Q: Ever since the debut of Rugby on the PS2, HB Studios have had a pretty good run with games coming almost annually. What do you attribute this success to?
A: HB Studios have been excellent to work with. They have consistently raised the quality of the Rugby product year after year because they have talented people and truly understand the sport of Rugby. The core Rugby team has representatives from all of the major rugby playing countries. EA has shared its years of game making experience and technology which has helped enable HB Studios to focus on making great games.
Q: How does the development of Rugby 06 compare with, say a game like Madden in terms of size, time and resources?
A: FIFA and Madden are two of the largest franchises at EA. With this comes a proportionate share of resources. However, as Rugby becomes a bigger sport world wide and a more significant game, we have seen more and more investment in the product. Part of the reason we have seen such an increase in the quality over the past few EA Rugby products is due to the established technology that we have been able to integrate from games like Madden and FIFA. Year after year, Rugby is growing in importance to the company and this definitely shows in how EA Sports Rugby 06 has turned out this year.
Q: Rugby is a complex game. What has been done in order to try and make it friendlier for people whose understanding and interest of the game is only casual?
A: Rugby can be a complex sport at first glance and we have implemented a number of features to help even the most novice user get into and understand the game in a rapid and easy manner. One method we have used to address this is the inclusion of a tutorial again this year. It teaches the basics of the sport and introduces the mechanics of the game. We have also included a practice area where you can work on your skills without being thrown straight into a game. Another way to learn about the sport is through the world famous Grant Fox and Ian Robertson, the commentators for this year’s game. We have made a big effort to use their knowledge and during the game they will often stop to explain why a penalty has been awarded or what constitutes a particular penalty. Their comments, along with the overlays, tutorials and practice area, really makes it quite easy for any user to become familiar with and enjoy the game.
Q: What is your favourite aspect of Rugby 06?
A: The offload pass. This is so integral to the sport and to the game. This seemingly simple feature has taken the game to a whole new level. Whereas in the past when you went into contact it resulted in a breakdown, in EA Sports Rugby 06 if the user times the pass correctly, the defender is drawn in and the play continues. This results in fast free flowing rugby with momentum shifts, intercepted passes and the potential to create beautifully creative plays.
The World League mode is also greatly improved. The enhancements to the feature have really increased the longevity of the playing experience. It’s great fun to be in jeopardy of being fired only to pull your team together with a couple of key trades and take them to the division championships. As well, the new ticker helps you keep track of scores and trades around the league giving the mode a more expansive feel.
Q: What you have liked to improve upon if you had more development time?
A: Given a lot more time, I think we would developed an online component to our game. This feature would be a very cool addition and something that we really want to incorporate. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to develop this feature as there are so many other areas we are focusing on currently.
Q: Are there any plans of an online multiplayer in the future?
A: We would love to incorporate an online multi-player feature and we are now evaluating this for next year’s product. The number of people using online functionality in our territories on similar products are still quite low, so we have chosen to focus on features that appeal to all of our consumers. When we move to next gen this is a feature that we will definitely include.
Q: Is there anything that you would have liked to have added to the game but have been restricted by the capabilities of current generation machines?
A: EA Sports Rugby 06 really pushes the limits of the current hardware because we have so many players on the pitch (8 more than FIFA example). We would love to get linesmen and a ref on the pitch in the current product but that would result on a hit on frame rate, animation or even AI which are all vying for resources. That being said, our team has done an excellent job of finding new ways to use the power of the current gen hardware and we are very excited about both the look and feel of the game.
Q: Is there any particular reason why an Xbox 360 version isn’t being made?
A: The development costs for Xbox 360 products are extremely high and the user base is still quite small. We will definitely be moving to next gen in the near future. However, we will be able to do a much better job if we wait until the EA technology can be more easily applied to Rugby rather than inventing the technology from scratch. The wait will be worth it!
Q: On slightly higher difficulties and better opponents, we had an extremely hard time trying to get into a bind. Are we missing something or is that just the nature of the game?
A: The higher difficulties do challenge you in this respect. What it comes down to is making important decisions with the ball when you get it. You won’t be able to get the ball back in every breakdown so you’ll have to look towards kicking or other strategies that will get you down field.
Q: Any chance at HB Studios trying your hand at a Rugby League or AFL game?
A: While we are big fans of the other games the focus will remain on Rugby Union. We have produced some very good rugby games over the last few years and by continuing to focus on this title we have once again raised the bar and produced the best Rugby game yet.
Q: When is the game due for release?
The game is due for release this week in Australia.
Q: Who is your favourite Rugby player?
A: It is tough to pick a favorite because I really appreciate many talents of different players. You have to love the blistering pace of a Bryan Habana, the shiftiness of a Shane Williams or the punishing hits of a Serge Betsen. But if I were to pick a favorite right now, I would have to choose Dan Carter. He embodies so many aspects of what makes a great rugby player in today’s game. One can’t forget the Lions tour – he was a one man army!
Q: Which team is going to win the World Cup next year?
A: I have to say that I think the All Blacks look like world beaters right now. If they don’t peak too early and they can maintain focus throughout the tough schedule that is the World Cup, they have a good shot at their second title. But, I reserve the right to reevaluate at this time next year!
Well, there you have it. We would like to extend our thanks to the Michael for his time and the good folks at EA for giving us a chance for the interview and the hands-on preview. Don't forget to stay tuned to PALGN, as we will be bringing you a full review of Rugby 06 in the near future.
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