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[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[Interview: Greg Grunberg at the Battlefield: Bad Company 2 celebrity challenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/interview-greg-grunberg-at-the-battlefield-bad-company-2-celeb/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/interview-greg-grunberg-at-the-battlefield-bad-company-2-celeb/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/interview-greg-grunberg-at-the-battlefield-bad-company-2-celeb/#comments
Lots of the celebrities at last night's Battlefield: Bad Company 2 celebrity benefit tournament didn't know much about gaming, but Greg Grunberg is the exception. Even if he can't dive deep into the differences between next-gen shooters, he at least knows the audience, having appeared on Lost and Alias and controlled minds as Matt Parkman on Heroes. He was at the benefit in West Hollywood promoting the Epilepsy Foundation (his son deals with epileptic seizures, and Grunberg has done some advocacy work on his own as well), and right before he sat down to play BFBC2 alongside Chad Ochocinco and Marshall Faulk, he sat down to chat with us.

Read on to hear about what Grunny is doing for Halo: Reach, his favorite iPhone games and why he's so sure there should be one more full season of Heroes.

Continue reading Interview: Greg Grunberg at the Battlefield: Bad Company 2 celebrity challenge

JoystiqInterview: Greg Grunberg at the Battlefield: Bad Company 2 celebrity challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appbattlefieldbattlefield-bad-companybattlefield-bad-company-2celebritydiceeaea-diceElectronic-Artsgreg-grunberghalo-reachheroesinterviewiphonelostmadden-10Microsoftnba-2k9televisionXbox-360yowzaFri, 19 Feb 2010 18:00:00 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[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[Madden 10 has shipped 3.9 million copies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/madden-10-has-shipped-3-9-million-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/madden-10-has-shipped-3-9-million-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/madden-10-has-shipped-3-9-million-copies/#comments EA may be hurting, but there are still some bright spots, like when it announced Madden NFL 10's sales figures during its quarterly conference call with investors. The publisher revealed that the company "sold" 3.9 million copies globally, which isn't entirely accurate, as we've learned those are "sell-in" figures -- a fancy way of saying "shipped."

EA's John Schappert stated that Madden had a rough start in August, with sales down 19 percent from the prior year, but that it rallied up eight percent year-over-year in September, thanks to the PS3 price drop. The company claims that Madden 10 has sold five percent more than last year's iteration on PS3 and Xbox 360 combined, as of the end of September. Not shabby for a down economy!

JoystiqMadden 10 has shipped 3.9 million copies originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsJohn-Schappertmadden-10madden-nfl-10MicrosoftsalesXbox-360Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest IX is Q3's top-selling game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/dragon-quest-ix-is-q3s-top-selling-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/dragon-quest-ix-is-q3s-top-selling-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/dragon-quest-ix-is-q3s-top-selling-game/#commentsDespite the handicap of not being for sale in most of the world, Dragon Quest IX for the DS sold more copies than any other game in the world between July and September of this year, according to a Top Global Markets report. With 3,925,000 copies sold in Japan, it outsold the number two best-selling game for that period, Wii Sports Resort, by almost 1,000,000 copies -- and that game was available worldwide.

Following Wii Sports Resort in the top five: Madden NFL 2010 at 2,612,000, Pokemon HeartGold And SoulSilver at 2,068,000, and Halo 3: ODST, which was only out for a week in Q3, at 1,847,000 copies. All these games have plenty more sales ahead of them as the holidays approach!

JoystiqDragon Quest IX is Q3's top-selling game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DQ9Dragon-QuestDragon-Quest-9-Sentinels-of-the-Starry-Skiesdragon-quest-ixDShalo-3-odstJRPGLevel-5madden-10MicrosoftNintendopokemon-heart-goldq3-2009RPGsalesSquare-Enixtop-global-marketsWiiXbox-360Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:39:00 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[EEDAR: Game sales slowdown turned around in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/eedar-game-sales-slowdown-turned-around-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/eedar-game-sales-slowdown-turned-around-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/eedar-game-sales-slowdown-turned-around-in-september/#comments
2009 hasn't been the best year for the games industry. Month after month, we hear reports of reduced sales figures, company closures, and layoffs. Things may be turning around, though, as EEDAR analyst Jesse Divnich believes software sales during September 2009 have actually gone up from 2008, the first time in seven months thanks to strong sales of Halo 3: ODST, Wii Sports Resort, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, Madden NFL 10 and Batman: Arkham Asylum. All in all, software sales should come in at $715 million, a 16% increase over last year.

The music genre may be slowing down, but Divnich notes that "both Guitar Hero 5 and The Beatles: Rock Band have performed at levels ahead of retail expectations," with sales predicted at 800k and 1 million units respectively. The same analyst at EEDAR previously predicted that Guitar Hero 5 would outsell The Beatles 2:1. With NPD sales results dropping next week, we'll soon see how accurate Divnich's latest analysis is.

JoystiqEEDAR: Game sales slowdown turned around in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystbatman-arkham-asylumeedarguitar-hero-5halo-3-odstjesse-divnichmadden-10music-gamespredictionssalesthe-beatles-rock-bandwii-sports-resortFri, 09 Oct 2009 02:00:00 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[Analyst: Madden 10 Wii didn't sell because of ... Madden 09 Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/analyst-madden-10-wii-didnt-sell-because-of-madden-09-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/analyst-madden-10-wii-didnt-sell-because-of-madden-09-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/analyst-madden-10-wii-didnt-sell-because-of-madden-09-wii/#comments Yesterday, Electronic Arts CEO John Ricitiello pointed to a downward turn in game sales this summer as a prime culprit in what he called a "discouraging" August kickoff for one of the "highest-rated and best-marketed Madden titles in years." Still, that didn't explain the 42 percent decline in sales for the franchise on Nintendo's console. So, we spoke with Jesse Divnich, games market analyst at EEDAR, to get his thoughts on the fairly "oh, wow"-worthy revelation.

More than anything, Divnich believes that gamers' experience with last year's game on Wii influenced their decision to not give the franchise a second shot on the system. "I believe many diehard Madden fans, who transitioned from the PS2 to the Wii, made their yearly Madden purchase in 2008 and realized that the Wii could not offer the same experience they have grown accustom to (online play, realistic graphics, in-depth team management)," he told Joystiq.

The game's motion control gameplay features -- versus the familiar DualShock 2 -- might also have been a turn-off, Divnich said, likening it to the slow acceptance of console controllers for use in first-person shooters. "Anyone introduced to the FPS category through the keyboard/mouse combination even still today refuses to accept the analog controllers as a legitimate FPS controller," he remarked.

Ultimately, though, Divnich came back to the PS2-to-Wii user's experience with last year's Madden. "Avid Madden fans have the curse of knowledge ... and they know that Madden cannot offer the same experience on the Wii as it did for the PS2."

JoystiqAnalyst: Madden 10 Wii didn't sell because of ... Madden 09 Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analysteaea-sportseedarelectronic-artsmadden-10madden-nfl-10NintendonpdsalesWiiFri, 11 Sep 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden curse strikes back, Polamalu suffers knee injury in season opener]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/madden-curse-strikes-back-polamalu-suffers-knee-injury-in-seaso/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/madden-curse-strikes-back-polamalu-suffers-knee-injury-in-seaso/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/madden-curse-strikes-back-polamalu-suffers-knee-injury-in-seaso/#comments
Steelers fans witnessed a horrifying scene during last night's season-opening matchup against the Tennessee Titans -- while trying to recover a blocked field goal in the first half, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu sustained an injury to his left knee, preventing him from playing out the rest of the game. If that name sounds familiar, it's because Polamalu was featured on the cover of Madden 10 -- a promotion that has proven to be troubling for NFL players due to the titular "Madden curse."

Polamalu is expected to be out for 3 - 6 weeks, making this one of the least severe examples of cosmic retribution dished out by the curse to date. However, that could just be because said retribution has to be shared between two players this year. For the sake of our fantasy football standings, we urge Larry Fitzgerald to take every safety precaution imaginable during these trying times.

JoystiqMadden curse strikes back, Polamalu suffers knee injury in season opener originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>curseeaea-sportsElectronic-Artsfootballinjurylarry-fitzgeraldmadden-10madden-cursenflpalomalutroy-palomaluFri, 11 Sep 2009 13:20:00 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 AFL Legacy Pack takes the field Sept. 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/madden-10-afl-legacy-pack-takes-the-field-sept-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/madden-10-afl-legacy-pack-takes-the-field-sept-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/09/madden-10-afl-legacy-pack-takes-the-field-sept-24/#comments Madden 10 rolls back the decades with the release of the "AFL Legacy Pack" DLC on September 24 for Xbox 360 and PS3. The DLC presents the game as if it were the 1960s, with referees in orange striped uniforms, "retro football card-like user interface" and a film grain broadcast camera look.

The eight original AFL teams will be presented with their original uniforms and the 15 AFL Legacy Game matchups in the regular season can be presented in Legacy mode during the offline Franchise mode, Play Now and Superstar modes. The pack costs 560 ($7) on Xbox 360 and $6.99 on PS3.

Gallery: Madden NFL 10 AFL Legacy Pack

myoung_x360-image205_bmp_jpgcopymyoung_x360-image198_bmp_jpgcopymyoung_x360-image200_bmp_jpgcopymyoung_x360-image210_bmp_jpgcopymyoung_x360-image211_bmp_jpgcopy

JoystiqMadden 10 AFL Legacy Pack takes the field Sept. 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportelectronic-artsfootballmadden-10madden-legacy-packmadden-nfl-10MicrosoftXbox-360Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:15:00 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<![CDATA[Analyst: Madden 10 sales 'slightly' below expectations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/analyst-madden-10-sales-slightly-below-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/analyst-madden-10-sales-slightly-below-expectations/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/analyst-madden-10-sales-slightly-below-expectations/#comments According to Lazard Capital Markets analyst Colin Sebastian, as reported by IndustryGamers, sales of Madden NFL 10 have been "slightly below" EA's plan for the title. Based on Lazard's retail data, Sebastian says he believes the lower than expected sales are the result of fewer purchases by mainstream gamers. Specialty game retailers seem to be having no trouble selling Madden, which indicates that "core game fans appear to be somewhat more resilient than mainstream shoppers," according to Sebastian.

Not to worry though, as Sebastian believes the recent PS3 price cut, along with an expected 360 price cut and the beginning of the back-to-school season "could provide a later lift" for the game. We hope so -- because we're really hoping for a sequel.

JoystiqAnalyst: Madden 10 sales 'slightly' below expectations originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesseaea-sportsElectronic-Artsmaddenmadden-10MicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Trophies: Madden 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/trophies-madden-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/trophies-madden-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/trophies-madden-10/#comments
1 Platinum
6 Gold
16 Silver
12 Bronze
 Difficulty: Difficult
Online Trophies? Yes
Time to Completion: 10 hours
DLC Trophies? Yes*
*Trophies requiring DLC are highlighted in yellow.
View Trophy List Read More About the Game

Gallery: Madden 10

Continue reading Trophies: Madden 10

JoystiqTrophies: Madden 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maddenmadden-10trophiestrophyTue, 18 Aug 2009 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Top 10: Nazi zombies run amok]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/xbox-live-top-10-nazi-zombies-run-amok/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/xbox-live-top-10-nazi-zombies-run-amok/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/xbox-live-top-10-nazi-zombies-run-amok/#comments
Guys, do you ever play anything aside from four games? Major Nelson reports that last week's Xbox Live activity was very much the same as the week before ... and the week before that. Taking top spot was none other than Call of Duty: World at War, followed by usual suspects Halo 3, Call of Duty 4 and Gears of War 2. Madden 10 took last place, which isn't much of a surprise considering it released on Friday. Come next week, we're sure you'll be hearing more about that one.

On the XBLA side, it was all about Trials HD, as the title earned top honors. Turtles in Time Re-Shelled managed to shell shock the competition by taking second and DICE's Battlefield 1943 continues its sad story of decline, falling to third. Well, okay -- maybe it's not a sad story, per se.

JoystiqXbox Live Top 10: Nazi zombies run amok originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlefield-1943call-of-dutycall-of-duty-4call-of-duty-world-at-wardiceeagears-of-war-2halo-3infinity-wardmadden-10treyarchtrials-hdxblaxbox-live-top-10Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Some copies of Madden 10 missing 'Online Franchise' DLC codes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/some-copies-of-madden-10-missing-online-franchise-dlc-codes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/some-copies-of-madden-10-missing-online-franchise-dlc-codes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/some-copies-of-madden-10-missing-online-franchise-dlc-codes/#comments
Developers these days are doing a lot to incentivize those new game purchases over their used counterparts, and Madden 10 is no exception. Those who purchased the game were supposed to receive a downloadable code for the game's "Online Franchise Mode," though reportedly, those in "regions outside of North America," specifically Australia, the UK and "other regions" are getting copies with a missing DLC code.

Panic broke out at EA's forums over the situation, but EA Sports told Joystiq this morning that a fix is on the way. "We are aware of the situation and we're working towards a solution right now," EA's Rob Semsey told us. The one-time use DLC code is supposed to be on the back of the manual in the game's box, but due to the "printing process of the manuals," some folks are getting copies without any code. Worse? The DLC has already landed on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, giving some Madden 10 owners the impression that they were expected to pay for the content -- despite having purchased a new copy on launch day.

EA says we'll get more official word on a solution "very soon," but for now we suggest following Madden 10 lead designer Ian Cummings' tweeted suggestion of calling the customer support line.

Gallery: Madden 10: PS3/360

JoystiqSome copies of Madden 10 missing 'Online Franchise' DLC codes originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceaea-sportsElectronic-Artsfootballian-cummingsmaddenmadden-10madden-nfl-10Microsoftonline-franchiseonline-franchise-moderob-semseyXbox-360Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sports Illustrated subscription and Madden 10 bundled for only $49]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/sports-illustrated-subscription-and-madden-10-bundled-for-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/sports-illustrated-subscription-and-madden-10-bundled-for-only/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/sports-illustrated-subscription-and-madden-10-bundled-for-only/#comments
This looks to be quite the deal for sports fans. Sports Illustrated is offering a free copy of Madden 10 (on the platform of your choice) with every paid subscription. In addition to getting to getting 28 issues of Sports Illustrated, the $49 bundle includes a documentary DVD, "The Road to Canton" and the aforementioned copy of Madden. The bundle is actually cheaper than buying a standalone copy of Madden 10 at retail! With the money saved, you can afford all those crazy DLC packs EA is pimping in this year's edition ... almost.

If you do take advantage of the deal, make sure you watch out for the auto-renewal option. You'll have to cancel your subscription before it ends, or SI will charge you for another year when your subscription ends.

[Thanks, Colin M.!]

JoystiqSports Illustrated subscription and Madden 10 bundled for only $49 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundledealmaddenmadden-10MicrosoftNintendosports-illustratedWiiXbox-360Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 10 DLC lets you buy injury healing, retirement prevention, 'Elite Status,' more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/08/madden-10-dlc-lets-you-buy-injury-healing-retirement-prevention/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/08/madden-10-dlc-lets-you-buy-injury-healing-retirement-prevention/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/08/madden-10-dlc-lets-you-buy-injury-healing-retirement-prevention/#comments
To say EA has been going overboard with DLC would be an understatement. The upcoming Madden 10 continues EA's attempt at pinching even more out of your virtual wallet for cheats and game enhancements. Here's but a very small sample of the premium packs you'll be charged for:
  • Super Superstar - Downloading this will enable your Superstar to get maximum progression for the length of his career.
  • Pick A Superstar - Downloading this will allow you to pick any NFL player to start Superstar mode with.
  • Dig Deep - For one play, your players respond to the challenges of the moment. All players receive a 10% boost to all stats.
  • Game Day Instincts - For one game, your coaching staff is in the zone. All players receive a 5% boost to all stats; can be used once per year, per franchise.
  • PK Scout - Download this to use a special scout who will reveal all true stats for Punter and Kicker prospects in the upcoming offseason. This is usable in Franchise only.
  • Play Through the Pain - Using this allows for one player to recover from any injury no matter what the severity; usable once per season, per franchise.
  • Not Done Yet - Downloading this allows you to keep one player out of retirement for one more year; usable once per season, per franchise. This is used in Franchise Mode only.
In addition to these game modifiers, players can purchase "Elite Status" through the game's multiplayer lobby. What does it do? It'll give you access to "exclusive VIP lobbies, leaderboards" and will grant you access to "the all new Elite Gametype" which features "All-Madden difficulty level and is tuned exclusively for the hardcore." Wait, what? EA, you're seriously charging money for a new difficulty mode? (IGN reports that it'll be $5.) Those looking for the ultimate Madden experience will have to prepare for sticker shock when the game ships next week.

[Thanks, Ryan!]

Continue reading Madden 10 DLC lets you buy injury healing, retirement prevention, 'Elite Status,' more

JoystiqMadden 10 DLC lets you buy injury healing, retirement prevention, 'Elite Status,' more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlceaElectronic-Artsmaddenmadden-10MicrosoftXbox-360Sat, 08 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA stock dropped slightly following earnings report, back up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/ea-stock-dropped-slightly-following-earnings-report-back-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/ea-stock-dropped-slightly-following-earnings-report-back-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/ea-stock-dropped-slightly-following-earnings-report-back-up/#comments EA's stock took a near seven percent dive yesterday, following the publishing giant's latest earnings report on Tuesday, GI.biz reports. As of writing this post, the stock stands at $20.55, jumping up a little over one percent since trading began today. We're no stock analysis site, but we're fairly certain that should The Sims 3 and EA Sports Active keep kicking butt at retail - and with EA's yearly fundraiser, Madden 10, on the horizon - EA stockholders will be A-OK.

JoystiqEA stock dropped slightly following earnings report, back up originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsmadden-10sims-3stockstocksthe-sims-3Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:17:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Q1 sales better than expected, still slow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/ea-q1-sales-better-than-expected-still-slow/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/ea-q1-sales-better-than-expected-still-slow/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/ea-q1-sales-better-than-expected-still-slow/#comments We've been hearing recession tales of woe for months now in the video game industry. Today is no different, as EA is posting a net loss of $234 million for its financial Q1 sales year over year versus $95 million in losses during the same quarter last year. Unsurprisingly, titles like The Sims 3 and EA Sports Active -- you know, EA's best selling Wii game ever -- helped to boost sales, but overall game sales were lower "due to slowed hardware sales."

Don't worry, though, as EA promises four new IPs for the holiday season (Dante's Inferno, Dragon Age: Origins, Brütal Legend and, presumably, Saboteur) and predicts increased revenue with tiny little titles like The Beatles: Rock Band and Madden 10 landing in the next few months. (We were so worried.)

JoystiqEA Q1 sales better than expected, still slow originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brutal-legenddantes-infernodragon-age-originsEAEA-SportsEA-Sports-ActiveEA-VancoverElectronic-ArtsElectronic-Arts-VancouverExerciseFitnessleft-4-dead-2madden-10Nintendothe-beatles-rock-bandthe-sims-3WiiTue, 04 Aug 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA creating bite-sized Madden arcade title (think '3-on-3 NHL Arcade')]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/ea-creating-bite-sized-madden-arcade-title-think-nhl-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/ea-creating-bite-sized-madden-arcade-title-think-nhl-arcade/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/ea-creating-bite-sized-madden-arcade-title-think-nhl-arcade/#comments EA's 3-on-3 NHL Arcade, a smaller and more focused downloadable hockey title, seems to have been a successful experiment for the publisher. In a recent investor call, EA's Peter Moore confirmed that a similar title, this time with the Madden franchise as basis, is currently in development. Though little other information was divulged, we're told to expect title sometime "this holiday."

JoystiqEA creating bite-sized Madden arcade title (think '3-on-3 NHL Arcade') originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-on-3-nhl-arcadeEA-CanadaEA-Sportsfootballmaddenmadden-10MicrosoftNHLNHL-ArcadepsnsportsxblaXbox-360Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Madden in a football stadium ... on the big screen!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/play-madden-in-a-football-stadium-on-the-big-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/play-madden-in-a-football-stadium-on-the-big-screen/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/play-madden-in-a-football-stadium-on-the-big-screen/#comments
Following in the great tradition of, um, the Jonas Brothers' tour manager playing Gears of War 2 on a way too big screen at Cowboy Stadium, EA and Sony are hosting a Madden 10 event for 256 lucky fans at the same stadium. The kicker? If you manage to snag a spot, you'll not only get access to the full game nearly a week early, but you may also find your gaming projected on one of the stadium's many enormous screens.

The event takes place on Cowboy season ticket holder appreciation day and as such, those lucky enough to get inside may find 10,000 or so people in the stands. However, if you brave the Madden 10 tourney ladder and win, you'll be walking away with a copy of the game, before its August 14 release, and a PlayStation 3. The PlayStation US blog is giving away 25 tickets (+1 guest) for little more than a silly photo of yourself demonstrating "your favorite touchdown dance or pose" with a PlayStation item in the picture. It could be worse, right? You could have to sing a Jonas Brothers song or something.

[Image credit]

JoystiqPlay Madden in a football stadium ... on the big screen! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestcowboy-stadiumdallas-cowboyseaea-sportsElectronic-Artsjonas-brothersmaddenmadden-10madden-nfl-10playstation-blogTue, 04 Aug 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dude, give me a fist bump: Madden 10 demo up now on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/dude-give-me-a-fist-bump-madden-10-demo-up-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/dude-give-me-a-fist-bump-madden-10-demo-up-now-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/dude-give-me-a-fist-bump-madden-10-demo-up-now-on-xbox-live/#comments
Bro, like, Major Nelson says if you're an Xbox Live Gold member, then you can totally download the demo for Madden 10, right now! Word? Wooord! Of course, if you pre-ordered from GameStop, then you've already got a better demo for the annual franchise, which releases August 14 ... brodawg.

Gallery: Madden 10

JoystiqDude, give me a fist bump: Madden 10 demo up now on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoeaea-sportselectronic-artsmadden-10testosteronetiburonxblThu, 23 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live gets Madden 10 demo a week early]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/xbox-live-gets-madden-10-demo-a-week-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/xbox-live-gets-madden-10-demo-a-week-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/20/xbox-live-gets-madden-10-demo-a-week-early/#comments
With EA having already announced that the public demo for Madden NFL 10 -- read: not the fancy pre-order demo -- would release on July 30 on both the Xbox 360 and PS3, it looks like Microsoft has made other plans. Microsoft has announced that the Madden 10 public demo will be hitting Xbox Live on July 23, a full week ahead of the PSN version. Unsurprisingly, you'll need to be an Xbox Live Gold member to snag the demo early. Silver members will still be stuck waiting until next week.

Lest you've forgotten, the public demo features a snowy night game between the Giants and the Cowboys. If you're not in line to pick up the spiffy pre-order demo but still want to see what the fuss is all about, be sure to snag the public demo when it drops this Thursday.

JoystiqXbox Live gets Madden 10 demo a week early originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoeaelectronic-artsmadden-10madden-nfl-10xbox-liveMon, 20 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre-order Madden 10 at GameStop ... to get free Madden 10 demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/pre-order-madden-10-at-gamestop-to-get-free-madden-10-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/pre-order-madden-10-at-gamestop-to-get-free-madden-10-demo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/17/pre-order-madden-10-at-gamestop-to-get-free-madden-10-demo/#comments
Pre-order either the PS3 or Xbox 360 version of Madden 10 and you'll get a sneak peak at the upcoming football game. GameStop is issuing an "exclusive" 20-minute demo that lets you relive the Super Bowl yet again with the Cardinals and the Steelers, while, according to Kotaku, everyone else will be able to download a shorter 8-minute demo between the Giants and the Cowboys.

We're not exactly sure how a free demo is meant to appease those that are already committed to buying the game, but at the very least, it's a far more compelling offer than, say, a free sample of Madden's short-lived recording career.

Source - GameStop pre-order announcement
Source - EA demo clarification

JoystiqPre-order Madden 10 at GameStop ... to get free Madden 10 demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardinalscowboysdemogamestopgiantsmaddenmadden-10Microsoftpre-ordersteelersXbox-360Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Roundup: GTTV's E3 trailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/roundup-gttvs-e3-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/roundup-gttvs-e3-trailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/roundup-gttvs-e3-trailers/#comments Did your late night Canasta tournament keep you away from your television last night, preventing you from catching all of GameTrailers' exclusive ... trailers for a number of highly anticipated titles that will be appearing at E3? Fear not -- we've got them posted conveniently after the break.

What games are present and accounted for, you ask? Well, let's see (deep breath): Mass Effect 2, Brutal Legend, Lost Planet 2, Split/Second, Brink, DJ Hero, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Just Cause 2, Dragon Age: Origins, Supreme Commander 2, Dante's Inferno, Madden 10, NHL 10, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, Need for Speed Shift, Alpha Protocol and Heroes of Telara. Check 'em out!

Continue reading Roundup: GTTV's E3 trailers

JoystiqRoundup: GTTV's E3 trailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-protocolbatman-arkham-asylumbrinkbrutal-legenddantes-infernodj-herodragon-age-originse3-2009gametrailersheroes-of-telarajust-cause-2lost-planet-2madden-10marvel-ultimate-alliance-2mass-effect-2need-for-speed-shiftsplit-secondsupreme-commander-2trailerFri, 29 May 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 10: Did EA press reset?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/madden-10-did-ea-press-reset/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/madden-10-did-ea-press-reset/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/madden-10-did-ea-press-reset/#comments Senior producer Phil Frazier calls Madden NFL 10 a "reset." That's a tough buzzword to sell, especially for Madden, which is reappearing this August as its twenty-something-ith iteration. Despite its massive following, Joystiq has largely treated the series as uninteresting. Year in, year out, the process has grown mechanical: the annual announcement, followed by details of game enhancements, and then, of course, a look at those supposedly cursed cover athletes. Then, silence. The game's released. A few months later, news of its sales dominance. Rinse. Repeat. Reset.

It's difficult not to trivialize a game franchise that follows such a formulaic path from concept to destined bestseller. On the surface, it appears as if there are no surprises. There's nothing to be inspired by. Maybe there's a twinge of aliveness in seeing the first screenshot of the new season, in admiring the game's gradual transformation into lifelike football, in our brief exaggeration of that image as actually lifelike, before scrutiny sets in, and we identify it as just the new Madden.

Somewhere, certainly, there are discussion forums geeking out over the new look and tweaks and promises -- or passionately lamenting the next "QB Vision Cone." But here, we have not been moved beyond the mundane and have not trusted that an exclusive NFL license, a one-year development cycle and, dare we suggest, a "simple" sports game are keys to gaming innovation. An inner troll is nagging: Guys, you know it's just another "roster update."

Continue reading Madden 10: Did EA press reset?

JoystiqMadden 10: Did EA press reset? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 May 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsea-tiburonElectronic-Artsmaddenmadden-10madden-nfl-10MicrosoftXbox-360Thu, 28 May 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 10 on Wii features 'genre-defining art style']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/madden-nfl-10-on-wii-features-genre-defining-art-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/madden-nfl-10-on-wii-features-genre-defining-art-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/madden-nfl-10-on-wii-features-genre-defining-art-style/#comments
Click image to juke into our gallery
Seriously, EA? Inside your long press release about the Wii version of Madden NFL 10, you point out the new, cartoon looks? Don't play up the fact that this year's edition is entirely new and built from the ground up on the Wii. Don't elaborate on how the game will "deliver a social, dynamic experience for the entire living room" or anything. Nope, just tell us how great it looks, sit back, and prepare to count all the money.

Madden NFL 10 sacks retail on August 14, 2009.

JoystiqMadden NFL 10 on Wii features 'genre-defining art style' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>footballmaddenmadden-10madden-nfl-10sportsWed, 29 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 10 to feature new Pro-Tak mode, faster ways to play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/madden-nfl-10-to-feature-new-pro-tak-mode-faster-ways-to-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/madden-nfl-10-to-feature-new-pro-tak-mode-faster-ways-to-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/madden-nfl-10-to-feature-new-pro-tak-mode-faster-ways-to-play/#commentsEA just passed along some new screens and details for Madden NFL 10, and it looks like Tiburon is really working hard to make this year's edition stand out. One of the biggest improvements to the game is the Pro-Tak feature, which provides more dynamic tackling on the defense, better evasion maneuvers for the Quarterback, and allows players to fight for fumbles at the bottom of the pile. Defenders can even gang up on an offensive player, allowing up to 9-man gang tackles.

There will also be a new way for you to decrease the length of a game through the Madden NFL Your Way feature. This is a customizable version of the game that will support a new, revamped play calling system, along with faster clocks, and streamlined presentation.

Madden NFL 10 will tackle retail on August 14, 2009.

Gallery: Madden 10 (4/29/09)

JoystiqMadden NFL 10 to feature new Pro-Tak mode, faster ways to play originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>footballmaddenmadden-10madden-nfl-10MicrosoftsportsXbox-360Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Halo 3: ODST most desired Xbox 360 game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/report-halo-3-odst-most-desired-xbox-360-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/report-halo-3-odst-most-desired-xbox-360-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/29/report-halo-3-odst-most-desired-xbox-360-game/#comments
Research group Gameplan Insights recently conducted a study, which highlighted the most anticipated Xbox 360 games. Its parent company, OTX, polled 1,000 gamers across various demographics every week through March and April, and discovered that Halo 3: ODST is the most anticipated game. Bungie's upcoming spin-off managed to narrowly best Modern Warfare 2 (if you can believe it), according to data Gameplan Insights provided to Gamasutra. Rounding out the rest of the top five are Madden NFL 10, Final Fantasy XIII, and Assassin's Creed 2.

What's odd about all of this is that Halo 3: ODST is the only Xbox 360 exclusive to feature in the list. The remainder, as you can see, are multiplatform titles. Perhaps Microsoft will rectify that with its upcoming E3 showcase.

[Via Gamasutra]

JoystiqReport: Halo 3: ODST most desired Xbox 360 game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2final-fantasy-xiiigameplangameplan-insightshalo-3halo-3-odstmadden-10MicrosoftreportstudyXbox-360Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[EA denies NFL lawsuit rumors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/25/ea-denies-nfl-lawsuit-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/25/ea-denies-nfl-lawsuit-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/25/ea-denies-nfl-lawsuit-rumors/#comments
Responding to questions regarding allegations made by retired NFL player Bernie Parrish, perennial Madden publisher, EA, told GamesIndustry.biz that it is, "Not aware of any legal action." Parrish wrote an open letter recently to the 2,062 retired NFLers who won $28 million in a lawsuit with the NFL last January, asking that they each put $1,000 of their stake from the last victory into a "litigation War Chest."

Considering the tenacity of the folks involved (the $28 million was won in appeals court, mind you), we think it may be worth pointing out that they may just not be organized yet -- after all, the statements made by Parrish were published just over one week ago. Either way, EA seems to contest the allegations, stating, "This is a dispute between the retired players and their union." Another lawsuit it is then!

JoystiqEA denies NFL lawsuit rumors originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernie-parrisheaea-sportsElectronic-Artsgamesindustry.bizjohn-maddenlawsuitmaddenmadden-10nflSat, 25 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 10 cover to curse two athletes: Larry Fitzgerald and Troy Polamalu]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/madden-10-cover-to-curse-two-athletes-larry-fitzgerald-and-troy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/madden-10-cover-to-curse-two-athletes-larry-fitzgerald-and-troy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/24/madden-10-cover-to-curse-two-athletes-larry-fitzgerald-and-troy/#comments
Click to see the full cover.
 EA continues reinventing the Madden cover. This year's cover features not one, but two players, in a stylized cover that's reminiscent of Street Fighter IV. The Cardinals' wide receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, and the Steelers' safety, Troy Polamalu, will share the spotlight on EA Sports' annual NFL game when it goes on sale on August 14th. The two teams should be familiar to anyone who watched last year's Super Bowl -- y'know, people that play Madden.

In addition to debuting the cover athlete, EA Sports released more screenshots, which you can peruse in our gallery.

Gallery: Madden 10

Continue reading Madden 10 cover to curse two athletes: Larry Fitzgerald and Troy Polamalu

JoystiqMadden 10 cover to curse two athletes: Larry Fitzgerald and Troy Polamalu originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardinalsfootballlarry-fitzgeraldmaddenmadden-10MicrosoftnflNintendosteelerstroy-polamaluWiiXbox-360Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[New Madden 10 screens break through the line]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/new-madden-10-screens-break-through-the-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/new-madden-10-screens-break-through-the-line/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/new-madden-10-screens-break-through-the-line/#comments
Click to embiggen.
Hot on the heels of the Peter Moore Challenge, EA Sports has handed off a couple of new screens for Madden NFL 10. The game is set to tackle retail shelves in August, and as one might imagine, these first screens have the requisite amount of biceps, pigskins, and blur everywhere, so dive into our gallery below to check them out.

Now, on a more personal note, we would like to call out EA Sports for its flagrant abuse of referees. It's not nice to show referees being trounced to death in your new screens. They're a vital part of the game. It's their job to make bad calls and screw over your team.

Gallery: Madden 10 (4/20/09)

JoystiqNew Madden 10 screens break through the line originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsElectronic-Artsfootballmadden-10MicrosoftsportsXbox-360Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 10 tackles retail on August 14th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/madden-nfl-10-tackles-retail-on-august-14th/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/madden-nfl-10-tackles-retail-on-august-14th/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/madden-nfl-10-tackles-retail-on-august-14th/#comments
It's another year, it's another Madden. The best only NFL game in town will make its return this year on August 14th, promising "all-new animation technology." The Madden line follows EA's newfound love for Nintendo, as the Wii version gets special attention this year with a "unique, genre-defining art style" that "epitomizes what fun looks like on the Wii." Cel-shaded Madden, perhaps?

We don't know much more about this year's iteration of the Madden series, except for details garnered from the game's only screenshot. The infamous cover athlete is also currently unknown and will be revealed later this year on April 24th.

Madden NFL10 will be available on Xbox 360, PS2, PS3, PSP and Wii. Update: Big Download has confirmed that no PC version is in the works. "We have no plans to release Madden NFL 10 on the PC this year."

JoystiqMadden NFL 10 tackles retail on August 14th originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsElectronic-Artsfootballmaddenmadden-10madden-nfl-10MicrosoftnflNintendoWiiXbox-360Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: EA quietly announces iPhone versions of major franchises ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-ea-quietly-announces-iphone-versions-of-major-franchises/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-ea-quietly-announces-iphone-versions-of-major-franchises/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-ea-quietly-announces-iphone-versions-of-major-franchises/#comments
Of the many GDC 2009 announcements taking place this week, we were most shocked to see EA sneakily introducing some of the company's most popular franchises to the Apple device some are calling the newest gaming platform -- the iPhone. Travis Boatman, VP of worldwide studios at EA Mobile, made the announcement at GDC Mobile, naming SSX, Wolfenstein RPG, Red Alert, FIFA 10, Madden 10, NBA Live 10, American Idol, Spore Creatures, Clue, Risk, Mystery Mania, Connect Four, Battleship, Tiger Woods and Star Trek, according to reports from Patrick Klepek (former MTV Multiplayer writer) and Shacknews.

While most of the titles are the to-be-expected EA mutliplatform titles like Madden 10 and NBA Live 10, the SSX series will be getting its first update in two years according to this announcement. Also of note, Wolfenstein RPG is of no relation to the just released Wolfenstein 3D for the iPhone; rather, it makes up half of the two iPhone games id Software is purportedly working on. Details are unfortunately scant at the moment but we've reached out to EA for comment.

On a personal note, we'd like to extend our personal "WHAT THE HELL?!" regarding Risk being announced for the iPhone and still not hearing a peep on it coming to XBLA/PSN. Seriously, EA. What the hell?!

[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqGDC09: EA quietly announces iPhone versions of major franchises originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-idolapplebattleshipclueconnect-fourEAea-mobileElectronic-Artsfifa-10gdc-2009gdc-mobileiphonemadden-10mobile-gamingmystery-manianba-livenba-live-10patrick-klepekred-alertriskshacknewsspore-creaturesssxstar-trektiger-woodstravis-boatmanwolfensteinwolfenstein-3dwolfenstein-rpgThu, 26 Mar 2009 16:54:00 EST<![CDATA[First Madden '10 screen: Peter Moore invites us to play 'Spot the Improvements']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/first-madden-10-screen-peter-moore-invites-us-to-play-spot-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/first-madden-10-screen-peter-moore-invites-us-to-play-spot-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/first-madden-10-screen-peter-moore-invites-us-to-play-spot-th/#commentsPeter Moore has unveiled a screenshot of Madden '10 on his blog, calling the game "the most detailed and comprehensive edition of Madden in the history of the franchise." He says that the development team will detail the improvements and additions made to this year's game in the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft, but that many changes are evident in this screenshot.

The specific changes on display will be revealed later this week, but Moore asks, "How many improvements can you pick out?" More obtrusive referees? Helmet sheen? Improved rendering of distant Gatorade jugs?

JoystiqFirst Madden '10 screen: Peter Moore invites us to play 'Spot the Improvements' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsElectronic-Artsfootballmaddenmadden-10Microsoftpeter-mooreXbox-360Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:36:00 EST