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Hey, guys, we're getting noticed!


fizzjob

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Ultimately, if MLB had a problem the mods, they'd probably force EA to make source changes - the .VIV and .FSH formats have been around (pretty much unchanged) for years now, as have the tools that we use to edit them.

Ever try modding a Madden title? Pretty much can't be done, because they use some other wierd proprietary format/schema that nobody's ever been able to crack open. But MVP, FIFA, NBA Live, NHL all use the same formats, and have thriving modding communities. If MLB wanted to, they could bring pressure to bear on EA and force them to change the way they make the game. Then again, with no PC baseball games being made right now besides text-based management sims, it's kind of a moot point right now.

I think that the modding communities do nothing but help EA, it's like they're getting a free patching service - EA issues roster updates, but when's the last time that EA ever put out updated uniforms?

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As far as MLB knowing about us, I really can't say. However I know for a fact that EA knows about us because I have spoken with EA about it.

Is that so? What did you ask them and what did they say?

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Is that so? What did you ask them and what did they say?

This goes back a while (over a year) so I don't remember exactly the topic of conversation. But basically it was a discussion regarding how the game is improved by modding it. The EA rep said he knew about the site & in fact he specifically recognized the name of Big Shmooz.

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I agree that MLB has to be aware of this site, but it does concern me that a few years ago they sent out a mass C&D to websites utilizing their logos. I'd link to an article where this is stated, but, unforunately, have no idea where to even start looking because it was quite a few years ago now (2000 or 2001, probably).

This tidbit is on every MLB site:

"The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions."

...but I also agree with what was said above that if they were really concerned that sportslogos.com would have been shut down long ago. Additionally, MLB issues affect even text-based games. I know SOMBB used to use real team names, but around 1997 or so they started using nicknames such as "Philadelphia Cheese Steaks" to cover themselves.

In all, I'm convinced that neither MLB or EA Sports sees this or other modding sites as problematic to their product, and rather realizes that it is (and in EA's case eventually will be) helpful to interest and sales. 2K sports could certainly have a case if they wanted one, but I'm not about to go shell out $300 - $700 dollars to purchase a console and their game now. If they went after sites like this I would be even farther from doing so.

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[ But basically it was a discussion regarding how the game is improved by modding it. The EA rep said he knew about the site & in fact he specifically recognized the name of Big Shmooz.

Oh, absolutely. I have no problem believing this.

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I know we've had open discussions with EA about the widescreen stretching problem.

Anyone that remembers the MVP04 to MVP05 - alot of the uniform changes in particular were a direct rip off of the mods that were done for 04. It seemed to me that it was kind of obvious that they visited the site.

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I know we've had open discussions with EA about the widescreen stretching problem.

Anyone that remembers the MVP04 to MVP05 - alot of the uniform changes in particular were a direct rip off of the mods that were done for 04. It seemed to me that it was kind of obvious that they visited the site.

Yeah SeanO said they ripped EZorns Fenway Park aswell.

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So just imagine if and when EA gets back their license for MLB how "next gen" it will be...7-8 years down the road..If they are copying or had copied from the mods here, they definitely have the time to capitalize on everything, and do it right and proper.

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I know we've had open discussions with EA about the widescreen stretching problem.

Anyone that remembers the MVP04 to MVP05 - alot of the uniform changes in particular were a direct rip off of the mods that were done for 04. It seemed to me that it was kind of obvious that they visited the site.

definately...they even used MILB unis I did for the Las Vegas 51's, including orginal numbers I did.

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Is that so? What did you ask them and what did they say?

Y4L, remember our discussion about EA recognizing our (the community) work?

Man I am a prophet. :toothless:

In all seriousness, this site alone IMO helped produce MVP 2005 as well, as Brinkman acknowledged me on his blog when I mentioned a PC version of a 2KSports title. ;) I might be reaching for straws but man I swear EA knows about us.

I know we've had open discussions with EA about the widescreen stretching problem.

Anyone that remembers the MVP04 to MVP05 - alot of the uniform changes in particular were a direct rip off of the mods that were done for 04. It seemed to me that it was kind of obvious that they visited the site.

I'm curious, what changes were in MVP04-05 that were based off of our work or were clean room design versions of our mods?

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the only thing that I would worry about in the future if EA decides to re-make MVP Baseball 2010 (or whatever year) is that they'd make it so it can't be modded much at all, like Madden. That would stink being pretty much "forced" to use the stock stadiums with the dumb fake ads and stuff.

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You just kind of answered your own questioning there. If EA knows about us, then they know how many people bought the PC version just for that reason, so they should realize how much of a money tree it is for them. It would definitely be in their financial interests to release a new PC version once their able.

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You just kind of answered your own questioning there. If EA knows about us, then they know how many people bought the PC version just for that reason, so they should realize how much of a money tree it is for them. It would definitely be in their financial interests to release a new PC version once their able.

lol I did answer my statement. But EA might see it as an insult that this site's work makes the game more desirable, since it didn't sell as well without it being modded. Like I see Gamecube and PS2 copies of MVP 2005 everywhere, but I have never seen the PC version, at least until I bought it online from EA a year or so ago.

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That's a good point. But on the other hand, they may look at us as a reference tool, for lack of a better phrase. Like bully and others have said, they appear to have made improvements from MVP '04 based on what was done here, and they may continue that trend if/when they continue the line. They very well could take a look at what we've done and say, "Hey, this is what we need to do to improve the game and make it more desirable out of the box".

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Wow - this thread is interesting. Just think, with all the modding that is going on here, and if EA is "borrowing" our work, if they ever get this license back they should be able to make a super-game!

Also, you gotta wonder if the developers of this game have mods from here installed for their game! Or if they know the codes and have created a hyped up game engine for themselves.

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Also, you gotta wonder if the developers of this game have mods from here installed for their game! Or if they know the codes and have created a hyped up game engine for themselves.

With 40-man rosters and unlimited stadiums in the select screen. :cry: lol

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this thread really took off. I was half way expecting to get bashed for bringing up the legal topic. It has become a very interesting thread to read.

Regarding EA stealing work from the modders here... that is down right funny. It's also a shame that you have no legal rights to the work you do, for the most part, because it usually begins with something EA made. (taking a face model, and tweaking it to make it better, etc.)

I think if EA was to code MVP (in the future) the way Madden is coded, it would be to prevent people from updating rosters, mainly. If they can stop that, you will be forced to buy the new version of the game the following year. Right now, they probably love this website, as someone mentioned earlier... it is taking money away from 2ksports. I imagine alot of people on this site, myself included might purchase a 2ksports game or Sony game this season had MVP not been modded for 2007.

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