BreakABone
03-15-2003, 03:13 PM
Today we had the privilege of sitting down with Jeff Brown, the Vice President of Corporate Communications at EA Games. EA delivers some of the greatest games on the market and with their new twenty game deal the Gamecube will be getting a ton of quality games from the gaming giant
GCA: First off, thank you for joining us. We know you are very busy.
Jeff Brown: I always have time for GCA.
GCA: With critics complaining that Nintendo hasn't catered to third party companies enough, this announcement has come as quite a shock. How did the deal all work out? Did Nintendo approach you?
Jeff Brown: Not sure why anyone would be shocked. We've been in a close partnership with Nintendo for a lot of years now and discuss our business with them regularly. Last month we had some meetings and they laid out their plans for both Gamecube and the new GBA. We were impressed, particularly with the GBA. Nintendo's got a very solid strategy for growing their business and we want to help them do it.
I don't know where this "close" relationship has been for the last several years, but I think it's atleast nice that nintendo does actually take time to talk with it's 3rd parties.
I see this GBA can be used as a leveraging tool for Nintendo, this is like the second itme it has helped them.
GCA: Twenty games is a big commitment. Many third parties have been vocal about lackluster software sales on the Nintendo Gamecube. From a business perspective does EA feel that the Gamecube is a viable system that can offer them a market that will be profitable?
Jeff Brown: Absolutely, this is a business and studios that don't make a profit don't last long. We make platform decisions based on a very strict set of criteria, and the foremost rule is that it has to be sustainable. Nintendo has made it clear that they're in it for the long haul and that they're willing to invest in their business.
Well, let's see, we have on one hand tons of fanboys and folks deeming Nintendo doomed because of some other companies, then we have the world's largest 3rd party stating they have faith Nintendo will be around for the long haul. Who to believe, who to believe, tough decision.
GCA: Let's flip flop the question, how do you feel EA committing to such a deal will help Gamecube in sales and standing. Do you feel it may also help to change the Gamecube image?
Jeff Brown: At the risk of being immodest, in 2002 EA had twenty two titles that sold more than a million units. Bond, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings are all perennial best sellers. We make the software that makes people want to buy the hardware. We're a great partner.
I still don't see how his response answers the question, but it's always cool tro blow your own horn isn't it?
GCA: We are all very surprised and excited to hear the gaming God, Shigeru Miyamoto will be helping you guys in the development phase. How much involvement will he have in development? Any chance we will see a game that is co-developed by both companies?
Jeff Brown: That's unclear right now. Our development teams all have enormous respect for Shigeru Miyamoto and look forward to working with him.
Well, I guess Shiggy was part of the deal, but no one seems to have any speficis on what his role will be, e3 shall shed some light on it.
GCA: In the press release, it said at least four games will contain connectivity between the GBA and the Gamecube. What games will include such options? Can you give a few examples of such connectivity? Are these games just the start?
Jeff Brown: We're saving the titles for an announcement that will come later. But the GBA-to-Gamecube interaction is really cool. It allows you to transfer the unlocks from one system to the other.
I thought that 3 of the 4 games were announced in the press release that would feature GCN to GBA connection, maybe I misread the piece.
I think the GBA/GCN connection holds some potential, and some folks have found some interesting use for it. I think that Nintendo and EA could come up with some cool ideas.
One idea I had was a walking franchise, this way you could play your franchise and stuff on your GBA and transfer your progress on the GCN and continue there, but eh. Also some mini-games to help build your created characters' stats and whatnot.
GCA: Do you feel the announcement of SEGA Sports Gamecube line being cut will help your overall sales on Gamecube? Did it have anything to do with this deal?
Jeff Brown: Frankly, competition in the sports category isn't a significant influence in our long-range planning. We did this because we think that at this point in the technological cycle, the Nintendo Gamecube is well positioned to capture a large audience. Price, the simple interface and the catalogue of great titles are going to appeal to new and casual gamers. They're headed into the sweet spot.
Sega no real competiton to them is what I get from part of the statement.
He believes that the GameCube is in a nice position to expand it's userbase, I wonder why thought, and again it seems to reaffirm his belief that Nintendo has a place in the undustry.
GCA: Will connectivity be the only enhancements that Gamecube titles will receive at this point in time?
Jeff Brown: There's not much else to announce except that we're working closely with Nintendo to make certain that EA Games delivers the best possible experience on that system.
Well, it seems like Nintendo is finally helping 3rd parties take advantage of the GCN and it's special abilites.
GCA: With the top two game publishers working hand in hand there is sure to be some amazing software. Will we be seeing any Gamecube exclusive software stemming from this deal?
Jeff Brown: Right now, there are no plans for exclusive titles.
Well things change so they may end up with an exclusive game, I doubt it, but like I said before, it's better to share then it is to not have at all.
GCA: With the EA and Nintendo partnership, will Gamecube fans start to see EA releasing games on Gamecube first before PS2 and Xbox?
Jeff Brown: It's possible, but we don't have anything to announce right now.
Well, I don't know about the Cube version coming out first, but it is nice to see that EA is atleast delaying games so that all versions can be released at the same time( Def Jam and NBA Streets Vol 2)
GCA: We have seen EA supporting Sony Online with many key games. The business model of Nintendo's online plans mirror those of Sony's. Does this mean EA plans to support online gaming on the Gamecube? If yes, what games? If no, why not online support for us Gamecube fans?
Jeff Brown: No decision has been made yet on any online capability. We're waiting to get more information on how that business would work on Gamecube.
So online support for the Cube is still up in the air, I guess it's atleast cool that they are thinking about it, but if Nintendo even wants 3rd parties to support it, they should atleast tell them about it.
GCA: When will we be informed of the full list of games to be included in the deal? Any hints on games that have not been announced yet?
Jeff Brown: You'll hear more at E3 but twenty titles is A LOT. There's probably going to be a series of announcements about these games.
Well e3 seems to be the place for all of it, I find it odd they would have seperate events to anounce games though.
GCA: Any last words to GCAdvanced.com readers out there?
Jeff Brown: Keep the faith! It might seem like there's a lot of naysayers out there but your Gamecube is going to be plugged into your TV set for many years to come. It's a great system that's about to get a whole lot of great new games.
The 3rd time he has given his faith to the Cube.
All in all, I thought it was an ok article.
http://www.ultimategamez.com/extras/specials/eainterview.shtml
GCA: First off, thank you for joining us. We know you are very busy.
Jeff Brown: I always have time for GCA.
GCA: With critics complaining that Nintendo hasn't catered to third party companies enough, this announcement has come as quite a shock. How did the deal all work out? Did Nintendo approach you?
Jeff Brown: Not sure why anyone would be shocked. We've been in a close partnership with Nintendo for a lot of years now and discuss our business with them regularly. Last month we had some meetings and they laid out their plans for both Gamecube and the new GBA. We were impressed, particularly with the GBA. Nintendo's got a very solid strategy for growing their business and we want to help them do it.
I don't know where this "close" relationship has been for the last several years, but I think it's atleast nice that nintendo does actually take time to talk with it's 3rd parties.
I see this GBA can be used as a leveraging tool for Nintendo, this is like the second itme it has helped them.
GCA: Twenty games is a big commitment. Many third parties have been vocal about lackluster software sales on the Nintendo Gamecube. From a business perspective does EA feel that the Gamecube is a viable system that can offer them a market that will be profitable?
Jeff Brown: Absolutely, this is a business and studios that don't make a profit don't last long. We make platform decisions based on a very strict set of criteria, and the foremost rule is that it has to be sustainable. Nintendo has made it clear that they're in it for the long haul and that they're willing to invest in their business.
Well, let's see, we have on one hand tons of fanboys and folks deeming Nintendo doomed because of some other companies, then we have the world's largest 3rd party stating they have faith Nintendo will be around for the long haul. Who to believe, who to believe, tough decision.
GCA: Let's flip flop the question, how do you feel EA committing to such a deal will help Gamecube in sales and standing. Do you feel it may also help to change the Gamecube image?
Jeff Brown: At the risk of being immodest, in 2002 EA had twenty two titles that sold more than a million units. Bond, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings are all perennial best sellers. We make the software that makes people want to buy the hardware. We're a great partner.
I still don't see how his response answers the question, but it's always cool tro blow your own horn isn't it?
GCA: We are all very surprised and excited to hear the gaming God, Shigeru Miyamoto will be helping you guys in the development phase. How much involvement will he have in development? Any chance we will see a game that is co-developed by both companies?
Jeff Brown: That's unclear right now. Our development teams all have enormous respect for Shigeru Miyamoto and look forward to working with him.
Well, I guess Shiggy was part of the deal, but no one seems to have any speficis on what his role will be, e3 shall shed some light on it.
GCA: In the press release, it said at least four games will contain connectivity between the GBA and the Gamecube. What games will include such options? Can you give a few examples of such connectivity? Are these games just the start?
Jeff Brown: We're saving the titles for an announcement that will come later. But the GBA-to-Gamecube interaction is really cool. It allows you to transfer the unlocks from one system to the other.
I thought that 3 of the 4 games were announced in the press release that would feature GCN to GBA connection, maybe I misread the piece.
I think the GBA/GCN connection holds some potential, and some folks have found some interesting use for it. I think that Nintendo and EA could come up with some cool ideas.
One idea I had was a walking franchise, this way you could play your franchise and stuff on your GBA and transfer your progress on the GCN and continue there, but eh. Also some mini-games to help build your created characters' stats and whatnot.
GCA: Do you feel the announcement of SEGA Sports Gamecube line being cut will help your overall sales on Gamecube? Did it have anything to do with this deal?
Jeff Brown: Frankly, competition in the sports category isn't a significant influence in our long-range planning. We did this because we think that at this point in the technological cycle, the Nintendo Gamecube is well positioned to capture a large audience. Price, the simple interface and the catalogue of great titles are going to appeal to new and casual gamers. They're headed into the sweet spot.
Sega no real competiton to them is what I get from part of the statement.
He believes that the GameCube is in a nice position to expand it's userbase, I wonder why thought, and again it seems to reaffirm his belief that Nintendo has a place in the undustry.
GCA: Will connectivity be the only enhancements that Gamecube titles will receive at this point in time?
Jeff Brown: There's not much else to announce except that we're working closely with Nintendo to make certain that EA Games delivers the best possible experience on that system.
Well, it seems like Nintendo is finally helping 3rd parties take advantage of the GCN and it's special abilites.
GCA: With the top two game publishers working hand in hand there is sure to be some amazing software. Will we be seeing any Gamecube exclusive software stemming from this deal?
Jeff Brown: Right now, there are no plans for exclusive titles.
Well things change so they may end up with an exclusive game, I doubt it, but like I said before, it's better to share then it is to not have at all.
GCA: With the EA and Nintendo partnership, will Gamecube fans start to see EA releasing games on Gamecube first before PS2 and Xbox?
Jeff Brown: It's possible, but we don't have anything to announce right now.
Well, I don't know about the Cube version coming out first, but it is nice to see that EA is atleast delaying games so that all versions can be released at the same time( Def Jam and NBA Streets Vol 2)
GCA: We have seen EA supporting Sony Online with many key games. The business model of Nintendo's online plans mirror those of Sony's. Does this mean EA plans to support online gaming on the Gamecube? If yes, what games? If no, why not online support for us Gamecube fans?
Jeff Brown: No decision has been made yet on any online capability. We're waiting to get more information on how that business would work on Gamecube.
So online support for the Cube is still up in the air, I guess it's atleast cool that they are thinking about it, but if Nintendo even wants 3rd parties to support it, they should atleast tell them about it.
GCA: When will we be informed of the full list of games to be included in the deal? Any hints on games that have not been announced yet?
Jeff Brown: You'll hear more at E3 but twenty titles is A LOT. There's probably going to be a series of announcements about these games.
Well e3 seems to be the place for all of it, I find it odd they would have seperate events to anounce games though.
GCA: Any last words to GCAdvanced.com readers out there?
Jeff Brown: Keep the faith! It might seem like there's a lot of naysayers out there but your Gamecube is going to be plugged into your TV set for many years to come. It's a great system that's about to get a whole lot of great new games.
The 3rd time he has given his faith to the Cube.
All in all, I thought it was an ok article.
http://www.ultimategamez.com/extras/specials/eainterview.shtml