Massively Multiplayer: Gaming In The New Millennium
- Thread starter RySenkari
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With Microsoft using hddvd's and Sony using blu-ray's, what can Apple use as their proprietary format, cartridges like the switch or something similar to otl's wii I'd discs?
I hope this means Kanye meets some other musician who influences him instead of Donda dying earlier.
God, I'd like to live in this world (hope Kanye avoids his Taylor Swift moment ITTL, the one where he said Beyoncé had the best video ever. It led to President Obama calling him a jackass (1)); it sounds better than ours so far.
(1) To be fair, he didn't know that his mic was live, and he had an Oh Crap look on his face right after he said it. OTOH, the joke was that he finally said something that everyone in Washington could agree on...
(1) To be fair, he didn't know that his mic was live, and he had an Oh Crap look on his face right after he said it. OTOH, the joke was that he finally said something that everyone in Washington could agree on...
Mmm, this is something we'll have to address later on in the timeline if it becomes significant, since it happens later on and we haven't decided yet.
We actually addressed Selena Gomez in a post a few months back: "She hasn't gotten into acting yet, but she really enjoys singing and may be headed down to Corpus Christi to start working at Selena's studio fairly soon..."
Alba is working in James Cameron movies (most recently Stealth), Chris Evans is doing mostly minor movie roles, Ioan Gruffudd is one of the Knights of the Round Table in the King Arthur franchise, and Julian McMahon is doing well as a star in Australian dramas.
Still on Saturday Night Live, may start doing movies or other TV shows soon. She did work on Mean Girls as IOTL.
You'll see.... we'll address the possibility of Blu-Ray on the iTwin in a soon to come Sony update.
AeroTheZealousOne
Monthly Donor
Speaking of Tina Fey/Saturday Night Live, any notable* skits butterflied from OTL, or notable ones original to TTL?
Similarly, within the past few hours I am sure you've heard of the allegations around Al Franken. Is that incident (which occurs in 2006 IOTL) butterflied as well?
*Notable, in my definition, meaning either quite controversial, or otherwise considered popular and humorous. I safely assume that the debacle with Sinead O'Connor ripping up a picture of Pope John Paul II goes as OTL, seeing as it happens in October of '92, before major butterflies hit the United States. Additionally, I am aware we get the infamous "more cowbell" sketch ITTL, as mentioned from an earlier question.
Similarly, within the past few hours I am sure you've heard of the allegations around Al Franken. Is that incident (which occurs in 2006 IOTL) butterflied as well?
*Notable, in my definition, meaning either quite controversial, or otherwise considered popular and humorous. I safely assume that the debacle with Sinead O'Connor ripping up a picture of Pope John Paul II goes as OTL, seeing as it happens in October of '92, before major butterflies hit the United States. Additionally, I am aware we get the infamous "more cowbell" sketch ITTL, as mentioned from an earlier question.
The skit question might take a while to figure out... best to direct our creative energies toward the main timeline at the moment, maybe we'll revisit that question later if we get some time.
And the Franken incident, well... I know Franken never runs for Congress because Paul Wellstone is still alive. Probably he still does something inappropriate at some point, but it may not come up since he's not in a political position.
AeroTheZealousOne
Monthly Donor
Take your time. If you don't get to it (for months, or ever) that's fine by me.
Though I will say the scope of the timeline is amazing, especially for one focused primarily on video games. The extra tidbits on pop culture and politics help characterize the world for us and it helps show how very different our world could have been, and how similar this world is to ours, and that's one of the things (aside from the video game-centric nature of this TL) that's kept me following for a good while. But yeah, focusing on the main timeline is probably for the best.
NFL: 2005-06 Recap/The Fate Of NFL Video Games
The story of the 2005 NFL season was one of upheaval. Injuries, roster changes, and trades changed the face of the league, causing previously good teams to fall out of contention and causing basement dwelling teams to rise into the playoff race. Among the good teams that saw their fortunes slide was the New England Patriots, who had been a frequent presence in the playoffs in recent years thanks to their staunch defense and their skillful quarterback, Donovan McNabb. A string of injuries to key defensive players forced McNabb to carry the team on his own, and after some key blunders in close losses, a controversy erupted when Gillette Stadium fans began to heckle McNabb with racial slurs. The controversy consumed New England's season, allowing the New York Jets to take the division title. The Colts were the top seed once again, while the Cleveland Browns' Michael Vick had his best season yet: 30 passing touchdowns and 16 rushing touchdowns, with a total of 3,821 passing yards and 1,053 rushing yards, ultimately winning the MVP award. The Houston Texans snuck into the playoffs thanks to good play by their mercurial quarterback Ryan Leaf, who finally had a decent offensive line to play behind.
In the NFC, the big question everyone was asking was “How 'bout them Cowboys?” Thanks to an influx of outstanding rookies and thanks to their new quarterback Rex Grossman, who showed up as Good Rex most of the year, the Cowboys went 14-2, a vast improvement from last season. The Bears also played well, while the Saints had a bit of a slip due to some rough play by the defense. Peyton Manning's 58 passing touchdowns could only carry them to a 10-6 record, indicating just how bad the Saints' defense was, giving up the third most points in NFL history. The Arizona Cardinals, meanwhile, were the feel-good story in the conference, getting an 11-5 record thanks to the play of their rookie quarterback Kyle Orton.
NFL Playoffs 2005-06:
Wild Card Round
(3) Denver Broncos: 13, (6) Houston Texans: 10
Sophomore quarterback Eli Manning had a nice improvement in his second year in the league, but ultimately it was the defense that helped the Broncos triumph, picking off Ryan Leaf four times to help the Broncos advance. Surprisingly, Leaf was well-behaved and composed after the loss, taking the blame and actually being open with reporters, showing how much his attitude had improved over his time in the league.
(5) Pittsburgh Steelers: 21, (4) New York Jets: 18 (OT)
The Steelers were bound and determined to defend their Super Bowl title, and thanks to the heroic efforts of Aaron Rodgers, who led the Steelers on a comeback from 18-3 in the fourth quarter to force overtime, they were able to stay alive and in contention. The Steelers had gotten off to a rough start to begin the year due to giving away so much, including Super Bowl hero Rex Grossman, for the chance to select Aaron Rodgers, but in the second half of the season, Rodgers helped the Steelers to win six of their last eight, and they came into the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the league. Now, they continue on to the divisional round.
(6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 37, (3) New Orleans Saints: 20
Bucs quarterback Patrick Ramsay scorched the Saints' poor defense, and Peyton Manning had a rough day with three picks. The Saints couldn't stop Tampa Bay when it counted, and the Buccaneers won fairly easily.
(4) Atlanta Falcons: 26, (5) Arizona Cardinals: 0
Welcome to the NFL Playoffs, Kyle Orton. Orton and the Cardinals were totally shut out by the Falcons' D, and pounded all day by their tough running game. The Cardinals were the year's feel-good story, but taking a shutout loss in the playoffs couldn't have felt good for them.
Divisional Round
(1) Indianapolis Colts: 45, (5) Pittsburgh Steelers: 38
This game was an entertaining shootout between Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, both of whom threw five touchdowns in this exciting game. The Colts were determined to make it to the conference championship after a tough loss to the Browns, and they ultimately prevailed after going up 45-31 in the fourth quarter. Rodgers drove his team quickly down the field to narrow it to a single score, but the Steelers couldn't recover the onside kick, and that was it for the Steelers and their title defense.
(2) Cleveland Browns: 51, (3) Denver Broncos: 3
The Browns got complete and total revenge for all the past playoff pain they'd been subjected to by the Broncos, crushing them in one of the biggest playoff routs ever. Michael Vick got three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns, playing like the MVP he was in this huge win.
(1) Dallas Cowboys: 31, (6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10
The Cowboys just overwhelmed the Bucs here. Patrick Ramsay played as well as he could, but Grossman was on point, and the Cowboys' defense was strong in this big win. Darren Sproles made a huge kick return in the fourth to seal it up.
(2) Chicago Bears: 27, (4) Atlanta Falcons: 17
Ben Roethlisberger had the Falcons' defense figured out, and the Bears didn't have much trouble winning this game. The Falcons played strong, and brought it within a touchdown in the fourth, but a long Bears drive and a 37 yard field goal with 2:33 left to play pretty much clinched it and punched the Bears' ticket to the NFC Championship.
Conference Championships
(1) Indianapolis Colts: 30, (2) Cleveland Browns: 28
In one of the best AFC Championship games of all time, the Colts got revenge on the Browns and made it to the Super Bowl on a last second 56 yard field goal. The game was close throughout, with the Browns ahead most of the way but never by more than a touchdown. Vick was spectacular, but did have a crucial fumble late in the second half that derailed a drive that could've given the Browns a 21-7 lead. Ultimately, it was 28-27 late, and the Colts had the ball with only 52 seconds left. They drove down to the 39 yard line and had to choose between a Hail Mary and letting Mike Vanderjagt kick a 56 yard field goal. They trusted Vanderjagt, whose kick sailed just inches over the crossbar, sending the Colts to yet another Super Bowl. Meanwhile, Browns fans would sadly have to add “The Kick” to their list of legendary failures.
(1) Dallas Cowboys: 17, (2) Chicago Bears: 3
The Bears found themselves stymied by a Cowboys defense that was able to mitigate Rex Grossman's fairly poor play. Grossman threw two picks, but the Bears could never take advantage of them: both turnovers led to three-and-outs. The Bears found themselves frustrated time and time again, while the Cowboys offense was able to do enough to help them win.
Super Bowl XL:
Indianapolis Colts: 24, Dallas Cowboys: 21
The 40th Super Bowl was a rematch between the Colts and Cowboys, ten years after the two teams played in Super Bowl XXX. This was a tightly contested game, with both teams closely matched. However, the Colts' Tom Brady played much more consistently, forcing the Cowboys to rely on their rookie running back Frank Gore. Gore played heroically, running for 182 total yards, but when it became clear that Bad Rex had shown up for the Super Bowl, the Colts began stacking the box, stuffing Gore's runs. The Cowboys did go into the locker room with a 14-10 lead, and Garth Brooks' halftime show entertained the crowd, though it was fairly ho-hum compared to other recent halftime shows. The Colts came out throwing in the second half, and were able to put up two touchdowns in the third, going up 24-14. Gore squeezed into the end zone for the Cowboys midway through the fourth, and Dallas had one more chance to win the game with two minutes left at their own 20. They drove down to the Colts' 44 yard line, but a Grossman interception ended the Cowboys' chances, and the Colts and Tom Brady had another Super Bowl title.
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2006 NFL Draft:
USC's heavily touted running back Reggie Bush was expected by most to be the first pick in the draft, and it surprised no one when the San Diego Chargers took him with the first pick. Other notable picks included Vince Young to the Oakland Raiders at #3, D'Brickashaw Ferguson to the Minnesota Vikings at #7, and Antonio Cromartie to the New England Patriots at #14. Cromartie was said to be a bit of a reach at this pick, but Bill Belichick was keen on him, and defended the pick vigorously to anyone who questioned it. USC's Matt Leinart shocked everyone when he fell all the way out of the first round, and then the New England Patriots traded up to select him at #35, fueling speculation that they might get rid of Donovan McNabb.
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Faced with the prospect of the end of its time as the biggest multiplatform NFL gaming franchise, Madden brought its A game in 2006. EA loaded the game up with new features, and while it wasn't the best reviewed Madden game of its generation, it was ultimately the best selling: Madden NFL 2006 would be the top selling console game of the year. Meanwhile, NFL Play Action 2006 performed strongly on the Wave that year. Apple's NFL 2K series, meanwhile, had a fairly weak effort, and sales of NFL 2K6 were low on both the Katana and the iPod Play, where Madden outsold them both by a wide margin. This led Steve Jobs to conclude that the NFL 2K franchise was no longer worth fighting for, and he relented in his fight to get NFL 2K established as the official exclusive NFL game franchise.
This left just Nintendo and its Play Action franchise as the only thing standing in Madden's way. Nintendo was stubborn, and was flush with cash, willing to outbid EA or to force EA to bid an extravagant amount of money to secure Madden exclusivity. In the end, a compromise solution was reached: Madden would become the exclusive NFL game franchise starting in 2006, but each console version of Madden would have its own exclusive features, inspired by the exclusive features in that console's previous NFL exclusive franchise. The PC version, meanwhile, would have superior graphics and customization as a selling point. This compromise solution pleased everyone, even the stubborn Nintendo, who secured the right to call the Nintendo versions of the game Madden Play Action until 2011.
-from "A History Of NFL Video Games", posted on bleacherreport.com on March 16, 2013
In the NFC, the big question everyone was asking was “How 'bout them Cowboys?” Thanks to an influx of outstanding rookies and thanks to their new quarterback Rex Grossman, who showed up as Good Rex most of the year, the Cowboys went 14-2, a vast improvement from last season. The Bears also played well, while the Saints had a bit of a slip due to some rough play by the defense. Peyton Manning's 58 passing touchdowns could only carry them to a 10-6 record, indicating just how bad the Saints' defense was, giving up the third most points in NFL history. The Arizona Cardinals, meanwhile, were the feel-good story in the conference, getting an 11-5 record thanks to the play of their rookie quarterback Kyle Orton.
NFL Playoffs 2005-06:
Wild Card Round
(3) Denver Broncos: 13, (6) Houston Texans: 10
Sophomore quarterback Eli Manning had a nice improvement in his second year in the league, but ultimately it was the defense that helped the Broncos triumph, picking off Ryan Leaf four times to help the Broncos advance. Surprisingly, Leaf was well-behaved and composed after the loss, taking the blame and actually being open with reporters, showing how much his attitude had improved over his time in the league.
(5) Pittsburgh Steelers: 21, (4) New York Jets: 18 (OT)
The Steelers were bound and determined to defend their Super Bowl title, and thanks to the heroic efforts of Aaron Rodgers, who led the Steelers on a comeback from 18-3 in the fourth quarter to force overtime, they were able to stay alive and in contention. The Steelers had gotten off to a rough start to begin the year due to giving away so much, including Super Bowl hero Rex Grossman, for the chance to select Aaron Rodgers, but in the second half of the season, Rodgers helped the Steelers to win six of their last eight, and they came into the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the league. Now, they continue on to the divisional round.
(6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 37, (3) New Orleans Saints: 20
Bucs quarterback Patrick Ramsay scorched the Saints' poor defense, and Peyton Manning had a rough day with three picks. The Saints couldn't stop Tampa Bay when it counted, and the Buccaneers won fairly easily.
(4) Atlanta Falcons: 26, (5) Arizona Cardinals: 0
Welcome to the NFL Playoffs, Kyle Orton. Orton and the Cardinals were totally shut out by the Falcons' D, and pounded all day by their tough running game. The Cardinals were the year's feel-good story, but taking a shutout loss in the playoffs couldn't have felt good for them.
Divisional Round
(1) Indianapolis Colts: 45, (5) Pittsburgh Steelers: 38
This game was an entertaining shootout between Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, both of whom threw five touchdowns in this exciting game. The Colts were determined to make it to the conference championship after a tough loss to the Browns, and they ultimately prevailed after going up 45-31 in the fourth quarter. Rodgers drove his team quickly down the field to narrow it to a single score, but the Steelers couldn't recover the onside kick, and that was it for the Steelers and their title defense.
(2) Cleveland Browns: 51, (3) Denver Broncos: 3
The Browns got complete and total revenge for all the past playoff pain they'd been subjected to by the Broncos, crushing them in one of the biggest playoff routs ever. Michael Vick got three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns, playing like the MVP he was in this huge win.
(1) Dallas Cowboys: 31, (6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 10
The Cowboys just overwhelmed the Bucs here. Patrick Ramsay played as well as he could, but Grossman was on point, and the Cowboys' defense was strong in this big win. Darren Sproles made a huge kick return in the fourth to seal it up.
(2) Chicago Bears: 27, (4) Atlanta Falcons: 17
Ben Roethlisberger had the Falcons' defense figured out, and the Bears didn't have much trouble winning this game. The Falcons played strong, and brought it within a touchdown in the fourth, but a long Bears drive and a 37 yard field goal with 2:33 left to play pretty much clinched it and punched the Bears' ticket to the NFC Championship.
Conference Championships
(1) Indianapolis Colts: 30, (2) Cleveland Browns: 28
In one of the best AFC Championship games of all time, the Colts got revenge on the Browns and made it to the Super Bowl on a last second 56 yard field goal. The game was close throughout, with the Browns ahead most of the way but never by more than a touchdown. Vick was spectacular, but did have a crucial fumble late in the second half that derailed a drive that could've given the Browns a 21-7 lead. Ultimately, it was 28-27 late, and the Colts had the ball with only 52 seconds left. They drove down to the 39 yard line and had to choose between a Hail Mary and letting Mike Vanderjagt kick a 56 yard field goal. They trusted Vanderjagt, whose kick sailed just inches over the crossbar, sending the Colts to yet another Super Bowl. Meanwhile, Browns fans would sadly have to add “The Kick” to their list of legendary failures.
(1) Dallas Cowboys: 17, (2) Chicago Bears: 3
The Bears found themselves stymied by a Cowboys defense that was able to mitigate Rex Grossman's fairly poor play. Grossman threw two picks, but the Bears could never take advantage of them: both turnovers led to three-and-outs. The Bears found themselves frustrated time and time again, while the Cowboys offense was able to do enough to help them win.
Super Bowl XL:
Indianapolis Colts: 24, Dallas Cowboys: 21
The 40th Super Bowl was a rematch between the Colts and Cowboys, ten years after the two teams played in Super Bowl XXX. This was a tightly contested game, with both teams closely matched. However, the Colts' Tom Brady played much more consistently, forcing the Cowboys to rely on their rookie running back Frank Gore. Gore played heroically, running for 182 total yards, but when it became clear that Bad Rex had shown up for the Super Bowl, the Colts began stacking the box, stuffing Gore's runs. The Cowboys did go into the locker room with a 14-10 lead, and Garth Brooks' halftime show entertained the crowd, though it was fairly ho-hum compared to other recent halftime shows. The Colts came out throwing in the second half, and were able to put up two touchdowns in the third, going up 24-14. Gore squeezed into the end zone for the Cowboys midway through the fourth, and Dallas had one more chance to win the game with two minutes left at their own 20. They drove down to the Colts' 44 yard line, but a Grossman interception ended the Cowboys' chances, and the Colts and Tom Brady had another Super Bowl title.
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2006 NFL Draft:
USC's heavily touted running back Reggie Bush was expected by most to be the first pick in the draft, and it surprised no one when the San Diego Chargers took him with the first pick. Other notable picks included Vince Young to the Oakland Raiders at #3, D'Brickashaw Ferguson to the Minnesota Vikings at #7, and Antonio Cromartie to the New England Patriots at #14. Cromartie was said to be a bit of a reach at this pick, but Bill Belichick was keen on him, and defended the pick vigorously to anyone who questioned it. USC's Matt Leinart shocked everyone when he fell all the way out of the first round, and then the New England Patriots traded up to select him at #35, fueling speculation that they might get rid of Donovan McNabb.
-
Faced with the prospect of the end of its time as the biggest multiplatform NFL gaming franchise, Madden brought its A game in 2006. EA loaded the game up with new features, and while it wasn't the best reviewed Madden game of its generation, it was ultimately the best selling: Madden NFL 2006 would be the top selling console game of the year. Meanwhile, NFL Play Action 2006 performed strongly on the Wave that year. Apple's NFL 2K series, meanwhile, had a fairly weak effort, and sales of NFL 2K6 were low on both the Katana and the iPod Play, where Madden outsold them both by a wide margin. This led Steve Jobs to conclude that the NFL 2K franchise was no longer worth fighting for, and he relented in his fight to get NFL 2K established as the official exclusive NFL game franchise.
This left just Nintendo and its Play Action franchise as the only thing standing in Madden's way. Nintendo was stubborn, and was flush with cash, willing to outbid EA or to force EA to bid an extravagant amount of money to secure Madden exclusivity. In the end, a compromise solution was reached: Madden would become the exclusive NFL game franchise starting in 2006, but each console version of Madden would have its own exclusive features, inspired by the exclusive features in that console's previous NFL exclusive franchise. The PC version, meanwhile, would have superior graphics and customization as a selling point. This compromise solution pleased everyone, even the stubborn Nintendo, who secured the right to call the Nintendo versions of the game Madden Play Action until 2011.
-from "A History Of NFL Video Games", posted on bleacherreport.com on March 16, 2013
I remember the 2006 NFL Draft IOTL, especially since the Houston Texans were widely expected to take Bush or Young, but instead took Mario Williams. That decision now looks like the best one, IMO, given that Williams went to multiple Pro Bowls with the Texans.
Again, I'd like to live in this universe...
Again, I'd like to live in this universe...
I'm just waiting for the Michael Vick dogfighting bust to drop.
By the way, that case sparked massive changes in the animal welfare world regarding rehabilitating dog fighting dogs.
By the way, that case sparked massive changes in the animal welfare world regarding rehabilitating dog fighting dogs.
Cleveland would Kill themselves when learned, they finally found their FQB...he is a completely idiot...that is the most brown thing to happen...
Michael Vick had been doing it for years, these investigations are also through and take years, and Michael Vick was actually a terrible dog fighter, which is part of why so many of his dogs could be rehabilitated.
If he did it in this timeline, it's going to come out.
I hope so to.
Though the interesting thing is that it massively changed the way we handle dogfighting cases. Post-Vick there was greater awareness in general, and in the animal world greater focus on rehabilitating fighting dogs instead of automatically writing them off as too violent and unpredictable to live safely as a pet and euthanizing them. Turns out we can save many of these dogs.
I bet the apple console is called iTwin because it has a split controller like the OTL Switch.
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