May 11, 2009 -- 8:18PM, Ronin05 wrote:

Motorcycle racing here in the states is never going to be as big as NASCAR, yet instead of making it a better show for the fans they seem to be doing everything to alienate those that exactly care about it.  I don't think bike games will ever be a mass market item yet everyone keeps trying to make it one at the expense of those who actually like the genre.

If they made a game for their core market then they'd have a consistant seller.  But it's a catch 22 for us because if we don't buy the crap games no one will make anything because "there's no  market". But if we keep buying the crap games, they'll only continue to make crap because they figure we'll buy anything.... and they are right to that point because our choices are to either take crap or nothing at all.

This is a situation where the exclusive license stuff sucks for us gamers because there is no competition so the developers don't really have to try.   To be honest I don't really need a series license. If anyone made a good game with the tracks and bikes, they don't have to be official teams or riders, and I'd take that over any bike game released in the past 6 or 7 years

Quite true. It's all about marketing and merchandising. I watched the FIM race yesterday and it was boring as he**. Like watching grass grow. I remember a few years back when the Honda RC51 was still racing...some of the races had me cheering and on the edge of my seat to the checkered flag. It's tough for Superbike/Sportbike races to excite the public because most of the spectators can't see ALL of the racing like they can in NASCAR. It's much more exciting for the riders than for the spectators. The main excitement for spectators isn't about the riders, but about the bikes. If you own a Honda, you cheer for the Honda driver, whoever he is. I don't know how you can change that. Plus the "superstars" of Sportbike racing aren't anywere near as marketable as NASCAR drivers. Dale Earnhardt Junior hasn't won a race in ages, yet he is the perpetual crowd favorite.

Dep 

Jun 24, 2009 -- 7:07AM, Ronin05 wrote:

which race were you watching cause I thought Race 2 was great!!!! But I understand  your point. I know I'm in the minority but I'd rather see the sport and game market maintain where it's at than to grow by becoming a side show with no soul. I don't want manufactured personalities.  I mean Rossi is Rossi and Haga is Haga and their personalities seemed natural. But then you got those trying to be like them and it just seems fake.  Also I'd hate to see a situation where like in Indycar the the best drivers are overshadowed by someone who is not on their level but is more marketable.  I have noting against Danica Patrick accept that her results don't justify the attention she gets.

Anyway if these series and games don't keep trying to reinvent the wheel and accept their market sure that can be healthy profitable and long lasting.  But too often companies overspend trying to achieve something they can't and fail because of it.   It's kind of like a band that changes it's style in an attempt to be more popular and then they not only don't get more popular but alienate their core audience and lost them in the process

I watched the first race and the beginning of the second one. The first race the track was wet, so I can't criticize too much. But even after the track dried out, other than an occasional good pass, it was pretty dull (for me).

I agree 100% that I don't want superbike racing to end up like NASCAR and IndyCar. I remember the "good ol' days" when NASCAR drivers would fistfight in the pits over a disagreement (and rebel flags were allowed and encouraged). And ever since IndyCar started using the exact same engine in every car, I lost interest. Don't get me started on Danica Patrick!!! ACK!!! They treat her like royalty. Best thing I ever saw with her was when she tried to give some sh** to a female Brazilian driver. The Brazilian drive told he to f-off and dismissed her like the nitwit she is.

I think FIM and SBK racing could probably draw a bigger fan crowd than it does. They just have to be VERY careful how they do it. I would think the manufacturers could get together and do some advertising and merchandising. All I see on TV is advertisements for highway cruisers. Of course, there is a general public hatred towards "crotch rockets" because there are so many that ride like fools. But Harley was able to overcome the "outlaw biker" image and is selling bikes to senior citizens. Not saying you will see gramps driving a superbike (me being the exception), but if they sponsored safe driving schools across the country, plus track days for guys to really drive like a pro, it would ceertainly help sales and popularity and public image. Watching on TV just doesn't give the same viewpoint as seeing it live. When those guys go through a curve leaning WAY over, you wonder how they can defy gravity like that!!!!

Dep