-PS3: 210K88K (+72%)
-PSP: 140K17K (+13%)
-PS2: 106K2K (-2%

Check out the software sales chart after the break.

Continue reading August NPD: PS3 sales soar as gamers go batty for Arkham Asylum in a Madden world

JoystiqAugust NPD: PS3 sales soar as gamers go batty for Arkham Asylum in a Madden world originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maddenmadden-10microsoftnintendonpdnpd-monthlyprice-cutps3-slimsalessonyThu, 10 Sep 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 10 tackles the iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/madden-10-tackles-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/madden-10-tackles-the-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/madden-10-tackles-the-iphone/#comments
click for Madden 10 iPhone gallery
There's an old (albeit imaginary) adage in the game's industry: If it can play games, Madden will undoubtedly follow. EA Sports is rushing Apple's App Store with a brand new game that takes full advantage of the iPhone's (and iPod's) touch screen. Unlike the console variants, the handheld Madden 10 experience is more accessible to the casual player. Beginners will be able to get by without thinking about the playbook, as the game automatically recommends appropriate plays. The action slows down when the quarterback has the ball, and color-coded icons appear on the screen, indicating the likelihood of making a completion.

In our brief time with the game, it was clear that EA Mobile placed a lot of effort into ensuring Madden could be played in short bursts: not only does the game launch within seconds from the iPhone menu, the game auto-saves after every play, allowing players to stop and resume a match any time they want. Hardcore football fans are likely to appreciate the added depth that casual gamers wil avoid: there are 2000 players in the game, voiced (tinny) commentary from John Madden, and a feature called "Hot Route" which allows players to manually draw plays to carry out. A ridiculous number of stats are also tracked by the game with full sorting, so you can know exactly who has the highest 3rd down conversion ratio in the league.

The game will be available for $9.99 in the App Store, though you can snag it for a discounted $7.99 today. We've been told that multiplayer is being worked on, as well as DLC, such as roster updates and "authentic jerseys."

Gallery: Madden 10 (iPhone)

JoystiqMadden 10 tackles the iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleeaea-sportsElectronic-ArtsiphoneiPodmaddenmadden-10Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:15:00 EST