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FIFA 13 Sets New Sales and Digital Revenue Records; EA Lays Out Release Schedule
The biggest sports video game series in the world is showing no signs of slowing down following several years in a row of breaking its own records. FIFA 13 sold nearly 15 million copies from its release late last September through the end of March. That represents a 30% increase over what FIFA 12 sold over the same period. Read more
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NBA 2K13 Second Round Roster Update
A minor roster update released today for NBA 2K13. Marc Gasol is the only player to have received a change to ratings as he rises 2 points to 85 overall. The two biggest stars of the postseason thus far, Stephen Curry and Nate Robinson, went untouched in this update. Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich, and Steve Novak hit the injured list. Those looking to recreate the final moments of the thrilling Warriors-Spurs game last night are out of luck as Kent Bazemore remains one of the many players that 2K never bothered to add to the rosters this year.
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After Months of Rumors Otherwise Next Xbox Not Expected to Require Online Connection
The most discussed topic relating to the next-generation the last few months has been whether Microsoft would debut a new Xbox that required an online connection at all times to function. Initial concerns over used games being blocked completely have subsided but an always-online console became impossible to spin as a positive as rumors surfaced and consumers displayed utter contempt for the idea. Read more
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Connected Franchise News for Madden NFL 25 Delayed Two Weeks
The first news on Connected Franchise – previously known as Connected Careers – in Madden NFL 25 had been scheduled to release today. Focus was to be on the Coach and Player paths with the Owner mode aspect getting the spotlight on May 20. Now everything related to Connected Franchise will come on that day. Word comes from Shopmaster of MyMaddenPad who had content ready to go today upon lifting of an embargo that has now moved. Read more
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First NHL 14 Pre-Order Bonuses Emerge
Two retailers have posted up the pre-order bonuses for NHL 14. Gamestop and Amazon are the first to make theirs known with others soon to follow.
It appears that every retailer will include an incentive tied to Ultimate Team mode which provides 24 gold packs over a 24 week period. Any consumers that get pulled into playing HUT that wouldn’t have otherwise, or those who will play for longer due to the packs they’ll be getting over several months, represent a net gain for EA and their money-making mode.
In addition to the Ultimate Team packs the retailers are receiving their own somewhat meager exclusive bonuses. Gamestop is offering up a Fathead while Amazon provides boosted equipment for use in Be a Pro and EASHL.
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The Line Drive for May 5
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.
•Tiger Woods 14 is back to $40 for standard edition and under $60 for Historic Edition.
•Looks like Ultimate Team will be included as a mode in NBA Live 14.
•EA Sports blog details some of the new runner moves in Madden NFL 25.
•EA Sports blog goes into the thinking behind “Run Free” in Madden NFL 25.
•EA Sports blog on “Sights and Sounds” enhancements for NCAA Football 14.
•EA Sports blog with more on the collision physics in NHL 14.
•Post on Neogaf pointing out some repeated marketing speak for NHL over the years.
•An update released for iOOTP 2013 which includes the latest rosters.
•A new tactical soccer puzzle game has released for iOS devices.
•Despite a petition push it’s now confirmed there will be no women in FIFA 14.
•The patch for Tiger Woods 14 (details here) is now out on both PS3 and 360.
•Some thoughts on frustration with the unreliable Tiger Woods Country Club website.News and content that may have been missed from the last week around the site.
•DVD/Blu-ray Releases This Week. Headlined by Jack Reacher and several TV shows.
•New Characters for The Avengers 2. Will include Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch.
•The Wolverine CinemaCon Trailer. The latest look at the July 26 release.
•Pacific Rim WonderCon Trailer. The latest look at the July 12 release.
•Netflix Announces Next Original Series. Comes from the creator of Weeds. -
Early May Update on Developments in the Player Likeness Lawsuit
It’s been a month now since last detailing the happenings related to the huge lawsuit that could shape the future of the NCAA and have lasting ramifications on sports video games. The hearing to determine whether the case will be considered class action could now be delayed by up to a month. It had been scheduled to take place on June 20. Read more
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More on Improvements to Teammate Intelligence in FIFA 14
In mid-April EA Sports announced the first features for FIFA 14 which primarily related to enhancements to gameplay along with some mentions of work done to Career mode.
Teammate intelligence was touched upon briefly with decision-making logic said to deliver “tighter, smarter marking and improved run tracking where defenders recognize opportunities to provide support and win back possession, while attacking players have new ways to outsmart their opponents by creating space for themselves.”
In a new blog released today the company has gone a bit further into the benefits of the advanced teammate AI and how it will open up the pitch for more creative offensive attacks while balancing things out with smarter defensive play.
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