David Ortiz, the lead producer of Electronic Arts' popular Madden 08 for the Xbox 360, Wii, PSP, DS, PC and PS3 has left EA Tiburon. EA Tiburon producer Phil Frazier will head development on future Madden iterations. This may come as a surprise to most people considering the success of the recent game. To find out more on why Ortiz left EA, head on over to the full article.

Following the NPD Group's report for September, Deutsche Bank analyst Jeetil Patel believes that it may be the beginning of the end for Sony's PlayStation 2. According to the report, software sales for the console fell at a faster rate than was first seen last month.

Patel describes the PS2's decline as inevitable but it's unclear whether the decline (which came sooner than expected) was due to "consumer transition to next-gen software or weak spending patterns amongst the low-end consumer." This may be a wrench in the gears for Sony which plans to commit to the console's 10-year lifespan.

"Needless to say, with tougher comps ahead for PS2 software sales, we think that the PS2 may finally be on its way out of the industry for good" says Patel. Although software sales may be down it remains that the PS2 console continues to sell, and continues to be one of the most played consoles despite the presence of the next-gens.

The decline in software sales may be explained partially by the lack of backwards compatibility for the new PlayStation 3 consoles, which was once explained to also boost PS3 games by limiting the console to only play that format. Perhaps the backlash of the absence of backwards compatibility is that sales for PS2 games suffered.

Patel also observes the underperformance of two of Electronic Arts' franchises: NCAA 08 (PS3, Xbox 360, PS2) and Madden 08 (PC, Xbox 360, PS2, PS3, PSP, Nintendo Wii, and DS). He believes that - in the light of a very "competitive environment" with competition such as Activision, Ubisoft, Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo during the holidays - EA may introduce a price cut in November if the games continue to underperform.

Looks like Michael Pachter was right as August's results for console sales report that the Xbox 360 has surged, selling almost 100,000 more units than it did last July, over than what Pachter predicted. The NPD group also reports that the Wii still dominates the charts, and the Nintendo DS is still the more popular handheld.

All in all, the industry is bulking up. Last July console and software sales reached US$ 925.5 million, and this month it rose to US$ 933 million. A bit more and it truly will be a billion dollar industry. It's up 43% from August last year, when the industry was already strong at US$ 669 billion.

PS3 and PSP sales declined this month. PS3 sales slipped about 29,000 units in sales from last month. The PSP slipped more than 50,000 units in sales, but this is most likely in anticipation for the PSP Slim. The Wii and DS also declined a bit this month even though they're still on top.

NPD Analyst Anita Frazier describes Sony's current situation as "concerning, and the window for [Sony] turning the story around is certainly getting narrower." Here's a complete list of hardware sales this month:

• Nintendo Wii - 403,600 (4.0 million)
• Nintendo DS - 383,300 (12.7 million)
• Xbox 360 - 276,700 (6.3 million)
• PlayStation 2 - 202,000 (39.1 million)
• PlayStation Portable - 151,200 (8.3 million)
• PlayStation 3 - 130,600 (1.75 million)

Software sales are up 21% from last year, raising the bar to US$ 2.8 billion. Madden 08 ruled last August as the most popular game on both the Xbox 360 and the PS2, while the PS3 version is on fourth place. Bioshock sits comfortably on third place while Wii Play is on fifth. No DS games on Top 10 for August though.

It's that time of the year again, the time to hog your system and play Madden NFL '08 (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PSP, DS, PC). Before anyone gets nitpicky, we'll say it: this installment isn't the same as last year's. Aside from updated rosters and beefed up graphics, gameplay changed significantly for the better. The folks over at Gametrailers got themselves past the lines into EA Sports' office to squeeze out more info about the latest Madden.

Among many other features, the devs were pretty proud of improved twitch controls. With more intuitive and responsive sticks, players now have a better hold of everyone on the field. Games are now tighter than ever, thanks to the controls being tweaked near perfection.

NFL stars with special abilities called Weapons are now at the player's disposal. Animations also received major enhancements, making Madden a much more realistic and dynamic experience. For more on what to expect from the game, find Gametrailers' exclusive by clicking on the Read link below.

Today's the big day out for EA Sports' Madden NFL 08 as it busts out of stores and into a multiplatform launch for just about every console and handheld out there.

The Madden franchise is now seeing its 18th year in the market and it's stronger than ever with its next-generation graphics and features which will change the landscape of cyber sports.

The star of this year's show are new elements such as Read and React, Weapons for players and a more advanced AI than ever. EA claims that this will make for the most realistic gridiron experience ever seen in gaming.

Read and React allows gamers to quickly identify unfamiliar jerseys and find out just what they're capable of. Weapons, on the other hand, will give your team's stars the uncanny abilities that they have in real life. The system makes for explosive plays and the ability to read formations to better react against opponent strategies.

EA Sports Tiburon has been developing the franchise for almost two decades now and they're promising deeper customization features which will extend the franchise to new heights. Madden NFL is the only series today licensed by the league.

Madden NFL 08 is now available in stores everywhere for the Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Sony PSP, Nintendo DS and the PC.

Buy: [Madden NFL 08 (PS3)]
Buy: [Madden NFL 08 (Xbox 360)]
Buy: [Madden NFL 08 (Wii)]
Buy: [Madden NFL 08 (PSP)]
Buy: [Madden NFL 08 (DS)]

In just a matter of hours, EA Sports' marquee game Madden NFL 08 will debut nationwide. In line with its big release, this launch trailer was released to hype up the opening if the NFL's new cyber-season. Enjoy this:

The trailer features the rock attitude that it's been trumpeting for some months now and everything is looking meaner than ever. From the hard hits, the physics and the deep simulation features expected from members of the Madden franchise, everything looks good to go.

One of the newer features in this year's offering is the inclusion of "weapons" in the repertoire of each team's star. One of the most notable should be the "smart" weapon which allows players to read plays to make them respond better to what the other team does. The weapons can have potentially game-changing effects, so you better learn how to take advantage of them. Sleep tight: You'll be busy on the gridiron tomorrow. Madden NFL 08 is set for the Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii.

Good news for Madden fans: Electronic Arts has been true to its word regarding adding online gaming for this year's Madden NFL 08. There will be online play included aside from a megaton of mini-games available for the party console. Keep your friend codes though. EA eschewed the use of friend codes to meet and play with your friends online, but instead made their own online gaming solution, EA Nation.

As for classic offline gaming, Madden NFL 08 will play host to a big Party Mode, jampacked with about 20 brand new minigames, as well as a Trivia mode. Want to make fun of how your friends did on the minigames? Use the new Telestrator function that lets you draw on the screen and point out their boo boos to their faces.

Here are some of the new interesting minigames in store for you in Madden NFL 08:

• Kicking Combine - Do your best kick as your friends push the wind against you.
• Y.A.C. Attack - Get the most points by running as many yards as you can after catching the ball. Intercept passes if you are on defense to get points.
• Catch Ball - Catch every pass thrown your way. More consecutive catches, the higher the points.
• Route Running - Trick the coverage defenders to catch the ball. Points will be gained for catches, yards gained after the catch, and touchdowns

Interesting much? Take note that there will be about 20 new minigames, aside from the three that are making a comeback from Madden NFL 07. With online play, lots of minigames and the Telestrator to boot, Madden NFL 08 for the Nintendo Wii promises to be one of the best games this year.

   

Check out more screenshots at the Full Article!

EA Sports is taking its Madden NFL series off the cyber grass and into the real world with its "Ring of a Champion" promo in cooperation with Minnesota jeweler Jostens to award elite players a chance to get tokens that will show off their accomplishments.

Jostens has created roughly half the championship rings given out in the history of the Super Bowl. Now, players of the video game version can have the honor of wearing a ring from the same maker by accomplishing virtual achievements of cyber-athleticism. That and a little sum for the piece, of course.

Users will have to pass through three skill levels to prove that they've got game in them. Once the challenges are conquered, a code is given in order to unlock the Madden "Ring of a Champion" promo on the Jostens website. You can then choose a design you want and decide whether you want it in white or yellow gold. Those go for US$ 495, while the ones with real diamonds sell for a higher, undisclosed amount. Basic ones go for US$ 149.

Madden NFL 08 ships on August 11 for a wide array of platforms that include the Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP, Nintendo DS, and PC.

 

Just a little while earlier, Electronic Arts introduced an optional feature to allow non-gamers to easily pick up and play the game. But in a contact sport like football, knowing how to control any player in a knee-jerk reaction isn't going to roll the dice in your favor. In order to win, you'll need more than just strategy.

This is where EA Sports' Weapons system for Madden NFL 08 (for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii) comes in. Much like any other sport, positions have roles and roles are dutifully accomplished by players. But when things get a little rowdy for your tastes, the Weapon system is there to lend a helping hand.

What are Weapons? They're specialized skills that doesn't give digital statistics to complain about, but an actual endowed ability that gives some well-known personalities in the sport a level equivalent to a football superhero. Up and fresh just for your previewing pleasure, we've listed down 16 weapons here to give you a taste of what's to come in Madden NFL 08.

Accurate Kicker
Prime Example: Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis Colts
Accurate kickers hardly ever miss, plain and simple.

Big Foot Kicker
Prime Example: Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland Raiders
Big foot kickers and punters kick and punt farther than anyone in the game.

Big Hitter
Prime Example: Sean Taylor, Washington Redskins
The Hit Stick works best with big hitters and increases the chance of a fumble.
Counter: It's harder to force a fumble when the ball carrier is covering the ball.

Cannon Arm QB
Prime Example: Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers
Cannon arms throw the farthest and add the most velocity on their passes.
Counter: Shut Down Corner, Press Corner, Smart Safety, Aggressive Defense

Crushing Run Blocker
Prime Example: Jonathan Ogden, Baltimore Ravens
Crushing run blockers pancake defenders and always lead the backs to daylight.
Counter: Power move defensive lineman can negate the strength of a crushing run blocker.

Get a lowdown of 11 other weapons, plus a few statistical screenshots of the weapons featured in the game.

 

For the new generation of EA Sports titles, Electronic Arts is introducing a family-friendly control scheme that will continue Nintendo's momentum in bridging the gap of hardcore play to formerly non-gamers. And the publishing giant recently revealed Wii Family Play, an optional gameplay mode for beginner players to get them hooked into the game easily without turning off the already hardcore virtual sports fans.

Instead of occupying two hands with a Wiimote and Nunchuck setup, Wii Family Play only requires the use of the Nintendo Wii's remote. Using the wireless remote, non-proficient gamers can learn an intuitive gesture control scheme to control in-game characters and coordinate plays, all seamlessly integrated into Madden NFL 08, FIFA Soccer 08 and NBA Live 08.

How seamless, you ask? Well, it doesn't even require a change of options. If you want Wii Family Play to kick in, just unplug the Nunchuck from the Wiimote and you're officially running in the gesture mode. It even occurs on a per controller basis. So the more proficient EA Sports Wii gamer can remain comfortable with the custom advanced setup while giving first-timers a chance to join in on the fun without fumbling with the controls.

Click on Full Article for screenshots covering Wii Family Play on all three titles, plus some additional screenshots for each game.