v.21.0 Fumble Update

Excited to launch the v.21.0 Fumble Update! Offenses beware, if you think you can just run out the clock in crunch time, better find some guys who can hold onto the rock! Don't take my word for it, see for yourself!



This update also brings along some important AI improvements on both sides of the ball, as well as adding new sliders to support pass disruptions and fumbles. As a result, your slider/difficulty settings will be reset, so make sure you adjust them to get the challenge you're looking for!

I've also removed the custom roster 'auto-patcher' added in v.17.0, last July. If you had custom rosters prior to v.17.0 and also haven't played the game since then, I recommend running the game first before installing this update to patch your rosters! Most players should not be affected by this change, it's more of a heads up for any lapsed players who might be checking back in after a long break!

Finally, v.21.0 marks 'feature complete' for Early Access, as we charge head first towards v1.0 release! Stay tuned over the upcoming weeks for an announcement regarding the release date and final price!

Full patch notes below and as always, thanks for playing!

GAMEPLAY

• Players can now fumble the ball on plays from scrimmage
  
• Replaced 'inside 20' punting stat with 'pins', awarded when the ball is downed inside the 5
  
• Improved player pursuit angles when players are parallel to each other
  
• Improved AI runner's break point on outside runs
  
• Improved AI receiver's awareness when quarterback is scrambling
  
• Improved AI running logic after a turnover
  
• Passes can no longer be dislodged when a player is on the ground after a dive
  
• Increased likelihood of tipped passes in all directions
  
• Increased likelihood AI will choose to kick their extra point if it will win the game
  

DIFFICULTY

• Added pass disruptions and fumble difficulty sliders
  
• Updated and cleared custom difficulty save file
  
• Updated all slider descriptions
  
• Updated preset difficulties
  
• Rebalanced difficulty values for 12 sliders
  

PRESENTATION

• Added celebration cutscene for defensive fumble recoveries
  
• Added celebration cutscene for pins
  
• Added more randomization to player reactions and celebration animations
  
• Cleaned up improper player and sideline reactions
  
• Cleaned up rotation jitter for unengaged blockers
  
• Cleaned up animation for ball carriers who are tackled while getting up from the ground
  

FRONTEND

• After a Season Mode game, the frontend will return you back to the Season Mode menu
  
• Removed auto patching for pre v.17 rosters and new players at startup
  
• Updated help popup text for player ratings
  

UI

• Created animated event text and added support for fumbles
  
• Updated summary screen with support for team stat totals and additional stats
  
• Brightened the line of scrimmage
  

BUGS

• Fixed a bug where the description for 'Pacific' weather used info from 'Northwest'