EA Games acknowledges fan site

In a world where consumers often times find themselves distanced from the very creators of their purchases, fan sites have become invaluable sources of information and advice. It’s a sad turn of events, really; you buy a shiny new toy, fully expecting that as a loyal customer you will be able to direct any questions and concerns to the producers of your new product. Disappointingly, you find URLs in place of owner’s manuals – links instead of software. Where does the forsaken consumer turn? Well, if you’re like me, you turn to the fan sites.

True, it is discouraging that game developers so often shun those who have sacrificed their undying devotion, but there is hope. In a noble attempt to reconnect game makers with game players, Electronic Arts has recently added a new feature to its Need For Speed Web site called the Community Spotlight. EA Game’s latest piece premiered on May 16, 2007, featuring a Q&A session with NFSCars.net designer and administrator, Mike Geise.

Sound like a cheesy promotion? Honestly, it’s a rather novel idea, and EA’s questions really help bring to light what it is the gamers want from the NFS series. Sure, not all developers ignore the requests of avid gamers, but EA’s approach to actively seek out those around the Internet who are helping promote their games is, at the very least, admirable. Personally, I hope to see more of this in the future.

SiteQ&A [EA Games]