"I think in this generation there's only very modest revenue potential for [Xbox Live and Sony Online]," he said. "What has yet to be proven, but I think it represents a significant revenue opportunity if we can play it out properly, is added revenue generation capability in the back end. So instead of just selling Madden at $49, we may be able to generate subscription [revenue] on the back of that. At this point, that's frankly more speculative than it is substantive, but that's what we're going to be working on over the balance of the cycle."

This is outright saying that there is more money to be made off gamers, so we (EA) are going to take full advantage of that. Isn't it bad enough that us EA Sports fans pay $50+ for these sports titles every year? I mean how different does the game actually get that couldn't be fixed with a patch? And now I am going to have to pay extra just to find a person to play against? This, my friends, is a sign of the times. Unfortunately, game companies are looking deep in to our wallets and realizing that we are probably addicted enough to pay to play and then pay some more. EA better watch out! Although their sports titles are the best, the others are not that far behind. Click here to tell me what you think.
 

Sega and Take Two responded by saying it would not crush them financially, but would stop the integrity of developing a better game each year. Also, the days of ESPN's $19.99 NFL games are over. EA pretty much bought the rights to ensure you pay $50 or more their title. With no competition, will EA Sports put forth the effort to better the game? I can't believe that such a thing has happened, or let happen by all the money hungry parties.

I have stated before how EA sports releases "patches" every year and calls them "games." Madden NFL is not worth $50 every year. EA has shown it's greed before by stating there is more money to take from the gamers and we will take it. I was so happy when EA's President moved on allowing XBOX LIVE fans to enjoy all EA sports titles, but I never saw the buy out from EA, or is it the sell out of the NFL and Players INC? The NFL players are so well taken care of financially that I can't see why it is necessary to cheat videogamers out of a competitive market of NFL games.