14 DAY TRIAL // Electronic Arts has apparently changed the name of its basketball-oriented franchise from NBA Live to NBA Elite, if reporting done by the Official Xbox Magazine is accurate. The Live name has been used for the series for more than 15 years, which is quite a long time for a videogame and makes the decision taken by the publisher a very questionable one. It's not clear whether outside pressures pushed the company to make the change.
EA Sports, the division of Electronic Arts headed by Peter Moore, is relying on long running series with annual installments, like Madden, FIFA and NBA Live, for most of its revenue. Name recognition and keeping the same launch window is especially important for such videogames, with fans of the real life sport establishing a rhythm linked to the purchase of the virtual experience.
Some of those more NBA fans who will head to stores in the fall to pick up the new NBA Live might actually come home empty handed rather than get the unknown quantity which is the new NBA Elite. Of course, Electronic Arts is probably preparing a strong public communication campaign aimed at explaining the name change, trying to mitigate its effect.
The NBA Elite name could suggest that changes are coming to the franchise. A bigger focus on the outstanding stars of the basketball court could be implemented, with the player needing to put more time in taking care of the superstars of the team in order to ensure that they perform to the best of their ability. EA Sports has not offered too much information on the gameplay changes coming in NBA Elite 11.
EA Sports is also working on NBA Jam, a Nintendo Wii exclusive game, which aims to deliver a more over the top experience, with more outlandish moves on the court and flaming basketballs included.