Press Row Podcast
Operation Sports: Press Row Podcast: Episode 38 - NHL 14 Dev Team Deep Dive (Part 1)

It’s the 38th Episode of the Press Row Podcast, a one-on-many developer interview with key members of the NHL 14 development team. Host Rich Grisham (@richgrisham) discusses the transition from last year’s game to this one, the key aspects of the just-released demo, and a deep dive into the on-ice improvements we can expect from this year’s hockey title. As always, a few listener questions are sprinkled in throughout.

Don’t miss Part 2 of the interview coming up on September 10th, the day that NHL 14 hits stores.

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 

3)      Respond to this post

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: 45:00

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_38_-_NHL_14_Deep_Dive_Part_1.m4a
Category:sports video games -- posted at: 11:03am EDT

Operation Sports - Press Row Podcast: Episode 37 - Madden NFL 25 Ratings with EA’s Donny Moore

It’s the 37th Episode of the Press Row Podcast, a one-on-one interview with Donny Moore(@Donny_Moore)  – otherwise known as Madden’s “Ratings Czar” – and host Rich Grisham. The two discuss the overall ratings process, the challenges that he faces, which players are coming in as the best-rated players at each position, some of the biggest movers and shakers since last year, and a position-by-position breakdown of the most important attributes. It’s a fascinating glimpse at a key aspect of the overall Madden experience.

Joining us this week:

Donny Moore, EA Sports (@Donny_Moore)

And your host, Richard Grisham, GamesRadar (@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 

3)      Respond to this post

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: 1:02

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_37.m4a
Category:sports video games -- posted at: 8:38am EDT

Operation Sports - Press Row Podcast: Episode 36

It’s the 36th Episode of the Press Row Podcast, once again the saga of the endless NCAA lawsuit and its impact on college football games is front and center. The crew discusses the implications of the decisions by various conferences to opt out of their licenses as well as thoughts about the future of the franchise as a whole. There’s also discussion about NBA 2K14’s announcements – or lack thereof – to date, and a spirited debate about WWE 2K14’s new Wrestlemania mode and how that will affect 2K’s first foray into the sport. Lastly, we dive deeply into the Madden NFL 25 demo – what we like, what we don’t, and how it may affect buyer decisions when the full game is released.

After the main show, stick around for the third installment of “Let’s Play Ultimate Team” with Rich and Ultimate Team guru TJ Lauerman (@ThatSportsGamer) continuing their quest for success in NCAA 14’s UT mode. Also, check out the team Rich is hoping to build right here!

Joining us this week:

Chris Sanner, Operation Sports (@chrisSnr)

Mike Suszek, Joystiq (@mikesuszek)

Bryan Wiedey, PastaPadre (@pastapadre)

Samit Sarkar, Polygon (@samitsarkar)

Owen Good, Kotaku (@owengood)

And your host, Richard Grisham, GamesRadar (@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 

3)      Respond to this post

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: 2:08

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_36.m4a
Category:sports video games -- posted at: 12:22pm EDT

The 35th episode of the Press Row Podcast is the first in a special series where we take a turn from the big budget world of major console sports games to the much different environment of independent sports games. Up first is an interview with the creator of the amazing New Star Soccer – our all-time favorite mobile sports game – followed by an interview with one of the makers of the terrific Your Turn Football. It’s a fascinating look into the challenges and triumphs of the people who’ve decided to eschew the big time to do it all themselves.

Joining us this week are Simon Read and Mark Baldwin of New Star Games, then Mike Saperstein of Pick Six Studios, along with 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 

3)      Respond to this post

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


Operation Sports - Press Row Podcast: Episode 34

It’s the 34th Episode of the Press Row Podcast, and the whole gang is back together for a mid-summer showdown. After a bit of what they’ve been playing (and watching), the crew spends some time lamenting the seemingly never-ending technical issues around online sports gaming. There’s also some listener feedback on the topic as well. Up next is a Madden NFL 25 wishlist, then a breakdown of the latest legal woes surrounding EA Sports and their college football franchise.

After the main show, stick around for the second installment of “Let’s Play Ultimate Team” with Rich and Ultimate Team guru TJ Lauerman (@ThatSportsGamer). Also, check out the team Rich is hoping to build right here!

Joining us this week:

Chris Sanner, Operation Sports (@chrisSnr)

Mike Suszek, Joystiq (@mikesuszek)

Bryan Wiedey, PastaPadre (@pastapadre)

Samit Sarkar, Polygon (@samitsarkar)

Owen Good, Kotaku (@owengood)

And your host, Richard Grisham, GamesRadar (@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 

3)      Respond to this post

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

Enjoy the show!

Run Time: 1:58:15

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_34.m4a
Category:sports video games -- posted at: 11:09am EDT

Operation Sports - Press Row Podcast: Episode 33 - One-on-One with Madden NFL Creative Director Mike Young

It’s the 33rd Episode of the Press Row Podcast, a special one-on-one interview with Madden NFL 25 Creative Director Mike Young. Rich and Mike talk about the particular important of this year’s anniversary title, how Mike approaches designing the game each year, and how the process has evolved over the course of the generation –plus lots more. Stay tuned at the end of the show for a brand new segment that we hope you’ll like, too.

Do you enjoy these types of episodes? If so, make sure to let us know. Do that in one (or all!) 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 

3)      Respond to this post

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

Enjoy the show!

Run Time: 1:12

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_33.m4a
Category:sports video games -- posted at: 10:09am EDT

It’s the 32nd Episode of the Press Row Podcast, a mega-sized show where we interview three FIFA 14 developers about this year’s upcoming title on the PS3, 360, and PC. Up first is Lead Gameplay Producer Aaron McHardy, discussing the philosophy of FIFA’s gameplay design process and the way his team put together the features of this year’s game on the pitch. After that are Ultimate Team Creative Director Adam Shaikh and Ultimate Team Designer Tyler Blair talking about the history of Ultimate Team, how and why it’s become such an influential aspect of FIFA in particular and sports games in general, and, naturally, an in-depth look at the additions to Ultimate Team in FIFA 14.

Do you enjoy these types of episodes? If so, make sure to let us know. Do that in one (or all!) 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 

3)      Respond to this post

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

Enjoy the show!

Run Time: 2:00:32

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_32.m4a
Category:sports video games -- posted at: 11:39am EDT

It’s the 31st Episode of the Press Row Podcast, hot on the heels of the groundbreaking NCAA decision that removes them from their associated with EA Sports and their college football game. The panel spends quite a bit of time discussing the decision and its short- and long-term implications as well as some spirited debate about the nature of college athletics. Up next is a report about the latest information on WWE 2K13, followed by the second NCAA 14 Review Roundtable and an exploration of our favorite and least favorite aspects of the game.

Joining us this week:

Chris Sanner, Operation Sports (@chrisSnr)

Bryan Wiedey, PastaPadre (@pastapadre)

Samit Sarkar, Polygon (@samitsarkar)

Owen Good, Kotaku (@owengood)

And your host, Richard Grisham, GamesRadar (@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 

3)      Respond to this post

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

Enjoy the show!

Run Time: 1:48:14

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_31.m4a
Category:sports video games -- posted at: 11:46am EDT

Operation Sports: Press Row Podcast - Episode 30

It’s the 30th Episode of the Press Row Podcast, featuring two distinct conversations that our community has been asking for. First up is a lengthy conversation about the state of sports video game writing in 2013; many listeners have posed questions about why it seems that so few outlets pay attention to sports gaming even though it remains one of – if not the most – important revenue sources in the industry. After that, we do a “Review Roundtable Blitz” on NCAA 14, as three of the guys on the show are knee-deep in playing it for review. Don’t worry, though, we’ll have an even longer full episode-length review roundtable on NCAA 14 in a couple of weeks.

Joining us this week:

Samit Sarkar, Polygon (@samitsarkar)

Mike Suszek, Joystiq (@mikesuszek)

Bryan Wiedey, PastaPadre (@pastapadre)

Owen Good, Kotaku (@owengood)

And your host, Richard Grisham, GamesRadar (@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 

3)      Respond to this post

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

Enjoy the show!

Run Time: 1:49:38

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_30.m4a
Category:sports video games -- posted at: 1:16pm EDT

Operation Sports - Press Row Podcast: Episode 29

Press Row Podcast – Episode 29
It’s Episode 29 of the Press Row Podcast, as the full crew gets back together to talk all about the Microsoft Xbox One DRM reversal, the NCAA 14 Demo, and a final look at the good, bad, and ugly from E3 2013! It’s another jam-packed show as the industry continues to go through an unprecedented transition, with critical events happening at breakneck speed.
Joining us on the panel:
Bryan Wiedey, PastaPadre (@pastapadre)
Mike Suszek,Joystiq (@MikeSuszek)
Chris Sanner, Operation Sports (@ChrisSnr)
Owen Good, Kotaku (@owengood)
Samit Sarkar, Polygon (@samitsarkar)
And your host, Richard Grisham, GamesRadar (@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:
Follow the show on Twitter at @PressRowPodcast  and send us some Tweets while you’re there
Email the show at PressRowPodcast@gmail.com 
Respond to this post
Also, the Press Row Podcast is now available on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/operation-sports-press-row/id563624090) and Stitcher Radio (http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/operation-sports/press-row-podcast) , so subscribe to it and rate it too!
Enjoy the show!
Run Time: 1:57:01

Direct download: Press_Row_Podcast_Episode_29.m4a
Category:sports video games -- posted at: 12:08pm EDT