Check this out: ESPN.com – SPORTSBUSINESS – Shutout: EA Sports corners NFL video market

Basically, EA faced some competition this year from NFL 2K5, so rather than making better games, they just bought up exclusive use of the NFL & NFL Player’s Association licenses for 5 years.

Goodbye competition. Now EA can rest on its laurels rather than striving to make a better game every year.

Shame on the NFL and NFLPA for contributing to the squelching of competition in the marketplace.