http://www.maddenwishlist.com/interview.php
(11) What kinds of incentives are in place for keeping veterans on your roster? Has "leadership" been introduced at all, and what are some of the new team chemistry aspects that will be in the game? Will veterans affect progression, like Brett Favre helping to groom his successor?
JL: Yes, we have the concept of NFL Icons that has been introduced this year and they play a huge role on your team. They affect free agency, morale, etc Everything that happens to your team affects morale. From wins to losses, to how you treat your players all affects morale. While Favre doesnt really affect the other players progression, players will factor in Brett Favre being on the team to sign on with the Packers.
(13) Besides the new defensive hot routes system, what has been done to rein in the passing game? How are DB's smarter this year, in particular safeties? Are QB's less accurate? Specifically, does accuracy take a bigger hit based on the distance and speed at which the ball is thrown?
IC: Defensive backs play much tighter and always fight for inside leverage in single coverage. They also have much better double team logic, as well as tons of other AI fixes, tweaks, and additions. QBs accuracy relies a lot more on attributes this year, especially when throwing on the run or off the back foot.
(15) We heard that CPU initiated trades were added. Can you confirm this? Will CPU teams also trade amongst themselves, instead of just making offers to the human controlled teams? We also heard that they will try to trade up/down during the draft. Can you discuss the programming logic behind this? In other words, how does the CPU determine that a move up or down is a good move? How were the logistics of the draft changed to allow for trading during the draft?
JL: Yes, CPU teams trade during the draft, they trade amongst themselves and offer to user teams. The teams target a player and try to go after him if hes high on their draft board. Theyll trade up or down to get him.
JL: The reasoning behind franchise tags was because there are repercussions to having a player with really low morale. If a players morale drops below a certain level, they will either refuse to re-sign with the team once their contract is up or they will demand a trade if they are under contract. Placing the franchise tag on these players trumps them and keeps them on your team for one more year, albeit at a high price. As metioned in other questions, contract negotiations are all new, so this aspect has a big affect. We didnt add a timer or future draft picks. Wed love the get the future picks thing some day.
IC: Yes, yes, and yes. We have tuned DB AI IMMENSELY. Double team AI was totally re-worked based on feedback we got from the Defensive Coordinators that we met with. We also added a much more realistic chuck/jamming system for DBs and WRs that relies much more on attributes. And tons of tweaks were made with general DB logic and play. On All-Pro, you will have a MUCH tougher time taking advantage of defensive backs. You have to play on All-Pro for a challenging game. Rookie should be very easy and Pro should be easy for anyone reading this on your site probably.
IC: There have been numerous additions to presentation this year and we think this is the best looking Madden ever. Along with the fans for each team, we have added more replays, cut scenes, a seamless celebration and reaction engine from the end of the play, and more. We have also greatly improved the Super Bowl and Playoff emotion and presentation, especially pre and post game.(DM: FINALLY!!!) We dont want to divulge all the details yet, but believe me it blows away anything that has ever been done before. Crowd AI and sound has been totally re-worked in our game, adding to the true realism and excitement of the NFL. Graphically, the players have been reworked, the environments and skies are amazing, the sidelines are much more populated, the list goes on and on. Make sure you pop in 2004 after playing 2005 a few days to appreciate how far the graphics and presentation have come. Those who love graphics will love Madden 2005.

