Days before I leave for Canada....
Well it's that time again (well, earlier this year than last actually).
Time for me to head over to beautiful Vancouver and represent Sportsgamer at the annual EA SPORTS COMMUNITY DAY to see NHL 09 in action way before its release. Here I'll be able to see the changes they've made including league modes, customization options, rule changes, etc. And most importantly, test drive it all and give my complete input on my thoughts. According to the amazing people at EA, this event is going to be even bigger and better than last years. This sounds too crazy because I can't imagine it being better!
This year we arrive earlier than last because they want more input before the final stages of game production. This makes total sense seeing as how the room last year was over-flooding with ideas! We tried to have our say in everything from goalie gear customization to online leagues. It was truly a sight! I actually remember my hand cramping from all the writing I was doing. This year should be even more memorable seeing as how we're attacking the producers at mid-game development. I spoke to a few of my friends going with me and they already have lists of questions. Seeing as how I just made my triumphant return to Sportsgamer, i'm actually showing up with a blank notebook surprisingly. I do have ideas of my own but compared to last year its all shotgun from here on out.
The atmosphere was truly amazing last year. All the great hockey minds on the web huddled up into one area playing the game, discussing its features and trashtalking the whole time. On top of that, key producers of the game walked around adding comments on games and giving us new tricks and tips that were never before seen on a game. These included new dekes to not only fool the goalie but the defensemen as well, new options for setting up one timers including having your dmen hold the blue line! NHL 08 blew our minds and, judging from this years promises, NHL 09 looks to be even more deadly! I'll be blogging as the week goes on guys so stay tuned!!!
Morning of...
I admit I wasn't as excited as I am now. I'm pretty sure its because I've been worn out and tired. Like I have this feeling that I'm like a piece butter that's trying to cover this huge piece of bread and I'm not spreading out enough at all. Plus other situations that have definitely helped increase stress. So its good I'm leaving for a little bit on this little vacation. I love Vancouver. It's such a beautiful city and the people are always awesome. It should be fun. Nothing really much to say. Now, if you'll excuse me, I forgot to pack my toothbrush. Peace.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008 (Day 1)
Well this night is ending early actually since we have to be up early to start the big day tomorrow. Whatever it is, its supposed to be really big. Even Marcus was jumping up and down in his seat tonight at dinner. There's a lot of rumors going on as to what tomorrow will bring but all I do know is that I have to be strictly hush hush on anything and everything i learn on this trip. And I have to do this until May! It was awesome seeing everyone again and just drinking at dinner and catching up. I really missed Vancouver and these guys so it was really special to get back into the swing of things. These next two days are supposed to be amazing so I'm gonna get to bed a little early since i didn't sleep much last night.
The atmosphere here is pretty exciting and i really look forward to actually being a part of the development process for this game. We have tons of ideas as a group and i know the producers are very eager to see what we have to say and what we want to see for the upcoming release. Two huge pints of beer into me and a huge steak dinner have just about knocked me out so I say goodnight to you all. I'll write soon.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 (Day 2)
Top secret day. Can't discuss this yet...
Thursday, April 3, 2008 (Day 3)
Yes, Marcus and company have done it again. The team and him have managed to book one of the most exciting days we have ever seen. I'll get straight to it: From 10am till 10pm we were at GM Place which happens to be the home of the Vancouver Canucks! We watched a full practice then ate and drank. From there we did a full tour of the entire stadium then we ate and drank. From there we went to our seats (awesome seats btw) and watched the whole game all the while sitting with some of the producers of NHL 09.
I had never been a Canucks fan...until now. Its not that I didn't like the team mind you, its just that I just never saw a full game so never paid attention to them. But being in that stadium that erupted right when the Canucks hit the ice was truly amazing. Seeing the full tour and meeting such nice people there was amazing. Watching the fans go nuts over their team was amazing. Need i say more? Oh and having Roberto Luongo and Markus Naslund on the team along with the Sedin brothers doesn't hurt either. My only complaint? They lost tonight but its because the Edmonton Oilers seemed to want the win more. They were hungrier which shouldn't be the case since the Oilers were not going to make the playoffs and Vancouver was fighting for the final spot in the West. I do give credit to the Oilers goalie tonight (Rolosson) though since he was disgustingly sharp in net for his team. He played on his head all night and Edmonton deserved the win quite honestly. Even worse is that Vancouver will not make the playoffs. Oh well. Better luck next year I guess.
Capping off this trip by hanging out at bars with the producers, catching up, talking about the game and everything else was awesome. I lost touch with some of these guys and they really are geniuses in their own right in terms of what they do for EA. The whole team is also World Class. Just a great, great bunch of guys. And of course going to a real game with these guys is pretty cool too. This is my second trip to Vancouver this year and I can honestly say this just keeps getting better and better. I can't wait for next years and I kinda wish I wasn't heading back home tomorrow. But, then again, I do miss certain people and I know they miss me. So I return tomorrow morning with tons of information that I can't spill until May, tons of memories, and most importantly, that feeling that I have given my part to the NHL Community. The next step is to put all of the events and excitement of NHL 09 into articles for SportsGamer and show the gaming world once again that EA deserves another possible repeat as sports game of the year.
Well seeing as how I have a 8 am flight, I should get to bed. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed some of it.
