All you ready for some football?
For the past 15 years, Madden Football has reigned as king of the world of sport sims; and, if you're somehow under the impression that video game football is just for the meek kids who could never make it on the field, keep in mind that Electronic Arts has managed to sell more than 30 million copies - including to pro football players who seem just as devoted as the geeks who have been historically associated with the world of video game sports.

Now, on the eve of its release date (Madden 2005 will hit stores on August 10), EA Sports is set to unleash the most comprehensive, competitive sports' sim in the history of electronic gaming. Senior Producer Jeremy Strauser was kind enough to answer a few questions about the game, the fans, and the future of the Madden franchise.

Joel:		How much input does John Madden have on the games, nowadays? Does he write his own lines for the game, or ever refuse to record something written by somebody else? Also, does John Madden play Madden Football?
Jeremy:		John is very involved with the game. He works with us to help design the football AI and gameplay elements, player ratings and general strategies. He also does a ton of voice-over work for the game each year. We have script writers that script it for him, but if it isn't exactly right (football-wise and John-wise) - he won't say it and will improvise something that fits what we need. He plays the game, but he'd be the first to tell you that he isn't very good at it.
Joel:		Within about 24 hours of Madden 04' being released, there were already message boards discussing what features they'd like to see added in the 05' version. These aren't complaints, these are just ideas from devoted fans who discuss everything from the basic principles of the run blocking, to the most trivial details of the game (i.e. "I'd like to see better details on the shoes the players wear."). Does the EA Sports team ever surf these sites to see what the fans are saying and to come up with ideas for future games? As a side note, is this where the Create-A-Fan idea came from? Of all the improvements/additions to Madden 05', this one seems to be the oddest. Can you elaborate a bit on this feature?
Jeremy:		Sure, we read all the web forums and we take it as a compliment that people are so into the game that they think up all these great ideas, big and small. Not sure where Create-A-Fan came from, but our goal was to feature fans in a new way and allow for some customization - so that when you see the guys in the fan cheering you on, you know who they are, because you created them.
Joel:		Did you guys receive a big 'Thank You' card from the band Jet? "Are you gonna be my girl" gets featured on the last Madden game, and suddenly it's all over the radio and television. I can only imagine how many bands are vying to get in on Madden 05'. How do you select which songs are going to be featured on the game? What music can we look forward to hearing on the new game? Also, are we going to be subjected to yet another Madden theme song that tries to find words to rhyme with things like "squib kick" or "Ogunleye"?
Jeremy:		That song from Jet was awesome, we loved it when we first heard it, and I'm glad they are really taking off and that Madden could help. I think you are right; bands are interested in being in Madden each year, not only for the tremendous exposure they get, but we've picked some cool songs for Madden each year, so I'd like to think there is some prestige to it as well. We work closely with the record companies through our music department to get the coolest, freshest tunes each year. As of this interview the soundtrack for Madden 2005 hasn't been announced yet, but keep an eye out for that soon.
Joel:		I realize this is probably a bit of a sore spot over at Electronic Arts, but talk a bit about the so-called "Madden Curse". Has this ever come up during a discussion with a potential cover-athlete?
Jeremy:		Everyone has heard about the jinx, but no one here and no player we've met take it seriously - I guess we're just there with the SI cover - but I think Ray Lewis is the man to break the jinx this year.
Joel:		Probably the most significant addition to Madden in recent years, and to the video game market in general, has been the incorporation of online game-play. Are there any significant changes coming to the online version of Madden this year? Are you looking to add online season/franchise play? Also, I can't help but think that Madden fans are getting spoiled with access to free internet gaming while the rest of the gaming world seems to be moving towards charging a monthly fee; will EA be moving in this direction any time soon?
Jeremy:		EA is always evaluating the market in terms of subscription and things like that, but the online components of the game are still free, and this year we're excited to be on XBOX Live in addition to online play for the PS2 and PC. Some things to look for this year are improved communication tools, exported stats to e-mail, mini-games for a quicker online experience and the most robust set of rankings and anti-cheat / anti-cheese measures we could think of.
Joel:		What has your relationship with the NFL been like? Is it just a matter of paying for the rights to the teams, player names, etc? I remember that at the beginning of the Madden legacy, players were only indicated by their jersey number. Did the NFL help resolve this issue with the Player's Association?
Jeremy:		The NFL is a great partner, as is the NFLPA - they are separate licensors, both of whom help a great deal in making this game a reality with the assets they provide.
Joel:		How are the statistics for coaches and players compiled, and what types of complaints have you received from players, agents, fans, etc upset with their numbers? Could a programmer file for workman's comp if he gets stomped on by a 350 lb. lineman who was awarded an AWARENESS of 30?
Jeremy:		Not sure our workman's comp policy covers that one. We have a group of people here who are essentially a 33rd NFL team and they scout and rate players, coaches, etc. all year long; during the season and in the off-season. They aren't allowed to play fantasy football with us anymore…and yes, every single player we meet is faster in real life than we have them in the game, or so they say.

Continue to Interview with the Madden 2005 People page two