A Q&A on MTV Multiplayer with John Riccitiello is a frank discussion of EA games with the EA CEO, who continues to speak of elevating the quality of their output, this time specifically criticizing "crappy" licensed games, saying: "I think what redeems our industry is quality, and I think we take a step back every time we take a license and exploit it with a crappy game. That’s not what we’re about." This is not to say they are giving up licensed games (just the crappy ones), but it does illustrate a renewed emphasis on new IPs:

Frankly I think that a lot of the intellectual property we create are better than the licenses. That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for great licenses. We’ve had a 20-year partnership with the NFL. We’re incredibly proud of that. A 15-ish year partnership with the NBA. NHL, etc. But also we partner with J.K. Rowling and Warner Brothers in bringing over the Harry Potter games to market and a great partnership with Hasbro — a lot of new stuff this year for the more casual consumer. There’s room for both. I think what you’re noticing is that in years gone by we haven’t had as many great, original intellectual properties. There’s a lot more of that this year from EA and I think from here forward.