Semi-related (I suppose) PP is now reporting that EA has a new "three year plan" for Madden beginning with Madden 12. I suppose it is somewhat ironic that I believe Ian also talked about a three year plan with Madden cultivating with I believe this year's game.
Ian's goodbye:
http://www.ea.com/madden-nfl/blog/a-note-from-ianAfter nearly 11 years with Electronic Arts, I have decided to seek opportunities elsewhere. My time at EA has been an incredible ride. From my days in QA to my recent years as the Creative Director for Madden, I always found myself surrounded by the most talented people in the industry. I’ve had the privilege of helping to create world-class gaming experiences like Madden; a franchise that has touched peoples’ lives. For that I am truly grateful and I thank all those that I’ve worked with throughout the years.
I leave the Madden NFL 12 development team with confidence that it is in great hands. The feature set is something our core fans are really going to appreciate. From the improvements to core gameplay, to the additions to modes like franchise and superstar, and the innovative tech being used to overhaul presentation…Madden NFL 12 will be the best we’ve created yet. I’m amazed at how great it looks and how well it plays at this stage of development, with several months left to tune and polish.
Last, but certainly not least, I wanted to say “thank you” to our loyal and passionate fans. Without you, the Madden franchise would not be what it is today. I’ve always appreciated your feedback and unprecedented passion. Know that the team is now built to deliver the football experience that you all truly deserve. The team is set up only to succeed with the new expansion of the core football gameplay team, continued focus on web and online content, creating deeper career modes, and building games several years in advance. There is no doubt in my mind we will be seeing some revolutionary things from the Madden franchise in the future and I am happy to have played a role in helping steer the ship.
It's been a true pleasure. Time for the next challenge of my career.
Originally Posted by CLW
I read it ....is he talking about leaving or trying to sell a game he has nothing to with anymore?
I understand not wanting to burn bridges but that still looks like a Madden add haha
awesome. I can't wait to hear 13's announcement about having to take a few steps back in order to move forward.
Sounds to me like this was not necessarily Ian's decision. It's highly possible that his time was at an end after this seasons development was over. Cultivating that "3year plan" this season, maybe they didnt see the numbers last season in year 2 and said he's not getting it done.
As to the message itself: why wouldnt he promote the game he's worked so hard on? It's HIS game! There wont be a game to compete with it for probably 2 years at the earliest, and he was highly invested in the franchise. That's the kind of letter I'd want to see from a guy joining my team! Even if it's for a future competitor. Reason being you know he'll be there and never bail on you. Like I said, this seems like a move that was happening soon without a resignation if need be, especially since EA doesn't seem to be panicking. I commend you Ian! That was classy!
Maybe the community day guys can chime in but how much can one person influence the entire game? Was Ian truly in control of a lot of things?
From past experience, I don't think one guy has that much influence but as creative director he may have had a decent amount. I've seen some discussion that this timing could hurt Madden 12, but IMHO it's probably the best time if high level changes are going to be made. The big decisions have been made on the game and now it's just up to designers and programmers to place it in and tune/tweak. Also, it's early enough that the new hire should get in place and help shape M13.
I agree Chris. This is perfect timing for it to go down imo too. We haven't heard a whole lot on either title yet so we tend to assume through human nature that the game's process is in jeopardy. But the Madden troops already have their orders and they don't need a general to carry them out. Plus they know what their doing. Its not an inexperienced team. But to calm the masses, ea will make some announcement next week Im sure as to the new guy
It means squat. It means EA made the most money of any company licensed by the CLC for non-apparel. Which means, outside of those making jerseys, hats or anything else you wear, EA made the most money. When you think about it, they were going up against things like calenders, rainbow catchers, footballs with team logos, and DVDs. Yeah, I'm willing to imagine that NCAA easily made more money than any of those.
Which probably had nothing to do with Ian or anybody else from Madden leaving.
Turnover is natural in the gaming industry. In fact, 10+ year careers with one company (like Ian's) is a rarity in gaming.
Twitter: @3YardsandACloud
Yep. The innovation and sell of gaming has to have a fresh take every year and always new, expanding ideas. Thats probably the most difficult part of making it so long on a year to year title.
Well, I was speaking about the industry as a whole, which suffers from other issues. EA Sports suffers less turnover than other studios because of their year-to-year titles. As soon as NCAA 12 is done, work on NCAA 13 will begin. The same group of people will be kept (though EA has recently shifted to a contract model that may not make that as definite as it used to be) and start work on the new title. At other studios, it can be months or years before a new project is green-lit. Some studios will take the work at risk and begin work anyway, but others won't. And since everybody has mouths to feed and bills to pay, that can mean finding a new job, and quick.
Twitter: @3YardsandACloud
Joystiq covered the story on Ian....and a nice pic of him too HAH
http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/16/ma...ea-sports-cto/
Via twitter:
pastapadre - Putting finishing touches on story about another big name leaving Tiburon, so that'll be up within the next hour.
No indication if this party is related to Madden, another franchise, or a studio exec.
"Executive Producer" sounds pretty important but I don't believe I have ever heard/seen Jeremy Strauser before.
Guess he's the smart one... stay out of the view of pre-puberty douchebags
Werd! Although I like to refer to them as "DREADS OR THIS IS THE WORST [CENSORED] GAME EVA!" peopleGuess he's the smart one... stay out of the view of pre-puberty douchebags
lol niceWerd! Although I like to refer to them as "DREADS OR THIS IS THE WORST [CENSORED] GAME EVA!" people
He was formerly the EP of Madden NFL & NCAA Football and was currently the EP for EA SPORTS NBA (since the move to Tiburon last fall). He did stay out of the limelight more than Phil Frazier (current Madden NFL EP) and Roy Harvey (NCAA Football EP) have.
This is the first one to be genuinely disappointing to me. Strauser had an interview in a book I was reading before the January Community Day trip, and I was really hoping to have a chance to speak to him about it, even casually. Opportunity missed, I suppose.
Twitter: @3YardsandACloud
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