Monday, December 13, 2004
Simply shocking
Picture this scenario: for the next five years every single action movie showing in theaters will be directed by Michael Bay. There will be no more movies headed by John Woo or Alex Proyas. Christopher Nolan now has to step away from his Batman: Begins project to allow Michael Bay to take over. While there can still be plenty of non-action movies released by these and other directors, every single action movie released worldwide will be headed by Michael Bay. Yes, even Ong Bak will either be delayed or reworked. Sorry guys. Even if you are a big fan of Michael Bay, and the general public certainly is, it's hard to argue this is a good thing. For starters, there will be a lot less movies released. Michael Bay is only one man. Also, there is no competition. Bay doesn't have to put much work into his movies now. If you want to see an action movie, you have no choice but to see a Bay-vehicle. Bad times.
Thankfully, this is not the case. The few John Woo fans left do not have to worry about Faceoff 2 being delayed until 2010. So why did I waste your time with that absurd scenario? According to Reuters, a relatively trustworthy news source, had an article today saying that Electronic Arts has signed a five year deal securing exclusive rights to make NFL related titles. While they did not purchase football as a whole (though I'm sure they are working on that) no longer will any other company be able to make a game with NFL players, teams or stadiums. When next September rolls around, you will have only two choices - buy Madden 2006 or buy nothing.
I am not even thinking rationally at this point. As many of you know, I did not like this year's edition of Madden. It was, at best, an average interpretation of what real NFL football plays like. An arcade passing system and a far too inconsistent running game made it far too much of a chore to play. ESPN NFL2K5, while not perfect, did an admirable job recreating what I watch every single Sunday. The passing system was extremely difficult and unforgiving, but once you understood how defenses worked it was possible to move the ball down the field. The running game didn't provide many outrageous 50 yard runs, rather you were held to 3 or 4 yards most of the time - just like in real life. Defense was a game of chess, trying to out think your opponent. The game was a joy to play.
I honestly have no idea how this is even legal. Capitalism is founded on the basis of competition. If there is only one NFL game each year, there is no competition.
I don't know what I'm supposed to do about this. Clearly, people do not care that EA treats their employees like crap. Clearly, people do not care that EA purchases every single small company with even a shred of talent and ruins them. Clearly, people do not care that they can buy better, and cheaper, products elsewhere. I am going to continue to boycott EA for as long as I play video games. I urge everyone else to at least inform ignorant consumers what EA is doing to our industry.
Thankfully, this is not the case. The few John Woo fans left do not have to worry about Faceoff 2 being delayed until 2010. So why did I waste your time with that absurd scenario? According to Reuters, a relatively trustworthy news source, had an article today saying that Electronic Arts has signed a five year deal securing exclusive rights to make NFL related titles. While they did not purchase football as a whole (though I'm sure they are working on that) no longer will any other company be able to make a game with NFL players, teams or stadiums. When next September rolls around, you will have only two choices - buy Madden 2006 or buy nothing.
I am not even thinking rationally at this point. As many of you know, I did not like this year's edition of Madden. It was, at best, an average interpretation of what real NFL football plays like. An arcade passing system and a far too inconsistent running game made it far too much of a chore to play. ESPN NFL2K5, while not perfect, did an admirable job recreating what I watch every single Sunday. The passing system was extremely difficult and unforgiving, but once you understood how defenses worked it was possible to move the ball down the field. The running game didn't provide many outrageous 50 yard runs, rather you were held to 3 or 4 yards most of the time - just like in real life. Defense was a game of chess, trying to out think your opponent. The game was a joy to play.
I honestly have no idea how this is even legal. Capitalism is founded on the basis of competition. If there is only one NFL game each year, there is no competition.
I don't know what I'm supposed to do about this. Clearly, people do not care that EA treats their employees like crap. Clearly, people do not care that EA purchases every single small company with even a shred of talent and ruins them. Clearly, people do not care that they can buy better, and cheaper, products elsewhere. I am going to continue to boycott EA for as long as I play video games. I urge everyone else to at least inform ignorant consumers what EA is doing to our industry.
// posted by Tom @ 2:19 PM 
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