While EA does hold a lot of clout in the gaming world I truly believe that they want to develop online games for the Xbox and this is simply a flexing of muscles tactic. The Xbox is the only console out of the 3 main competitors that has broadband right out of the box. Sony's console will cost gamers an additional $150-200 USD to bring their machines up to online gaming spec, and Nintendo continues to be somewhat wishy-washy on their online plans( if they plan on offering anything at all ).
The Xbox was built from the ground up with online gaming in mind. M$ knew this was where the real future money is going to be and so does EA. While the news release that EA's stance has changed that will no doubt show up in a few weeks will likely not get as much coverage as an anti M$ related release, it will happen. There's simply too much money to be made for EA to stonewall Microsoft as well as repeat and future EA customers.
Of course I could be wrong. If I am, I'll just have to play Sega's NHL2k3 online instead. No more money for EA from me. Their loss.
Jackson Ash
I wouldn't feel too bad mano78. Perhaps it's just the conspiracy theorist within me, but I truly doubt that it is only the Italians that are performing cloning experiments. Antinori is just the first scientist with enough balls/stupidity (take your pick) to publicly admit to doing so.
Jackson Ash
Slashdot Mirror
While EA does hold a lot of clout in the gaming world I truly believe that they want to develop online games for the Xbox and this is simply a flexing of muscles tactic. The Xbox is the only console out of the 3 main competitors that has broadband right out of the box. Sony's console will cost gamers an additional $150-200 USD to bring their machines up to online gaming spec, and Nintendo continues to be somewhat wishy-washy on their online plans( if they plan on offering anything at all ). The Xbox was built from the ground up with online gaming in mind. M$ knew this was where the real future money is going to be and so does EA. While the news release that EA's stance has changed that will no doubt show up in a few weeks will likely not get as much coverage as an anti M$ related release, it will happen. There's simply too much money to be made for EA to stonewall Microsoft as well as repeat and future EA customers. Of course I could be wrong. If I am, I'll just have to play Sega's NHL2k3 online instead. No more money for EA from me. Their loss. Jackson Ash
I wouldn't feel too bad mano78. Perhaps it's just the conspiracy theorist within me, but I truly doubt that it is only the Italians that are performing cloning experiments. Antinori is just the first scientist with enough balls/stupidity (take your pick) to publicly admit to doing so. Jackson Ash