ANALYSIS
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Realistic NCAA Football Rosters Are Video-Game Gold
Makers can't use players' names, but gamers willing to pay to get data
By Nick McMaster
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Posted Aug 27, 08 2:40 PM CDT
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(Newser)
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College-sports video games offer players and teams carefully designed to mirror real-world counterparts, but NCAA regulations bar use of college athletes’ names in-game. But, Ars Technica finds, fans are willing to pay those who put in the time-consuming work of compiling rosters, with one company grossing $150,000 last year selling memory cards and downloadable files that put names to players in Electronic Arts’ football franchise.
Brian Kaldenberg sells modified memory cards for around $40 on his Gamerosters.com, which he sees as helping EA sell games: "EA put this feature into the game knowing this was going to happen. Even though they say they do not condone making accurate rosters, this is why many people purchase this game, to become familiar with the big stars in college football this year."