Online Dynasty Disaster
by 
Online Dynasty in NCAA Football 09 was shaping up to be to be one of, if not the best new feature in a sports game in years. It had a true next-gen feel to it and into just the first week of the feature it had rejuvenated my interest in playing games against the CPU. The ability to have most of the games against the CPU offered the flexibility to progress a dynasty smoothly (unlike online leagues) while keeping the interactivity of having other users involved made it an exciting proposition.
Unfortunately the biggest feature for the game doesn’t appear to work right, as numerous reports of different things happening to wreck dynasties have been reported. That is the case with the Pastapadre Online Dynasty, which before week one could even be completed has seen an early death. I can no longer load into the dynasty as it just bumps me back to the main menu, and looking at the settings from the outside shows completely inaccurate settings and sliders.
Needless to say this is one of the most frustrating developments I’ve ever experienced when it comes to sports gaming. Previous years have brought terrible online performance though that was corrected with 09. Now the most anticipated and hyped feature doesn’t function correctly. And for those that haven’t had problems yet they’ll have to face anxiety each time they load it up. Not exactly the experience that was promised.
Along with the Online Dynasty problems there are a few other areas of concern, though minor in comparison. The Weather Channel feature hasn’t seemed to function since day one and the uploading of screenshots lately have not been working (though videos remain fine for whatever reason).
At this point even a patch can’t salvage the damage that has been done. I have little interest in restarting a dynasty from scratch. A few days ago I stated how enjoyable the game and new features were and how that would keep me playing through the release of Madden 09. Now it looks as though that won’t be happening.
I’m truely crushed by this development. I’m not sure where to go from here.
July 21, 2008 at 11:46 am
Now the real question is if you should buy Madden…
July 21, 2008 at 11:47 am
I don’t know where I read it at, but someone theorized that if the roster file was faulty or if members made appearance edits to their players, it would corrupt the OD.
My OD has worked just fine. We are using a partially named roster file and no one has made appearance edits to players.
July 21, 2008 at 11:51 am
[quote comment="29578"]I don’t know where I read it at, but someone theorized that if the roster file was faulty or if members made appearance edits to their players, it would corrupt the OD.
My OD has worked just fine. We are using a partially named roster file and no one has made appearance edits to players.[/quote]
I think the point is why should anyone have to half ass theirselves on all the options that are suppose to be available to you just to get the game to work? There isn’t any acceptable reason as to why anyone should have to troubleshoot a game that you purchased for your enjoyment in order to get any enjoyment. That’s like buying a brand new car but you can’t drive over 40mph or it’ll cut off so you have to scacrifrice. It just isn’t acceptable!
July 21, 2008 at 11:52 am
I thought the field was supposed to be degradable this year? What happened with that? Sounds like a lot of false advirtising from EA to me.
July 21, 2008 at 11:52 am
LOL…whats with all the car metaphors? I totally agree though.
July 21, 2008 at 11:53 am
[quote comment="29563"][quote comment="29561"]Oh…and I agree with Zack. The car still drives…even though flying would be much awesomer <—yes that’s a word.[/quote]
I’m done with you ppl. You guys just dont understand business and marketing. EA can do no wrong in your eyes. You’re not suppose to “settle” for imperfections when you are promised something else. Geesh…[/quote]
We aren’t saying that the online dynasty is acceptable but the rest of the game is still fun. You can still play online games, it’s not like the entire online feature is down. Plus the game plays great in terms of what really matters which is gameplay, it’s the best football gameplay to date. So we just have to get over the fact that online dynasty doesn’t work, does that suck? OF COURSE! But I think we need to look at the bigger picture which is EA finally got a great playing football game out. It was the first time anyone tested an online dynasty, there were bound to be some problems. This is only the first step and it will continue to get better from here on out. Until next year I say we all enjoy what is a very fun football game to play. Again I’m not saying that this is acceptable but we just have to move on and try to focus on the possitive.
July 21, 2008 at 11:53 am
I guess this may be the reason that the EAsports online dynasty journal on their site never made it into publication past the first week?
July 21, 2008 at 11:54 am
These games are being rushed. They aren’t thoroughly testing anything. They have community events when the product is done. They need to just put the demo up in January and allow all the consumers to be beta testers instead of a controlled group of people who may not even care what they’re playing as long as they get a check!
July 21, 2008 at 11:57 am
[quote comment="29582"][quote comment="29563"][quote comment="29561"]Oh…and I agree with Zack. The car still drives…even though flying would be much awesomer <—yes that’s a word.[/quote]
I’m done with you ppl. You guys just dont understand business and marketing. EA can do no wrong in your eyes. You’re not suppose to “settle” for imperfections when you are promised something else. Geesh…[/quote]
We aren’t saying that the online dynasty is acceptable but the rest of the game is still fun. You can still play online games, it’s not like the entire online feature is down. Plus the game plays great in terms of what really matters which is gameplay, it’s the best football gameplay to date. So we just have to get over the fact that online dynasty doesn’t work, does that suck? OF COURSE! But I think we need to look at the bigger picture which is EA finally got a great playing football game out. It was the first time anyone tested an online dynasty, there were bound to be some problems. This is only the first step and it will continue to get better from here on out. Until next year I say we all enjoy what is a very fun football game to play. Again I’m not saying that this is acceptable but we just have to move on and try to focus on the possitive.[/quote]
I understand your perspective but if the game was free then I would definitely cosign. Because people are paying for this you can’t expect people to just sit and be happy with what they get. Especially when they were being told what was new and implemented only to buy it and its broken. Its kind of a slap in the face.
July 21, 2008 at 11:57 am
EA has to address this. It’s on the back of the box. They have to get to the bottom of it and make it work. The issue seems server related as it’s something that happens when in working with the server. It’s not like the games are ending and all out of whack.
If they don’t fix this, EA Sports will be given yet another digital black eye.
July 21, 2008 at 11:57 am
Umm…Madden nation 1. I’m kind of confused on your stance. I’m saying exactly what you just said. Maybe you misunderstood me.
July 21, 2008 at 11:59 am
Nevermind…I’m confusing myself right now.
July 21, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Same has happened to my dynasty. My friend and I got to week 7 before it crashed. We had it on 3 minutes and Varsity to get a feel for the game and now it says All American 5 minutes and 8 guys that are neither myself nor my friend. Worst part is that I also was the commish of it so now I’m stuck with an online dynasty that I can’t even take part in. Needless to say, I’m not very happy about the situation.
July 21, 2008 at 12:07 pm
SquiFi, that sounds very similar to what happened to 2K Sports when they first put out leagues with trades. Trades were happening on teams that weren’t even done. People made trades and they’d show up in other leagues.
It must be something with relating the information to the server, which I would think is fixable.
July 21, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I luv how people are saying ohh well time for madden… Im not bashing but over the past years EA has dissapointed on every game I’ve bought. And now with the ‘09 series they screwed up the first one with NCAA, what makes people think Madden is going to be any different. Last years Madden IMO was horrible seeing as how I’m a franchise guy. And I’ve completely lost faith in EA, yea Madden will be great for the first hour but when you calm down and try to enjoy the game as a whole I bet you’ll notice bugs and glitchces that make the game unplayable. That’s why this year I rent each game for a $1 a day for about 3 days so I dont have to surrender $60 to EA. I’m just venting because the reason I got a next gen system is because I’m a huge sports gamer other games really don’t spark my interest execpt for a couple… yet the only game I actually like to play is nba2k8 (can’t wait for 09) and even that game has some bugs but its actually playable. I HOPE EA proves me wrong with Madden ‘09 and makes me eat my words.
July 21, 2008 at 12:16 pm
[quote comment="29585"][quote comment="29582"][quote comment="29563"][quote comment="29561"]Oh…and I agree with Zack. The car still drives…even though flying would be much awesomer <—yes that’s a word.[/quote]
I’m done with you ppl. You guys just dont understand business and marketing. EA can do no wrong in your eyes. You’re not suppose to “settle” for imperfections when you are promised something else. Geesh…[/quote]
We aren’t saying that the online dynasty is acceptable but the rest of the game is still fun. You can still play online games, it’s not like the entire online feature is down. Plus the game plays great in terms of what really matters which is gameplay, it’s the best football gameplay to date. So we just have to get over the fact that online dynasty doesn’t work, does that suck? OF COURSE! But I think we need to look at the bigger picture which is EA finally got a great playing football game out. It was the first time anyone tested an online dynasty, there were bound to be some problems. This is only the first step and it will continue to get better from here on out. Until next year I say we all enjoy what is a very fun football game to play. Again I’m not saying that this is acceptable but we just have to move on and try to focus on the possitive.[/quote]
I understand your perspective but if the game was free then I would definitely cosign. Because people are paying for this you can’t expect people to just sit and be happy with what they get. Especially when they were being told what was new and implemented only to buy it and its broken. Its kind of a slap in the face.[/quote]
Thank you. Finally someone who understands the value of a hard earned dollar. I pay for what I am promised. If it doesnt work, why can’t I explain my frustrations. If you order a hamburger at McDonalds but get a chicken sandwich instead, will you say “Of well at least I have food…duh” NO. You’re going to go in and tell the manager your order was incorrect. So I’m telling EA, you sold me something that does not work, FIX IT.
July 21, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I hope Madden is good as well but if you look at the history…your guess is as good as mine!
July 21, 2008 at 12:21 pm
[quote comment="29571"][quote comment="29563"][quote comment="29561"]Oh…and I agree with Zack. The car still drives…even though flying would be much awesomer <—yes that’s a word.[/quote]
I’m done with you ppl. You guys just dont understand business and marketing. EA can do no wrong in your eyes. You’re not suppose to “settle” for imperfections when you are promised something else. Geesh…[/quote]
Why are you so angry? Gracious!!!! Is the game not fun at all to you, or are you just looking for something to complain about. I spent my hard earned money on the game, and yes it isn’t perfect, but it’s better than any football game I’ve played in years.
Implying that the people that read this board are ignorant about marketing is irrelevant. You’re just trying to make yourself feel smarter than everyone else, which is kinda sad.
There are 2 types of people in this world, those that complain, and those that don’t.[/quote]
Acutally if you ever meet me, I am the most forgiving person you will probably ever meet. I just dont like it when people aren’t doing their jobs. Have you ever heard of a company recalling an product because of defects? Well EA should bite the bullet and either recall this game back or give users a refund. Because a major new feature of their game is not working.
I’m not trying to make myself sound smart.. I am. I hold a business management degree so I know what I am talking about. It’s just not good business..
July 21, 2008 at 12:29 pm
You have to be ready for things like this to happen though. When you’re dealing with technology things will F up. Since, like you said, they did promote this as a major new feature you have to assume that they have people working on it.
Yes they should have had this fixed and ready before the game came out but you nor I know what really goes on behind the scenes.
July 21, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I am the biggest EA fan and even I have lost most if not all my faith ing EA. They clarely do not test their games. They could show me the pay stubs to there testers and I will still refuse to believe.
We found this stuff out in 1-2 days, how can their testers not?
EA NEEDS TO PAY PEOPLE TO TEST THEIR GAMES BEFORE RELEASE!
Its that simple!
July 21, 2008 at 1:10 pm
i have a dynasty and like 20 people in it and have no problems………..yet
July 21, 2008 at 1:11 pm
interesting since online dyansty is limited to 12 teams. lol
July 21, 2008 at 1:21 pm
[quote comment="29581"]LOL…whats with all the car metaphors? I totally agree though.[/quote]
fine, how bout this: EA is like a weed dealer and they tell you they’ve got some good sh.. coming in and you buy it and it completely sucks (07&08). But then if you live in Oklahoma like me (as in – no competition – ala EA) and you have to go back the next week (year) and buy some from him again (09) b/c there’s no where else to go and he tells you its really good this time. thats ea.
I’m still really enjoying this game but my online dynasty doesn’t start this week so I guess we’ll see.
July 21, 2008 at 1:23 pm
[quote comment="29599"]I am the biggest EA fan and even I have lost most if not all my faith ing EA. They clarely do not test their games. They could show me the pay stubs to there testers and I will still refuse to believe.
We found this stuff out in 1-2 days, how can their testers not?
EA NEEDS TO PAY PEOPLE TO TEST THEIR GAMES BEFORE RELEASE!
Its that simple![/quote]
I totally agree. My whole gaming life has basically revolved around ea games but I’ve lost my faith as well. There’s nothing else to add b/c you said it all: they simply don’t test their games.
July 21, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Those of you that say we can look forward to Madden obviously aren’t fast learners. If you think Madden won’t be buggy and have major issues, you are kidding yourself.
July 21, 2008 at 1:37 pm
I think the most ridiculous part of it is look at how many responses have already been posted.. with everyone experiencing the same difficulty.. there had to have been some way that EA could have checked this first.. just laziness on their part.. and even if they didnt anticipate it.. why was there not a patch out at the VERY LATEST… 5 days after release.. we’re already 6 days after the release.. are they just ignoring it bc they know no one else can buy an ncaa football game anywhere. i love this series always have but this year i finally started to second guess it.
July 21, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Go to Operation Sports, there are like 20,000 hits on a lot of threads!
July 21, 2008 at 1:41 pm
One even has closer to 100,000
July 21, 2008 at 1:41 pm
two questions…..
1) does any1 know any reliable EA Locker names for me to D/L NCAA rosters?
2) where can I D/L NFL rosters for NFL2K5??? Is it only available from Action Replay b/c I didn’t think that the 360 was compatible w/Action Replay…
July 21, 2008 at 1:42 pm
“I fought and fought with EA over the Merge error fix for 3 years straight and they never fixed that feature. ”
Same here man. To this day none of the EA guys will even answer a question about the merge error. They’ll be on the boards posting away. As soon as I ask a legit question about the merge thing they go silent. If it wasn’t so frustrating it would actually be comical. Like little turtles that hide under their shells when the bullets start flying.
July 21, 2008 at 1:48 pm
You know what is funny,,,,,look at the NCAA 09 forum over at xbox.com and they are just as happy and content as can be. They dont even think there is a problem with this game!
July 21, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Wow, this is a amazing, i thought there was a minor problem, but jeez this is getting out of hand it looks like. Well my buddy and I have an online dynasty going (I’m commish) and were into week 9, the only problem that we have had is when i go to upload my dynasty it sometimes saids the Dynasty Servers are down thats it. All the stats are correct (scores, individual stats, rankings, etc;) I think to proceed correctly week by week is that each individual user has to check off ” set ready to advance” in the Dynasty Headquarters section. We are having an awsome time playing out the Dynasty, its just sad that not everyone else is. Hopefully there is patch here soon, hey EA before you wow us with an awsome feature like this please test it over 100 times with max amount of users before you release the game, its sad enough that people only have one choice for license football.
July 21, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I play APF 2K8 and have been a fan of 2K sports for a long time. I am not a 2K fan boy but I am a game play Fan Boy. I get Madden every year with hopes that the player movements are more fluid and realistic, Better online support, Online Leagues like 2K Sports, and a better game in general. I looked at the ratings of the players in Madden 2009 and if that is any indication how unreal it will be I will be returning the game the same week I get it. When I see Tom Brady with the Strongest Arm in the game, Earl Campbell with 98 speed while Gale Sayers has 94 speed LOL. I know Brady has a strong arm but he does not have the strongest arm in the game. Just 2 things I saw that I wasn’t excited about. I have the game already bought and will hope it will be better than APF or and of the previous Madden games. I Run many leagues on APF and I am looking forward to it on madden if the game is any good.
July 21, 2008 at 1:59 pm
I think Madden will be strong this year….but there is just something about NCAA that makes me want to play it longer!
July 21, 2008 at 2:09 pm
[quote comment="29603"]interesting since online dyansty is limited to 12 teams. lol[/quote]
lol u know what i mean
July 21, 2008 at 2:18 pm
[quote comment="29564"]Typical EA Sports BS. This is what happens when you give a company a monopoly on the video game rights to all of college and pro football. Pre-patched Madden was so bad last year that I went out and picked up ESPN NFL 2k5 for 2 bucks, downloaded a couple rosters, and was converted (I wasn’t a fan of 2k5 when it came out). I still love NCAA football, but I rented 09 rather than buying it, and I don’t anticipate buying 09 until the price plummets when 10 comes out. I don’t care about being a year behind – NCAA 08 was a very good game I thought and I had high expectations for 09. Shame on me for holding high expectations from EA Sports. I’m pretty certain I won’t be buying Madden this year, for a number of reasons – the only thing this year’s version have as an improvement over last year is that it’s playable out of the box instead of waiting 6 months for a patch, though, I never surprised anymore at how bad EA can fumble a franchise that set the golden standard for so many years.[/quote]
Hey…where did you get your Rosters for 2K5 from because that is my fav Football game of all time…in terms of presentation and franchise play
July 21, 2008 at 2:34 pm
wow thats ridiculous. I dont have an online dynasty yet and probably wont even start one. There are some great features in the game but still EA jobbed us again. Every year the same crap. Either EA needs to fix these problems or they should give up their rights to these sports. pitiful.
July 21, 2008 at 2:37 pm
[quote comment="29597"]You have to be ready for things like this to happen though. When you’re dealing with technology things will F up. Since, like you said, they did promote this as a major new feature you have to assume that they have people working on it.
Yes they should have had this fixed and ready before the game came out but you nor I know what really goes on behind the scenes.[/quote]
What about the field being degradable or progressive lighting? Are they working on that too? We were told that this would be in the game and it isn’t.
July 21, 2008 at 2:37 pm
WHY AM I NOT SUPRISED
July 21, 2008 at 2:45 pm
[quote comment="29621"]
Hey…where did you get your Rosters for 2K5 from because that is my fav Football game of all time…in terms of presentation and franchise play[/quote]
nfl2k5rosters.com has a number of them, and the ESPN NFL 2k5 section of the forums at operationsports.com – there are also guides on how to transfer the roster files to your xbox/xbox 360 on both those sites. Enjoy.
July 21, 2008 at 2:48 pm
You mean EA is having problems with their sports games again this year? No way…I never saw THAT coming. Big surprise, EA blowing it again this year…
July 21, 2008 at 2:57 pm
NCAA and Madden suck online, bottom line.
July 21, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Thanks Mauler34!!!
July 21, 2008 at 3:23 pm
this game freezes too much too. I just had 7 TDs with my RB in dynasty and it froze after the game before i got to save it.
July 21, 2008 at 3:27 pm
this game is a complete disaster running is so hard and you cant play the pass on defense no sacks or pressure on the qb,the kick returner always taking it back to the 45 and just like knight said it froze after a game damn im done with ea im not getting another game from them
July 21, 2008 at 3:44 pm
[quote comment="29624"][quote comment="29597"]You have to be ready for things like this to happen though. When you’re dealing with technology things will F up. Since, like you said, they did promote this as a major new feature you have to assume that they have people working on it.
Yes they should have had this fixed and ready before the game came out but you nor I know what really goes on behind the scenes.[/quote]
What about the field being degradable or progressive lighting? Are they working on that too? We were told that this would be in the game and it isn’t.[/quote]
Did they announce that for NCAA or MADDEN?
July 21, 2008 at 3:44 pm
this is going to affect sales for EA I bet
July 21, 2008 at 3:52 pm
I’m going to check my online dynasty. We are still in the preseason, but whatever. I still want to see if it is working fine.
I’m going to get NFL 2K5 tomorrow. I’ve got the 23rd to the 30th off, so I’m going to buy some old games and relive the days when video game companies cared about the customer.
I am crushed that there will not be a College Hoops 2K9. 2K knows how to make a game. Maybe my standards are just to high. Ah well.
July 21, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Jus another case of EA creating new features and their full of glitches lmao Madden will b the same way. Jus like NBA LIVE. EA jus doesnt care enuff 2 thoroughly test their games cu they know people will buy them ne ways.
July 21, 2008 at 4:03 pm
even though this doesnt concern ncaa ever since the nfl license belonged to ea they have never made another good madden i mean think about it 05 was the best madden and never had been saisfied since….. yet im a die hard ea fan and ive lost all hope ea cant keep us waiting year after year for a game there is only one moire ea game i will ever touch and thats fight night ea is just losing fans every year and ea has really messed up and it really sucks to see a one time big license start spiriling into the ground