2K returns to gridiron

Visual Concepts bringing football back with All-Pro Football 2K8 for 2K Sports; game set to hit next-generation systems this summer.

For NFL 2K Football fans, the announcement of Electronic Arts' late-2004 exclusive deal with the National Football League (NFL) hurt more than a blindside sack from an unblocked linebacker. The agreement made EA's popular Madden franchise the only NFL-licensed game in town and also effectively ended the career of Visual Concepts' NFL 2K Football series. Rubbing salt in the wound, EA would eventually acquire the exclusive rights to make games based on NCAA Football and the Arena Football League.

After EA made the deal, Sega decided to bail on the sports scene and sold off the jock-centric studios of Visual Concepts and Kush Games to Take-Two Interactive. Take-Two formed 2K Sports and made sports games based on the licenses of the MLB, NHL, NBA, and more, but stayed away from football of any kind.

Midway Games went rough-and-tumble with the unlicensed Blitz: The League.

Midway Games, on the other hand, believed that a successful football game did not need the blessing of the NFL, and it eventually released Blitz: The League, a dark look at the underbelly of professional football. Instead of using real teams and players, Midway created a fictional league and made up its own players. The publisher's gamble proved to be a good move, and the game went on to be a surprising success.

Now it appears that 2K Sports is feeling like it wants to get off the sidelines as well. Today, the publisher announced that Visual Concepts is returning to football with All-Pro Football 2K8. The game is scheduled for release on "next generation video game systems" this summer.

Visual Concepts' NFL 2K5.

"Football gamers have been awaiting the return of the 2K series," said Visual Concepts president Greg Thomas. "All-Pro Football 2K8 will deliver an authentic next-generation gridiron experience, and we are happy to give fans another choice in the football category."

However, it's unclear what sort of players and teams will fill up All-Pro Football 2K8's rosters. While Blitz had the luxury of spicing up a roster of nobodies with gratuitous violence and performance-enhancing substances, Visual Concepts has an affinity for authentic simulations. One possiblity is that 2K will opt for signing popular players of years past to fill out its teams, with Hall of Famers spanning decades going toe-to-toe against each other. However, that kind of roster would require 2K Sports to sign deals with each player individually.

For more on today's news announcement--and more insight on the gritty details of All-Pro Football 2K8--read GameSpot's Q&A with Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts.

297 Comments

  • nfc1nfl

    Posted Apr 26, 2007 2:13 pm PT

    superdance14 the wii version is in the garbage with the wii system.

    Funny thing is that my wii kinda makes me think back to the old days when i spent countless hours on the nes playing gradius, super spike v ball, kung fu etc....

    I think back then I was only old enough to have a Wii Wii. LOL!

  • nfc1nfl

    Posted Apr 26, 2007 2:05 pm PT

    Hey Superdancer14! The Wii version will be none existant just like the wii.

    What sounds funny is: back in the day when I had my nes, i was old enough to have what was considered to be a wii wii LMAO!!

  • MadGamer132

    Posted Mar 7, 2007 1:49 pm PT

    hey, i don't care if i play 2K or EA. at least for football, always make a good move.

  • superdance14

    Posted Feb 2, 2007 2:46 pm PT

    Where's the Wii version?

  • SeyhanC

    Posted Feb 2, 2007 11:04 am PT

    Thank-You Finally!!!!!!, I been buying NFL 2k (and NBA) since the first 2k's for the dreamcast, and been buying it since then on. When 2k8 comes out, I'm gonna buy 2-3 copies just to support the 2k series. And this guy who posted below me is obviously a dumby, cuz 2k5 owned Madden 05, thats why they bought the license cuz they know they were gonna be out of the competition if they didnt. All i have to say is, don't hop on the band wagon once you play 2k8, because I know, and all these people who are a big a fan of nfl 2k series know, that you are gonna hop on the band wagon once you play this game.

  • TheNIM

    Posted Feb 1, 2007 7:12 pm PT

    This game will be average and mundane like every other 2k football release. But this won't have licsensing. 2K has basketball locked, but they basically road maddens coat-tails for a while. I love how people believe the 2k game is soooooo much better than Madden when they both have the same glaring problems. 2k had a slightly better gameplay, but the AI was awful. Offensive and defensive lineman are constantly out of place, the player movements were quirky. Quite frankly, Madden is and always was a better game. The people who actually play football recognize it, as do the pros. 2k was an ok game, but I feel people criicized Madden for problems that 2k had as well, but people failed to point those out. 2k had better framerates, SLIGHTLY better graphics, and virtually the same OVERALL gameplay but much worse AI. If this game doesn't miraculously get a licsense from the NFL and NFLPA, leave it on the shelves. 2k needs to focus on their glaring problems on their NBA and MLB series.

  • vanhalendlrband

    Posted Feb 1, 2007 1:26 pm PT

    cpaschal, your exactly right. This is what happened to EA's NHL franchise between NHL 98 and nhl 2002. Thats why i'm a 2k hockey player now.

  • cpaschal

    Posted Feb 1, 2007 9:52 am PT

    Maybe they will make the game flexible, like a lot of games on the PC. Where you can modify the teams, players, and logos. Then you can just download an update and BOOM! you are set to go.

    Sorry for the Madden-ism.

    Damn EA. The SEC should look into EA for creating a monopoly on pro football games. It just isnt right, isnt good for the consumer, and allows EA to put out a shoddy product with no competition to MAKE them try harder to put out a good game.

  • dmastor

    Posted Feb 1, 2007 8:18 am PT

    I love the 2k football issue is fake rosters mmmmm kinda hard to play with a team u can call my home team and my favorite player portis i see what they do maybe the washington chiefs and clintin port. Work for me

  • cpaschal

    Posted Feb 1, 2007 6:46 am PT

    BILLNYE6983 I'll always like Madden more anyways, and not because I think it's a better game, but because it's MADDEN, I'd buy this game in a heartbeat if Madden did the in game commentary.


    You are kidding right? You like the Madden series better simply because of...Madden's commentary? Oh gosh. I hope you arent serious. Madden's commentary is old, recycled, lame...and well, just plain boring. Not saying the 2K series did it better, but liking a game just based on a guy doing commentary...thats kinda lame dude.

    If EA would put out a decent football game, then this would be a non issue. Problem is, they dont. Their basketball product got a lot better this year, in my opinion, but all of their sports games in general just all lack something...except for Tiger Woods 07. Id much rather play any of the 2K series over EA's games anyday.

  • wanderingblade

    Posted Feb 1, 2007 3:55 am PT

    Finally 2K football is coming back.

  • Dreski83

    Posted Feb 1, 2007 12:40 am PT

    @ BILLNYE6983 Dude... you sir are trippin in a not so funny kind of way...

    Yes, playing a football or any sports game where nothing is familiar is completely bonkers. What nonsense you may say, but take a moment and think of the good times you had playing certain games... try, really try to think of playing a game like Zelda and the main character not being Link. Impossible?? ... I think not!! The awesome game you are playing good sir is still, without certain names and such, a good game at its CORE.
    Shake yer head if you may, but any good game has exactly that, a core. And any person who knows how building blocks work can tell you with a straight face that anything good must have a righteous core... buildings, cars, games, people... the rest is simply colors and shines for presentation.

    Madden at its core is broken and neglected, even with the NFL hoop-la they got a whole lot of nothing going for them besides clinging fans who are affraid to try new things. 2k was a very good game at its core and presentation and such was built around that... how legendary is that!!

  • Areola54

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 9:47 pm PT

    hope it kicks that EA scum out of football games.

  • blackace

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 9:21 pm PT

    It's back, yes; but without NFL teams and players. How many people want a great playing football game without real NFL Teams/Players? Madden has been going downhill since Madden 2005. EA knew that NFL 2K was getting better and better each year and was catching up to Madden, and this is why they purchased the NFL license. Funny thing is, I haven't bought a next-gen Madden game yet. I bought one NBA Live for XBox360 and it sucked. the only thing that might save 2K's football game is complete customization. You can probably create all the NFL teams, create your own players and the logos for each team. If some does this and sells it on Ebay on a memory card, fans will buy it. Otherwise, this game probably won't do that well.

  • BILLNYE6983

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 8:08 pm PT

    Sorry nothing against 2K (or even for EA) but this is rediculously stupid, it's like a bootleg game or something... why would you play an NFL game without real players and teams. I don't make a habit of watching 'All-Pro Football', wait what channel is that on... oh yeah... it's made up! I don't want to pay any money so I can sit around and spend a few million dollars to sign the few nobodies that would actually take part in such a stupid idea to some rediculous team name like the New York Touchdowners or something else equally as lame. I don't know maybe I'm just pessimistic but I can't see this game being anything good, I'll always like Madden more anyways, and not because I think it's a better game, but because it's MADDEN, I'd buy this game in a heartbeat if Madden did the in game commentary.

  • GkCAN

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 8:05 pm PT

    ooo yess really god new

  • pipopper

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 7:20 pm PT

    Not to take anything away from EA or the Madden series, but 2K had them beat in the football department untill the NFL was bought out. I'm glad to see this series make a comeback and can't wait to play it!

  • trinizz84

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 7:13 pm PT

    FINALLY, 2k will kill EA. if anyone knows about real quality football, 2k will deliever it.

  • davahsa

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 6:26 pm PT

    This Rawks! I'll buy two and still have enough left for a Ham Sandwich.... and I will get my Moneys worth to boot! EA's 2007 on 360 (which I had to buy because it was the ONLY one to buy) is not nearly as good as 2K5 and is even behind in the online elements! Imagine a real next gen football game where each player is controlled by a single person in First Person Football view! All you Madden lovers are the same people who say you don't like the feel of a new controller without even really trying it. Thats what we call "ignorant" boyz and girlz ....And everyone here posting comments on Gamespot....Thanks. These comments make me remember why I love this site soo much. Can't wait till everyone stops fighting about new consoles.......sooo lame to the brain. Newz is newz and taking sides is what posters do.....NOT GAMESPOT......stop the hate, baby!

  • Eminemboy162000

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 6:05 pm PT

    It's baaaaaaaack!!! Finally!! I am so happy. =)

  • MACMALLEON

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 5:13 pm PT

    When I was at EA I had a friend who worked in the department that makes these exclusive choices. He came up to me one day and said, yo...we dont know what to do....VC is on our coatails with 2k5 and we dont know how to shake em. I really did not know what to tell him...it seemed at the time that EA made a really good game that seemed to imrove as the years progressed. 2k5 seemed to be doing the same thing but, one step ahead. When I found out that EA had secured the NFL rights I was shocked. Now that I see the route that EA is going with Madden, I REALLY cant wait for 2k8.

  • gokunj2

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 4:26 pm PT

    Even though I don't regularly play football, I really hope this game beats the pants out of Madden. What EA did VC was probably the most evil thing I have ever seen in the world of video games.

  • JayMezzy

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 4:18 pm PT

    Finally the way it should've been after ESPN 2K5...I don't care about sells numbers, its all hype...THIS IS REALL FOOTBALLL!! Thank you Lord for this...this yr just got THAT MUCH better lol

  • SpiritOf

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 4:18 pm PT

    1. Fully customizable teams and players

    2. Online player trading, leagues, tournaments, etc.

    Are the only things 2K really needs to do to make this game successful. Give the fans the tools to make their own favorite team and the community will do the rest.

    Indianapolis "Bolts" are going to take it all against the Chicago "Pears" in 2Ks "Zuper" Bowl THIS Sunday!

  • CrashSpyro123

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 3:33 pm PT

    meh

  • chazzx21

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 2:57 pm PT

    I give it a week before EA purchases exclusive rights from god for anything resembling football. I think besides harcdore gamers though, this thing will be about just as popular as blitz the league. without the brand recognition it just isn't going to sell. but i hope i am wrong, i would love to see EA thrown off their high horse again.

  • MedevilDragon

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 2:44 pm PT

    R.I.P EA! 2K SPORTS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> EA-TRASH SPORTS

  • solidsnakeo

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 2:42 pm PT

    hurray finally a good normal football game again

  • comthitnuong

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 2:39 pm PT

    if they are following blitz than the really can't go wrong

  • gamefreac

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 2:39 pm PT

    BEST NEWS OF THE YEAR! THANK YOU! BUYING IT.....THIS IS AWESOME

  • JuniorXL4

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 2:17 pm PT

    Thank Ya Jesus

  • AbstractTerror

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 2:00 pm PT

    I love you 2k Sports! You just made my day

  • Sergsky

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 1:51 pm PT

    The reason why NFL 2K never outsold Madden is because of brand recognition. Most people on this site actually know about videogames, but for most people out there this is not the case. Casual gamers buy what they seem to remember when they are at the store, and Madden is one of the best recognized franchises. Don't you think that the name NFL 2k is a bit generic?

  • JSharpe_187

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 1:38 pm PT

    I hope it will be good -- Madden 07 sucks: they only have 2 player, while madden 06 had 4 player. I also gotta say, I hate the NFL, who is so stingy with its liscensing. They won't even give ESPN footage of football games on the show "Who's #1?"

    GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!

  • gametester1424

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 12:15 pm PT

    I have never been much of a sports game fan. Yet the 2K series has brought back the fun of Tecmo Bowl all while being a real football game. NFL2K (for the Dreamcast) was the first sports game that I had purchased since Tecmo Bowl (and Mutant League Football) and I will continue to buy and have fun with the 2K series of sports games. I eagerly welcome 2K back to the skin.

  • hunter8man

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 11:46 am PT

    Oh thank you, thank you, a million times thank you! I hope this game does well and forces Madden to actually make improvements and not $60 for some minor upgrades. NFL 2K5 was the last great football game I played.

  • grimhope

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 11:36 am PT

    Here is the problem. 90% of gamers who buy football games buy them because they love the NFL. As much as i personally love the 2k football series, no real nfl football teams, no real nfl players means no sale for me and many others like me. When is this stupid exclusivity deal over with anyway?

  • khellendros1

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 11:31 am PT

    I 'm glad to hear that these guys are coming back. I still prefer college football over the pros but competition is always better. I just rented Madden 07 for the PS3, I've also played 07 on the 360, and it's not even close to the PS2 Madden 07. M. Vick was caught by a Def Tackle. Are you kidding me? I ran the same play on the PS2 version and the DB's had a hard time keeping up. The audibles and hot routes don't work half the time either. I'll be tryingh this one out and maybe if this sells well, EA won't publish that crap.

  • Paul_TheGreat

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 11:12 am PT

    Next is the real thing.

  • squomp

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 10:57 am PT

    It seems like you are the only people that preferred 2k. I constantly heard people say how great 2k was, but it never outsold Madden. Even the one for $20 didn't outsell Madden.

  • BigHill525

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 10:57 am PT

    WELCOME BACK 2K FOOTBALL!!! Thank god! I'm sure this new version will still play rings around Madden, as usual. I will be getting this game!

  • Rainbowsix21

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 10:50 am PT

    Yes there is a God. No more Madden for me. I always liked the 2K series much better.

  • MetroidBounty

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 10:47 am PT

    Finally!!!

  • christopherneal

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 10:26 am PT

    I agree that EA should have competition and in that respect this is a great thing for gamers. However those of you that complain about Madden probably weren't very good at it to begin with. Practice.

  • chaduma

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 10:20 am PT

    Thank the football Gods!!! No Madden '08 for me, I FINALLY have another choice. See ya later EA, Hello again 2K, it's been a rough couple of years without you!!!

  • ashuncc2

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 10:11 am PT

    This will be great news if it's the actual NFL and not some cheese/ficitional gaming.

  • alsha3er78

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 10:10 am PT

    i remember playing nfl2k1 on the dreamcast and it played and looked better than any madden game.

  • fauljosh

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 10:04 am PT

    I've always loved the 2k football series. I remember playing it online on the Dreamcast. Glad it's coming back. Now Sega just needs to get back into hardware and we'll all be set.

  • jmartinez1983

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 10:01 am PT

    The last NFL 2k game is still the best football game available. Glad to see this series coming back. I will be first in line to pick this new game up if it holds true to what the series was like before and not just a quick attempt to cash in.

  • boricua529

    Posted Jan 31, 2007 9:52 am PT

    I'm glad they are coming back. Madden does not have the features and creativity 2K has.

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