EA Mobile - Submit Your Questions To The Producers

[CraigLaw]

Hey All -

I have a unique opportunity this Saturday to sit down with the Producers of SimCity and Need for Speed Undercover (the iPhone/iPod touch versions) during an Apple Store event here in Los Angeles. I think it's going to be cool because we haven't done anything like this before and Apple is getting behind gaming like I've never seen before.

So, I figured I'd ask the peeps here @ TGN if you had any questions you wanted me to ask of them? Could be anything about SimCity or NFS Undercover or even mobile gaming in general. Maybe you have a cool idea or feature request? Keep in mind the focus is on the iPhone/iPod touch when submitting your Q's. Also, please guys, this is not an opportunity to flame them or gripe about things like price. The people I'll be chatting with have nothing to do with the cost. They're gamers like us. Their job is to make fun games and I'm hoping there may be some value in getting you guys in touch with them.

That's about it. Look forward to hearing what's on your minds!

CL

[DeejayKnight]

Re: EA Mobile - Submit Your Questions To The Producers

I have a couple of questions that relate to the iPhone/iTouch.

1) How did your development process differ from other platforms that you've developed for? Whether it be PC/Next Gen/Web Browser/Cellular, etc.

2) What was the biggest hurdle to overcome when working with the accelerometer in the iPhone/Touch (if it was used)? How did it impact the game's development and fun factor?

3) How long did it take from initial concepts to playable game?

4) Considering the fact that the Apple Store is a free market, what kind of suggestions would you have for budding iPhone/iTouch developers out there that want to get into development on this platform?

I hope those are good enough questions.

[CraigLaw]

Re: EA Mobile - Submit Your Questions To The Producers

These are excellent questions! Need for Speed uses the accelerometer so #2 is definitely relevant. Will definitely make sure they take a moment to give detailed answers for you.

I have a couple of questions that relate to the iPhone/iTouch.

1) How did your development process differ from other platforms that you've developed for? Whether it be PC/Next Gen/Web Browser/Cellular, etc.

2) What was the biggest hurdle to overcome when working with the accelerometer in the iPhone/Touch (if it was used)? How did it impact the game's development and fun factor?

3) How long did it take from initial concepts to playable game?

4) Considering the fact that the Apple Store is a free market, what kind of suggestions would you have for budding iPhone/iTouch developers out there that want to get into development on this platform?

I hope those are good enough questions.

[Iwantcable]

Re: EA Mobile - Submit Your Questions To The Producers

In general, what are you hoping to improve most with mobile platforms? (e.g., graphics, controls, multiplayer, etc.)

What is the iPhone's biggest competitor, gaming wise? Do you think Apple will continue gaming support enough to break into the Sony/Nintendo market of portable gaming consoles?

[DeejayKnight]

Re: EA Mobile - Submit Your Questions To The Producers

Just posted this on GAMINGtruth: Developer Q&A: SimCity and NFSU for iPhone/iTouch.

Hope that helps add a few more questions!

These are excellent questions! Need for Speed uses the accelerometer so #2 is definitely relevant. Will definitely make sure they take a moment to give detailed answers for you.

Thank you, btw!

[AllFoamNoBeer]

Re: EA Mobile - Submit Your Questions To The Producers

1. If any, what market is the EA mobile group aiming to satisfy? Purely the gamers or the general mobile users?

2. What efforts is EA/EA Mobile taking to satisfy the needs of such a niche group.

Still formulating some.

[CraigLaw]

Re: EA Mobile - Submit Your Questions To The Producers

Ahh, great minds think alike! :) Your q's about multiplayer and controls are my questions too, so expect those to get asked.

There's been a lot of chatter recently about the iPhone as a contender against the DS and PSP. I'll dig up some links for you and post them so you an see what people are saying about that.

In general, what are you hoping to improve most with mobile platforms? (e.g., graphics, controls, multiplayer, etc.)

What is the iPhone's biggest competitor, gaming wise? Do you think Apple will continue gaming support enough to break into the Sony/Nintendo market of portable gaming consoles?

[Dairuka]

Re: EA Mobile - Submit Your Questions To The Producers

Question #1: We all know that the iPod Touch and the iPhone have many DRM-like features that prevent the freedom of program modification/creation and third-party application (freeware games) use. Should we expect that EA will not install certain extra features packaged with their game that prevents people from playing these games on their iPod Touch or iPhone after it's been unlocked?

Question #2: If you do happen to package certain features with your game. Will it be properly labeled in the application store and/or box so that we as the consumer, can make an informed decision before buying your game?

Question #3: Is EA planning any unique and/or original releases tailored to fit the iPod Touch and the iPhone's unique control system, or are we to expect re-releases of EA's flagship titles only?

[jake_]

Re: EA Mobile - Submit Your Questions To The Producers

What, if any, are plans for releasing updates for games? I know that for PC gaming users often are quick to find bugs, exploits, etc and then soon fix them with a "patch" while most console/handheld gaming suffers in this area. Because of the nature of mobile gaming, will it be possible that we could see updates released for some specific games?

[CraigLaw]

Re: EA Mobile - Submit Your Questions To The Producers

I have to say, these are some of the best questions I've seen asked, hands down.

I already prepped Mike P. for these, since I wanted to get as many answered as possible and he's ready. Mike's a great guy (Rockstar is probably more appropriate) so expect both informative and humorous responses.

[iQue]

Re: EA Mobile - Submit Your Questions To The Producers

Question #1: We all know that the iPod Touch and the iPhone have many DRM-like features that prevent the freedom of program modification/creation and third-party application (freeware games) use. Should we expect that EA will not install certain extra features packaged with their game that prevents people from playing these games on their iPod Touch or iPhone after it's been unlocked?

Dairuka is back :laugh:

I see my questions have already been asked. Waiting for a reply...

[Namakan]

Re: EA Mobile - Submit Your Questions To The Producers

I don't own a mobile, should these games be an incentive to buy one?

[MrKLM]

Re: EA Mobile - Submit Your Questions To The Producers

Does EA Mobile plan to work with EA Games to port some of the EA Mobile gaming catalog onto Xbox Live, Playstation Network, or Nintendo Wii Virtual Console?

[Dan2k3k4]

Re: EA Mobile - Submit Your Questions To The Producers

Does EA Mobile have any plans to jump on the Android engine and release any games for Android phones (e.g. the g1)? - Of course we'll have to wait until developers can release paid applications on the Android phones...

As a current first year student studing Computer Science, I am interested in getting into developing games, I'd like to expand my knowledge and development small mini-games for each platform out there, in the hopes that someone major would pick me up... do you guys have any tips on where I should start?

As gamers, what is your favorite gaming genre? RTS? Racing? FPS? and what was your first console that you purchased?

[CraigLaw]

Re: EA Mobile - Submit Your Questions To The Producers

Yes. We have already developed a few titles for G1 and will continue to support that device. As a matter of fact, I'm working with some colleagues on an Android G1 article, where we talk with the developers who won the Google contest about the future of the platform.

As far as help for independent developers, I'm aware the EA has a program just for this - to reach out to the upcoming talent out there. I'll get some more info on this and pass it along.

If you're asking me personally about genres, I'm a big FPS fan. Multiplayer and Co-op are the most exciting things going on. As far as first console, the Atari 2600!! It was my mom who bought it for me though, I was way too young to be able to afford that

Does EA Mobile have any plans to jump on the Android engine and release any games for Android phones (e.g. the g1)? - Of course we'll have to wait until developers can release paid applications on the Android phones...

As a current first year student studing Computer Science, I am interested in getting into developing games, I'd like to expand my knowledge and development small mini-games for each platform out there, in the hopes that someone major would pick me up... do you guys have any tips on where I should start?

As gamers, what is your favorite gaming genre? RTS? Racing? FPS? and what was your first console that you purchased?