Hit The Pass - Press Row Podcast

Bryan and Rich discuss their thoughts on the upcoming college football game from EA Sports. 

We talk with longtime Press Row panelist, and even longer-time sports video game media leading voice Owen Good as he exits the games journalism industry. With a look back at the epochal changes that have taken place in the space in just the time spanning this show, it's an extraordinary analysis of just how much has changed in a relatively short time.  

We talk with former major leaguer, current analyst, and future manager Erik Kratz, the co-author of the new book The Tao of the Backup Catcher: Playing Baseball for the Love of the Game. It's a fun, fascinating conversation about life as a key - if oft-unappreciated - part of several major league clubs.  

Rich and Bryan reunite to discuss the latest in the sports gaming world including features and beta reaction to Madden NFL 24 and the recent news surrounding next year's planned return of college football from EA Sports. 

We talk with our good friend Ian Cummings, CEO at Third Time Entertainment, about his incredible success with his game Photo Finish Live, partnering with the Kentucky Derby, running a company, and much more. It's an incredible story and we are thrilled to be able to have Ian tell it!

It's a special bonus episode as Pastapadre joins 4th String League members to discuss the news of EA Sports' compensation for those who lost Madden Franchise Mode saves before later turning to league specific developments.    

What sports video game are you looking forward to most in 2023? We pose that question to Bryan, Kris, Owen and Rich in the first Press Row Podcast episode of 2023!

It's an old-school Sports Game of the Year show! Rich, Owen, and Kris line up their Honorable Mentions then count down their top three favorite sports video games of 2022 - eventually getting to the Official Press Row Podcast Sports Game of the Year as well! Happy Holidays everyone!

The wait for a fully licensed college football video game will have been 11 years should EA Sports College Football 25 release as now scheduled. Rich and Bryan discuss the return being pushed back from summer 2023 to 2024. Why it happened and what the first game back could benefit from the extra year as EA juggles extensive legal and development challenges. 

Rich and Bryan return to discuss this fall's sports games - the ones that are resonating with them and the others that have taken a back seat to this point. 

Rich Grisham and Bryan Wiedey discuss their time with NBA 2K23 so far, largely focusing on the two big feature additions in MyNBA Eras and The Jordan Challenge, before moving on to share thoughts on the upcoming releases of FIFA 23 and NHL 23. 

The Press Row Podcast returns after an extended hiatus reuniting three of the OG panelists to discuss the release of Madden NFL 23, take a look ahead to NBA 2K23, and assess the upcoming battle between 2K and EA golf games. Featuring Rich Grisham, Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), and Owen Good (Polygon). 

Rich and Bryan discuss the reveal of MLB The Show 22 amidst the lockout, the sales of Activision-Blizzard and Bungie and what it would mean if EA is acquired by Microsoft or Sony, and go into the latest in their Madden online franchises. 

Rich Grisham and Bryan Wiedey return to wrap up a year in sports gaming that, depending on perspective, either featured a handful of quality efforts from long-running franchises or will be remembered as one of the worst in the history of the genre. The two discuss what they've been playing - mainly Madden NFL 22 and Forza Horizon 5 - and look ahead to 2022 and new games that could inject life back into the genre. 

Discussing the release of Madden NFL 22 with early thoughts on the game, the reveal of NHL 22, and the new form that PES will be taking going forward. 

The Press Row Podcast returns with discussion on recent news including Electronic Arts buying Metalhead Software - the developers of Super Mega Baseball - and the first NFL game from 2K Sports under their new licensing deal being delayed until summer 2022. 

So many surprises in such a short time! Between MLB The Show going on Xbox Game Pass the day it launches and EA announcing a brand new PGA golf game - exclusively featuring The Masters, no less - it's been a wild few weeks.  Enjoy the show!

At some point! EA Sports today announced that College Football will be making a return to their portfolio of sports games. So that begs the questions, like when? What teams? What players? What history? Will there be a Dynasty Mode? Will there be Ultimate Team? Will it be a yearly release? We don't have any of those answers - but we take our best guess at them anyway. Enjoy the show!

Next gen sports gaming is here in full! Rich and Bryan talk about their early impressions of Madden and FIFA on the Xbox Series X and Playstation 5 - what's different, what's interesting, and what's the overall feel?

It's an old-school throwback Press Row Podcast! It's 2013 all over again as Owen Good, Bryan Wiedey, and Rich Grisham get together to compare their next-gen console launch experiences - only this time it's Xbox Series X and Playstation 5!

Despite the current NBA season still ongoing and the next one several months away from tipping off NBA 2K21 has just released and to the lowest review scores in series' history. But it's the changes that have been made to shooting that have caused the biggest disruption. What's been done, why it was messed with in the first place, and how it can be fixed are all discussed on this episode of the Press Row Podcast. Rich, Pastapadre, and Mills also go over the latest patch news for Madden NFL 21 and go into the surprising announcement of Colin Kaepernick being added to the game in an unprecedented and controversial fashion.

In the midst of a pandemic two major sports games have just released. One seems to have handled the challenges to produce a possible Sports Game of the Year candidate while the other may have been better off delayed. Pastapadre, MillsTwitch, and Rich discuss first impressions of Madden NFL 21 and PGA Tour 2K21. 

How did Madden NFL get to the current place it is with Franchise Mode, why was there an uprising from fans now, and where does Madden go from here? Rich, Bryan, and Mills discuss everything around the #FixMaddenFranchise movement that trended on Twitter and forced a response out of EA Sports.  

Due to the extraordinary circumstances of 2020 Electronic Arts had to call an audible and hold the annual EA Play event remotely and in pre-recorded fashion. The trimmed down presentation left the publisher's sports games with just a single trailer as representation.  That trailer was a big one however delivering the first look at next-gen - PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X - Madden NFL 21 and FIFA 21.  Rich and Bryan discuss what has been learned about those two titles and what remains unknown, the tepid response to the initial Madden NFL 21 reveal earlier this week, the absence of NHL 21 and UFC 4 from the event, and much more!

This week we talk to Scott Drader, co-founder of Metalhead Software - the makers of Super Mega Baseball 3! The brand new release is delighting fans around the world. We catch up with Scott on everything about the game - design, feedback, roadmap, and more - in a fascinating conversation about the joys and challenges of running a studio and making a sports video game. Out of the Park Baseball 21 is now available worldwide! Pick it up on Steam or directly from Out of the Park Developments.

Is the dream of a new NCAA Football dream dead - or still very much alive? With interesting new developments happening, Bryan and Rich get together to discuss the implications.  Out of the Park Baseball 21 is now available worldwide! Pick it up on Steam or directly from Out of the Park Developments. 

This week we catch up with Bit Fry's Todd Zeile to discuss their game Ultimate Rivals: The Rink. Plus! Rich and Bryan check in to see what they've been playing and watching. Lots of fun discussion! The Press Row Podcast is brought to you by Out of the Park Baseball 21, now available worldwide! Pick it up on Steam or directly from Out of the Park Developments. 

2K shocks the world with their announcement that they are back in business with the NFL. What does this all mean? Plus! Super Mega Baseball 3 is announced! The Press Row Podcast is brought to you by Out of the Park Baseball 21, available for pre-order today! Save 10%, get the game 3 days early, and nab a free Gold Pack for Perfect Team.  Be safe everyone!

Mills is here with his unique angle on MLB The Show 20 this season. What are the most exciting new features? What will fans be happiest with? Lots of great discussion on Sony's baseball powerhouse. Out of the Park Baseball 21 ships worldwide on March 20, 2020 and can be pre-ordered today at https://www.ootpdevelopments.com/preorder/! You get 10% off, early access to the game on March 17, and a free Gold Pack for Perfect Team!

The Press Row Podcast is back! Rich and Bryan get together for the first time this year and peer ahead at what 2020 may bring in sports video games. With new consoles coming and important - and massive - current generation install bases expecting big things, 2020 promises to be fascinating. Out of the Park Baseball 21 is available now for preorder - save 10% and get early access! The 21st anniversary edition of the best-selling sports strategy game is the biggest and best version ever. Check it out today!

It's a doubleheader Press Row Podcast! We welcome in three of our racing game experts - Greg Sewart (@sewart), Pete Dodd (@atPeteDodd), and Dr. Ken Parker (@chairman7) - to weigh in on their racing games of the year for 2019 AND their racing games of the decade from 2010-2019! Enjoy the show! Be sure to check out Out of the Park Baseball 20 (from Steam, Direct, or Origin) as well as Franchise Hockey Manager 6 (from Steam or Direct) - the best sports strategy games available!  

It's the end of the 2010s - and no better time to get our friends together and count down their 5 favorite sports games of the decade! Join Bryan Wiedey (@pastapadre), Kris Jardine (@snaggleJ), T.J. Lauerman (@thatsportsgamer), Kat Bailey (@The_Katbot), and Rich Grisham (@richgrisham) for a rollicking conversation. What franchises made it in? Who's left on the outside? Enjoy the show!

Two huge news stories hit today as the NCAA appears ready to open up to college athletes profiting off their likenesses and NBA Live 20 has predictably been canceled. Bryan Wiedey and Rich Grisham discuss the ramifications of both. Why does the NCAA news make it more likely that EA Sports brings back NCAA Football video game and when could that happen? Why has NBA Live been canceled for the 4th time in 9 years and does it have any chance of success releasing on the next generation of consoles? On the show this week: Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments/Hit the Pass (@richgrisham) Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit the Pass (@pastapadre)

By popular demand, it's time for our annual NHL 20 Review Roundtable! We gather several old friends and new ones to dive into what people love - and don't love - about EA's venerable hockey franchise. What's working best this season? What needs a little more love? What are the best modes? We've got Kim Wallace from GameInformer, Samit Sarkar from Polygon, Mills from MillsGamingTV, and Kat Bailey from US Gamer all on the show this week.   Enjoy!

NBA 2K20 launched this week with no shortage of controversy. There were reports of glitches, mismatched expectations, and other assorted technical problems - so, naturally, we get Bryan Wiedey and Rich Grisham together to talk about them. Shocker! Bryan and Rich don't really agree on all that much! But that's what makes Press Row what it is - a place for reasonable and fun conversations about the sports games we love (or love to hate). Check out Bryan's NBA 2K20 review for Sporting News! Enjoy the show!

It's our annual Madden Review Roundtable! Join Rich Grisham, Bryan Wiedey, Kat Bailey, and Mills as they take on Madden NFL 20 in its entirety. From franchise to MUT, Face of the Franchise to online, there's a lot happening this season. What's the verdict?

Madden NFL 20 launches today - Friday, August 2, 2019 - so we bring in two of the key members of the team to talk all about it. We welcome Creative Director (and multi-time guest) Mike Young as well as Sr. Gameplay Designer Clint Oldenberg (making his second appearance) as they dive into all areas of the game - themes, gameplay, history, and much more.

With Madden NFL 20 having been out through EA Access for a few days Rich Grisham and Bryan Wiedey are brought back together to discuss initial impressions of the game. Discussion in this episode of the Press Row Podcast centers on Face of the Franchise experiences and overall thoughts on gameplay and the dramatic impact that X-Factors are having on it. On the show this week: Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit the Pass (@pastapadre) Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments/Hit the Pass (@richgrisham)

Happy Summertime! Rich is joined by Mills to catch up on the state of MLB 19 The Show, as well as discuss the upcoming Madden 20 and opine on the future of the NBA Live series.

In this episode Bryan Wiedey and Rich Grisham react to the events of EA Play and the E3 press briefings. Reasons to be encouraged by the direction of Madden NFL 20, some questions over decisions being made for FIFA 20, the games that look the best from E3, those that disappointed, Microsoft's new console details, and much more! On the show this week: Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit the Pass (@pastapadre) Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments/Hit the Pass (@richgrisham)

New legislation has been introduced that would end the practice of loot boxes and other forms of digital monetization in video games. It has bi-partisan support and notable momentum but the process will likely see it’s scope and directives altered. Still, with the potential damaging ramifications for the industry and in particular licensed sports games, it’s important to understand what it all means at this stage and in the bill’s current state, and whether there is real reason for concern for the health and future of video games. Why have legislators decided they have to step in now? Would any sports games survive such an extreme proposal? What is the most likely scenario given how the bill will likely evolve and face challenges along the way? Bryan Wiedey and Rich Grisham discuss on this episode of the Press Row Podcast. On the show this week: Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit the Pass (@pastapadre) Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments/Hit the Pass (@richgrisham)

Big news on Madden NFL 20 has brought Bryan Wiedey and Rich Grisham back together for discussion on the just-revealed rebooted career mode that includes a college football element - what that means for the series, the genre as a whole, and more. Other topics include Madden NFL 20's abnormally early release date and special superstar abilities to differentiate player performance which leads back to the pure skill vs realism/fun factor debate. Also more thoughts on MLB The Show 19's March to October mode. On the show this week: Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit the Pass (@pastapadre) Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments/Hit the Pass (@richgrisham)

An annual tradition! MLB The Show 19 has been out for a couple of weeks, so it's time to get our baseball crew together and break it all down! This year, we're joined by US Gamer Editor In Chief Kat Bailey, OOTP Perfect Team Community Manager Kris Jardine, and The Doddcast's Pete Dodd. We talk everything MLB The Show 19!

Spring training is here - which means it's time to take a look at everything happening around MLB 19 The Show. We bring good friend Mills back to hear everything he's looking forward to, his thoughts on the overall approach the team is taking this year, and if there are any concerns heading into this season. Out of the Park Baseball 20 is now available for pre-order! Get 10% off, a free Perfect Team Gold Pack, and 4 days early access to the beta today if you preorder now. Out of the Park Baseball releases worldwide on March 22, 2019!

In this episode of the Press Row Podcast: Bryan Wiedey and Rich Grisham reunite to discuss recent news including what to expect from MLB The Show 19 as well as its exclusion of an Online Franchise and Take Two and the NBA extending their licensing agreement for $1.1 billion. Additionally there's discussion on the new Alliance of American Football League, Out of the Park Baseball 19 analysis on Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, the 2018 PCA winners and more! On the show this week: Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit the Pass (@pastapadre) Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments/Hit the Pass (@richgrisham)

Our good friend Mills (@MillsGamingTV) joins host Rich Grisham this week for his unique and honest view of the current sports gaming landscape. Which titles are best serving their audience? Which have the most work to do? What are his personal favorites from the past year? What is he hoping for and expecting from the upcoming crop of titles in 2019? Mills is never afraid to call it like he sees it - which is why we love having him on the show.

Our good friend Kahlief Adams (@kahjahkins) from Spawn On Me joins us this week for his take on the state of sports games - and a whole lot more - as we enter 2019. From his favorite experiences to what he hopes for in the new year ahead, Kahlief is never afraid to let the world know how he feels.

It's a fun two-segment show! Up first is our good friend Cicero Holmes from Spawn On Me, giving us his perspective on last year's crop of sports games as well as what he'd love to see in the year ahead. Also, by popular demand, we go deep on The Golf Club 2019 with our pal Marc Foley from the Doddcast. Marc is a huge fan of the series and he explains why he loves it so much, and how someone who's not yet checked it out can best jump in and have fun.

With 2018 coming to a close the Press Row Podcast hands out its annual award for Sports Game of the Year! The panel for what is always one of the most anticipated episodes discuss the state of the genre, the strengths and weaknesses of the contenders, and then react to the final results. On the show this week: Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit the Pass (@pastapadre) Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments/Hit the Pass (@richgrisham) T.J. Lauerman, ThatSportsGamer (@thatsportsgamer) Daniel Baesel, UberYTwitch (@danielbaesel)

It's that time! We gather the biggest racing games fans we know to determine the 2018 Press Row Podcast Racing Game of the Year. Experts Greg Sewart, David Benry, and Dr. Ken Parker join host Rich Grisham to count down their favorites, answer listener questions, and take a look back at racing games throughout the year. One of our favorite shows of the year is back!

The Press Row Podcast debuted in 2012 and 300 episodes later Rich Grisham, Bryan Wiedey, T.J. Lauerman, and Kris Jardine celebrate reaching the latest milestone by reminiscing and talking about the latest in sports gaming and more. On the show this week: Bryan Wiedey, Pastapadre/Sporting News/Hit the Pass (@pastapadre) Rich Grisham, Out of the Park Developments/Hit the Pass (@richgrisham) T.J. Lauerman, ThatSportsGamer (@thatsportsgamer) Kris Jardine, Snaggle J (@snagglej)