There's a consensus among gamers that EA Sports has been stuck in a rut when it comes to game quality. To inject new energy into the division, looking back at its most celebrated era seems like a promising strategy.
EA Sports has been witnessing a decline in the appeal of its annual releases. Although new series like WRC have been introduced, the constant stream of sports titles from EA fails to make a lasting impact. For instance, the once-popular Madden franchise, which thrived in the early 2000s, now struggles with repetitive gameplay and intrusive microtransactions, adding more woes to an already premium product. The oversaturation of the market with similar sports titles exacerbates this issue.
Rediscovering the 'BIG' Label Series
Amidst challenges like the negative reception of Madden 24 and the diminishing reputation of the FIFA series, EA Sports is in dire need of a makeover. One potential solution lies in revisiting the 'BIG' labeled games era, spanning from 2000 to 2008. The 'BIG' lineup included diverse sports games like SSX, rally racing, motorcross, and more. Despite the ups and downs typical of any game collection, the nostalgia surrounding 'BIG' games is undeniable.
The Phenomenon of 'BIG' Games
The 'BIG' games' arcade-style gameplay, as seen in reboots like FIFA Street, is a fusion of creativity and fantasy. Stemming from an earlier phase of EA's development ethos, characterized by more creative freedom, titles like SSX emerged. Differentiating from the realistic tone of FIFA and Madden, 'BIG' games offered a more varied sports selection, embraced a stylized approach, and birthed successful franchises like SSX and NBA Street.
Furthermore, the absence of microtransactions in 'BIG' games contributes significantly to their nostalgic appeal. EA Sports titles have become increasingly costly, maintaining microtransactions in premium games even as the industry moves away from loot boxes. Despite the high prices, many games fail to meet the expectations associated with their premium tags. Reintroducing these classics without additional fees could be a significant step in regaining consumer trust.
Injecting Freshness into EA Sports
Glancing at the unique covers and vibrant box art of 'BIG' games, one can't help but notice the stark contrast with the current EA Sports lineup. The monotonous use of uniform fonts, plain designs, and recycled player art in annual releases like the glitch-ridden Madden 23 reflects a factory-made impression. Incorporating some of the older 'BIG' titles or adopting their aesthetic flair could inject diversity and freshness into EA's game selection.
Preserving 'BIG' Games for Modern Audiences
Reviving 'BIG' games through remasters or re-releases not only taps into gamers' nostalgia but also addresses the lack of preservation for these titles in the digital era. The issue of game archiving becomes more critical with the rise of game streaming and digital platforms, as evident from the closure of platforms like the Wii U and 3Ds eShops.