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EA Nets Another Exclusivity Deal
GamesIndustry.biz has the news that EA has signed an exclusive deal with the Arena Football League to produce games for that organization. From the article: "The move will see the creation of a new AFL title in the EA Sports line-up, joining other football franchises Madden, NFL Street and NCAA, with the first title due to hit the market before the 2006 AFL season starts in a year's time."
BRING BACK THE XFL!!!!!!
As a video game only property.
This brilliant concept is absolutely free to Vince McMahon.
I'm in shock that there is a demand for an AFL game. Because no one seems to want to see it in person or on TV.
EA's exclusive deal with the AFL just confirms the suspicions of many that they want to kill competition in video football games. The AFL is not popular enough to warrant anyone's interest and EA wants to make sure that competitors like Sega don't even get a chance to make this any different. Now any competing game has to go with made up players, leagues, and stadiums. Yeah, I know about the CFL, but that's probably even less popular in the U.S. than the AFL.
My guess is that EA is interested in sewing up American football ahead of the day when they have to stop using the Madden name. Stiff arming the competition is one way to do this. On the flipside though, a really good game with fully customizable players, leagues, and even stadiums could have a chance. Coupled with strong marketing and online league play, it could overcome the lack of real league licenses. I'd love to see someone try this. Oh, how about a MMO football game too? I heard that this is being tried for baseball by someone.
To the making of books there is no end, so let's get started