From the Bench: The End of an NCAA Era

Every week, I’ve decided to start doing an editorial that explores an issue in the video game sports realm.  Whether it’s talking about an upcoming game or digging back in my memories about a game that’s long gone, I think you’ll find my thoughts interesting…and maybe even a little fun.  As always, your comments are welcome.

Anyway, this week I decided to reflect on EA Sports pulling the plug (what seems like for good) on its NCAA Basketball series.  Which is a shame, really.  NCAA Basketball 10 came out last year and made huge strides for the series, particularly with its dual commentary style (CBS and ESPN) and its solid (if imperfect) gameplay.  However, despite game sales, EA officially put the nail in the coffin last week, stating that a new game wasn’t coming around for this year.  That leads us to “Why?”.

Well, mainly, it has to do with lawsuits.  Several NCAA athletes have stepped forward and pressed charges against the company.  Although their names weren’t officially used, they feel like their likenesses and “fake” names were, enough to make people think that they were actually in it.  Those charges are still pending today, and you can bet that those play a huge factor in the future of the series.  (Oddly enough, however, NCAA Football 11 is still on track.)

Playing with an NCAA license is tricky business.  There’s certain representation you can use, such as teams, schools, mascots, etc., but there’s also stuff you can’t use, such as cover athletes, real athletes, etc., due to player misrepresentation.  The NCAA is playing it super-strict when it comes to these kids getting any kind of rewards, recognition, licensing and so forth.  So, with that, EA usually has to turn to an athlete that’s retired from the sport or no longer actively playing – like it is with the rumored NCAA Football 11 athlete, Tim Tebow (who’s on his way to the NFL this year).

Sigh...no more crossovers. At least, in college league.

The strain probably just got too much for EA Sports to hold, no matter what improvements it made to the overall series.  So, as a result, the only way you’ll be able to relive March Madness is with games already released.  Fortunately, NCAA Basketball 10 feels fresh enough to last a while, until such time that EA Sports feels like returning to the series or gets these NCAA legal issues worked out.

What’s sad is that EA Sports is closing the door on quite a legacy.  Sure, it was never as popular as the NBA Live series, but it still had a hell of a following.  We remember the good ol’ Genesis days, back when we were playing Coach K College Football when it first came out.  It introduced an outstanding formula for college basketball, one that stayed with the series through the years – even during the less-than-favorable March Madness entries.  And just when it looked like it was getting somewhere, poof.  It’s gone.

Shame.  Dickie V and the rest of the college crew really deserve better.  Alas, all we can do now is play some NCAA Basketball 10 and cheer on the rivalries that could’ve been in the next outing.  Beats nothing, I suppose…