-
FIFA and Madden Ultimate Team Content Will Transfer to Next-Gen Versions
Publishers releasing the same game (even if just in name as features may vary) on the current generation of systems and later on next-gen face the challenge of not just selling them individually but trying to reach as many as possible to buy twice. They’ll do that by trumpeting up the improved graphics and other new console-specific features after current-gen releases.
For EA Sports they can also offer the opportunity for Ultimate Team players to continue their progress from the earlier release through the later one rather than being forced to restart which would have been discouraging to those who invested time and money in the mode. It was announced today that FIFA 14 and Madden NFL 25 will carry over Ultimate Team content from the Xbox 360 to Xbox One and PlayStation 3 to PlayStation 4. Read more
-
First Uniform Update for NCAA Football 14 is Free and Available Now
EA Sports today rolled out the first set of updated uniforms in NCAA Football 14 which affects 20 teams. Some uniforms are those which debut this upcoming season and others were missing after being worn last year. The pack of uniforms is available now on both the Xbox 360 (which can be queued up to download here) and PS3 for free.
The schools included in this update are Arizona, Baylor, Bowling Green, California, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Idaho, Maryland, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Ohio, Oregon State, Southern Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas A&M, UCLA, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. EA’s blog post lays out every uniform piece that is being delivered.
The next uniform update is expected to arrive in August. Whether they will continue to be free, or start being charged for, is still unclear.
-
More About Online Seasons in Madden NFL 25 Ultimate Team Mode
EA Sports today released additional details on the Seasons feature within Madden NFL 25’s Ultimate Team mode. Similar to those found in NCAA Football and FIFA’s Ultimate Team offerings and being introduced this year in Madden, the Online Seasons offer 10 game stretches followed by playoffs for the right to move on to the next level. There will also be bonus coins provided for competing in Seasons. Read more
-
Detailed AI Improvements for NHL 14
Late last week EA Sports rolled out new details on “Hockey IQ” for NHL 14. Work has been done to improve the offensive, defensive, special teams, and line change AI. Read more
-
New Features Detailed for FIFA 14 Ultimate Team Mode
EA Sports today announced the improvements and additions coming to Ultimate Team mode in FIFA 14. Those include a deeper chemistry system, one-off online matches, expanded Seasons mode, player loyalty factor, and squad customization. Read more
-
The Line Drive for July 21
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.
♦NCAA Football 14 can be had for $51 on both 360 and PS3.
♦GMC has signed a deal to have their vehicles featured in Madden NFL 25.
♦The complete list of achievements for Madden NFL 25 is out.
♦The first set of uniform additions for NCAA Football 14 may come on Tuesday.
♦The Gaming Tailgate details the NCAA 14 Ultimate Team solo challenges of the week.
♦EA Sports explains how to unlock Heisman winners in NCAA 14 Ultimate Team.
♦New players to NCAA 14 include Ricky Williams and Sean Taylor in Ultimate Team.
♦Gareth Bale will share the cover of FIFA 14 in the UK with Lionel Messi.
♦Bonus pucks will be awarded in NHL 14 Ultimate Team based on time spent in NHL 13.
♦Though leaked earlier The Ultimate Warrior is the pre-order incentive for WWE 2K14.
♦2K Sports laid out some gameplay improvements being made for WWE 2K14.
♦Forza 5 will require a one-time online connection in order to function/receive content.
♦PES 2014 will use Havok physics, animation, and cloth tech.
♦Check out a very cool image showing what pitches look like on the way to the plate.
♦In shocking news Oregon has a new football uniform to debut this season.News and content that may have been missed from the last week around the site.
♦Trance and Welcome to the Punch are only significant DVD/Blu-ray releases this week.
♦2013 Emmy Nominations Announced. HBO and Netflix get strong support.
♦The Dark Knight Trilogy Ultimate Collector’s Edition. Details and release date.
♦Comic-Con: Veronica Mars First Look/Movie Trailer.
♦Comic-Con: The Walking Dead Season Four Trailer.
♦Comic-Con: Theatrical Trailer for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
♦Comic-Con: The Avengers: Age of Ultron made official.
♦Comic-Con: Man of Steel Sequel Teams Up Superman and Batman. -
Now Schools Will Decide Whether To Risk Involvement in Video Games
A funny thing happened when the NCAA made public the decision to no longer support video games with official branding – individual institutions who had stayed out of the fray took note that their own exposure to potential litigation was something to consider going forward. Some may already have walked away from associating with video games. Read more
-
Press Row Podcast: Episode 31
The latest Press Row Podcast is an epic one featuring a lengthy discussion on the NCAA’s decision to no longer provide a license for video games and what the fallout could be for EA Sports. Also included are some thoughts on WWE 2K14 following a recent media event and quick assessments of the best and worst things about NCAA Football 14.
Check out the podcast through iTunes and now on Android with the Stitcher app or through the embedded player at Operation Sports. As always leave any feedback on the show or topics to discuss for future ones in the comments!
by