"This just in Tootoo now more hated than Jeremy Roenick's spare arse."
Bedford, TX • United States •
Problems with EA sports NHL 08 get used to it or speak up.
Posted 10:51 PM ET | Comments 3
Like many gamers, I have been waiting on the roster update for NHL 08. We all assumed it would be out in a reasonable time. Well it has finally come out 3 weeks after the trade deadline and it's full of glitches.
Systems lock up, connections drop, and lineups are full of holes. The Stars, my favorite team, and the Sharks (the other team in the Pacific) only have 11 forwards. These are some of the current issues I'm aware of and they make online play impossible.
After calling in tonight and spending 45 minutes deleting and reinstalling files. I was told by a customer service rep. that they would monitor "to see if a problem existed. " Frustrated, I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told that wasn't possible but I'd get a call back within 2 business days. I called back determined to vent about these issues with someone in charge. I asked to speak to a supervisor to express my concerns on wasting 45 minutes of my time. If it's a known issue just say so. I feel after 10 years of buying their products I have the right to at least complain. Well after being placed on hold a few times while trying to determine whether I justified a supervisor's time, we developed "phone problems." Suddenly the rep. was having problems hearing me. I could hear everything he said fine, yet his connection quality had amazingly deteriorated. After talking for about 3 more minutes I was assured that we were having problems communicating and I should call back. I hung up. I called one final time again determined to speak to a supervisor. After explaining as few details as possible, politely as possible, I was placed on hold to wait for a supervisor. After about 10 minutes I'm connected with "Mark," an EA supervisor; I began to explain the situation only to hear the line go dead. <i>I was hung up on by a supervisor. </i> At no time during these conversations did I raise my voice or use profanity - that generally diminishes the level of customer service. And this was the thanks I got for being a loyal customer and pointing out some flaws in their product.
A quick read of the message boards on EA and even some comments on Bill Clement's latest blog will give you an idea on the scope of the problems. There have been numerous issues with the franchise this year. IMO this game and the "Quality control" for this series is declining quickly. I really question the investment, if any, that this company makes in quality control or beta testing.
http://forums.ea.com/mboa...s/forum.jspa?forumID=4094
Here's what has me scared:
A couple of years ago there was a little more competition in the gaming market. NFL 2k5 was starting to develop into a pretty good product. They were also releasing their games at a reasonable $19.95. Then EA sports bought an exclusivity license and they are now the only game maker that can use actual NFL teams and players, effectively ending any competition which would drive a better product.
Do you think Gary Bettman would sell the NHL's exclusivity to the highest bidder? Do you really think he's concerned with the average fan or in his short sightedness over a few extra dollars would he do the same? See Versus and the original problems people had trying to get it. Even if these glitches are worked out shortly I'd like to make sure we have choices in the future. Like it or not some companies only listen when you take your money else where.
Hopefully I'm wrong, Hopefully this is the end of the problems. But if not I'd like to gather some comments and start an "online petition" to give to EA and the NHL. Let's help remind this company and our NHL that the consumer still matters. Please give me your comments and encourage your friends to come here so their voice will be heard.
Thanks
A Hockey Fan
Edit: Eggshmeg has pointed out in the comments: an exclusivity issue is not a major concern at this point. Apparently my bog has spurred the NHL and NHLPA into action effective 2006. I appreciate the info, that's one less concern now it's just the problem of getting EA to fix their product.
http://www.gamespot.com/p...l07/news.html?sid=6152906
Now that I've cooled off a little I'll also admit I've loved this product for at least 10 years I just wish they would practice better quality control and Beta test I can't believe they currently do.
Systems lock up, connections drop, and lineups are full of holes. The Stars, my favorite team, and the Sharks (the other team in the Pacific) only have 11 forwards. These are some of the current issues I'm aware of and they make online play impossible.
After calling in tonight and spending 45 minutes deleting and reinstalling files. I was told by a customer service rep. that they would monitor "to see if a problem existed. " Frustrated, I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told that wasn't possible but I'd get a call back within 2 business days. I called back determined to vent about these issues with someone in charge. I asked to speak to a supervisor to express my concerns on wasting 45 minutes of my time. If it's a known issue just say so. I feel after 10 years of buying their products I have the right to at least complain. Well after being placed on hold a few times while trying to determine whether I justified a supervisor's time, we developed "phone problems." Suddenly the rep. was having problems hearing me. I could hear everything he said fine, yet his connection quality had amazingly deteriorated. After talking for about 3 more minutes I was assured that we were having problems communicating and I should call back. I hung up. I called one final time again determined to speak to a supervisor. After explaining as few details as possible, politely as possible, I was placed on hold to wait for a supervisor. After about 10 minutes I'm connected with "Mark," an EA supervisor; I began to explain the situation only to hear the line go dead. <i>I was hung up on by a supervisor. </i> At no time during these conversations did I raise my voice or use profanity - that generally diminishes the level of customer service. And this was the thanks I got for being a loyal customer and pointing out some flaws in their product.
A quick read of the message boards on EA and even some comments on Bill Clement's latest blog will give you an idea on the scope of the problems. There have been numerous issues with the franchise this year. IMO this game and the "Quality control" for this series is declining quickly. I really question the investment, if any, that this company makes in quality control or beta testing.
http://forums.ea.com/mboa...s/forum.jspa?forumID=4094
Here's what has me scared:
A couple of years ago there was a little more competition in the gaming market. NFL 2k5 was starting to develop into a pretty good product. They were also releasing their games at a reasonable $19.95. Then EA sports bought an exclusivity license and they are now the only game maker that can use actual NFL teams and players, effectively ending any competition which would drive a better product.
Do you think Gary Bettman would sell the NHL's exclusivity to the highest bidder? Do you really think he's concerned with the average fan or in his short sightedness over a few extra dollars would he do the same? See Versus and the original problems people had trying to get it. Even if these glitches are worked out shortly I'd like to make sure we have choices in the future. Like it or not some companies only listen when you take your money else where.
Hopefully I'm wrong, Hopefully this is the end of the problems. But if not I'd like to gather some comments and start an "online petition" to give to EA and the NHL. Let's help remind this company and our NHL that the consumer still matters. Please give me your comments and encourage your friends to come here so their voice will be heard.
Thanks
A Hockey Fan
Edit: Eggshmeg has pointed out in the comments: an exclusivity issue is not a major concern at this point. Apparently my bog has spurred the NHL and NHLPA into action effective 2006. I appreciate the info, that's one less concern now it's just the problem of getting EA to fix their product.
http://www.gamespot.com/p...l07/news.html?sid=6152906
Now that I've cooled off a little I'll also admit I've loved this product for at least 10 years I just wish they would practice better quality control and Beta test I can't believe they currently do.
The NHL has already stated that they will not be giving out any exclusive licenses, so you have nothing to worry about there. Although, if EA purchases 2K like they want, we may have a problem.I was happy with the way 08 turned out, no real issues from me.
I'm glad to see my blog has already stirred the NHL and NHLPA to act (in the year 2006 :) Thanks for pointing this out Eggshmeg. I guess the only thing we have to be concerned now is EA buying 2k, not sure what we could do about that since it's just business. http://www.gamespot.com/psp/sports/nhl07/news.html?sid=6152906*sigh* now if we could just get EA to fix their game. Thanks for the info.
The lack of roster updates is very disappointing. I do, however, think they have made great improvements in NHL 08. It is definitely the superior hockey game on the market. The one major improvement they need is to have more accurate player ratings and accurate rosters available. They should put out roster updates every other month or so.