Question for the EA team!

[ailive2005]

Why is LeBron James not on the cover of NBA Live 2005? He had the most hype of all the rookies and Lived up to it easily. He clearly playes videogames so he would be a great spokesperson (i saw his feature on ESPN a while back) cause he's in our young generation. Especially after seeing his olympic display against Greece and Austrialia, I had to make this a topic. Nothing against Carmelo but his attitude in the game is very selfish, but he is a great athelete (although, not better than LeBron, he's just a better shooter) he was already was on the cover of teh college game last yr, let other stars get shine, I know you guys probably have a great rleationship with him, but how could ya'll not take advantage of Lebron's hype, expecially seeing the football team take advantage of Mike Vick's Hype back in 2004 (last yr). We had a chance to make history in sales for NBA live (I know we get it no matter who's on the cover, but what about the other people who don't log online to see updates and get a game based on who's the hottest star) but I guess theres next yr (but then again, we migth see Kobe, or T-mac have a great season or something than they may deserve to be on the cover). All I'm trying to say is we let a great oppertunity slip, by letting Carmelo (nothing against him) get on the cover, AGAIN!

P.S Don't take this for more than what its worth, its just me expressing my opinion!

1

[Ruff Ryder]

Same reason why Marbury or Baron wasn't on last year's cover. EA does what EA wants. I wouldn't be surprised to see LeBron on Live 06.

[Null17]

that plus...this isn't ea's official site so they can't anwer your question plus its their game and they can put anyone on the cover...

[ailive2005]

I'm not looking for an answer from them, as I said don't take it for more than what it's worth, I was just expressing what I felt so it can be discussed between us, in the community. Plus, I may not get and answer but I know somebody from EA will read this and open there eyes a little (hopefully)!

[Null17]

well as you said you got your own opinion and i respect that but ea probably had their own basis for choosing melo...

[Andrew]

Perhaps the deal he signed with EA to be on the cover of March Madness included being a spokesplayer (and cover player) for the NBA Live series as well. In any event, his involvement with EA probably influenced the decision.

[JasonLin]

and maybe LeBron has signed with ESPN 2K5

[Null17]

isnt ben wallace on the espn cover?

[Hotshot]

isnt ben wallace on the espn cover?

Yeah. And as far as I know, LeBron hasn't signed a contract with any video game company. Kinda weird considering he has his own shoe, apparel, heck... even his own drink.

[Andre]

I don't understand why so many people are interested in the cover. I saw so many topics in the last 3 months discussing about this and I really don't understand why it is so important to you guys.

I don't think there are people buying the game only because of the player on the cover. Especially since there are only 2 videogame in the market to chose from.

The only way the cover can make a difference is the following:

Suppose I was a newbie to Basketball simulations. I'm in the store, I see Espn with Ben Wallace and EA with, let's say, Jerry Stackhouse, I would buy Espn. That's because from the cover I would assume Espn is more up-to-date and more into what is currently happening in the NBA, why chosing someone like Stackhouse for ex, would be a symptom of little knowledge of current trends in the NBA.

But whether it is Carmelo or Lebron, or Kobe, Wade or Garnet and so on, it doesn't make a difference to me. As long as it is a player who's on the rise or just had a great season.

[Hotshot]

I guess there's a lot of newbies out there then .