Software:Madden NFL 08

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Short description: 2007 American football video game

Madden NFL 08
North American cover art featuring Vince Young.
Developer(s)EA Tiburon
Exient Entertainment (DS)
Publisher(s)EA Sports
SeriesMadden NFL
Platform(s)GameCube, Microsoft Windows, Mobile phone,[1] Nintendo DS, OS X,[2] PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360
Release
Genre(s)Sports
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Madden NFL 08 is a 2007 American football video game based on the National Football League that was published by EA Sports and developed by EA Tiburon. It is the 19th installment in the Madden NFL video game franchise. It features Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young on the cover, and San Diego Chargers defensive end Luis Castillo was the cover athlete for the Spanish-language version. This was the first Madden game made for 11 different platforms. It was released on August 14, 2007 for Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, Xbox, GameCube and Microsoft Windows.[1] A Mac version was released on September 1, 2007. This was the last version of Madden to be released for Microsoft Windows until Madden NFL 19, and the last video game for the GameCube produced and released in North America.[5]

Release

EA and Apple Inc. had announced in June 2007 that a version for Mac OS X would be released at the same time as the other versions.[2] After the August 14 release date came and went without a Mac release, however, EA said it would be delayed until September or October 2007.[3] A Spanish-language version of the game was released on December 11, 2007 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 platforms, featuring ESPN Deportes announcer Álvaro Martín.[6] By December 31, 2015, the Xbox 360 version had sold 1,169,587 copies in the United States.[7] Madden NFL 08 has sold 4.5 million copies.[8] It is also the last game in the series to include all 6 NFL Europa teams, as the league folded after its Template:NFLE Year season.

Gameplay

Madden 08 runs at 60 frames per second on the Xbox 360, and 30 frames per second on the PlayStation 3.[9] A new branching animation system allows dynamic gameplay for the first time in the franchise. Players are no longer locked into animations but are now controlled more by the player. Features of the new animation system include mid-air collisions, big-time, one-handed catches, hurdles, sideline catches and gang tackling. Madden 08 brings back some features for its online play; for example, there is the return of Season Mode and tournaments held online. Another updated feature — dubbed Hit Stick 2.0 — allows players to hit high or low by flicking the analog stick up or down.[10] A new fatigue system was implemented, disallowing users from taking a scrambling quarterback and repeatedly running around behind the line of scrimmage for very long gains.[11] Fatigue also plays a factor when cold-weather teams play in hot weather during the early months of the season.[10] Another feature that returned was the much sought after "co-op" play, which had found itself sitting on the sidelines since making the jump to the next-generation consoles. This mode finds players teaming up with a friend and taking on the CPU or two human opponents.

Presentation

On the next-generation systems former NFL running back and Madden NFL 2003 cover athlete Marshall Faulk hosts a segment called Marshall's Minute in which he discusses key star players and predicts the score prior to the game.[11] Weapons (see below) also get special introductions before games.[11] Also on next-generation systems, the game features an intro composed by David Robidoux titled, "Who Wants It More?", after the Super Bowl XLII slogan.[12]

The soundtrack for Madden NFL 08 featured EA Trax, which included The Used, Atreyu, Mims, Swizz Beatz, and many more hip hop/rock artists.

Features

Weapons

Certain star players are deemed to have "weapons" which can enhance their performances and create game-changing plays.[13] For example, players with the "Smart Quarterback" weapon are able to read defensive schemes and audible accordingly. Possession receivers can make tough catches over the middle, Shutdown corners can stay on even the toughest receivers, and Spectacular Catch receivers are able to leap over defenders and make difficult grabs.

Another added feature is to change players' positions to utilize their individual talents more effectively, such as Devin Hester (who can be converted from cornerback to wide receiver) and Brandon Marshall (who can be converted from wide receiver to tight end). It is also possible to move around offensive and defensive linemen with little effect to their overall rating. However, on the PlayStation 3 version of the game, player positions are locked and cannot be changed.

The weapons feature can be turned on or off in the game settings.

Superstar Mode additions

With the addition of the Campus Legend mode to the next-gen version of NCAA Football 08, players are now able to take their player from Campus Legend mode and import him into Madden's Superstar Mode. In addition, players are able to create a player, take over the careers of select rookies from the 2007 NFL draft and use them in Superstar Mode.[13] Also, the superstar's team can be chosen by the user based on what the menu-set "Favorite Team" is. Camera angles have also been tweaked for the next gen of Madden 08 after complaints with its predecessor.[13] Key attributes of superstars are assigned by players when creating them, rather than generated by random parents.[14] A number of features have been left out in this year's Wii version, most notably, the ability to edit the game player's superstars appearance as the Superstar Mirror is no longer selectable, and the Barber Shop in the City Map is also no longer selectable. Users are stuck with the random hair combination given to the user while registering their new superstar. Although certain new features have been added as well. For example, a player can have more control over their character while firing agents, while the selection of rookies is more extensive, although it is not available for Nintendo DS.

Player attributes

For the first time, a player can receive an attribute of 100 only for the best players and only for skill positions. Devin Hester (speed), Peyton Manning (awareness), Tom Brady (awareness), Champ Bailey (man coverage), Reggie Bush (acceleration), Lorenzo Neal (impact blocking), Larry Allen (strength), and LaDainian Tomlinson (juke move and elusiveness) as well as many of the Hall of Fame unlockable players, are the only in the game with such skills.[15] However, if the player is edited, these attributes will drop back to 99.

Player info

Certain players such as Byron Leftwich, Josh Cribbs and Vernon Davis who are from the District of Columbia have a blank home state. If the player moves the state, the blank spot is no longer present.

Michael Vick is featured in the game as the Atlanta Falcons quarterback for the last time before his suspension from the National Football League in August 2007 for violating its player-conduct policy. He was removed in the first roster update.

Trophy room

The trophy room in Madden 08 is similar to the My Shrine feature in NCAA Football 08.[11] Trophies can be earned by completing in-game tasks (such as rushing for over 200 yards) or in other game modes (such as winning a Super Bowl in franchise mode).[11] Trophies can also be wagered in online head-to-head contests.[11] As skill and experience progresses, the user can earn five EA Challenge rings, which have customizable team logos and colors.[11] These features are not present in the Wii version. Once a ring is unlocked, the player is awarded a code to buy the ring on Jostens.com.

Fantasy Challenge

In the current-generation version, the game features a Fantasy Challenge mode in which players are added to an NFL team that plays through three different leagues in a single elimination tournament. Other teams can attempt to trade players and challenge the player to competitions to acquire players from the player's team. A player can reach the top league with four fictional teams. This mode is similar to Software:Blitz: The League's campaign mode.

Returning features

A number of features missing from the first two next-generation versions of Madden return in Madden 08. These include Owner Mode, fantasy draft, roster editing and cooperative play, but these features were new to the Xbox 360. The game also includes mini games such as a quarterback challenge.

Other features

In addition to the other versions, the Wii version features online gameplay, a Madden first for a Nintendo console, as well as the integration of Mii avatars and features a few exclusive game modes.[16]


Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
DSGCPCPS2PS3PSPWiiXboxXbox 360
EGMN/AN/AN/AN/A8.83/10[17]N/AN/AN/A8.83/10[17]
EurogamerN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A7/10[18]
Game InformerN/AN/AN/AN/A8/10[19]N/A7.5/10[20]N/A8/10[19]
GameProN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A2.5/5[22]N/A4.75/5[21]
GameRevolutionN/AN/AN/AC+[23]B−[24]N/AB−[24]N/AB+[25]
GameSpot8/10[26]7.5/10[14]6.5/10[27]7.5/10[14]8.5/10[28]7/10[29]8/10[30]7.5/10[14]8.5/10[28]
GameSpyN/AN/AN/AN/A4/5[31]N/A4/5[33]N/A4.5/5[32]
GameTrailersN/AN/AN/AN/A9/10[34]N/AN/AN/A9/10[34]
GameZoneN/AN/AN/AN/A8/10[35]7.7/10[36]8.4/10[38]N/A8.6/10[37]
IGN7.4/10[39]7.6/10[40]N/A7.9/10[41]7.7/10[42]7.7/10[43]8.5/10[46]7.9/10[44]8.7/10[45]
Nintendo Power7.5/10[47]N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A8/10[47]N/AN/A
OXM (US)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A7/10[48]8.5/10[49]
PC Gamer (US)N/AN/A75%[50]N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
PSMN/AN/AN/A8/10[51]8/10[51]N/AN/AN/AN/A
The A.V. ClubN/AN/AN/AN/AA−[52]N/AN/AN/AA−[52]
The New York TimesN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A(positive)[53]N/AN/A
Aggregate scores
GameRankings72.75%[54]77%[55]76.17%[56]78.60%[57]81.46%[58]74.37%[59]78.23%[62]76%[60]82.72%[61]
Metacritic71/100[63]75/100[64]75/100[65]78/100[66]81/100[67]75/100[68]76/100[71]76/100[69]85/100[70]

The game was met with positive to mixed reviews upon release. GameRankings and Metacritic gave it a score of 82.72% and 85 out of 100 for the Xbox 360 version;[61][70] 81.46% and 81 out of 100 for the PlayStation 3 version;[58][67] 78.60% and 78 out of 100 for the PlayStation 2 version;[57][66] 78.23% and 76 out of 100 for the Wii version;[62][71] 77% and 75 out of 100 for the GameCube version;[55][64] 76.17% and 75 out of 100 for the PC version;[56][65] 76% and 76 out of 100 for the Xbox version;[60][69] 74.37% and 75 out of 100 for the PSP version;[59][68] and 72.75% and 71 out of 100 for the DS version.[54][63]

Games for Windows gave the PC version a score of five out of ten.[72] IGN gave the Mobile phone version a score of eight out of ten and called it "a solid improvement over last year's edition, which was certainly no slouch on the field. The new passing controls are fantastic and will be appreciated by anybody new or returning to the series. The rest of the production is good, from the sound effects to the ability to monkey around with the stats and rosters. If you're a football fan, this is a definite download."[1]

Legacy

Madden NFL 08 was included in EA Sports: 08 Collection for Windows on September 22, 2008.[73]

As the series did not return for the Windows platform until the release of Madden NFL 19 in 2018, the PC version of the game has a large modding community who produce roster updates for more recent seasons and provide historical rosters.[74]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Buchanan, Levi (August 22, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (Cell)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/22/madden-nfl-08-review. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Cook, Brad. "Six Major Titles Herald EA's Triumphant Return to the Mac". Apple Inc.. https://www.apple.com/games/articles/2007/06/ea. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Marsal, Katie (August 16, 2007). "EA backtracking on claims of simultaneous Mac game releases". AppleInsider. http://appleinsider.com/articles/07/08/16/ea_backtracking_on_claims_of_simultaneous_mac_game_releases.html. 
  4. ↑ "Madden NFL 08 Release Information for PlayStation 3". http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps3/938344-madden-nfl-08/data. 
  5. ↑ Rignall, Jaz (December 27, 2015). "System Swan Songs: The Last Games Released on the Greatest Consoles". https://www.usgamer.net/articles/system-swansongs-the-last-games-released-on-the-greatest-consoles. 
  6. ↑ Sinclair, Brendan (October 16, 2007). "Madden goes multilingual". http://www.gamespot.com/articles/madden-goes-multilingual/1100-6181102/. 
  7. ↑ Alexander, Leigh (December 13, 2007). "GamerMetrics: Halo 'Cannibalized' Stranglehold, Xbox 360 Software Sales". Gamasutra. http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16633. 
  8. ↑ Carless, Simon (November 1, 2007). "Electronic Arts Slips to Loss, Announces Restructuring". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/electronic-arts-slips-to-loss-announces-restructuring. 
  9. ↑ malloc (August 14, 2007). "EA Tech responds to PS3 Frame limitations". Maxconsole. http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=19757. "As for frame-rate differences, 30 frames per second is the same for all PS 3 football games this year, not just Madden but also NCAA Football, and 2K Sports' offering as well." 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Miller, Jonathan (April 27, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 First Look". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/04/28/madden-nfl-08-first-look. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 Miller, Jonathan (May 18, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Hands-on". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/18/madden-nfl-08-hands-on. 
  12. ↑ "David Robidoux". APM Music. http://www.apmmusic.com/r-v/david-robidoux. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Robinson, Jon (May 18, 2007). "Five Things You Need to Know About Madden 08". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/18/five-things-you-need-to-know-about-madden-08. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Navarro, Alex (August 20, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (GC, PS2, Xbox)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/madden-nfl-08-review/1900-6176958/. 
  15. ↑ Goldstein, Hilary (August 6, 2007). "Madden 08 Countdown: Player Ratings". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/07/madden-08-countdown-player-ratings. 
  16. ↑ Bozon, Mark; Casamassina, Matt (June 11, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Wii Interview". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/11/madden-nfl-08-wii-interview. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Madden NFL 08 (PS3, X360)". Electronic Gaming Monthly: 90. October 2007. 
  18. ↑ Lahti, Evan (September 4, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 (Xbox 360)". http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/madden-nfl-08-review. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Kato, Matthew (September 2007). "Madden NFL 08 (PS3, X360)". Game Informer (173). http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/0933E9F2-A1D6-44B4-8850-09798D08FB48.htm. Retrieved May 27, 2015. 
  20. ↑ "Madden NFL 08 (Wii)". Game Informer (174): 122. October 2007. 
  21. ↑ Lunchbox (August 14, 2007). "Review: Madden NFL '08 (X360)". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/reviews/129089.shtml. Retrieved May 27, 2015. 
  22. ↑ Spoticus (August 15, 2007). "Review: Madden NFL '08 (Wii)". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/wii/games/reviews/129108.shtml. Retrieved May 27, 2015. 
  23. ↑ Andrien, Chris (August 21, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 – PS2". Game Revolution. http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/ps2/madden_nfl_08. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Andrien, Chris (August 21, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 (PS3, Wii)". Game Revolution. http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/ps3/madden_nfl_08. 
  25. ↑ Andrien, Chris (August 21, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (X360)". Game Revolution. http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/madden-nfl-08. 
  26. ↑ Provo, Frank (August 22, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (DS)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/madden-nfl-08-review/1900-6177190/. 
  27. ↑ Navarro, Alex (August 22, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (PC)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/madden-nfl-08-review/1900-6177062/. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Navarro, Alex (August 13, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (PS3, X360)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/madden-nfl-08-review/1900-6176601/. 
  29. ↑ Navarro, Alex (August 16, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (PSP)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/madden-nfl-08-review/1900-6176765/. 
  30. ↑ Navarro, Alex (August 14, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (Wii)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/madden-nfl-08-review/1900-6176657/. 
  31. ↑ Villoria, Gerald (August 14, 2007). "GameSpy: Madden NFL 08 (PS3)". GameSpy. http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/madden-nfl-08/813006p1.html. 
  32. ↑ Villoria, Gerald (August 14, 2007). "GameSpy: Madden NFL 08 (X360)". GameSpy. http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/madden-nfl-08/812919p1.html. 
  33. ↑ Villoria, Gerald (August 29, 2007). "GameSpy: Madden NFL 08 (Wii)". GameSpy. http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/madden-nfl-08/816804p1.html. 
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Madden NFL 08 Review (PS3, X360)". GameTrailers. August 11, 2007. http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/qbkt3z/madden-nfl-08-review. 
  35. ↑ Hopper, Steven (August 22, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 – PS3 – Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/madden_nfl_08_ps3_review. 
  36. ↑ Aceinet (August 22, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 – PSP – Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/madden_nfl_08_psp_review. 
  37. ↑ Knutson, Michael (September 6, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 – 360 – Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/madden_nfl_08_360_review. 
  38. ↑ Knutson, Michael (August 21, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review – Wii". GameZone. http://wii.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r31756.htm. 
  39. ↑ Bozon, Mark (August 15, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (NDS)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/16/madden-nfl-08-review-2. 
  40. ↑ Haynes, Jeff (August 14, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (GCN)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/14/madden-nfl-08-review-4. 
  41. ↑ Haynes, Jeff (August 14, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (PS2)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/14/madden-nfl-08-review-6. 
  42. ↑ Goldstein, Hilary (August 13, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (PS3)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/14/madden-nfl-08-review-7. 
  43. ↑ Haynes, Jeff (August 14, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (PSP)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/15/madden-nfl-08-review-3. 
  44. ↑ Haynes, Jeff (August 14, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (Xbox)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/14/madden-nfl-08-review-5. 
  45. ↑ Goldstein, Hilary (August 13, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (X360)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/13/madden-nfl-08-review-9. 
  46. ↑ Bozon, Mark (August 13, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 Review (Wii)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/14/madden-nfl-08-review-8. 
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 "Madden NFL 08". Nintendo Power 220: 87. October 2007. 
  48. ↑ "Madden NFL 08 (Xbox)". Official Xbox Magazine: 81. October 2007. 
  49. ↑ "Madden NFL 08 (X360)". Official Xbox Magazine: 80. October 2007. 
  50. ↑ "Madden NFL 08". PC Gamer: 62. December 2007. 
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 "Review: Madden NFL 08". PSM: 81. November 2007. 
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 Zuniga, Todd (August 20, 2007). "Madden NFL 08 (PS3, X360)". The A.V. Club. http://www.avclub.com/article/madden-nfl-08-7619. 
  53. ↑ Herold, Charles (August 16, 2007). "Madden on the Wii: Fun Even for Nonenthusiasts [sic]". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/16/technology/circuits/16game.html?ex=1187928000&en=068c329e931378b4&ei=5070&emc=eta1&_r=0. 
  54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 "Madden NFL 08 for DS". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/938842-madden-nfl-08/index.html. 
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 "Madden NFL 08 for GameCube". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/939133-madden-nfl-08/index.html. 
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 "Madden NFL 08 for PC". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/938998-madden-nfl-08/index.html. 
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 "Madden NFL 08 for PlayStation 2". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/938345-madden-nfl-08/index.html. 
  58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 "Madden NFL 08 for PlayStation 3". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/938344-madden-nfl-08/index.html. 
  59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 "Madden NFL 08 for PSP". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/psp/938543-madden-nfl-08/index.html. 
  60. ↑ 60.0 60.1 "Madden NFL 08 for Xbox". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/939132-madden-nfl-08/index.html. 
  61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 "Madden NFL 08 for Xbox 360". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/938343-madden-nfl-08/index.html. 
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 "Madden NFL 08 for Wii". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/wii/938422-madden-nfl-08/index.html. 
  63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 "Madden NFL 08 for DS Reviews". Metacritic. https://www.metacritic.com/game/madden-nfl-08/critic-reviews/?platform=ds. 
  64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 "Madden NFL 08 for GameCube Reviews". Metacritic. https://www.metacritic.com/game/madden-nfl-08/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube. 
  65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 "Madden NFL 08 for PC Reviews". Metacritic. https://www.metacritic.com/game/madden-nfl-08/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. 
  66. ↑ 66.0 66.1 "Madden NFL 08 for PlayStation 2 Reviews". Metacritic. https://www.metacritic.com/game/madden-nfl-08/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2. 
  67. ↑ 67.0 67.1 "Madden NFL 08 for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic. https://www.metacritic.com/game/madden-nfl-08/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3. 
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 "Madden NFL 08 for PSP Reviews". Metacritic. https://www.metacritic.com/game/madden-nfl-08/critic-reviews/?platform=psp. 
  69. ↑ 69.0 69.1 "Madden NFL 08 for Xbox Reviews". Metacritic. https://www.metacritic.com/game/madden-nfl-08/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox. 
  70. ↑ 70.0 70.1 "Madden NFL 08 for Xbox 360 Reviews". Metacritic. https://www.metacritic.com/game/madden-nfl-08/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. 
  71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 "Madden NFL 08 for Wii Reviews". Metacritic. https://www.metacritic.com/game/madden-nfl-08/critic-reviews/?platform=wii. 
  72. ↑ Zuniga, Todd (October 2007). "Madden NFL 08: Behind the Times". Games for Windows: The Official Magazine (11): 68. 
  73. ↑ "EA Sports 08 Collection". n.d.. https://www.gamespot.com/ea-sports-08-collection. 
  74. ↑ Barboza, William (October 12, 2018). "The Modders Keeping Madden '08 Alive". https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/10/12/the-modders-keeping-madden-08-alive. 

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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