You may not know the name Sam Keller, who’s the former quarterback heading up the battle against EA, but it’s likely that you know the names Jim Brown and Herb Adderley, who are both Hall of Famers. On Monday, they asked the court to allow them to submit official documents supporting Keller. That’s a major blow for EA, who is supported by the NCAA.

EA and the NCAA say that the players’ images don’t include names on the jerseys, and that their numbers, pictures, and statistics are publicly available, making them usable under free speech laws.

Brown isn’t just coming out of the woodwork to support Keller – this is an issue he really cares about. He sued EA earlier this year for using his likeness in some of the Madden games, but the case was thrown out. EA hopes that Keller’s case will get thrown out as well; this decision will be made on November 17.

Post from: EveryJoe

More Legal Woes for EA

In the lawsuit, which was filed by attorney Keith McKenna, accuses EA Sports of "unjust enrichment." They say that the use of their names and images without permission in an invasion of privacy for commercial purposes.

A spokesperson for EA Sports has said that the company, NCAA, and Collegiate Licensing Company have all reviewed the case and don’t believe that their claims have merit. The company says it has not violated any NCAA bylaws or athlete rights laws.

Do you think it’s fair for a video game to include a real person without that person’s permission?

Image: Amazon

Post from: EveryJoe

Two More Players Sue EA Sports

This would work great with a variety of games including My Fitness Coach, Gold’s Gym Workout and my personal favorite, EA Sports Active. 

If you are thinking of buying the EA Sports Active Multiplayer Pack I would recommend that you consider this workout kit instead because of the tubing.

Many times, I’ve played the fitness games and wished that I could adjust the resistance because it’s gotten a lot easier for certain exercises but I still need lighter resistance for others (due to a shoulder injury).  Since there are three interchangeable tubes in this kit, it gives gamers more options (and it’s great if more than one person in your home is using the game).

Prices vary but this kit is generally under $30.  It’s a small price considering how much it would cost to get a membership at the gym!

image: Amazon

Post from: EveryJoe

Wii Activ3 Workout Kit

On Monday, EA Games hosted its own press conference here at E3 2009. Here are a few highlights from the event.

EA Sports announces Fight Night Round 4, for the first time allowing you to pit Ali against Tyson, with spectacular-looking results. Check out the big-screen demo:

EA Sports announces and demos Grand Slam Tennis for Wii, complete with a surprise appearance by tennis superstar Pete Sampras.

Brutal Legend designer Tim Schafer takes the stage to unveil several new characters and show off new video featuring star Jack Black. Note: this video is NSFW.

A full level demo for Pandemic’s The Saboteur, which features creative use of color and black & white, and finds you working with the resistance in Nazi-occupied France during WWII.

Last but by far not least, a progress report on the highly-anticipated MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic, featuring on-stage Jedi and the world premiere of the game’s cinematic trailer. (If only the prequel trilogy had been more like what the trailer shows!)

Post from: EveryJoe

E3 ‘09: EA press conference highlights

image: EA Sports

Nintendo Wii gamers who use the console to keep fit will be thrilled to hear that a new game, EA Sports Active, will be released on May 19, 2009 and it looks like the best, most comprehensive fitness game yet!

The game acts as a personal trainer and comes with a strap-on pouch for holding the Wii Remote (it attaches to your legs so that your leg and lower-body movements are tracked), a resistance band and a nutritional guide.  You will also have the option of using the Wii Balance Board.

I think this is really great!  There will be 20 minute workout regimes and a 30-day challenge to allow players to set and work towards goals.  After looking at the official site I noticed that the following exercises will be included (25 in all!): cardio boxing, basic dance, tennis, inline skating, kick-ups, cardio dance, kickbox, batting, volleyball, basketball, pitching & catching, serve, walk, jump, lateral raises, lunge reps, side lunge, squat/calf, lunge jump, squat jump, punch target, fast dance and punch bag.

There were no screenshots from what I could see (it’s probably too early) but I did find a promotional video.  Check it out:

Post from: EveryJoe

EA Sports Active Preview