Smaller pitch??? It's way too small as it is. What size do you want it, The size of a tennis court?

I'd get rid of 'rabid' in line 2.
In your points for improvements, in point (c) you have requested a SMALLER pitch - well, we all want a BIGGER pitch, don't we?

"I don't know what kind of charlatans and orangutangs make up EA's focus groups"

If you are writing a formal letter, try and keep any form of abuse to a minimum - restrain yourself and the result will be a letter which is more pleasing to read. - Which would you prefer? A letter which insults you and tells you your product isn't good enough, or one which compliments the effort so far and offers some advice on how to improve your product?

Otherwise it is a very good letter and I wish you luck with it.

Smaller pitch? What was I thinking? It would be like playing a phone booth. Your suggestions are well-taken, and I will be certain to include them in my offical copy.

if i would do such athing i would focus COMPLETELY on gameplay and realism:
we all want better leagues... but they are less crucial since:
1-u can make a patch for them but not for gameplay
2-the game already has a decent collection even compared to opponents
3- ask little :get all..ask too much get nothing!

I am in the processing of scripting a letter to EA Sports concerning the FIFA series. In the digital world, we sometimes forget that a registered letter on paper demands a response and commands much more power than a barrage of e-mails.

I have the draft here for your perusal. However, I would certainly like to cull your opinion for inclusion. If you have any remarks I could quote verbatim, I would be glad to include them. Please include your real name, hometown and country alongside your remarks if you wish to participate.

Dear EA:

In the business world, the customer dictates the product, and not vice versa. Without customer, there is no product.

I speak for millions of rabid soccer gamers when I say EA has not delivered on incessant requests from its customers for major changes in the gameplay and depth offered by the FIFA series. To me, this is akin to a restauranteer not offering a light salad despite thousands of customers request for same.

And I warn you: this growing tide of gamers is voicing its dissatisfaction, and have begun to depart in streams for what they feel are better football games.

At the risk of reiterating the resounding complaints of the soccer gaming community, let me reiterate its requests:

a) Larger depth of in-game options including more global representation on leagues and internationals sides

b) More in-game depth to cultivate a sense of a real soccer game including fights, injury descriptions, a realistic transfer market and broader range of commentary

c) Gameplay. To repeat: smaller pitch, slower gamespeed, and, most importantly, more realism

To summarize: ame depth and realistic gameply are obviously being championed as the two requisites for an outstanding soccer game.

To galvanize this point, I have affixed feedback from rabid EA players around the world who are woven together by a common thread: that EA sports has failed to deliver a satisfactory soccer simulator. From a marketing point of view, that should be of major concern. I curse myself for awaiting the release of FIFA 2001 but have made an iron-cast commitment not to purchase the game until reviews reveal its features. I'm certain my hard-earned money could be better spent elsewhere.

In the event EA cannot meet the gaming community's demands, I would urge you to be forthright and honest in explaining this to us. If the Argentinian league licensing rights cannot be acquired, please let us know. If you are having problems adjusting the platform to suit slower gameplay, we should be informed. An open dialogue is required between business and client, and I see this only being paid lip service.

As for licensing rights, the Guiness World Book of Records points out that the EA Fifa series is the best selling of all soccer games at 16 million+ units. In this day and age, money talks, and I'd urge you to make the investment to get these rights.

I don't know what kind of charlatans and orangutangs make up EA's focus groups, but hear this: We want - nay - we demand a better product. You can turn your back on your customers for only so long. But I warn you - don't turn around, or we'll be headed in another direction, waving goodbye.

I accept your thanks for taking the time out of my busy day to provide a customer's perspective on your product. I am eagerly anticipating a response to this missive, and wish you all the best in your endeavours.

Until then, I remain,

Sincerely yours,


Reg Wright
Gander, Newfoundland Canada

cc

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