Upcoming NCAA Football 13 Title Update Details *UPDATE*

[JBHuskers]

http://web-vassets.ea.com/Assets/Resources/Image/NewsArticle/6192012-NCAA13-PatchUpdate-Blogheader_656x369.jpg?cb=1342703828 NCAA Football 13 Lead Producer Jason French has released details on two patches. The first will drop on July 31st, and the second near the end of August.


Game Update #1 is now available for X-Box 360 and PS3 users. If connected to XBL/PSN, simply starting the game will automatically prompt you to download the update.


UPDATE 8/1 - A Tuner Pack has been released for both 360 and PS3 users. If connected to XBL/PSN, you'll be prompted if you would like to download it. In order to play any online games (Play Now or Online Dynasty), you'll be required to have this update. Details below.


Be sure to let us know any feedback regarding either the Title Update or the Tuner Pack.


UPDATE 8/1 - Tuner Pack info via @EANCAAFootball (https://twitter.com/EANCAAFootball/status/230796553919533057)
The latest #NCAAFootball13 tuner update is now available on the Xbox 360 and PS3. The rate that you earn/lose coach trust points in Road to Glory has been adjusted in the tuner update. The tuner update also addresses the way LBs react to option plays in #NCAAFootball13.



Title Update Information


Hello NCAA Football fans, I'm Jason French, lead producer for NCAA Football 13. I'm here to give you some information on the post-release updates that we are currently working on.


Once the game was released, we started watching the forums and talking to our EA SPORTS Game Changers community to see what areas needed to be addressed. It came to our attention that there were two big issues that we were facing with the game and I commissioned a quick title update in order to get those two issues fixed as soon as possible. The first issue was a loss of functionality on the Playcall screen, which created a situation where you couldn't change the formation without pausing the game. The second issue was a random crash in our Dynasty mode while loading into a Dynasty game. Once we became aware of these issues, we got fixes in and submitted a title update to Microsoft and Sony. The first title update in order to fix these two issues will be released on July 31st.


There is a work-around for the Dynasty crash until the patch is released. If you run into the crash loading in to game, you need to resave your dynasty file. You can do this by renaming your dynasty or making a change and triggering the auto-save feature. When you do this, it will optimize the file and you can continue playing.


We've taken a little more time for our second update, which should be released by Sony and Microsoft by the end of August.


We will be addressing the following issues that we have seen from our telemetry and heard about from our community:


Gameplay

•Zone Defense has been updated.
•We improved receiver leverage logic as well as predicting when a receiver will be in or out of their zone.
•Improved Deep Half Zone decision making about when to split between uncovered receivers. Also, allow more zone overlapping in deep half to cover more area.
•Deep half defenders were dropping too close to the sideline or dropping outside when no receiver was outside of their position.
•No-Huddle QB Spy bug fixed. Defenders will no longer go into spy assignments while in man coverage.
•Receivers weren’t looking for hot-read passes.
•CPU QBs passing during the drop would get set passes instead of on-the-run inaccurate passes.
•Change the logic of man defenders so they don't run into the backfield and past the receiver they are covering.
•Route running near sideline was causing issues especially on comeback routes.
•Fixed players not respecting global show blitz/press/back off coverage after handing off a receiver.
•Fixed sideline streak routes so they don't get clamped in a way that the route would end after 10 or 15 yards.
•Drive summaries should now reset after each scoring drive.


Dynasty

•Once a promise becomes active, it was duplicating after each week advance.
•Recruit Reports & Advisory options remained even after the "Allow Time Savers" setting was turned off.
•Schools with a D+ Program Tradition could not get their grade increased through wins and championships.
•In the off-season, post season games were not shown to have been played.


Custom Playbooks


•Fixed an issue where if CPU coaches were given a custom playbook, the players were occasionally lining up close to the ball.
•Fixed an issue where the user was unable to create an offensive playbook that consisted of 1 of every formation.
•Fixed an issue where the user was sometimes losing functionality after the UI disappears in Custom Playbooks.
•Increased the stability of the product by fixing various crashes.


In addition, we will be adding a "Uniform Store" to the game. In the past, we have had a cut off of mid-April for uniform submissions from schools in order to get them onto our disc in time. Sometimes those came in after the deadline and we would have to wait until the following year in order to get those default uniforms in. The "Uniform Store" will allow us to give you updated uniforms during the season. If it's an update to a team's default uniform, you will get those uniforms at no additional charge, via download in the store if and when available.


After these title updates are released, we will continue to monitor forums and look at our internal telemetry to see if there are additional updates we should release. The NCAA Football Development Team is committed to releasing a fun and stable product for all of its fans.

[CLW]

Time will tell if Patch #2 opens up another can of worms but it sounds decent. However, unless I missed it no word on fixing the defender standing there and doing nothing on option runs and the "stumble" animation on deep throws?

[souljahbill]

Nothing about blocking logic. :(

[beartide06]

These sound pretty good, but like CLW, I hope it doesn't effect other areas negatively. Also, I know they have priorities, but it seems there are a few things not included in the patches: DT's being un-drafted, "slow-mo" player glitch, "dead-arm" glitch, etc. Obviously these are not as important as some of the other areas, just didn't notice any announced adjustments to those items. And, they may not be called a "glitch" specifically, but they were some noticeable issues I came across. In fact, the "slow-mo" player, caused a few off-sides penalties for me when the CPU ran the no-huddle. Overall, the fixes will be welcome if they are implemented correctly.

[ryby6969]

Nothing about blocking logic. :(

I second this! :(

[PeteyKirch]

Nothing about white uniforms not getting dirty properly.

:(

[Harpstar]

I have experienced game freezes in both NCAA 12 and 13. I just had my first 13 freeze during halftime of a dynasty game. Incredibly frustrating as I have to shut and restart my Xbox.

[Sinister]

I would hope a tuner is coming out to fix blocking user catch both sides of the ball and counter glitch

[I OU a Beatn]

Patch #2 will either fix the game enough that it's relatively playable online, or it'll fuck it up to the point that it's completely unplayable. When I see them messing with zone coverage logic in patches, especially with EA's history, that just scares the hell out of me. But, unfortunately, it definitely needs to be tweaked. Let's hope they correct it and don't mess it up even more.

[JeffHCross]

I'm hoping at least one tuner set is coming out that will address additional issues beyond what's listed here.

[AustinWolv]

What a jinx......I hadn't have the dynasty load game freeze until reading this thread yesterday and then it happened last night. LOL.

[jaymo76]

"In addition, we will be adding a "Uniform Store" to the game. In the past, we have had a cut off of mid-April for uniform submissions from schools in order to get them onto our disc in time. Sometimes those came in after the deadline and we would have to wait until the following year in order to get those default uniforms in. The "Uniform Store" will allow us to give you updated uniforms during the season. If it's an update to a team's default uniform, you will get those uniforms at no additional charge, via download in the store if and when available."

The sinister side of me thinks that uniform STORE will give us any new defaults and offer up a lot of PAID CONTENT for other choices. Why else would they call it a store and mention specifically DEFAULT uniforms? I could easily see selling of alts, historical uniforms, etc.

[gschwendt]

The sinister side of me thinks that uniform STORE will give us any new defaults and offer up a lot of PAID CONTENT for other choices. Why else would they call it a store and mention specifically DEFAULT uniforms? I could easily see selling of alts, historical uniforms, etc.
Considering those uniforms weren't ever available post-release in the past, I don't see anything wrong with charging a small fee. That and similar to how MUT has taken off for Madden, I can only see it being an added benefit for both the end-user and EA. If you don't want them, don't buy them; the majority of them would likely be available in the following year's game. You have uniform nuts that want every change made available to them, what better way to do it than to make money off of their obsession?

[Cane305]

Anyone know if these changes will effect online dynasty? Example last years "updates" you had to restart the dynasty for the changes to take place...

[GatorBait06NC]

They add a "uniform store" but Florida cannot get it's correct team color fixed to Orange. That better be fixed!!!

[JeffHCross]

They add a "uniform store" but Florida cannot get it's correct team color fixed to Orange. That better be fixed!!!If I had to guess, they probably disagree with you that the default should be Orange. I know you want it to be Orange (primarily for the shoe color, if memory serves), but I would guess this isn't seen as a "bug".

Now, there are some other uniform-related things that I would hope would get fixed before this "uniform store" gets added (or fixed via it, at least), so we can agree on that, at least ...

[Jayrah]

Sick of pressing the "tackle" button and diving right past the runner. I am supposed to be tackling the guy, not diving at him!!!!!! Please include this as a priority in whatever your next title date is EA! :fp:

[SCClassof93]

Nothing about blocking logic. :(

Exactly what I thought, but hey at least we can get more detail on socks and stuff.........

[AustinWolv]

There is a work-around for the Dynasty crash until the patch is released. If you run into the crash loading in to game, you need to resave your dynasty file. You can do this by renaming your dynasty or making a change and triggering the auto-save feature. When you do this, it will optimize the file and you can continue playing.
Ok, what is this bullshit now? Getting this freezing yet again and the auto-save workaround doesn't work, although it did the first time I had to use it last week.
Backing up the file with a new name doesn't work either. Freeze after freeze.

Unlike some people who have launched hate on this game, I'm enjoying this year's game despite the shortcomings. Check that.....I was enjoying the game quite a bit, especially with the Heisman sliders I've been using recently.....excellent games. But the fact of not being able to play a dynasty game due to this failure is ridiculous, as a foundation feature of the game. Can't even play the game, nevermind the messed-up blocking or whatever else people have complained about. The game itself doesn't even work!

[cdj]

Game Update #1 now available on game start-up for both PS3 and X-Box 360 users. Just fire up the game and you will be prompted to download it.

It is 31 MB for PS3, 2 MB for 360.

[hawkeyeguy]

*Crossing fingers this doesn't hose up our current dynasty*

[souljahbill]

And we're 100% sure that it only fixes freezes, correct?

[TheMacAttack]

Does anyone know when exactly the uniform store will be up and running? I don't mind paying for the extra uniforms but it should be only like 25 cents or less for a uniform. Anything more would be absurd.

[souljahbill]

Does anyone know when exactly the uniform store will be up and running? I don't mind paying for the extra uniforms but it should be only like 25 cents or less for a uniform. Anything more would be absurd.

Patch #2 and I don't think anything can sell for less then a $1 on the PSN/XBL stores. Don't quote me on that though. Don't be surprised if unis are sold in packs cause I could see EA doing that to make you spend more just to get the 1 uni you want.

[gschwendt]

Does anyone know when exactly the uniform store will be up and running? I don't mind paying for the extra uniforms but it should be only like 25 cents or less for a uniform. Anything more would be absurd.
As souljahbill said, it will be available with Patch #2 near the end of August. As well, based on last week's podcast (http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5511-EA-SPORTS-NCAA-Football-13-Podcast-The-Podcast-Dynasty-Begins!&p=155555&viewfull=1#post155555), they'll be sold in "packs" so I would be willing to bet that multiple uniforms will be packaged together to be sold. No idea on pricing or how they might package them.

[hawkeyeguy]

Thoughts on the new patch?

[jaymo76]

Thoughts on the new patch?

It solves the freezing issue, nothing more. The big update is at the end of August.

[SmoothPancakes]

It solves the freezing issue, nothing more. The big update is at the end of August.

Does it actually solve it, and completely solve it? So I could start my dynasty if I truly wanted to instead of waiting for the August patch?

[gschwendt]

Does it actually solve it, and completely solve it? So I could start my dynasty if I truly wanted to instead of waiting for the August patch?
I think only time will tell for sure but so far I haven't seen any complaints about freezing in the limited time it's been out.

[souljahbill]

Does it actually solve it, and completely solve it? So I could start my dynasty if I truly wanted to instead of waiting for the August patch?

I thought you were waiting to start your dynasty because of gameplay issues, not freezing.

[SmoothPancakes]

I thought you were waiting to start your dynasty because of gameplay issues, not freezing.

I was holding off at first because of gameplay issues, but then it become mostly due to all the reports of dynasties freezing and people having to abandon them because they couldn't even get the dynasty to load, much less do anything in it.

I'm just trying to decide if I really want to wait until late August. HS Football starts up then, which means my Fridays and Saturdays are completely eliminated due to an increase in work hours, and then come the end of October, we jump into our campaigns at work, which are basically 6am to 6-9pm every week day from the last weekend of October through mid-December, HS basketball starting in late November through mid-February with that taking up 3-4 nights a week. And add in college football and NFL which means my entire Saturday and Sunday are lost every weekend from September through January. I'm lucky if I spend even 5 hours total a week on my 360 from late October through Christmas/New Year.

[gigemaggs99]

I did notice and please someone correct me if I'm wrong, but my buddy and I have been having a hard time w/ the truck stick and the stiff arm. Well since applying the patch, again the X doesn't seem to do a thing as far as the Stiff Arm goes but now if I hold L2 prior to contact the HB will stiff arm like BO JACKSON. I'm messing around now on the practice field with Zac Line and SMU and if I time the L2 press correctly he takes on the defense like a BEAST. It's actually pretty neat. I'm sure in a game it would cause a big fumbling hazard but it's neat to be able to STIFF ARM guys like a freak show :))

[Tgross22]

I wish you guys will update and allow draft classes into Madden 13!!

[gschwendt]

I wish you guys will update and allow draft classes into Madden 13!!
We don't actually work on the game, we just have a connection to those that do. That said, it's extremely unlikely that they'll add that this year.

[Tgross22]

My bad I know you guys don't, I was just putting it out there.

[SmoothPancakes]

We don't actually work on the game, we just have a connection to those that do. That said, it's extremely unlikely that they'll add that this year.

I thought draft classes was completely and outright shot down by the Madden guys because of Connected Careers and them not allowing/accepting draft classes from NCAA? It's kind of pointless to allow draft classes for Madden in NCAA when Madden won't accept draft classes this year.

[souljahbill]

Madden has a thing where rookies will have certain storylines following them into the draft. Guess its easier to do that with self-made classes then imported classes.

[JeffHCross]

"Easier" is an understatement. Those kind of pre-generated stories would be almost impossible with NCAA rookies, unless people didn't mind a 4-time All-American quarterback suddenly becoming a "sleeper" because the game dictated so.

[novadolla]

Why did they take away the ability to use mics in ODs n PS3?

[gschwendt]

Why did they take away the ability to use mics in ODs n PS3?
That's been gone for a couple years now... I think with NCAA11. For one, I know that anytime our ODs tried to use it, two people wouldn't hear each other while everyone else heard them.

[gigemaggs99]

Any update or release notes on the "tuning update" that NCAA 13 had me download today? I did the patch update yesterday, today it wanted to update the game-tuning data.

[gschwendt]

From Twitter:
https://twitter.com/EANCAAFootball/status/230796553919533057

The latest #NCAAFootball13 tuner update is now available on the Xbox 360 and PS3.
The rate that you earn/lose coach trust points in Road to Glory has been adjusted in the tuner update.
The tuner update also addresses the way LBs react to option plays in #NCAAFootball13.


I'm about to fire up an OD game using Michigan so I'll quickly be able to give feedback regarding the new option defense. I'm hoping that it applies to both LBs and DBs (since DBs are the more obvious ones) but we'll see.

[souljahbill]

If it makes it harder outside of stopping defenders from freezing in place, I'm gonna rage. The blocking is already bad so better defenders will drive me nuts.

[gschwendt]

If it makes it harder outside of stopping defenders from freezing in place, I'm gonna rage. The blocking is already bad so better defenders will drive me nuts.
In about a half of gameplay so far, granted we're on modified Heisman sliders so they were already somewhat difficult, but on the speed/pitch options, the LBs definitely are more attacking. It essentially forces you to make a decision whether to pitch or not if the LB goes unblocked. Obviously that may not be as much the case on other difficulties or sliders, but that's what I'm seeing so far.



BTW, just so we're clear, this does not fix the mindless DBs against the option.

http://youtu.be/v_XOdtqGl-4

[herropreese]

Maybe a fix for the custom stadium sounds? I know it probably isn't too high on the to do list, but I sure would be happy if they increased the volume of the sounds.

[jaymo76]

Is it possible for a tuner update that will basically tell offensive linemen to block blitzers and outside rushers? I really like this game... BUT... the blocking or lack thereof is very frustrating and has cost me a few games already.

[JeffHCross]

That's been gone for a couple years now... I think with NCAA11. For one, I know that anytime our ODs tried to use it, two people wouldn't hear each other while everyone else heard them.They came back at some point with NCAA 11. I remember that we thought they were gone early with NCAA 11, but at some point during the year they suddenly started working.

[gigemaggs99]

GIG 'EM AGGIES! I watched the making of the game shows tonight on ESPNU. They had some cool quick shots of TGT, that was cool to see. They also showed some clips visiting the Adidas headquarters and they showed off the new A&M uniforms they said will be coming out in the uniform update. :)):)):))

So, my question is if someone might know...should I hold off on continuing my A&M offline dynasty until this uniform update comes out? YES I want to use the new unis but I kinda want to know if my current offline dynasty will update the unis once the update comes out? Hope this ? makes sense I'm just really happy to see our new digs made the update!

GIG 'EM!

Gus '99

[gschwendt]

Any uniforms you purchase should likely be available in any current future dynasties.

[baseballplyrmvp]

really pisses me off, as i like to play at a light speed type of pace in my games vs the cpu, that you now have to wait 5 seconds before calling a play. this destroys the hurry up feel that one is able to get when playing with a no huddle team.

i know that i've said this before, but i shouldnt have to be forced to watch a cutscene. i know some of our guys were in favor of making it harder to skip the cutscenes, but i would much rather have the ability to skip over the cutscenes immediately, than be forced to watch them. i just got done with a game just now and i had 70 offensive plays. thats almost 6 minutes worth of forced cutscenes, just on my side of the ball.

[JeffHCross]

Plus, if you try to skip a cut-scene, you run the risk of the "No Huddle" trigger not working, and being forced to huddle.

[USFBullsFan11]

anything being done about the shotgun counter play that counts as a loss of 4 yards every time you run it? as a worst case scenario can't we just take that play out of the game? It's not helping anyone.

[souljahbill]

anything being done about the shotgun counter play that counts as a loss of 4 yards every time you run it? as a worst case scenario can't we just take that play out of the game? It's not helping anyone.

Play on normal speed

[JeffHCross]

anything being done about the shotgun counter play that counts as a loss of 4 yards every time you run it? as a worst case scenario can't we just take that play out of the game? It's not helping anyone.

Play on normal speedBill's right, and here's the explanation (http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5534-Shotgun-HB-Counter&p=156412&viewfull=1#post156412) for his post.

[USFBullsFan11]

Bill's right, and here's the explanation (http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5534-Shotgun-HB-Counter&p=156412&viewfull=1#post156412) for his post.


I appreciate the information, and the workaround, but a workaround is just that, a way for the user to get around something that is broken. That being said, this is still something that should be a priority to be fixed. Setting my game speed on normal is really no different than saying, don't call the hb counter. I'm in multiple online dynasties that prefer the slow game speed so that's not really an option. Every glitch in every game has a workaround, it still very much needs to be fixed.

[JeffHCross]

it still very much needs to be fixed.Nobody here disagrees. But we've seen no information on whether or not a fix is forthcoming. So in the meantime, there's the workaround.

Also, according to that workaround, you can also use a playbook that is not "Spread" style, and still play on Slow speed. Potentially, if you wanted to do so, you could take a non-Spread style playbook, add the exact same plays as your preferred Spread style playbook, and use it that way.

[gigemaggs99]

Nobody here disagrees. But we've seen no information on whether or not a fix is forthcoming. So in the meantime, there's the workaround.

Also, according to that workaround, you can also use a playbook that is not "Spread" style, and still play on Slow speed. Potentially, if you wanted to do so, you could take a non-Spread style playbook, add the exact same plays as your preferred Spread style playbook, and use it that way.


This is a great idea, would like to know if it works. Pretty sneaky there Jeff :up:

[JeffHCross]

This is a great idea, would like to know if it works. Pretty sneaky there Jeff :up:Well, when I was confirming your original report, I took Shotgun Spread - HB Counter from TCU's Spread playbook and ... somebody's ... Air Raid playbook. This was on Slow game speed. We know in the default playbooks, it works for the Air Raid but not the Spread. I created Custom playbooks based off of each, one for TCU and one for the other team, and it followed expectations. The TCU-Custom book didn't work, while the Air Raid-Custom book did.

[morsdraconis]

That is the most ridiculous bug I've ever heard of before. Wow. Talk about some seriously weird shit.

[booker21]

From Twitter:
https://twitter.com/EANCAAFootball/status/230796553919533057

The latest #NCAAFootball13 tuner update is now available on the Xbox 360 and PS3.
The rate that you earn/lose coach trust points in Road to Glory has been adjusted in the tuner update.
The tuner update also addresses the way LBs react to option plays in #NCAAFootball13.


I'm about to fire up an OD game using Michigan so I'll quickly be able to give feedback regarding the new option defense. I'm hoping that it applies to both LBs and DBs (since DBs are the more obvious ones) but we'll see.

Any idea where i can get the patch and tuner offline? I don`t have Xbox live in my country.

[JeffHCross]

That is the most ridiculous bug I've ever heard of before. Wow. Talk about some seriously weird shit.Well, it makes more sense when you eliminate the variables and just use one team (http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5534-Shotgun-HB-Counter&p=160982&viewfull=1#post160982). The whole Air Raid/Spread theory turned out to be total coincidence (based on my testing last night).

[Escobar]

After not being able to log in to EA servers last night, this morning I was prompted to download a new gameplay tuner. Any updates as to what changed?

[gschwendt]

After not being able to log in to EA servers last night, this morning I was prompted to download a new gameplay tuner. Any updates as to what changed?
I just got on after you posted this but wasn't prompted. Anyone else get a prompt to download something?

[gigemaggs99]

I just got on after you posted this but wasn't prompted. Anyone else get a prompt to download something?

I wasn't prompted for an update or to download anything. I've be on pretty much daily since the game came out.

[souljahbill]

I got on this morning to recruit for GsRecruiting league and got no prompt.

[Jayrah]

After not being able to log in to EA servers last night, this morning I was prompted to download a new gameplay tuner. Any updates as to what changed?I've got this a few times actually, it's the old tuning package and it's best to erase from your hard drive completely and re download it. I get a lot of weird happenings if i leave it.