Joystiq

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[Former NCAA athletes' lawsuit against EA is so on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/former-ncaa-athletes-lawsuit-against-ea-is-so-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/former-ncaa-athletes-lawsuit-against-ea-is-so-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/former-ncaa-athletes-lawsuit-against-ea-is-so-on/#comments

EA's request to dismiss a class action lawsuit from former NCAA athletes has been denied, meaning the trial will movie forward and EA stands to lose more than $1 billion if found at fault.

The former NCAA athletes claim EA conspired with the NCAA and the CLC to have players sign away their likenesses and names to be used in video games without compensation. The players allege that in order to participate in NCAA sports they were required to sign a form allowing EA their likenesses in games, even after their college sports careers ended.

The federal judge previously dismissed other claims in the lawsuit, but denied EA's attempt to have an antitrust claim thrown out.

EA is facing more than a few lawsuits at the moment, but it did recently settle a two-year-old lawsuit with Activision, with as-yet undisclosed concessions from either side.

Former NCAA athletes' lawsuit against EA is so on originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>athletesclccollegedsEAElectronic-Artslawsuitlegalmadden-nfl-12microsoftncaanintendoplaystationps3pspsonysuewiixboxFri, 18 May 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[EA: Battlefield 3, FIFA 12 sell over 10 million units each, Madden 12 over 5 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-battlefield-3-fifa-12-sell-over-10-million-units-each-madd/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-battlefield-3-fifa-12-sell-over-10-million-units-each-madd/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/ea-battlefield-3-fifa-12-sell-over-10-million-units-each-madd/#comments

EA has revealed the sales numbers of a handful of its major titles, including FIFA 12 and Battlefield 3, which have both sold through over 10 million units since their respective launches in September and October. Meanwhile, Madden NFL 12 has sold through over five million units since launching last August.

Remember that "sold through" actually refers to copies that have been sold to consumers -- as opposed to copies sold to retailers -- meaning that it's probably safe to call all three titles "hits" at this point.

EA: Battlefield 3, FIFA 12 sell over 10 million units each, Madden 12 over 5 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3fifa-12iosipadiphonemadden-nfl-12microsoftmobilenintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxWed, 01 Feb 2012 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[EA picks NY Giants as Super Bowl XLVI winner in Madden simulation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/ea-super-bowl-46-prediction/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/ea-super-bowl-46-prediction/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/ea-super-bowl-46-prediction/#comments

Are you wondering who has the upper hand in this Sunday's National Football League sporting contest, but you're beyond trusting those silly old sports journalists? Let EA answer that for you, with its annual simulation of the Superbowl as conducted in Madden NFL 12 on Xbox 360. As evidenced in the video above, the New York Giants are set to overtake the New England Patriots in Superbowl 46 by three points (GO GIANTS WOOOO), with a field goal in the final quarter locking the win for big blue.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportselectronic-artsfootballmadden-nfl-12microsoftne-patriotsnew-england-patriotsnew-york-giantsnflny-giantssimulationsuperbowlsuperbowl-46superbowl-xlvixboxMon, 30 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MLB: The Show dev leaves to become creative director on Madden]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/mlb-the-show-dev-leaves-to-become-creative-director-on-madden/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/mlb-the-show-dev-leaves-to-become-creative-director-on-madden/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/mlb-the-show-dev-leaves-to-become-creative-director-on-madden/#comments

Kolbe Launchbaugh may not be a name you recognize (or pronounce correctly), but for the past 15 years he's been climbing the corporate ladder over at SCEA. He started out as a tester and, ever since the first edition launched back in 2006, has contributed to MLB: The Show's rise to prominence. Now he's leaving SCEA to take on the position of creative director at EA Sports.

More specifically, Launchbaugh will oversee the Madden franchise and take over the vacancy left by Ian Cummings back in April. In his farewell letter over on Operation Sports, Launchbaugh says he'll officially start at EA on January 9.

MLB: The Show dev leaves to become creative director on Madden originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportskolbe-launchbaughmadden-nfl-12microsoftnflplaystationps3xboxFri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Gaming hosting million-dollar EA Sports online tournament]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/virgin-gaming-hosting-million-dollar-ea-sports-online-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/virgin-gaming-hosting-million-dollar-ea-sports-online-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/virgin-gaming-hosting-million-dollar-ea-sports-online-tournament/#comments

If you're convinced that you're the best at virtual kicking, throwing, catching and running, Virgin Gaming and EA have teamed up to make your skillset into a profitable exercise. Well, potentially profitable -- the two are hosting an EA Sports online tournament for the PS3 versions of three titles: Players can compete for a $400k cash prize in both Madden NFL 12 and FIFA 12, and a $200k prize in NHL 12. Why half as much for the latter of the three? Simple: Hockey is way easier. (Please don't beat us up, hockey-people.)

Before you start chasing the dream of free money, you'll want to read the fine print -- to become one of 1,000 finalists (who must pay their own way to the finals in New York City), players must drop a $10 entry fee, then win six games in a row. If they break their six-game streak, they'll have to start all over, shelling out another $10 to enter again.

Of course, folks who are uncertain in their abilities can drop a cool $400, and automatically become one of the finalists. We suppose that's the ultimate sport: Having lots of money to begin with. Interested parties can read the full rules and enlist on the Virgin Gaming site -- just keep an eye out for, you know, fees.

Virgin Gaming hosting million-dollar EA Sports online tournament originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contesteaea-sportsmadden-nfl-12playstationps3tournamentvirginvirgin-gamingThu, 08 Dec 2011 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[This Madden curse might actually be a real thing: Peyton Hillis is injured]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/this-madden-curse-might-actually-be-a-real-thing-peyton-hillis/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/this-madden-curse-might-actually-be-a-real-thing-peyton-hillis/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/this-madden-curse-might-actually-be-a-real-thing-peyton-hillis/#comments

Peyton Hillis should have known better. During the haze of jubilation when he was voted to the cover of Madden 12, the rational voice in the back of his mind should have warned him. The Curse. Hillis has missed the Cleveland Browns' past two games, and he is expected to sit out Sunday's game at Houston with a hamstring injury that seems so stubborn that it's almost supernatural.

The higher the climb, the harder the fall -- on your hamstring, Hillis. Enjoy your cover art. Muhahahaha.

This Madden curse might actually be a real thing: Peyton Hillis is injured originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>madden-cursemadden-nfl-12microsoftmuhahahahanational-football-leaguenflpeyton-hillisplaystationps3xboxSat, 05 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[September NPD: Madden, Gears, Dead Island are hits (Updated with Nintendo hardware numbers!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/september-npd-madden-gears-dead-island-are-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/september-npd-madden-gears-dead-island-are-hits/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/september-npd-madden-gears-dead-island-are-hits/#comments

It should come as no surprise that Madden NFL 12 beat everything else in NPD's software chart for the month of September, unless you're really not into sports games and forgot it came out. Second place is also pretty expected, with the massive rollout of Gears of War 3 massively rolling into people's homes. Third place, however, is a bit more interesting -- Dead Island, from semi-obscure publisher Deep Silver, outsold almost everything else based on the strength of that trailer and the word "zombies." Find the top ten after the break.

In hardware, Microsoft reported Xbox 360 takes the top hardware spot once again, touting 438,000 units sold in the month. Nintendo reports sales of 360,000 3DS units in the five week September reporting period, as well as 240,000 Wiis and 145,000 DS systems. Sony has not released official sales numbers for the PS3 or PSP.

In larger trends, total industry sales are down 6 percent year over year, with a mere $1.16 billion changing hands in September.

Continue reading September NPD: Madden, Gears, Dead Island are hits (Updated with Nintendo hardware numbers!)

September NPD: Madden, Gears, Dead Island are hits (Updated with Nintendo hardware numbers!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdead-islanddsgears-of-war-3madden-nfl-12microsoftnintendonpdnpd-monthlypcplaystationps3wiixboxThu, 13 Oct 2011 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Nielsen taps most anticipated games, Modern Warfare 3 on top]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/nielsen-taps-most-anticipated-games-modern-warfare-3-on-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/nielsen-taps-most-anticipated-games-modern-warfare-3-on-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/nielsen-taps-most-anticipated-games-modern-warfare-3-on-top/#comments

So modern

The Nielsen firm has compiled a list of the top twenty most anticipated games this holiday season. The survey ranks games based on the percentage of players that ranked them in their top five choices for the holiday. Unsurprisingly, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was at the top of the list, with fully 27 percent of those surveyed placing it in their top five.

Rounding out the top five, Gears of War 3 and Madden NFL 12 both pulled 19 percent, Assassin's Creed Revelations made 17 percent and Batman: Arkham City reached 15 percent. The holiday's major Wii exclusive, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword made the sixth slot with 14 percent. Battlefield 3, Modern Warfare 3's major competition, reached number seven at 12 percent. Also worth noting: Dead Island, at 7 percent, marks the only game on the entire list that isn't part of an established franchise.

The survey also includes a fascinating peek into the psyche of various players, making note of the online conversations surrounding each title. For example, Modern Warfare 3 fans are looking forward to launch parties, and Skyward Sword devotees are hoping to rekindle that old Ocarina of Time feeling. Madden armchair quarterbacks, meanwhile, are planning to call in sick in order to squeeze in a few more touchdowns.

Nielsen taps most anticipated games, Modern Warfare 3 on top originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-revelationsbatman-arkham-citybattlefield-3call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3dead-islanddsmadden-nfl-12microsoftmodern-warfare-3nielsennintendopcplaystationps3pspsonyThe-Legend-of-Zelda-Skyward-SwordwiixboxFri, 30 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden sells 1.4 million copies in first week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/madden-sells-1-4-million-copies-in-first-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/madden-sells-1-4-million-copies-in-first-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/madden-sells-1-4-million-copies-in-first-week/#comments

After somewhat disappointing launches for Maddens 10 and 11, first-week sales for Madden NFL 12 seem to have bounced back a bit. USA Today reports that in its first seven days on store shelves, the annual football franchise moved 1.4 million units, a 10 percent increase over last year's opening week.

What could have been the cause of this bump? The incremental changes to the Franchise mode? The improved player animations? The relative beefiness of cover player Peyton Hillis? Some combination of all three? No, no. It's almost certainly the beefiness.

Madden sells 1.4 million copies in first week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 23:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessea-sportsmadden-nfl-12microsoftplaystationps3salesxboxWed, 07 Sep 2011 23:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Madden NFL 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/metareview-madden-nfl-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/metareview-madden-nfl-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/metareview-madden-nfl-12/#comments

You already know how we feel about Madden NFL 12. But did the rest of the gaming press feel the same way about this year's virtual tailgaiting-enabler as our reviewer did? In short: kinda.

GameTrailers (8.5/10): "Despite the bugs and quirks, Madden NFL 12 still manages to play a convincing game of pigskin. Your tolerance for the gaffes will be directly proportional to how much you have on the line in each game. It doesn't always function realistically, but we like the idea behind dynamic player performance."
IGN (8.0/10): "If you're worried that EA has fumbled among the rough and tumble of sports politics, relax. Madden NFL 12 is a solid, tighter football game, even though it's a largely similar one."
Game Informer (7.5/10): "Like a desperate team that has stocked up on high-profile free agents thinking it's on the cusp of a championship, Madden NFL 12 looks good in practice, but where it counts it's a jumbled mess of frustration, unmet expectations, and sloppy play ... Past Maddens either delivered new features or fixed old problems, but this year you get neither. In too many instances Madden 12 takes you down promising paths that only lead to dead ends.

For more discussion, you can listen to a podcast roundtable of Madden NFL 12 reviewers featuring Mike Suszek (Joystiq), Kat Bailey (GamePro), and Rich Grisham (GamesRadar).

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

Metareview: Madden NFL 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsea-tiburonelectronic-artsmadden-nfl-12metareviewmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxFri, 26 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 12 review: Vacuum-sealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/madden-nfl-12-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/madden-nfl-12-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/madden-nfl-12-review/#comments

Reviewing, let alone investing in an annual sports game series is difficult. In my experience, Madden fans are typically the reluctant type; they hope for vast improvements every year and expect a new game that will blow them away. Madden NFL 12 is not that game. It's not the kind of game that answers every problem players have with football games. But this year, EA Sports tackled some core issues that elevates this game as one of the best in the series.

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

Continue reading Madden NFL 12 review: Vacuum-sealed

Madden 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[Madden NFL 12, Need for Speed: Shift PSP bundle announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/madden-nfl-12-need-for-speed-shift-psp-bundle-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/madden-nfl-12-need-for-speed-shift-psp-bundle-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/madden-nfl-12-need-for-speed-shift-psp-bundle-announced/#comments

We imagine anybody in the market for a PSP has already gone and tracked one down (or is simply waiting for the PlayStation Vita) but regardless EA and Sony have teamed up on a new bundle. As you may have gathered from the headline to this very post, the bundle comes with a copy of Madden NFL 12 and Need for Speed: Shift. It also throws in the requisite black PSP-3000 and a 2GB Memory Stick Pro Duo, all for $159.99.

Sony will release the bundle on August 30, the same day that Madden will be released on basically every platform in existence including the PSP.

[Thanks, Rahul]

Madden NFL 12, Need for Speed: Shift PSP bundle announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleeamadden-nfl-12need-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftplaystationpsppsp-3000q3-2011release-datesonyWed, 10 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[European PSN releases for August 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/european-psn-releases-for-august-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/european-psn-releases-for-august-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/european-psn-releases-for-august-10/#comments

Are you ready for some (North American) footbaaaaaaaall? Because the Madden NFL 12 demo arrives on the European PlayStation Store today. Oh, that's not your bag? Well, are you ready for some steeeeealth aaaaaction? The Splinter Cell Trilogy is also available. There's also Galaga Legions DX, on the off chance that you're ready for some twiiiiin stiiiick buuuuullet heeeeeell shoooooooting.

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:

(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

Continue reading European PSN releases for August 10

European PSN releases for August 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-sportseuropemadden-nfl-12playstationps3psn-wednesdaypsn-weeklypspsonyWed, 10 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver into Madden with new Xbox Live demos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/driver-into-madden-with-new-xbox-live-demos/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/driver-into-madden-with-new-xbox-live-demos/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/driver-into-madden-with-new-xbox-live-demos/#comments Disclaimer: The headline of this post in no way endorses the vehicular assault of one John Madden, professional sports announcer. It is instead intended to humorously present the fact that demos for both Driver: San Francisco and Madden NFL 12 have arrived on the Xbox Live service.

Though it's not necessarily our purview, the AOL legal team would also like to take a moment to apologize for the editorial quality of said headline. Not only is no mention made of the Madden NFL 12 demo appearing today on PSN, but the haphazard way in which the titles have been truncated are in no way representative of either AOL or the Huffington Post Media Group. Plus, Driver isn't even a verb.

Driver into Madden with new Xbox Live demos originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demosdriver-san-franciscoeamadden-nfl-12microsoftubisoftxboxxbox-liveTue, 09 Aug 2011 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Gaming and EA Sports holding Madden tournament at GameStops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/virgin-gaming-and-ea-sports-holding-madden-tournament-at-gamesto/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/virgin-gaming-and-ea-sports-holding-madden-tournament-at-gamesto/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/virgin-gaming-and-ea-sports-holding-madden-tournament-at-gamesto/#comments

Are you ready for some football? Virgin Gaming wants you and all your rowdy friends to come over to GameStop for some Madden NFL 12 tournaments. Registration for the "Battle of the Gridiron" event takes place from August 30 through September 18 for Madden pre-orderers and buyers, with the actual tournament happening from September 11 through October 16 in GameStop stores.

For your virtual athleticism, you could be one of four winners of a "VIP trip to LA" to compete in the Madden NFL Challenge Series final -- or one of four runners-up who get the same trip to go watch the final. That's kind of a backhanded prize.

Continue reading Virgin Gaming and EA Sports holding Madden tournament at GameStops

Virgin Gaming and EA Sports holding Madden tournament at GameStops originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-sportsgamestopmadden-nfl-12microsoftnintendoplaystationps3pspsonytournamentvirgin-gamingwiixboxThu, 04 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports Season Ticket launches today, offers full-game demos and DLC discounts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/ea-sports-season-ticket-launches-today-offers-full-game-demos-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/ea-sports-season-ticket-launches-today-offers-full-game-demos-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/ea-sports-season-ticket-launches-today-offers-full-game-demos-a/#comments

Electronic Arts is launching the "EA Sports Season Ticket" today, an annual $25 (2000 MSP) program that provides a premium service alongside five of the publisher's titles. The "deal" will grant full access to digital versions of games three days before their retail launch, offer a 20-percent discount on DLC, and enable "free premium web content" and brand you as a paying customer (i.e. "membership recognition").

Now, obtaining full, early versions of games sounds fantastic, until you read the fine print. Let's allow EA to do the talking: "The digitally downloaded game will time out when the game is available at retail and consumers have the option to purchase the same full game on disc at retail." If we're reading that correctly, it means you get to download the game three days early, but you still have to go to the store to actually buy it. This probably explains why GameStop is "excited to be selected as the exclusive retail marketing partner for the roll-out of EA Sports Season Ticket." (Note: According to Videogamer, EA is still working out specifics with Sony Europe, making it an Xbox 360 exclusive in that region for the time being.)

The "Free Premium Web Content" will kick off with the "Creation Center" in FIFA 12. It claims to allow greater customization tools, including team and tournament building. It'll all be available "until the membership to the program has expired."

The participating Season Ticket games will be this month's Madden NFL 12, along with NHL, FIFA, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR golf and NCAA Football going forward. You'll be able to easily recognize those who bought into the program with their "exclusive membership" recognition badge that is displayed in-game and online.

Welcome to Project 25 Dollar.

EA Sports Season Ticket launches today, offers full-game demos and DLC discounts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAEA-Sports-Season-TicketElectronic-Artsmadden-nfl-12microsoftplaystationProject-25-DollarProject-Ten-Dollarps3xboxTue, 02 Aug 2011 09:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 12 demo coming August 9, pits Bears against Packers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/madden-nfl-12-demo-coming-august-9-pits-bears-against-packers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/madden-nfl-12-demo-coming-august-9-pits-bears-against-packers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/madden-nfl-12-demo-coming-august-9-pits-bears-against-packers/#comments

Whether you're a diehard Green Bay Packers or Chicago Bears fan, you've probably had last year's NFC Championship game running through your mind on repeat, refilling you with the thrill of victory or agony of defeat, respectively. Today, EA Sports announced that you'll be able to have a hand in the proceedings August 9, when the Madden NFL 12 demo arrives on Xbox Live and PSN, giving you a 20-minute, four-quarter recreation of the Packers-won contest.

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoeaea-sportsfootballmadden-nfl-12microsoftplaystationps3release-datexboxWed, 27 Jul 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 12 video highlights Madden Ultimate Team changes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/madden-nfl-12-video-highlights-madden-ultimate-team-changes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/madden-nfl-12-video-highlights-madden-ultimate-team-changes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/20/madden-nfl-12-video-highlights-madden-ultimate-team-changes/#comments

Since debuting in Madden NFL 10, EA Sports' card game version of football, Madden Ultimate Team, has apparently resonated with fans as it will be returning for a third year in Madden NFL 12. In this trailer, EA Sports highlights some of the changes in this year's version.

Continue reading Madden NFL 12 video highlights Madden Ultimate Team changes

Madden NFL 12 video highlights Madden Ultimate Team changes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-sportsmadden-nfl-12madden-ultimate-teammicrosoftplaystationps3tcgtrading-card-gamexboxMon, 20 Jun 2011 23:31:00 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.

Electronic 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[Four EA Sports games in 2011 to feature Kinect]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/four-ea-sports-games-in-2011-to-feature-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/four-ea-sports-games-in-2011-to-feature-kinect/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/four-ea-sports-games-in-2011-to-feature-kinect/#comments

Peter Moore just took to the stage at the Microsoft E3 2011 press conference to announce some new Kinect-compatible sports titles. Four upcoming games will sport Kinect functionality -- PGA, Madden, FIFA and "one we'll announce later."

Moore did not reveal how Kinect would be utilized in these games, though he did hint at being able to physically call audibles in Madden.

Four EA Sports games in 2011 to feature Kinect originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-sportsfifafifa-12fifa-soccer-12kinectmadden-nfl-12microsoftpeter-moorepga-tourxboxMon, 06 Jun 2011 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 12 adds a Hall of Fame Edition to the roster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/madden-12-adds-a-hall-of-fame-edition-to-the-roster/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/madden-12-adds-a-hall-of-fame-edition-to-the-roster/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/madden-12-adds-a-hall-of-fame-edition-to-the-roster/#comments

Marshall Faulk is the first athlete who has graced a Madden cover and is being inducted into the Hall of Fame. To celebrate this marketing opportunity, EA is releasing a Hall of Fame Edition of Madden NFL 12, replete with bronze, embossed cover, an autographed Panini trading card (inedible) and a Madden Ultimate Team Platinum Pack -- in-game collectible cards for Madden NFL 12's supplementary mode, Madden NFL Ultimate Team.

Oh, and if you're a Peyton Hillis fan, you can hit the jump to check out the official Madden NFL 12 cover. If you're not a Peyton Hillis fan, then don't sweat it: you can still daydream about how the curse will get him this season (if there is a season).

[Thanks, Matt]

Continue reading Madden 12 adds a Hall of Fame Edition to the roster

Madden 12 adds a Hall of Fame Edition to the roster originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportshall-of-famehall-of-fame-editionmadden-nfl-12microsoftnintendoplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 01 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[South Park lampoons EA Sports, Peter Moore, athletic royalties and everything else]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/south-park-lampoons-ea-sports-peter-moore-athletic-royalties-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/south-park-lampoons-ea-sports-peter-moore-athletic-royalties-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/south-park-lampoons-ea-sports-peter-moore-athletic-royalties-a/#comments

The latest episode of South Park is ... well, one of the stranger recent episodes of South Park, an observation you probably made after reading its title: "Crack Baby Athletic Association." In the show's typical fashion, the episode is a hyperbolic, metaphorical critique of the treatment of professional and collegiate athletes, and their complaints of being denied royalties for media which feature their likeness. One target of the show's scathing barbs was EA Sports, headed up by one "Mr. Peters," a mock-up (pictured above!) of real-life studio president Peter Moore.

You can watch the full episode for free online over at South Park Studios. We've contacted EA Sports to see if it has any comment on the show -- considering it's South Park's second send-up of the developer, we imagine its hackles might be a little raised.

South Park lampoons EA Sports, Peter Moore, athletic royalties and everything else originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 May 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comedy-centralea-sportsmadden-nfl-12microsoftpcpeter-mooreplaystationps3south-parkxboxThu, 26 May 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden 12's roster of updates includes custom playbooks, new collision system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/madden-12s-roster-of-updates-includes-custom-playbooks-new-col/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/madden-12s-roster-of-updates-includes-custom-playbooks-new-col/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/madden-12s-roster-of-updates-includes-custom-playbooks-new-col/#comments

Even if you don't know who that guy is on the Madden 12 box, you've still probably got a pretty good idea of what's inside. No surprises here -- it's still a football video game. But, true to tradition, this year's iteration will include some new features.

On the field, Madden 12 players will be equipped with "the #1 most requested feature by fans in recent years" -- go on, guess! ... Wrong. It's custom playbooks, which can be modifications of existing playbooks or your own concoction of up to 400 offensive or defensive plays handpicked from the piles of X's and O's. Custom playbooks can also be integrated into the "improved" GameFlow system (last Madden's much ballyhooed feature).

Once you actually call a play (or GameFlow calls one for you), EA would have you take notice of the "all-new collision system" -- we're talking "over 100 new tackle animations, including 40 gang tackles" (ouch!) -- and the now more "advanced" defensive AI, a.k.a. "the smartest Madden defense ever." And be sure to give props to the "completely overhauled presentation," which includes "innovative 'real' on-field cameras shot by expert NFL Films cameramen." And, really, how else could you experience the "hundreds of visual improvements" (including really detailed blades of grass!), if not through the innovative "real" on-field cameras shot by expert NFL Films cameramen?

But the roster of updates doesn't end there -- we just have to. Stay tuned in the coming weeks and months as EA reveals more about the revamped Franchise and Superstar modes; the new "Dynamic Player Performance" feature (it's "just like the real NFL," only still pretty much a video game); what's in store for the "Madden NFL Ultimate Team" add-on this year; and the proper etiquette for joining one of the new "Online Communities." And by then, it should be football season! Fingers crossed.

Madden 12's roster of updates includes custom playbooks, new collision system originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collision-systemcustom-playbooksdynamic-player-performanceeaea-sportsea-tiburonmadden-nfl-12microsoftonline-communitiesplaystationps3xboxFri, 29 Apr 2011 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Peyton Hillis wins Madden 12 cover vote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/peyton-hillis-wins-madden-12-cover-vote/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/peyton-hillis-wins-madden-12-cover-vote/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/peyton-hillis-wins-madden-12-cover-vote/#comments

Witness! Cleveland has a new -- and most unlikely -- sports icon in Peyton Hillis, who has been voted to the cover of Madden 12. Hillis, the could-be star running back for the Browns, trounced Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick in the final round of EA Sports' five-week, bracket-style cover competition. Hosted in collaboration with ESPN, the vote-driven promotion featured a player representative from 31 one of the NFL's 32 teams and ... the Seahawks fans (who were eliminated in the first round).

Hillis' inspiring run, no doubt propelled by the passionate (desperate?) Cleveland fans that have been aggressively campaigning across social media networks, included defeating Green Bay Packers QB and Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers, the bracket's #1 overall seed. "I didn't think I had a shot," said the humble Hillis during ESPN's "SportsNation" show this afternoon, during which the winner was announced.

Both Hillis and Vick were present on set for segments of the hour-long episode, doing their best to remain composed and engaged in the topics presented by hosts Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd, while a countdown timer ticked away. With the lights dimmed, Cowherd excitedly announced that "almost 13 million people voted" before he declared Hillis as the winner. The beefy back was then awkwardly goaded on by the two hosts, and even Vick, to flex his "guns" as the show cut out for the next program.

[Note: Not official cover art.]

Peyton Hillis wins Madden 12 cover vote originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscleveland-brownscoverdsea-sportsmadden-nfl-12microsoftnintendopeyton-hillisplaystationps2ps3pspsonywiixboxWed, 27 Apr 2011 16:59:00 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/#comments

Madden 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]

Madden 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[Madden NFL 12 will launch on August 30, regardless of NFL lockout]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/madden-nfl-12-will-launch-on-august-30-regardless-of-nfl-lockou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/madden-nfl-12-will-launch-on-august-30-regardless-of-nfl-lockou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/13/madden-nfl-12-will-launch-on-august-30-regardless-of-nfl-lockou/#comments

Despite the ongoing situation between the NFL and Players Association, which could ultimately mean no football this year, EA Sports president Peter Moore quelled doubts at a recent event. The situation will not affect his studio's hit football franchise's next installment, Madden NFL 12.

"We'll be shipping this year, regardless of what the labor issues are, whether they're resolved or not," Moore told a group of journalists during an EA Sports event last night in San Francisco. "Madden 12 will be shipping on August 30th 2011, regardless of what happens with the league itself." So, there you have it. You may not get to see your players hit the field in real-life this year, but you can rest assured you'll be seeing their virtual representations, right on schedule.

Madden NFL 12 will launch on August 30, regardless of NFL lockout originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsmadden-nfl-12microsoftnintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxWed, 13 Apr 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Trip Hawkins disputes Madden lawsuit claims]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/trip-hawkins-disputes-madden-lawsuit-claims/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/trip-hawkins-disputes-madden-lawsuit-claims/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/trip-hawkins-disputes-madden-lawsuit-claims/#comments

Robin Antonick, a designer on John Madden Football, filed a lawsuit against EA recently, looking for monetary compensation and credit for his work. He claims the current generation's installments were "derived from software" he helped develop. But according to statements from Trip Hawkins (via LA Times), Antonick's recollection of the past is a bit off.

First of all, he says that Antonick didn't work side-by-side with Hawkins in the office as he claims, but was rather a contractor who worked out of his home in Chicago. Hawkins also claims that Antonick was "one of many" people who worked on the game and wasn't responsible for "driving the game" at any point. Apparently there's press corroboration to some of this, as well -- Hawkins' four-year stint developing the game would be referred to as "Trip's Folly" internally, suggesting that Antonick's role was more diminished than he suggests.

Hawkins also claims that Antonick was only commissioned to work on the first 8-bit game, and wasn't tapped to help work on subsequent 16-bit versions of the game, which he claims needed "more advanced" programmers than Antonick.

[Image: Retro Games DB]

Trip Hawkins disputes Madden lawsuit claims originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsealawsuitmadden-nfl-12microsoftnintendoplaystationps3robin-antonicktrip-hawkinswiixboxThu, 07 Apr 2011 17:00:00 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.

Madden 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[Onion: Madden NFL 12 to let players feel tackles, go deaf from crowd noise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/onion-madden-nfl-12-to-let-players-feel-tackles-go-deaf-from-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/onion-madden-nfl-12-to-let-players-feel-tackles-go-deaf-from-c/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/onion-madden-nfl-12-to-let-players-feel-tackles-go-deaf-from-c/#comments

We realize The Onion, purveyors of funnies, is joking with this video segment past the break that details a new head-and-neck peripheral for Madden NFL 12, but we think there's actually potential here. Think about the people who play Madden: people who like football; people who play professional sports; and people who wish they still played professional sports.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comedyfootballmadden-nfl-12microsoftnintendoplaystationps3spoofsportsthe-onionwiixboxFri, 25 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: EA and NFL restructure exclusivity deal amid work stoppage fears]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/report-ea-and-nfl-restructure-exclusivity-deal-amid-work-stoppa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/report-ea-and-nfl-restructure-exclusivity-deal-amid-work-stoppa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/report-ea-and-nfl-restructure-exclusivity-deal-amid-work-stoppa/#comments

The NFL has cut EA a break, reports SportsBusiness Journal, reducing the Madden maker's licensing fee by an undisclosed amount for the next football season, which remains in jeopardy as the current collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players' union is set to expire March 4 and, so far, renegotiations have been futile. If a new CBA is not drawn between the two sides before the current contract expires, it could result in a work stoppage -- in other words, no football come fall.

While such an outcome wouldn't prevent EA from releasing Madden 12 in early August (the series' traditional launch window leading up to the start of the NFL regular season), it could certainly devalue the expensive NFL-related licenses that EA has secured. Last October, anticipating such a scenario, EA reportedly requested a $30 million dollar discount on its payment owed to the NFL this year. The five-year deal inked in 2008 between the two sides is believed to be worth "well into nine figures" -- that's hundreds of millions -- and is likely the NFL's most lucrative non-TV contract, according to SBJ.

"For one of our core partners in a difficult environment, we say let's look at this, and maybe it makes some sense to extend something out longer and give our partner some relief in the short term, but gain something on the back end," Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver, chairman of the NFL's business ventures committee, told SBJ, alluding to the nature of the restructured deal with EA. According to SBJ's sources, EA has been granted some form of relief for this year's fees, and its NFL exclusivity deal has been extended one year through the 2013-14 football season.

EA maintains a separate, concurrent contract with the NFL Players Association for which the players' union receives $30-40 million, annually (according to the union's Labor Department filings), for the publisher's right to use NFL players in its games. It's as yet unknown if EA has sought to reduce its fees owed to the union this year or extend the deal another year to remain consistent with the companion contract with the league. EA declined our request to comment on its NFL-related licensing agreements for this article.

Report: EA and NFL restructure exclusivity deal amid work stoppage fears originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dseaea-sportsexclusivitylicenselicensingmadden-nfl-12microsoftmobilenflnflpanintendoplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxTue, 15 Feb 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Madden NFL 12 adding tuner sets, surprise onside kicks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/madden-nfl-12-adding-tuner-sets-surprise-onside-kicks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/madden-nfl-12-adding-tuner-sets-surprise-onside-kicks/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/madden-nfl-12-adding-tuner-sets-surprise-onside-kicks/#comments

EA Tiburon creative director Ian Cummings has passed along the first few details on Madden NFL 12 -- no, not the 3DS game -- over on the Madden Blog, including a video showcasing a new surprise onside kick mechanic. You can check that out past the break.

The more significant feature is tuner sets, which were first introduced in the NHL series and brought over to football in NCAA Football 11 last year. It's a vehicle for updating specific aspects of a game, circumventing the need for a full title update and the red tape that comes along with it. The goal is to provide more frequent updates addressing individual problems rather than issuing massive updates periodically.

Continue reading Madden NFL 12 adding tuner sets, surprise onside kicks

Madden NFL 12 adding tuner sets, surprise onside kicks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsmadden-nfl-12microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonywiixboxTue, 08 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST