I haven't played All-Pro Football 2K8, but I have already decided not to pick up the game and I hope nobody else buys the game either.
As most sports gamers know, EA Sports has the exclusive rights to make NFL-licensed football games, so 2K Sports used a group of NFL legends to make an unlicensed game. They also created their own teams and their own stadiums, which is all pretty cool. In fact, I was close to picking up All-Pro 2K8 myself last week.
Fortunately, I didn't. As I was checking out the Joystiq gaming blog this morning, they showed a clip from the game, and the developers decided to include O.J. Simpson. 2K representatives said that they contemplated not including Simpson, but the fact that he was a legend on the field meant that he should be in the game. I think that was a terrible decision, and it was a decision that will keep me from buying the game.
Since Simpson is in the game, I'm assuming that 2K Sports had to pay him money to use his likeness. Simpson may or may not get money for every game that is sold. If he does get paid, buyers of the game are lining his pockets, and even if he doesn't I don't want to buy from a company that financially supports Simpson.
So, I will either buy NCAA Football 2008 or pick up Madden next month.
What do you think? Will the inclusion of O.J. Simpson in 2K8 impact your decision to purchase the game?