EA Sports is on the cusp of extending its partnership with the National Football League, securing its position as the sole creator of “NFL-themed realistic action simulation video games” through the 2025 season. It’ll also have an option to further that deal through the 2026 season, taking the series up to Madden NFL 27 at the very least.
It’ll also have the option to make “arcade-style” games, although it will share this license with 2K Sports, as it announced recently that it’ll be making its own non-simulation football game. Our guess is that this will be some kind of NFL 2K Playgrounds-type title, although the publisher’s yet to reveal its plans for the property.
This will come as disappointing news to fans of football, as they feel the lack of competition has resulted in EA Sports getting lazy with the license. We enjoyed Madden NFL 20, but clearly there’s plenty of room for improvement – particularly in Franchise mode, and in the new story-driven QB1 mode. Here’s hoping Madden NFL 21 is a big step forward on PlayStation 5.
[source sportsbusinessdaily.com, via twitter.com, gamesindustry.biz]
Comments 11
This bad for consumers. We get better Games through competition
Ugh, would have preferred if 2K were allowed to make a sim game as well. Hopefully someone gets the college licenses this time around.
You have two evils 2K gambling or EA gambling.
It's not surprising really. EA have the easiest gig going with this and FIFA. Make some tweaks to a game and re-release it every year then rake in the cash. They made over 1.5 billion from ultimate team alone last year so add in the game sales and it's a gold mine.
Fine with me, do not have a problem with MADDEN.
Except would love a full featured Handheld version. That is all I am missing.
I will stick with Mutant Football League then. ***** EA.
Ugh. I don’t actually mind madden but the best games have come along when two companies are making games - this is for pretty much all sports
I also actually think Madden is good. The fanbase is quite harsh I think.
I have the 2016 version so I'm still good. I just want them to make a Fight Night. This kind of exclusive licensing is killing the sports genre. I cant think up an equivalent. Maybe like if Atlas had the exclusive rights to using magic in all RPG's until 2025.
@get2sammyb it's good but it would be nice to have other options. I miss the days of being able to choose between 2k football, NFL game day, Madden, NFL Fever, etc.
There is a good reason why I have NOT purchased any Madden games in about 12 years.
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