The 2008 Xbox 360 Draft
#3 – Microsoft Game Studios
With the 3rd pick in this year’s draft, Microsoft Game Studios select Niko Bellic out of Grand Theft Univeristy. It’s surprising to see Niko fall to #3 and into the laps of the team at MGS. It’s perhaps even more surprising that Nintendo opted to pass on who many teams had rated as the overall #1 value on their draft boards. It’s true that a few character issues have come up in the weeks leading up to the draft but that apparently had no bearing on who Microsoft Game Studios would select at #3.
“We interviewed Niko and he assured us that most of the character issues during the previous seasons at Grand Theft University were a thing of the past,” said Microsoft. “So we felt like at #3, the risk was worth the reward for what we think Niko can do for our team.”
This is the first European born pick to make it in the top 5 so that says something about the programs Niko comes from. He’s definitely out to prove that he was the right choice at #3 this year. Will he prove a good pick this year? Only time will tell. If you believe Niko when he says he wants a “new start”, then you’ll believe he can turn things around this year for Microsoft Game Studios.
#4 – Activision Blizzard
With the fourth pick, Activision Blizzard selects Jack from East BioShock Rapture State University. This is the pick that everyone knew would be made as Activision Blizzard looks to ease the transition of merging with another team during the off-season. Jack has a lot of experience having been a starter in his freshman year and winning many of that season’s individual awards. He also lead his team to GOTY honors in their respective division so it’s no surprise he was taken with the 4th pick.
“I’d like to thank my little sisters and friends for motivating me to work hard during the year,” Jack said. “I can’t wait to get started and do the things I do in my next game.”
This pick was a bit of a stretch for Activision Blizzard if you think about who’s still available on the board right now. Alex Mercer is still available. Ed Carnby. Alan Wake. You have the guys out of COD Academy still sitting there. 2K was trying to trade up in order to make the grab here so it’ll be interesting to see how their draft board changes. Who do they go to after this?
April 24th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
What is this?
The only draft I know is when one blows through your house.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
LMAO nice Read Deac!
April 24th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
At first I was reading it as it was serious and for a brief 12 seconds I thought that hell froze over.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
::glances up @ Rhymes medals and tries to contain my medal envy::
April 24th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
lol @ caleb on both fronts.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
@caled its not the number of medals its what you do with em. LOL
April 24th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
@caleb… how did I pull that one off? I only had DP at lunch. I swear!
April 24th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
LOL @ TX, ” its not the number of medals its what you do with em” says the man in 2nd place on the medals board…Don P maybe?
April 24th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I’m surprised at Microsofts pick, taking Niko is a risk with all his on the field and off the field problems and issues with the law. They should have looked at Lionhead U and selected the Hero to build their team around, now that would be a Fable story to write about.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
I can’t say I’m as surprised, Lionhead U has a very promising player making his return in the fold but as far as pure talent goes Grand Theft University has a track record of trouble but with that trouble has produced broken records in more categories to help many of us overlook the problems they have faced in the past…face it…we love stats…
April 24th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
you guys are into this lol
April 24th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
HAHAHA… I also heard that EA is trying to become Niko’s agent, this could get messy as well.
April 24th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
boring…ZZZ
April 24th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
oh boy if some of this were true LMAO…great read Deac!
April 24th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
this is so cool & Creative- keep it coming Deac
April 24th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
u rox Danger
April 24th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
i deff agree. this is entertaining. if some of this actually happened, videogaming would be even more amazing
April 24th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
this is awesome. lol. this kinda creativity refills my hope in man kind lol
April 24th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
lol @ No Hands. man kind is saved!
April 26th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
wut was nintendo thinking? trading their best player, super mario just for 3 spots higher in the draft?!