Press Row Podcast – Episode 109 – The age of broken launches

The 109th episode of the Press Row Podcast is a special episode, taking a look at how the mainstream and independent media have to change their approaches to covering games in the current market.  Polygon’s Owen Good and PastaPadre’s Bryan Wiedey join host Rich Grisham to reflect on the first year of the PS4 and Xbox One launches. It’s startling just how many titles – sports games and otherwise – have suffered crippling problems at launch and beyond. Should “Day 1” reviews exist anymore? Why do sites tolerate embargoes that lift after the retail release of a game? Should sites refuse post-launch embargoes over all? How can a game properly be covered after launch – and is there an audience for that coverage? Do sports games get a fair shake when compared to other AAA titles with much larger teams and longer development times?

Enjoy!

Joining us this week:

Bryan Wiedey, PastaPadre (@PastaPadre)

Owen Good, Polygon (@OwenGood)

And your host, Richard Grisham (@richgrisham)

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you and can’t wait to read your stuff on the air in a future episode. Do it one of these ways:

1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast  and send us some Tweets while you’re there

2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@gmail.com  

Also, the Press Row Podcast is now available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/operation-sports-press-row/id563624090, Stitcher Radio (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/operation-sports/press-row-podcast) , and the Windows Store, so subscribe to it and rate it too!

Enjoy the show!

Run Time:  1:18

Press Row Podcast – Episode 108 – Madden 15 60 Days Later

The 108th episode of the Press Row Podcast features a full panel of Press Row regulars revisiting Madden NFL 15, 60 days after its release. We discuss what we enjoy and what nags at us, what makes Madden fun for us this season, and where the overall franchise is today and moving forward. Afterwards, some interesting nuggets came out of EA’s latest financial call, a lot of which directly impacts sports games. 

Lastly, some listener questions are answered.  

Enjoy!

Joining us this week:

Chris Sanner, Operation Sports (@ChrisSnr)

Bryan Wiedey, PastaPadre (@PastaPadre)

Owen Good, Polygon (@OwenGood)

Samit Sarkar, Polygon (@SamitSarkar)

Kat Bailey, US Gamer (@The_Katbot)

T.J. Lauerman, ThatSportsGamer (@ThatSportsGamer)

And your host, Richard Grisham (@richgrisham)

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you and can’t wait to read your stuff on the air in a future episode. Do it one of these ways:

1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast  and send us some Tweets while you’re there

2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@gmail.com  

Also, the Press Row Podcast is now available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/operation-sports-press-row/id563624090, Stitcher Radio (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/operation-sports/press-row-podcast) , and the Windows Store, so subscribe to it and rate it too!

Enjoy the show!

Run Time:  1:38

Press Row Podcast – Episode 107 – Making NBA Live 15 and the end of online leagues

The 107th episode of the Press Row Podcast is a two-parter. Up first, host Rich Grisham speaks to NBA Live 15 executive producer Sean O’Brien and Producer Connor Dougan all about their approach to designing and building this year’s EA hoops game. It’s a wide-ranging conversation that looks at the just-released Live as well as the future, which is looking better today for the franchise than at any point in the past four years. The second part of the show brings all the regular Press Row panelists together to look more into a concerning trend in modern sports games – the phasing out of online leagues in favor of other modes. Enjoy!

Joining us this week:

Sean O’Brien, EA Sports (@seanobs)

Connor Dougan, EA Sports (@eadougie)

Chris Sanner, Operation Sports (@ChrisSnr)

Bryan Wiedey, PastaPadre (@PastaPadre)

Owen Good, Polygon (@OwenGood)

Samit Sarkar, Polygon (@SamitSarkar)

Kat Bailey, US Gamer (@The_Katbot)

T.J. Lauerman, ThatSportsGamer (@ThatSportsGamer)

And your host, Richard Grisham (@richgrisham)

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you and can’t wait to read your stuff on the air in a future episode. Do it one of these ways:

1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast  and send us some Tweets while you’re there

2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@gmail.com  

Also, the Press Row Podcast is now available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/operation-sports-press-row/id563624090, Stitcher Radio (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/operation-sports/press-row-podcast) , and the Windows Store, so subscribe to it and rate it too!

Enjoy the show!

Run Time:  1:32

Press Row Podcast – Episode 106 – NBA 2K15 Afterthoughts and NBA Live 15 Initial Impressions

The 106th episode of the Press Row Podcast features a full panel of Press Row regulars diving deep into the two big fall NBA releases. Up first is an extended discussion of NBA 2K15 now that we’ve all had a few weeks to play – or choose not to play – NBA 2K15 in a full retail environment. Next is a chat about expectations for NBA Live 15, including how the game is being held up by EA as well as what the panel thinks its approach should be. Lastly, Rich spends a few minutes with PastaPadre’s Bryan Wiedey one-on-one to get his thoughts after spending six hours hands-on with NBA Live 15 via EA Access. It’s a hoops extravaganza. Enjoy!

Joining us this week:

Chris Sanner, Operation Sports (@ChrisSnr)

Bryan Wiedey, PastaPadre (@PastaPadre)

Owen Good, Polygon (@OwenGood)

Samit Sarkar, Polygon (@SamitSarkar)

Kat Bailey, US Gamer (@The_Katbot)

T.J. Lauerman, ThatSportsGamer (@ThatSportsGamer)

And your host, Richard Grisham (@richgrisham)

Be sure to help out our man T.J. Lauerman’s children’s hospital efforts at Extra Life right here! 

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you and can’t wait to read your stuff on the air in a future episode. Do it one of these ways:

1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast  and send us some Tweets while you’re there

2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@gmail.com  

Also, the Press Row Podcast is now available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/operation-sports-press-row/id563624090, Stitcher Radio (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/operation-sports/press-row-podcast) , and the Windows Store, so subscribe to it and rate it too!

Enjoy the show!

Run Time:  1:49

Press Row Podcast – Episode 105 – Fall Racing Roundtable

The 105th episode of the Press Row Podcast welcomes two good friends back to the show as it pits this fall’s two big racing games against each other – Forza Horizon 2 vs DriveClub. Greg Sewart from the Player One Podcast and Pete Dodd from Dodd Scientifics join host Rich Grisham in an extended conversation that looks at what’s great and not-so-great about both titles. In addition, the community weighs in on their thoughts. Finally, the panelists examine the other next-gen racing games coming soon and the overall, ever-changing racing game landscape. Whether you’re a huge fan of the genre or just casually into racing games, chances are you’ll get a kick out of this episode.

Joining us this week:

Greg Sewart, Player One Podcast and Generation-16 (@Sewart)

Pete Dodd, Dodd Scientifics (@atPeteDodd)

And your host, Richard Grisham (@richgrisham)

Be sure to check out Greg Sewart’s great work at Extra Life right here and donate to his efforts. If not, be sure to help out our man T.J. Lauerman’s children’s hospital efforts at Extra Life right here! 

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you and can’t wait to read your stuff on the air in a future episode. Do it one of these ways:

1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and send us some Tweets while you’re there

2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@gmail.com 

Also, the Press Row Podcast is now available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/operation-

sports-press-row/id563624090, Stitcher Radio (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/operation-sports/press-row-podcast) , and the Windows Store, so subscribe to it and rate it too!

Enjoy the show!

Run Time: 1:47

Press Row Podcast – Episode 104 – NBA 2K15 Roundtable

The 104th episode of the Press Row Podcast focuses squarely on the just-launched NBA 2K15. The crew discusses their initial impressions, the new shot meter, moments that caught them by surprise positively and negatively, the infamous face-scanning process, concerns about the online stability and requirements, and much more. In addition, we get a brief hands-on report about NBA Live 15 as well as a few listener questions regarding Madden 15 and The Golf Club on the Xbox One.

Joining us this week:

Bryan Wiedey, PastaPadre (@PastaPadre

Owen Good, Polygon (@OwenGood)

Samit Sarkar, Polygon (@SamitSarkar)

Kat Bailey, US Gamer (@The_Katbot)

And your host, Richard Grisham (@richgrisham)

Also! Be sure to help out our man T.J. Lauerman’s children’s hospital efforts at Extra Life right here! 

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you and can’t wait to read your stuff on the air in a future episode. Do it one of these ways:

1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and send us some Tweets while you’re there

2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@gmail.com 

Also, the Press Row Podcast is now available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/operation-sports-press-row/id563624090, Stitcher Radio (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/operation-sports/press-row-podcast) , and the Windows Store, so subscribe to it and rate it too!

Enjoy the show!

Run Time: 1:25

The 103rd episode of the Press Row Podcast is a direct result of community feedback! We’ve heard from hundreds of listeners that really enjoy a lot of aspects of FIFA 15 but don’t always understand the best ways to improve their game or enjoy it as much as they can. So, we reached out to a few of our friends to provide some background as well as direct instructions on how to get better – and we think the result is a really interesting show. Up first, host Rich Grisham chats with FIFA 15 producer Santiago Jaramillo, who discusses (among many other things) some of the differences between this year and last year and how players can approach it this season. Up next is a discussion between Rich and 2 FIFA experts - regular Press Row panelist Kat Bailey and GoodGameBro’s Corey Andress – who totally geek out on very specific ways to get better at every aspect of FIFA 15, including scoring, defense, tactics, substitutions, and roster management. Whether you’re a longtime FIFA player, a newcomer to the series, or just someone with a passing interest in the game, there’s something for you in our show today. Enjoy!

Joining us this week:

Santiago Jaramillo, EA Sports (@santiagoj83)

Kat Bailey, US Gamer(@The_KatBot)

Corey Andress, GoodGameBro (@coreySA)

And your host, Richard Grisham (@richgrisham)

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you and can’t wait to read your stuff on the air in a future episode. Do it one of these ways:

1. Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and send us some Tweets while you’re there

2. Email the show at PressRowPodcast@gmail.com

Also, the Press Row Podcast is now available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/operation-sports-press-row/id563624090, Stitcher Radio (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/operation-sports/press-row-podcast) , and the Windows Store, so subscribe to it and rate it too!

Enjoy the show!

Run Time: 1:48

Press Row Podcast – Episode 102 – FIFA 15 Review Roundtable

The 102nd episode of the Press Row Podcast dives into two main topics – the individual panelists’ impressions of FIFA 15 upon release as well as a lively discussion of the ongoing viability of annual sports game releases on the new generation of consoles. By the time the crew is done, they’ve touched on FIFA 15, Madden 15, MLB 14 The Show, The Golf Club, NHL 15, NBA 2K15, and NBA Live 15. With the huge gap in quality between the sports games at the top of the heap and those at the bottom, the challenges faces by everyone involved – consumers, developers, publishers – are more apparent than ever. 

Joining us this week:

Bryan Wiedey, PastaPadre (@PastaPadre)

Chris Sanner, Operation Sports (@ChrisSnr)

Owen Good, Polygon (@owengood)

Samit Sarkar, Polygon (@SamitSarkar)

And your host, Richard Grisham (@richgrisham)

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you and can’t wait to read your stuff on the air in a future episode. Do it one of these ways:

1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and send us some Tweets while you’re there

2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@gmail.com 

Also, the Press Row Podcast is now available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/operation-sports-press-row/id563624090, Stitcher Radio (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/operation-sports/press-row-podcast) , and the Windows Store, so subscribe to it and rate it too!

Enjoy the show!

Run Time: 1:41

Press Row Podcast – Episode 101 – NHL 15 Fallout, Gus Ramsey, and Tap Sports Baseball 

The 101st episode of the Press Row Podcast run the gamut, from big-time AAA sports games to brand new mobile indie offerings. Up first, host Rich Grisham interviews NHL 15 producer Sean Ramjagsingh about the launch of EA’s pro hockey title – what went well, whether fan expectations were fair, reactions to the lack of modes that had been in previous generation versions of the game, and the future of the franchise. It’s an honest look at the extraordinary difficulties that surround making the leap from one generation to another. Up next, ESPN’s Gus Ramsey (and his new puppy Bronco!) joins Rich for his annual take on Madden 15. Lastly, Rich is joined by PastaPadre’s Bryan Wiedey to interview Mike Saperstein, the creative director of the new Tap Sports Baseball mobile game that many of our listeners have found to be a lot of fun. They discuss the ideas behind the game and how it came to life. 

Joining us this week:

Sean Ramjasingh, EA Sports (@Rammer34)

Gus Ramsey, ESPN(@GusRamsey)

Bryan Wiedey, PastaPadre (@PastaPadre)

Michael Saperstein, Tap Sports Baseball

And your host, Richard Grisham (@richgrisham)

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you and can’t wait to read your stuff on the air in a future episode. Do it one of these ways:

1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and send us some Tweets while you’re there

2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@gmail.com 

Also, the Press Row Podcast is now available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/operation-sports-press-row/id563624090, Stitcher Radio (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/operation-sports/press-row-podcast) , and the Windows Store, so subscribe to it and rate it too!

Enjoy the show!

Run Time: 1:52

Press Row Podcast – Episode 100 – Reviews Roundup

The 100th episode of the Press Row Podcast features further analysis of the big sports titles that have recently landed, including further discussion of Madden 15, a spirited debate on the merits of The Golf Club, and a look into what happened with the PS4/Xbox One launch of NHL 15. Thank you to everyone who has helped us get to this great milestone, and we hope that we can be around for hundreds more episodes!

Joining us this week:

Owen Good, Polygon (@owengood)

Samit Sarkar, Polygon (@SamitSarkar)

Chris Sanner, Operation Sports (@ChrisSnr)

T.J. Lauerman, ThatSportsGamer (@ThatSportsGamer)

Bryan Wiedey, PastaPadre (@PastaPadre)

And your host, Richard Grisham (@richgrisham)

Send us your feedback! We love to hear from you and can’t wait to read your stuff on the air in a future episode. Do it one of these ways:

1) Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast and send us some Tweets while you’re there

2) Email the show at PressRowPodcast@gmail.com 

Also, the Press Row Podcast is now available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/operation-sports-press-row/id563624090, Stitcher Radio (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/operation-sports/press-row-podcast) , and the Windows Store, so subscribe to it and rate it too!

Enjoy the show!

Run Time: 1:30