MPFLFOOTBALL.com - Official Site of the Miniature Professional Football League System

A Short History of the MPF System
by Anthony D. Burgess,
Founder of the MPF system and
Commissioner of the MPFL
February 8, 2007

The conception of miniature professional football (MPF) began in 1999 during rehabilitation from an injury I suffered playing semi-pro football. I fell back on this hobby and yearned to recreate the emotions associated with the game that I loved dearly, and was now sidelined from.

My journey began with the study of game film, and research into the principals of stop-motion animation. Both were integrated into the design process. I realized that the element missing from conventional "EF" was ability of the miniature figures to react and display realistic qualities through the user (player / coach). I came to understand that one of the main flaws in the game was the lack of fundamental procedures. The "EF" establishment had never really researched its full potential, left buyers with no clear guidelines on how to play the game itself. This lack of understanding was one of the main reason why the game went into the closet.

I wanted to simulate the ability to coach your team, understand formations, direct each position, and factor in winning with strategy, and not the simply the use of the (TTC QB or Base Tweaking ). I envisioned that this game should have the detail and beauty of the model train hobby, and the respect associated with chess, while mimicking the actual game of football in every way. Months were spent on testing each area for realism, balance, pressure, and playability.

"THIS IS NOT THE EF YOU REMEMBER GROWING UP..."

I hoped that with all things working together, I would make this game first-rate while transforming a child's toy into a true football strategy simulation game, and erase it's negative perception. I wanted to create a style of play that would gain the respect of the sports community. I designed and redesigned the system many times over a seven year period. Right before my eyes the MPF system began to take shape and the MPF philosophy was born.

The main basis of my system is timed muti-stoppages. From this, players can move, and counter move as they do in a real life. THIS IS NOT THE EF YOU REMEMBER GROWING UP. Every part of the game has been examined and treated with fresh ideas.

Experiencing the game of football from the perspective of a player, coach, and official was the main ingredient in the creation of this system. With the release of the MPF DVD and the continued success of the MPF(L)league, the improvements that were so late in coming to the hobby of Miniature Football are finally available for all to enjoy. Purchase a copy today and begin to experience the hobby at a level you never thought possible.