Stephen Yeargin

Electronic Arts,

I am writing to express my displeasure that this holiday season will again be missing a hockey game for the Nintendo Wii platform. I happily sold my Sony Playstation 2 because I believe in the Wii console’s innovative gaming controls, wireless connectivity and affordable price point. What has been the largest disappointment is the lack of software developers, like Electronic Arts, recognizing the critical and commercial success of the Wii. This comes at a particularly frustrating time — the 2007-08 NHL season opens next week.

Your past incarnations of the game have been phenomenal. Features on the PC version, such as importing my own arena music, made up for the lousy game play performance on a machine that far exceeded your recommended system requirements. NHL 06 for the PS2 was one of the best sports simulation games that I have ever played. But as I have moved on to the Wii Platform, EA Sports has failed to keep up.

Here are some of my thoughts on the potential of an NHL game for the Wii console.

• The accelerometer within the Wii’s controller provides an incredible amount of control data beyond a typical D-stick
• Coupled with the Nunchuck (included with every console), shooting and dekeing maneuvers can be realisticly simulated
• Aiming a shot with great control (slap shot, wrist shot) by flicking the wrist while holding down a primary button
• The power of a shot or pass can be determined by the speed of the controller’s movement and direction
• Like Madden 08, a Family Play mode can be enabled to reach wider audience of gamers with more simplistic controlls
• Goalie Mode would be greatly enhanced by real-time reaction (extending arms to control blockers; catching glove)
• Offering the single most realistic Fight mode available on any platform

Thank you for your consideration for future versions of the NHL franchise.

Regards,

Stephen Yeargin
Hockey Fan from Nashville