EA really trying to attract younger kids and non-enthusiasts
That much has become increasingly clear for the last few years.
On one hand you expect it, because the product plateaued and competition proved that it wasn't really worth what EA was telling us it was worth. It's pretty amazing in hindsight to consider what really happened in 2004. 2K released a product on equal ground to EA's, a legitimate and strong competitor, for such a bargain price. EA was forced to drop the price of Madden and
still 2K5 was the better deal for $20. We see the exclusive happen immediately after, and now we're all (or maybe I should say
you all) are paying $60 for an annual release with minimal to moderate improvements.
It's not a monopoly because the NFL owns it's own brand, and they can choose to exclusively license out that brand to anyone the deem worthy.
As the years have passed my thing is this, and this is why I'm probably going to keep my 360 forever just to play all-pro. The NFL is big money and is constantly trying to find new revenue streams and new ways to grow. One of those ways is to push their brand and their product through their "official" video game. Personally I don't think it's in the NFL's best interest, much less EA's, to make a hardcore game that would turn away casual or potentially new fans. Those of us that are hardcore football fans will still buy tickets and the television packages to watch their product regardless of how we feel about the video game. However there's probably lots of people out there who don't watch football that will try Madden and enjoy the manufactured big plays and excitement and then look for that in the NFL's real life product. There are a lot of younger people out there and children who have not had enough to time to understand and learn the real life game as well, and giving them a medium that is accessible to learn more about their product and possibly form attachments to players or franchises has to be a great way to grow.
The sad thing is EA sells this game as if it's the hardcore deep football game that even the most ignorant fan can pick up, but It can't be both and it's not. It's the casual game that
is accessible by the masses. Those pining for a more hardcore experience that offers deeper gameplay and more realism in every facet of the game, are just out of luck, because it probably isn't in the interest of either party, the NFL or EA, to make a game for them.
I'll just note that there's nothing wrong with having a product of this nature. It's just tough for the demographic out there looking for more in the product. Especially considering the progress seen in the 2K series and others as well.
Back in the day there was a game for everyone. You could play 2K, you could play Madden, you could play Gameday, you could play QB Club, and if you just wanted to have fun, you could even play NFL blitz.