Joe Montana Football 16 Screenshot Appears to Confirm an Unlicensed Game

The first in-game screenshot for Joe Montana Football 16 was tweeted out by Montana. It shows generic teams, players and stadium. Dispelling rumors that it would be NFL licensed.

[JMaine518]

No NFL licensing? It can still be good but I was hoping that somehow this would be NFL 2k16 renamed. Sigh.

[Ozmoses]

EA has had the NFL license locked up for years... that is why Madden is the only one.. with the occasional NFL Blitz game every so often.

I dunno when the license will be up for grabs again. but it is solely secured by EA for at least a few more years.

It's about money...

Practices like this produce monopolies in the gaming industry and shouldn't be allowed..

the industry used to be ripe with competing NFL titles... there was Madden, NFL2K, NFL GameDay... I think ESPN had one... Bo Jackson Football... so many...

the competition was good for the industry... but now one company buys the rights and forces the others to make a subpar product that NFL fans can't get behind..

If a company has the money to pay for NFL right than that company should be allowed to make an NFL game.. it shouldn't be locked down to the highest bidder...

it should be a set price.

[JMaine518]

I couldn't agree more. It has to stop cuz 2k made some good football games!

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

If I'm not mistaken, it was the NFL that proposed the exclusive license deal not EA.

The NFL is receiving more money from the exclusive EA deal than they were when multiple companies were able to purchase, if I'm not mistaken.

The NFL loves exclusives deals. See all their "The OFFICIAL _(blank)_ of the NFL" promos.

Anyway, I hope that this Joe Montana game is made by 2K and if it is, I hope that it's a true simulation of football, unlike madden which is more arcade like than anything.

We need competition.

[Saigon]

I don't get it so this confirms the NFL is not backing this game, so how is it exclusive? According to the rumor that was post a few weeks ago and over the weekend, this was suppose to be an NFL game and exclusive. So does that mean there is a possibility that all systems can play this game?

[Maddens Raiders]

Holy S***.

[Randostar]

Yup, EA actually got sued for this a couple years back.

[guitarded77]

Yeah, more licensed options would be good for fans, but personally I prefer unlicensed (generic) types of sports games where they have some realistic aspect, but not all the sim BS included. I miss the days of jump in and play sports games. Not you have to train for an entire preseason just to get the offensive and defensive control schemes memorized. And that's not even touching the playbook. I'm not expecting NES era sports games, but at least you and a friend could pick up and play and it be pretty fair even for a noob.

[Kingdomcome247]

@guitarded- I agree. I used to love sports games, but they've become so complicated. The manual for NBA2K14 had about five pages worth of nothing but the control scheme.

[3-4-5]

No NFL License is a good thing IMO.

That means the NFL can't dictate stupid rules within the game.

* Want to create your own league of 32 original teams ?

We can now.

Change the rules up ? Cool, Add different options and sliders that wouldn't be in Madden ? awesome!

So many possibilities and if something works in this game Madden will be pressured to include it.

If they don't, loss of sales, and the gamers win in the end.

[Gamble20]

The exclusive license actually only covers third party development. Technically, a studio such as Sony San Diego could develop their own NFL game and release it exclusively on Sony platforms. However, naturally the NFL would still have to agree to the development of the game and they would charge an exorbitant price, IF they even go along with a first party game to begin with. The truth is that the NFL pursued EA, not the other way around, because they felt it was better for the league brand to have control (and make extra revenue) by licensing the properties to only one mainstream developer. This of course is absolutely stupid, and we are left with a crappy Madden experience that rarely grows from year to year. But keep in mind the NFL isn't run by gamers. It's run by a group of executives who know almost nothing about video games.

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

***"The exclusive license actually only covers third party development."***

Where is this coming from?

I have never heard that the license only covers multiplats/3rd party games until recently.

Where is that information coming from? I need facts.

[snarls2000]

that was 2k's baseball deal

[-Lawless-]

EA secured NFL rights long ago. I remember it because at the time I thought Madden was garbage (I still do) and I much preferred ESPN, apparently this was the case with a lot of people and it didn't help that ESPN released for 39.99 or was it 49.99? Anyway when EA bought out the rights nobody else could make a NFL game which ultimately lead to ESPN going under despite people saying at that time it was becoming the better game.

In this day and age though we have more technology than we did back in those days...so Joe Montana can still work if it allows people to upload custom players and custom teams, then the Community for the game will ultimately make it a NFL game via Roster updates etc.

I remember back in the Dreamcast days there was a lot of this going on via VMU updates etc for games like Fire Pro Wrestling which let you make characters, arenas and then some. It's all up to the devs of this game to realize this though and gives gamers and the community a avenue to accomplish these things. It's easier now than ever so I don't see the reason why they'd pass on this option.

Madden just isn't fun anymore and if what EA has done with Fifa is any indication of how they're going to start treating their other sport franchises I say we need as many alternatives as possible, because as far as I'm concerned it's some high quality bs.

[DaGR8JIBRALTAR]

2k5 was 20 bucks.....STILL the best deal in gaming history.

[-Lawless-]

Someone pointed out to me the price was actually $19.99 instead. So I was likely wrong about that on account of how long it's been since I bought it obviously.

[gedden7]

Maybe a unlicensed football game would be best with roster sharing. You know the nfl controls a lot of which ea does with madden.. They neutered they hit stick and big/huge hits and dont allow cursing and taunting. Stuff like that.

Then we have roster sharing... People can create whatever league they want. NFL, College, Legends or whatever... This may be a blessing in disguise.. Think about it.

[Tankbusta40]

It's fine with me, any thing other than Madden please

[Mustang300C2012]

The last madden is awesome. Don't know what the hell y'all are talking about

[Tankbusta40]

madden hasn't been awesome since 2006...I played this year's Madden and it was the same game I've played for almost 10 years. I am sick of John Madden football and want another football game... Just because you are of a different opinion and wish to spend 60 bucks every single year for updated rosters... Doesn't mean I can't want something new

[masterfox]

Is not awesome, if it was awesome I would play it.

[Kribwalker]

Waited 5 months, got Madden 15 free with EA access, now I am enjoying it. Will do the same next year if not enough changes

[Mustang300C2012]

Except I didn't pay 60 for it like I don't for a lot of games. You wanting a different football game from some developer has nothing to do with the ignorant comment you and many others like yourself that love to bitch and moan about all things video games for Christ sakes lol. It isn't the same game from 10 years ago other than the name. If NFL 2K was all it wouldn't be wishful thinking of gamers living in the past. Joe Montana if it is real could be a great game. If it is real I guess we will find out.

[wsoutlaw87]

The game is crap. I can beat you running the same 2 plays over there is so much broken in madden that have been issues they haven't fixed for 10 years.

[rxl209]

thats your standards? oh yeah, they see you coming a mile away. theres one born every minute

[Tankbusta40]

Or its 2k...and their last football game was amazing... With their basketball games being top notch. I don't see how they are seeing me coming

[Gamble20]

Actually their last football game was in 2008, where they signed on John Elway and Jerry Rice and a few others. It was called all pro football or something like that.

I don't blame you for not remembering because it was a terrible game. Unfortunately, after EA bought out the NFL many of the 2k developers who were working on the NFL games either joined EA or moved on to other projects. So by the time they got back to trying to make a football game the magic was lost. Hopefully this time is different though.

[Xman2K]

Haha All Pro Football 2K8 is still better than Madden. Why hasn't madden implemented anything like FieldPass with the player chatter and likeness of players with voices? That's right they don't care about going into that much detail. Ea, madden SNOoZEfest.....

[MysticStrummer]

Madden is one of the few franchises so lazy that it makes Call of Duty seem almost ambitious.

[nowitzki2004]

Dont buy Madden, buy this game. You will see how quickly we get NFL 2k back.

[Xman2K]

Most true thing said on internet from my fav baller. Remember with the whole DRM issue, we can make a difference

[rxl209]

this game is gonna flop BIG TIME

[maniacmayhem]

Uuuum, could this still be a work in progress? Just because they show generic teams now doesn't mean real names and jersey's can't be added later.

For all we know this could just be an alpha screenshot.

I'm still going to hold on that this is a new football game from 2k and it will use real NFL teams.

[JeffGUNZ]

I thought the license agreement ended in 2016. Makes sense.

[WCxAlchemist]

Dreams of nfl 2k16 crushed!! Makes absolutely no sense to make a generic football game. Plenty of Respect for Joe lots o great memories football wise but i will be with a heavy heart be getting Madden 16. Rip NFL 2K

Edit: Daaaa Chargers

[christocolus]

lol. feel the same way.I'd prefer a game with official NFL licensing,the game looks good though. Lets wait for an official announcement.

[Thomaticus]

I'm so happy to see a next gen football game! I'm buying it day one! There's a lot riding on this game, not only for the developers but for the gaming community as well. The monopoly that EA has enjoyed has been horrible for gamers (who enjoy simulation football). So hopefully, this series can produce well enough where it can have multiple entries.

[adaminoregon]

This could be pretty sweet. Madden needs some competition. I am ready for another option. It doesn't even bother me that its not licensed. Just give me a realistic football sim and I will be happy.

[KiwiViper85]

What if Microsoft creates its own Virtual Football League?

A group of friends creates a Team.. Location, Name, Strip, Stadium, Players, Plays, even a Mascot and Cheerleaders.

Play against opponent teams in your area for regional cups etc, moving up to State wide tournaments, Country vs Country, Hell even all the way up to....

"The MicroBowl"

Create its own Fantasy League.

It would bring a whole new level to competitive American Football gaming, possibly even manufacturing Stars in game and out.

Or if you want a licensed game you can still play Madden...

[rainslacker]

Except MS has a deal with the NFL. The NFL has a hand in all these virtual leagues, so I don't think they'd appreciate the competition. NFL really dislikes competition...ironic huh?

[snarls2000]

actually as long as the base game does not use the real teams, players or logos the nfl cannot sue

[WCxAlchemist]

Just up voted you. That was some pretty creative and hopeful idea but is it gonna happen.. Ive seen bigger long shots so there is hope

[Kingdomcome247]

Pretty cool idea.

[Moldiver]

I could strangle that guy who posted the rumour claiming this was going to be a licenced NFL game. Couldnt they at least use the college teams!? damn!

[JeffGUNZ]

It could just be a place holder for an early build. If they go exclusive to MS, I wonder if they can get a loophole since MS and NFL have been in bed together since X1 release. Who knows what will happen or if this is even real lol.

[kingbain90]

Why don't 2k make a college football game since EA stopped?

[tankor2000]

nobod is going to touch a college game untill all the lawsuits are dealt with

[JeffGUNZ]

2K Sports presents: "Jerry Sanduski Football"

Boom. Millions sold.

[ImHyjack]

If MS was the publisher then the game could have a NFL license. EA only has exclusive rights to 3rd party NFL games but it can't be published by 2K. If I read it right

[urwifeminder]

Nice have not played a American football game for must be 10 years or more because I did not get into madden count me in.

[Truthandreason]

Since this game seems to be announced for PC too, modders will take care of "licensing" on the PC side. Despite playing NBA2k15, I never noticed if you could download custom rosters in that game like NBA2K11/10 (?), but that would take care of console users too, as far as players go. I played those older NBA2k for a couple of years with user created modern rosters, but I think they eventually killed all online functionality for those older games.

[Mikey Mike]

It is a ported mobile game coming to consoles...

[curtis92]

Looks terrible. Every player looks the same. Why bother making montana in a football game when the character looks like a beefed up cornerback. Oh well, I'm sure it plays well. But we all know it'll flop. People don't buy madden to play with generic people and teams. The whole appeal of madden is now the madden ultimate team mode.

[LexHazard79]

There goes all the excitement I had for this game. Its basically 2K All Pro Football for next gen. I just cant play it without the NFL license.

[ScaryMonkey]

Three things we can learn from this.

No NFL License no interest.
There goes that hope for xbone.
EA is the devil.

[chuckyj1]

If this game gets good reviews I may end up buying this game just to protest Madden Monopoly... Madden is a Junk copy and paste effort ever since they got the exclusive deal.

I will buy this game instead only if this game gets good reviews though....