Multiplat AFL 23 - PS/Steam Releasing May 4, Xbox TBC

[Dannnnnnnnnn]

WHEN CAN I PLAY? READ BELOW:

• PlayStation (Physical): Thursday 4 May
• PlayStation (Digital): 8:01am AEST Thursday 4 May
• Steam: Currently 8:01am AEST Thursday 4 May, may be moved to 12:01am AEST
• Xbox (Digital or Physical): TO BE CONFIRMED, unlikely to be 4 May

Spoiler: Specific Big Ant quotes about the release:

Those that pre-ordered PS versions will be able to play on Thursday, disks will have already been mailed by retailers, they will also be available in-store.

Steam will also be available Thursday.

Stating the obvious, we are still having issues with XBox.

Seriously, anyone that looks hard knows there’s issues - why do you think there are so many exclusives for a particular platform that are not marked as exclusive, but are only on that platform.

If I took that road, life would have been a lot easier.

Xbox digital and retail will release at the same time - that is not a decision we get to make.

It applies now and I will no doubt pay a price.

Spoiler: Other Quotes

Re: commentary team

Spoiler: Other Quotes

Hamish is still there, Daisy didn't make it into the final version of the game.

We added Gary and increased the workload of Harf.

Re: game availability/release dates

I can never give 100% guarantee about anything in the future, but as it stands today, the statement I am prepared to make it that all stock that is at retailers on 4 May will be available for sale.

As to the amount that will be there for sale, and whether it is enough, that is a question I cannot answer.

It will be made digitally available on the various platform holder electronic stores.

Clarifying, the game will not release prior to 4 May 2023.

I am vague as there is one platform that has had sufficient stock at retailers and the other has not, and I cannot name them (contractual reasons).

The game will not be further delayed because of the numbers of units in stock.

Re: Steam listing

I've already put in a request for the screenshots to be replaced with current ones, they'll probably only be there for a day.

As much as the feedback has generally been positive, these are old, meant to be placeholder only and were not meant to go live.

Re: playing lists

All playing lists are accurate for the 2023 season.

Re: content creator footage

This is all prior to day one patch (as some have noted updates like numbers etc are apparent)

Re: Career mode

A head's up on Career mode.

At the AFL 23 Launch night I mentioned the non-team based Individual Career Mode in an interview with Dean (Twistie3). As alluded to at that same event, we were working with the AFL and AFLPA to include as many past legends in the game as possible.

The great news is that we have received approval for far more AFL legends than were previously envisaged, but this has meant that we had to make the tough decision to divert resources away from the Individual Career mode development. The individual Career Mode function will not make it into AFL 23, Career Mode will be entirely team based. I expect this mode to be include in future iterations of the game.

Re: microtransactions

You do not have to make purchases, things can be earned.

Re: general development

So fundamentally flawed, in so many ways, it’s bananas.

We are doing AFL as it’s a passion project, without us doing it there would not be one being made.

So much more upside with making games that are played internationally, let alone one that will not even be played in every state in this country.

 

[FearTheBeard13]

I get the gripe with Ultimate Team but honestly, I’m absolutely pumped for it because I was under the impression that it would NEVER happen in an AFL game due to the smaller market.
I’ve played the s**t out of FIFA UT and NBA 2K’s MyTeam and sure, I’ve 100% spent more than I’d like to admit on those modes but not to the point where I have a problem.
Obviously that might be different for other people and my condolences to those that have that problem. However I still think it’s a great way to grow the game (especially if the gameplay is good) and I know we all just want a great AFL gaming experience whether that’s in 3 weeks time or 3 years time due to people sticking around spending money on AFL23. Personally, I think it’s the right thing to do in terms of growing the game. Whether it’s ethically right or not is another topic.
I’m just desperate for a good game guys

Completely agreed. In this climate of games there’s micro-transactions plastered in all sports games, COD and whatever else in an Online mode. Regardless of the games rating, theres a disclaimer for it and all purchases are prompted with a confirmation so really what other measures can a developer make to defer someone with an addiction to not make a purchase? If UT doesnt have it, past players dont get paid and we dont see them in the game. Same way COD dont release new maps/dlc without people paying for a season pass first.

 

[Ambrose Burnside]

I get the gripe with Ultimate Team but honestly, I’m absolutely pumped for it because I was under the impression that it would NEVER happen in an AFL game due to the smaller market.
I’ve played the s**t out of FIFA UT and NBA 2K’s MyTeam and sure, I’ve 100% spent more than I’d like to admit on those modes but not to the point where I have a problem.
Obviously that might be different for other people and my condolences to those that have that problem. However I still think it’s a great way to grow the game (especially if the gameplay is good) and I know we all just want a great AFL gaming experience whether that’s in 3 weeks time or 3 years time due to people sticking around spending money on AFL23. Personally, I think it’s the right thing to do in terms of growing the game. Whether it’s ethically right or not is another topic.
I’m just desperate for a good game guys

I'm not opposed to the UT concept at all, the idea of building a dream team etc is awesome, I just don't think the EA/2k model is needed when Big Ant themselves proved it's possible to implement without the problematic aspects in Cricket 22.

And for all we know it might be like that in AFL 23. There might be a Legends DLC pack or something too. No problems with that either. I feel it would be a step backwards if it was lootbox driven rubbish though. Michaels spent a lot of time saying you don't need to spend a cent to be competitive etc when all that is really saying is that those mechanics adds nothing positive for the player, only the potential to cause harm.

 

[GoldbergsGold]

Big Ant has gotta fix this error. If I have to guess, the person pressed the sprint button and it automatically played on, which is the same error with Evo 2. It should only be play on for kick outs if the player leaves the goal square, or the time allocated runs out.

 

[Lesnish]

Big Ant has gotta fix this error. If I have to guess, the person pressed the sprint button and it automatically played on, which is the same error with Evo 2. It should only be play on for kick outs if the player leaves the goal square, or the time allocated runs out.
View attachment 1638721

Yep agreed, I noticed on the control list one of the buttons was "sprint/play on".

Not only for a kick out, but it was super frustrating in evo 2 when you had a mark or free kick it would be play on the second you pressed the sprint button.

In live 1 you could move your player back and forward and press the sprint button and it wouldn't be play on until you moved off the mark.

I also hope they fix the kick ins in general.
I noticed a couple 60m bombs off one step from kick ins.



On SM-S901E using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[GoldbergsGold]

Yep agreed, I noticed on the control list one of the buttons was "sprint/play on".

Not only for a kick out, but it was super frustrating in evo 2 when you had a mark or free kick it would be play on the second you pressed the sprint button.

In live 1 you could move your player back and forward and press the sprint button and it wouldn't be play on until you moved off the mark.

I also hope they fix the kick ins in general.
I noticed a couple 60m bombs off one step from kick ins.



On SM-S901E using BigFooty.com mobile app

Bombing off one step is fine, though, but the animation should show a big winding kick motion that is a bit slower than a regular kick. Yeah, you're referring to peeling off the marks in Live 1, I brought that up to people on here, that Evo 2 had unrealistic play ons by pressing the sprint button without moving, and people didn't understand what I was talking about. They thought you could peel off the mark in Evo 2, when you can't, unless you think playing on by pressing the sprint button is peeling off, when it's not.

 

[jdoggdrool]

I also hope they fix the kick ins in general.
I noticed a couple 60m bombs off one step from kick ins.

I noticed a lot of this as well, even in general play. It looks incredibly strange and arcadey. I hope they fix this along with several other animations - namely the rucking animations.

 

[GoldbergsGold]

I noticed a lot of this as well, even in general play. It looks incredibly strange and arcadey. I hope they fix this along with several other animations - namely the rucking animations.

I'm not against bombing off one step, however, the animation needs to fit that. It can't just be a standard kicking motion for all kicks, including bombs. And yes, the rucking animation is very choppy and weightless.

 

[stkilda7894]

My only concern with UT addition is how big ant will develop the rest of their game. Companies that have games with microtransactions are notorious for neglecting features like gameplay and career modes in favor of focus on UT in order to generating more revenue. Don't get me wrong, a business needs to thrive to continue producing, however neglecting other features in the future is my main concern.

 

[GoldbergsGold]

My only concern with UT addition is how big ant will develop the rest of their game. Companies that have games with microtransactions are notorious for neglecting features like gameplay and career modes in favor of focus on UT in order to generating more revenue. Don't get me wrong, a business needs to thrive to continue producing, however neglecting other features in the future is my main concern.

They've already neglected a lot of the gameplay mechanics, which was something I had predicted. It's definitely an incomplete game gameplay wise. I'd imagine had they used the time and money on gameplay, instead of likenesses and other extras, then we could have had more complete gameplay.

 

[Coxy_]

Come on Goldberg, you've got to absolutely ream BA here for not having the ability to 'peel off the mark' or just casually walk outta the square without the use of the sprint button. Just like WW they have betrayed you mate.

Time to get angry, real angry

 

[Coxy_]

In all seriousness, I'm not a BA nuthugger but I reckon the game looks solid and that was with vision I could barely see with blokes that didn't know the controls showcasing it....on a build that is not the current build

Let's see what we get April 13th. I reckon we'll be happy. They can do a Goldberg patch later to fix whatever he wants

 

[CraigMc24]

Part 2 of his rant for anyone interested in watching

Yeah I just don’t think we need to go back that there and touch that one. Clearly has some unresolved grievances and other issues. Certainly not for us on here.

His concerns about ultimate team and VC are understandable though. I’m sure Big Ant won’t rely heavily on micro-transactions as they haven’t been a big fan of that in the past. Hopefully if you want, you can grind your way through to the earn points or coins needed to get certain players etc. That’s my hope anyway.

 

[GoldbergsGold]

Come on Goldberg, you've got to absolutely ream BA here for not having the ability to 'peel off the mark' or just casually walk outta the square without the use of the sprint button. Just like WW they have betrayed you mate.

Time to get angry, real angry

Criticism isn't a sign of feeling betrayed, it's actual belief in them. The thing is, this is going to be the definitive AFL game, going forward. Both The Live 1 and Evo 2 camps will fall and bow down to this game. What I would like to see from Big Ant is a pure simulation that includes all the aspects of the greatest sport ever, Aussie Rules. My main concern is with key aspects of the sport being omitted, and some errors from Evo 2 somehow seeping into this game. And who knows, there is a slight chance we may never see another AFL game again from Big Ant. You never know with The AFL the way it is. So, why not reach out and make suggestions?

 

[Michaels]

They've already neglected a lot of the gameplay mechanics, which was something I had predicted. It's definitely an incomplete game gameplay wise. I'd imagine had they used the time and money on gameplay, instead of likenesses and other extras, then we could have had more complete gameplay.

I don't know how many other ways this can be said but what you saw was not the completed game, so your comments aren't quantified and are just an assumption of something we are yet to see.

 

[Ambrose Burnside]

Every suggestion someone has made in this thread has been in the hope that the game is better for it.

That includes highlighting mistakes.

My favourite is the goal umpire chilling out on the 50m line, and the field umpire randomly running through the goals like he's going to Cantona someone in the crowd.

 

[Ambrose Burnside]

I don't know how many other ways this can be said but what you saw was not the completed game, so your comments aren't quantified and are just an assumption of something we are yet to see.

All we can comment on is what we've seen though.

 

[Michaels]

All we can comment on is what we've seen though.

OK that's fine but what purpose does it serve to then carry on like its the final game when we know it isn't?

 

[GoldbergsGold]

I don't know how many other ways this can be said but what you saw was not the completed game, so your comments aren't quantified and are just an assumption of something we are yet to see.

If those errors were fixed and the key aspects of the sport being omitted in that demo have been added into their latest build, then my concerns may not be warranted. But I find that highly unlikely, and I think it'd be wise to make suggestions and criticism of what they presented to the public as their game, just in case the latest build is incomplete.

 

[Ambrose Burnside]

OK that's fine but what purpose does it serve to then carry on like its the final game when we know it isn't?

It's better to highlight issues (and Big Ant have said they monitor this thread and collate our ideas/concerns etc) than to just assume they'll all be fixed at launch. Big Ant have a mixed record when it comes to the state of their games at launch, I'm not all that surprised there is scepticism when so much focus in marketing terms so far has been on face scan technology.

If it's fixed, fantastic. I'm sure GoldbergsGold will be wrapt to receive 100 I told you so notifications at launch. I know I will be for all my concerns!

 

[GoldbergsGold]

Every suggestion someone has made in this thread has been in the hope that the game is better for it.

That includes highlighting mistakes.

My favourite is the goal umpire chilling out on the 50m line, and the field umpire randomly running through the goals like he's going to Cantona someone in the crowd.

Those goofy umpire glitches aren't even my main concern, because they're easily fixable. It's just the key aspects to the sport missing or the strange Evo 2 errors as a mechanic to the game that are concerning. I would like to see the first truly real simulation Aussie Rules video game.

 

[Treehill23]

I'm not opposed to the UT concept at all, the idea of building a dream team etc is awesome, I just don't think the EA/2k model is needed when Big Ant themselves proved it's possible to implement without the problematic aspects in Cricket 22.

And for all we know it might be like that in AFL 23. There might be a Legends DLC pack or something too. No problems with that either. I feel it would be a step backwards if it was lootbox driven rubbish though. Michaels spent a lot of time saying you don't need to spend a cent to be competitive etc when all that is really saying is that those mechanics adds nothing positive for the player, only the potential to cause harm.

I get that and you know how skeptical about the game, but more to Michael’s point, you definitely don’t NEED to spend money to get a good team. Granted a lot of people do, if you’re willing to put in the hours then it won’t matter. Quite often in FIFA I come up against teams that are way better than mine but generally those are the people that are easier to beat because they spend more time opening packs than they do playing the game.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I have a bad team. This year I’ve probably spent $100-$200. But I’ve also gone years where I’ve spent nothing and ended up with a similar team because I got lucky with packing someone like Neymar. I think the temptation is more so there just because the cards look nice and competitive players obviously need the best cards to compete with other competitive players. In saying that, they also get paid to play the game haha
So whilst the addiction is the worry here, it’s still very possible to build a good team as long as you put in more hours than those who would rather spend thousands

 

[Lesnish]

OK that's fine but what purpose does it serve to then carry on like its the final game when we know it isn't?

How does it hurt though?
If it has already been rectified upon reading the comment then all big ant needs to do is give it a thumbs up.

They literally have stated they are here to report back on ideas from this thread. Does that not include what people saw during the gameplay?

I would have thought they see it as a positive and gives them an extra level of proofing that there team potentially could have missed.

It is only because people are super passionate about it. I have been pro big ant since live 1, trust me when I say I only want success for them!

On SM-S901E using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[GoldbergsGold]

How does it hurt though?
If it has already been rectified upon reading the comment then all big ant needs to do is give it a thumbs up.

They literally have stated they are here to report back on ideas from this thread. Does that not include what people saw during the gameplay?

I would have thought they see it as a positive and gives them an extra level of proofing that there team potentially could have missed.

It is only because people are super passionate about it. I have been pro big ant since live 1, trust me when I say I only want success for them!

On SM-S901E using BigFooty.com mobile app

I also wonder why the goal kicking timer wasn't in that demo, when Ross mentioned to me in September that they needed one. Or, maybe the timer is just the umpire calling move it on? If it is, I didn't get to see that, no one tried wasting time, when goal kicking during the demo play throughs.

 

[Ambrose Burnside]

A radar was missing too.

 

[GoldbergsGold]

A radar was missing too.

Also, the little trivial details like the AFL logo on the numbers were missing, which even ticked off Ross in September, but wasn't fixed for this March demo. Perhaps the March demo build is really from September?