Madden 09 producer interacting with community
by 
Madden 09 producer Phil Frazier, who took over for the departing David Ortiz, is actively responding to questions on the official forum for the game. While there are some things he obviously can’t go into detail on there have been several interesting pieces of information to come out of it.
After discussing the errors with uniforms in Madden in the interview I had with Peter Moore he stated he would make it a priority to get right. It appears that he has followed through on that promise.
We just did a comparison of the Madden uniforms vs. the uniforms that teams wore last year. As many have noted, we had several mistakes. We’re on top of this now and are working to make sure the teams in the game wear the uni’s that they most often wore during last season.
There won’t be refs on the field however it is something that will be looked at for next year. Apparently the poor online performance is a well known issue (how couldn’t it be?) and they are attempting to improve that situation. It sounds as though the video and screenshot feature for EA Sports World found in NCAA Football has been added. Offensive line slide protection will be returning. Also John Madden will be used in the game but supposedly not in the way we would expect (eliminate his possible return as commentator).
Those are just some of the topics touched on in the thread. Click here to read through it in its entirety or ask questions of your own.
April 20, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Madden should be a mentor for Superstar mode
April 20, 2008 at 3:32 pm
[quote comment="18202"]Madden should be a mentor for Superstar mode[/quote]
Interesting idea. The first thing I thought of was how they’re using Jeff Gordon to walk you through every aspect of Nascar 09 and maybe Madden would do the same here? I’m curious to find out what they came up with for him.
April 20, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Nice to see some good interaction from the new producer. I definitely did not like David Ortiz.
April 20, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Well I figured that Madden is a former player/coach, so he knows a lot about the life of a player and about the game itself. I’m sure that’s not how they’re using them, but it’s just the first thing that came to mind
April 20, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I like how it has to take like a state of the union address and consult to the ea roundtable just to get uniforms right. its not that hard, pictures were emailed constantly to them telling them to simply do it right. just look at a picture and post it on…and put some refs in and field goal nets no excuse by now i say.
April 20, 2008 at 4:13 pm
but all in all at least they are “talkin to the community” ortiz was just a clown.
April 20, 2008 at 4:22 pm
[quote comment="18207"]but all in all at least they are “talkin to the community” ortiz was just a clown.[/quote]
I agree. As much grief as I pile on EA, I take this as a positive sign leading up to the release of Madden.
April 20, 2008 at 4:24 pm
So what do you think Pasta finally blue on blue uniforms for the bills???
April 20, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Looks like saved replays are in thats awesome and Phil also said weather looks great this year and look out for some snow screen shots soon. No refs on field this year its all good though.
April 20, 2008 at 4:44 pm
I’m so glad to finally see some interaction with the community.
April 20, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Is it too much to ask for refs?
April 20, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Or is it too hard to just suck it up that there aren’t any?
April 20, 2008 at 5:33 pm
well, since madden won’t have onfeild refs or chain gangs, looks like ncaa wont have any either. Phil says it is a framerate problem. You are full of bs my friend. That is just lazy. if you can have all of these fancy weather effects and lighting, then you can have refs. That should be more important.
When i look at other games, such as call of duty 4, ea’s games look very underachieving and dont take advantage of the technology available to them. EA just wants our money and does not care about making good games anymore. it is very sad to me.
April 20, 2008 at 5:54 pm
What is the ncaa 09 stuff coming out later this week going to be about Pasta?
April 20, 2008 at 5:58 pm
[quote comment="18217"]well, since madden won’t have onfeild refs or chain gangs, looks like ncaa wont have any either. Phil says it is a framerate problem. You are full of bs my friend. That is just lazy. if you can have all of these fancy weather effects and lighting, then you can have refs. That should be more important.
When i look at other games, such as call of duty 4, ea’s games look very underachieving and dont take advantage of the technology available to them. EA just wants our money and does not care about making good games anymore. it is very sad to me.[/quote]
Yea call of duty is a completely diff game so dont compare them and EA is good dont trash them all the time. Sure they can improve but they try to make games that you like and i know i do
April 20, 2008 at 6:05 pm
I asked some questions and if he answers them I’ll post some of the answers.
April 20, 2008 at 6:30 pm
[quote comment="18216"]Or is it too hard to just suck it up that there aren’t any?[/quote]
Once again; I should not be able to fire up versions of Madden from half a decade a go and see features that aren’t included in the 3rd release of the next gen title.
April 20, 2008 at 7:06 pm
[quote comment="18220"]What is the ncaa 09 stuff coming out later this week going to be about Pasta?[/quote]
Well I’ll have a full post about it probably tomorrow afternoon, but I’m going to get to play it this week and apparently will have free reign in talking about everything.
[quote comment="18209"]So what do you think Pasta finally blue on blue uniforms for the bills???[/quote]
I’d expect so. If not then they haven’t achieved their goal.
[quote comment="18214"]Is it too much to ask for refs?[/quote]
The refs are an interesting situation to look at. I understand why some people care about them a lot although personally I don’t care much one way or the other. But you have to understand its more than just adding in a character. They have to have completely unique AI, affect the framerate, ect.
April 20, 2008 at 7:25 pm
“There won’t be refs on the field however it is something that will be looked at for next year.”
We have heard this excuse for SOOOO many different features thats its downright comical. EA just doesnt have the talent to work with the next gen systems. There are still a few things they can get to thatll make this game a purchase for me, but they are gonna have to nail em all. If the radio announcer is in the game again, then its an automatic pass, they need to get rid of that guy and FAST!
April 20, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Sorry for double post, but i just read that we will see a new announcer, so i hate to admit it, but good job EA, now lets see you address that GOD AWFUL presentation.
April 20, 2008 at 7:55 pm
[quote comment="18216"]Or is it too hard to just suck it up that there aren’t any?[/quote]
funny if that was mlb 2k8 or prizefighter everyone would be on something being missing…
April 20, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I’m definately in the “refs on field and kicking nets” crowd, but I’ll give them a free pass on that if they fix the turnover problems (AI controlled QB interceptions in particular), and work on the franchise mode (better draft classes in particular).
April 20, 2008 at 8:02 pm
ayo pasta i heard you and a few others are playing ncaa 09 wed and thurs and give feedback to the producers you know what the hardcores are looking for i cant wait to hear what u played
April 20, 2008 at 8:03 pm
I will actually forgive them for anything as long as the presentation is fantastic. I mean pre game or half time shows, different feel for Monday Night games, Play Off games and the Super Bowl will do it.
April 20, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I don’t give a damn about that POS MLB 2k8, I have The Show. The fact is, refs on the field is more than just a little guy running around. If they want to do it right, which is required, then it will take a lot more than people think. In my opinion, the fact that people can’t find much more than minuscule things like refs and nets to complain about, then the game must be pretty damn good at the core. If there are bigger, more important things to complain about, then I’m sure we’d all love to hear that regurgitated every time we frequent a blog/message board instead of the same old petty shit.
April 20, 2008 at 8:50 pm
[quote comment="18227"]But you have to understand its more than just adding in a character. They have to have completely unique AI, affect the framerate, ect.[/quote]
C’mon, Pasta. I mean, really. I think everyone understands that. APF 2K8 managed to have referees just fine. It can be done. Obviously.
Having the NFL license should elicit some notion of responsibility in EA, some sense of pride. Look at GTA IV. Look at what that game aims to do. Look at its ambitions. Then consider our simple request. Referees in a football game. Wow.
Are refs in EA’s soccer game? Or were they deemed “confusing”? Are umpires in baseball? If so, why bother? Take ‘em out.
I will gladly drop the issue (probably) now that we have the definitive answer that the ONLY NFL simulation game is once again missing refs, but please…don’t make weak excuses for EA. Refs were in the game for years. APF 2K8 had no problem including them.
April 20, 2008 at 9:12 pm
[quote comment="18233"]I will actually forgive them for anything as long as the presentation is fantastic. I mean pre game or half time shows, different feel for Monday Night games, Play Off games and the Super Bowl will do it.[/quote]
What’s the use of fantastic presentation if the game itself is full of turnovers returned for TDs? Who’s going to actually make it through a half, let alone the entire game, to see the post-game stuff?
I agree it should be a priority, but the gameplay needs to come first.
April 20, 2008 at 9:20 pm
How come they cant add any refs on the field
thats so easy,1.2.3. I think EA should fire some of
there talent and get younger.I dont think adding one
or two new things every year are good for the company.
April 20, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Do any body think it was hard to catch the ball in
madden 08. The wide reciever cant jump when you try to
catch it,and wuts up with the franchise mode glitch. Every
time you edit your player his rating locks up.
April 20, 2008 at 10:19 pm
[quote comment="18240"]How come they cant add any refs on the field
thats so easy,1.2.3. I think EA should fire some of
there talent and get younger.I dont think adding one
or two new things every year are good for the company.[/quote]
The game still sells like hot cakes regardless of its faults. I’d wager that the majority of people wouldn’t care if it was just a roster update with slightly better graphics and 2009 on the cover.
I guess the danger is that if they keep getting it wrong like in the previous next gen releases, sales will begin to dry out a little – or, at the very least, not increase at the rate EA expect them to with their exclu$ive licen$e.
To their credit, EA clearly have begun to realise this, which is why Phil Frazier appears to be making the extra effort to steady the ship this year. Would have been nice if we’d seen this two years ago, but better late than never I guess – because it’s not like we have any other options for our NFL gaming fix outside of the text sim world.
At the end of the day though, the proof will still be in the pudding. Every year I get excited about the next Madden release yet ever since I switched to a next gen console I’ve walk away very dissapointed.
Maybe this will be the year?? How often have I found myself thinking that about this series?
April 20, 2008 at 11:33 pm
[quote comment="18236"][quote comment="18227"]But you have to understand its more than just adding in a character. They have to have completely unique AI, affect the framerate, ect.[/quote]
C’mon, Pasta. I mean, really. I think everyone understands that. APF 2K8 managed to have referees just fine. It can be done. Obviously.
Having the NFL license should elicit some notion of responsibility in EA, some sense of pride. Look at GTA IV. Look at what that game aims to do. Look at its ambitions. Then consider our simple request. Referees in a football game. Wow.
Are refs in EA’s soccer game? Or were they deemed “confusing”? Are umpires in baseball? If so, why bother? Take ‘em out.
I will gladly drop the issue (probably) now that we have the definitive answer that the ONLY NFL simulation game is once again missing refs, but please…don’t make weak excuses for EA. Refs were in the game for years. APF 2K8 had no problem including them.[/quote]
It’s such a shame that this is true. In all honesty after several years of developing on the next gen systems, it can’t possibly be that difficult to add 3-5 character models onto the field. When you think about how much they actually did in the past, the AI couldnt be THAT hard to code for.
Maybe I’m underestimating the process of developing but after 3 (coming up on 4 with Madden 09) next gen titles and presumably the same amount of years working at it, you’d think that they’d have something like that down. Only explanation is that they were not trying to do it.
April 21, 2008 at 3:48 am
it can’t possibly be that difficult to add 3-5 character models onto the field. When you think about how much they actually did in the past, the AI couldnt be THAT hard to code for.
Well your not a programmer so you actually don’t know how hard it is do you?
April 21, 2008 at 4:50 am
APF did it first shot
April 21, 2008 at 5:34 am
Same with NCAA 09. No refs, but they have the audicty to add and program Mascot games but still no refs is laughable. C++ isnt hard to program. And these guys get paid to do it. So really they are just lazy, and dont have their priorities together.
April 21, 2008 at 5:41 am
I’m a huge fan of franchise mode and I’ll be very upset if Madden’s franchise isn’t on par with head coaches, if not better because I want to actually play with the franchise as well as build it.
April 21, 2008 at 7:34 am
Buffalo’s blue on blues? Yes!!! Finally! How about getting every team’s home AND aways right EA…and while I’m at it, how about throwing a team’s alternate uni in there for online use. The Bills use there baby blue 1960’s uniform about 3-4 times a year and it doesn’t sound like it’s too much to ask for variety (especially when I play online w/the same uni’s all the time)………
April 21, 2008 at 7:59 am
Go Buffalo Bills Baby!!!!
April 21, 2008 at 8:03 am
EA dropped the ball w/ adding a referee in Fight Night too. But it’s funny when you knock a guy down, outta nowhere, some ref jumps into the ring with a ten count!
NHL08- referees in game
FIFA – referees in game
APF2k- referees in game
MLB2k8- umps in game
NBA2k8- refs in game
Madden- too dificult to add refs…
April 21, 2008 at 8:04 am
Nobody circles the wagons…quite like the Buffalo Bills!!!
April 21, 2008 at 8:11 am
Were going to the playoffs this year bro!!!
April 21, 2008 at 9:27 am
[quote comment="18271"]EA dropped the ball w/ adding a referee in Fight Night too. But it’s funny when you knock a guy down, outta nowhere, some ref jumps into the ring with a ten count!
NHL08- referees in game
FIFA – referees in game
APF2k- referees in game
MLB2k8- umps in game
NBA2k8- refs in game
Madden- too dificult to add refs…[/quote]
Ironically though Madden and Fight Night are EA’s two best selling franchises. So refs, while clearly some people want them, are not seen as an important issue. Again thats not to say they shouldn’t take the time to put them in but its obvious that it isn’t a priority on their end and their omission isn’t hurting sales.
April 21, 2008 at 9:48 am
Agreed. There is no gameplay advantage or anything different that happens but it would be “cool” to have that little bit of realism re-introduced. Like the chain gang measuring a first down. Not needed, but if you saw it, you would be somewhat impressed b/c you see it on Sundays you know? When I saw refs in APF2k I forgot how much “bells and whistles” still matter. Pre-game presentation, etc.etc. Dev’s put alot of time into these games and I’m sure their jobs require them to put in more important game-selling features, but I look for the “cool-I’m glad they added that” feature….IF IT’S IN THE GAME—>IT’S IN THE GAME! Pasta please tell me which 2 new titles EA is rumored to be starting! MMA? Lacrosse??? Softball???
April 21, 2008 at 10:02 am
[quote comment="18288"]Agreed. There is no gameplay advantage or anything different that happens but it would be “cool” to have that little bit of realism re-introduced. Like the chain gang measuring a first down. Not needed, but if you saw it, you would be somewhat impressed b/c you see it on Sundays you know? When I saw refs in APF2k I forgot how much “bells and whistles” still matter. Pre-game presentation, etc.etc. Dev’s put alot of time into these games and I’m sure their jobs require them to put in more important game-selling features, but I look for the “cool-I’m glad they added that” feature….IF IT’S IN THE GAME—>IT’S IN THE GAME!
Pasta please tell me which 2 new titles EA is rumored to be starting! MMA? Lacrosse??? Softball???[/quote]
Oh I’m in agreement with everything you said.
MMA apparently yes. The second new IP I haven’t heard anything on yet.
April 21, 2008 at 10:08 am
thanks man…I love your site dude.
April 21, 2008 at 10:54 am
[quote comment="18217"]well, since madden won’t have onfeild refs or chain gangs, looks like ncaa wont have any either. Phil says it is a framerate problem. You are full of bs my friend. That is just lazy. if you can have all of these fancy weather effects and lighting, then you can have refs. That should be more important.[/quote]
“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool that to speak and remove all doubt.” – A. Lincoln
April 21, 2008 at 11:02 am
I’m fine with there not being refs on the field. My only hope is that this year the game is actually officiated.
In Madden 2008, the only calls I consistently saw were false start and encroachment. I hope to see facemasks, more authentic pass interference, more holding, ineligible receiver downfield, etc.
April 21, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Glad to hear that the uniforms should be spot on this year. Last year, Cleveland’s uni’s were way off.
April 21, 2008 at 2:11 pm
They should change the title to Glitchball 2009 instead of Madden 2009. If they cant even put a referee in
a game thats sad. Its a zebra for crying out loud.Any why players dont have towels hanging from there jersey.Like the QB towel
next gen
madden 2006, the graphics were a let down compared to the comercial. NO FRANCHISE MODE(OR ANY OTHER MODE)good sountrack.bad commentary
madden 2007, graphics better than 2006, Franchise mode sucked,cant edit player,gamplay slow, music was good,bad commentary, horrile menu interface i mean horrible it was that awful,mini camp good.
madden 2008,beter graphics,smother gameplay but horrible catching.franchise sucked, long loading times, online lame,
espn nice,but i have cable. how about adding espn in the franchise mode.drop passes,the soundtrack was the worse one
in the franchise.ozzy osborne?justin timberlink?:(
to many gameplay glitchs.
madden 2009. so far no refs in it. new commentary. to be
continued……………
April 25, 2008 at 10:50 am
I was wondering, does madden 09 come out on regular XBOX it has listed every system but the regular console. Does anyone know?