My experience has been almost identical to yours (less the high school exposure). I think the issue is word choice, which as an English teacher I am sure you will appreciate. Backbone communicates something about supporting structure, and in the way most of the readers seem to take it, equates to "heart and soul" or essential factor of the game. I would suggest that what was intended (though apparently not communicated clearly) was that Masters Series provides a linking structure intended to keep users involved in progression. I think the literary equivalent would be metanarrative or story arc. Just my two cents.
BTW appreciate your perspective on here and have enjoyed our occasional in game matchups.
I think, though, that a lot of other posters have made the point that the backbone, or heart and soul, or linking structure, of this game is the card-collecting aspect--the building of one's team. To me, if we're going to continue this metaphor, that is the plot--it's not arguable, that's why we're all here, and I don't see how anybody could debate that. What's the point of playing this game if you're not interested in progressing your team in some capacity (whether via OVR or theme team)? I mean, everybody would like to improve their team; some just lack the means or skills. The theme (what you get out of the story), meanwhile, is arguable and individualized. For me, the theme is playing competitively via LvL and H2H (which, unfortunately, means OD) and interacting with my leaguemates (the limited social element). For some people, it's seasons. Others show up for promos. Some are here for working the AH. But, as I mentioned before, how many really show up for MS? I think very few even though most, of all engagement levels, do play it. The point you make is an important one, and I think you're right: "backbone" translates to "linking structure." But the linking structure is already in the game, it's always been in the game: improving and building your team. Which further goes to support the idea that EA has a flawed POV of their own game; they're trying to create some kind of synthetic backbone/linking structure when the true and organic backbone/linking structure (building your team) is and always has been inherently part of the game. Finishing this metaphor, MS is just like some moderately engaging flat character that adds to the story but could be replaced by any number of other moderately engaging flat characters.
Great post. It’s there. It gives good players so most players are going to play it to get good players for their team. But how many of those players is that the main focus of them on the game? Probably none. A lot of people play it to get good additions to there team so of course people are going to play it. They should focus on fixing what is really broken in the game (power, the auction house, complicated promos, overdrive) that matter so much more to most players and is more important to the structure of the game rather than master series.
My experience has been almost identical to yours (less the high school exposure). I think the issue is word choice, which as an English teacher I am sure you will appreciate. Backbone communicates something about supporting structure, and in the way most of the readers seem to take it, equates to "heart and soul" or essential factor of the game. I would suggest that what was intended (though apparently not communicated clearly) was that Masters Series provides a linking structure intended to keep users involved in progression. I think the literary equivalent would be metanarrative or story arc. Just my two cents. BTW appreciate your perspective on here and have enjoyed our occasional in game matchups.
I think, though, that a lot of other posters have made the point that the backbone, or heart and soul, or linking structure, of this game is the card-collecting aspect--the building of one's team. To me, if we're going to continue this metaphor, that is the plot--it's not arguable, that's why we're all here, and I don't see how anybody could debate that. What's the point of playing this game if you're not interested in progressing your team in some capacity (whether via OVR or theme team)? I mean, everybody would like to improve their team; some just lack the means or skills. The theme (what you get out of the story), meanwhile, is arguable and individualized. For me, the theme is playing competitively via LvL and H2H (which, unfortunately, means OD) and interacting with my leaguemates (the limited social element). For some people, it's seasons. Others show up for promos. Some are here for working the AH. But, as I mentioned before, how many really show up for MS? I think very few even though most, of all engagement levels, do play it. The point you make is an important one, and I think you're right: "backbone" translates to "linking structure." But the linking structure is already in the game, it's always been in the game: improving and building your team. Which further goes to support the idea that EA has a flawed POV of their own game; they're trying to create some kind of synthetic backbone/linking structure when the true and organic backbone/linking structure (building your team) is and always has been inherently part of the game. Finishing this metaphor, MS is just like some moderately engaging flat character that adds to the story but could be replaced by any number of other moderately engaging flat characters.
Great post. It’s there. It gives good players so most players are going to play it to get good players for their team. But how many of those players is that the main focus of them on the game? Probably none. A lot of people play it to get good additions to there team so of course people are going to play it. They should focus on fixing what is really broken in the game (power, the auction house, complicated promos, overdrive) that matter so much more to most players and is more important to the structure of the game rather than master series.