What's up Madden fans, I hope you guys are awaiting "Maddenoliday" this year with as much anticipation as we are. Since we're getting so close to ship, I figured I'd address one of the concerns that I've seen on the boards regarding bluff mode. The comments have been so far aimed at NCAA 08, though I've even seen from last year for the 07 titles. Apparently a lot of people think there's either no way for you to hide what play you're calling in a 2 player game, or don't know how to do it.

We DO have a bluff play calling option in our 08 titles, and did in 07, but it is actually different this year. We think it's the most efficient and easy play-bluff system yet actually. Basically, once you find the play you want to call, just press and HOLD the A button (x360) or X button (PS3). Once you release the button, that play you first pressed the button down on will be what gets called. This then allows you to press and hold on a play you want, and then scroll all around the playbook and confuse your opponent as to what you actually called because you are releasing the button (and exiting the screen) anywhere else in the formation on a random play. The old last-gen way of bluffing only allowed you a max of 9 plays to bluff...this allows you to bluff every single play in the set with one button...no more 3-button method.

Unfortunately this is one of those things we just didn't showcase very well...but rest assured it's there. We'd have to be crazy to ship a game where you couldn't hide your plays. Crazy insane! Just a reminder for all you out there reading (including my buddy Ted that I played Madden against my whole life): no one likes a play watcher.

Lastly, you'll probably notice that this post does not have comments enabled. We as designers and producers have been going out of our way this year to really strengthen our relationship with the community and create an open forum for the community to be heard and to provide direct-line feedback, but as you may have noticed, the comments have been spiraling out of control on these blogs which makes it hard for us to stay motivated to share information, as well as even filter through and find good feedback. We are currently investigating ways to keep actively posting to the blogs without getting trolled and flamed, while still allowing the intelligent posts (whether negative or positive) to come through. We'll keep you posted.

IC