Panel Description: As the new console generation hits its stride, sports games find themselves at a crossroads – revenue-driven modes like Ultimate Team are tempting for publishers to exploit at the expense of developing the “traditional” ways to enjoy these games. Many longtime fans feel as if they are being left behind for the “new wave” of card-collecting, wallet-tempting online fantasy modes. What does the future really hold? Will consumers have to pay even more? Or, will publishers remember their core?
Podcast Description: For the third straight year, the Press Row Podcast invaded PAX East for a panel on the state of sports games. This year’s session was titled ‘Sports Games at the Crossroads,’ which explored a number of topics. These include the continued expansion of Ultimate Team modes and their influence on overall sports game development, whether big-time sports games have gotten too difficult, and how the market could look to expand while continuing to serve its base. It was a spirited session, and we’re happy that we can deliver it to all of the listeners of the show.
Host: Richard Grisham [Podcaster, Website]
Panelists: Samit Sarkar [Deputy Managing Editor, Twitter], T.J. “ThatSportsGamer” Lauerman [Head of Community, Website], Garnett Lee [Marketing Vanguard, Twitter], Kevin Larrabee [Strength Coach, Twitter]
Source: Press Row Podcast