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The Madden NFL 21 development team has laid out details of the first of three planned Franchise Mode updates coming to the game. The dev blog states that the team aims to ensure all of the Franchise Mode updates do not require users to restart their Franchise in order to benefit from the update.

The first update is tentatively scheduled for release in mid-November and aims to include X-Factor/Superstar Ability Customization, Player Card Career Stats UI, Dev Trait Regression Tuning, and a visual Playoff Bracket.

Continue on to see the full blog entry from EA SPORTS. ...

Details of the first two game updates for Madden NFL 21 are now available.

The first game update became available on August 28 and focused primarily on stability updates, bug fixes, and correcting team details for Buffalo and Washington.

The second update will go live around the start of the NFL season on September 10. This update begins to address meatier issues such as gameplay aspects including pass rush, defensive coverage, tackling, throwing out of sacks, and blocking. There are also updates to the game's mode of focus, Ultimate Team, as well as The Yard and Superstar KO.

Also around September 10, the Madden NFL dev team will publish a blog detailing their current plans and timing for the first of three planned Franchise mode updates.

Continue on to see the entire details of the first two Madden NFL 21 game updates. ...

Madden NFL 21 will feature 'The Yard,' which is similar to modes in other EA SPORTS franchises including LIVE Run (NBA LIVE), Chel (NHL), and VOLTA (FIFA). 'The Yard' features 6v6 ironman football with over the top gameplay including double passes, laterals, multi-snap, 'one-timer,' and a special scoring system. Users can create their custom player and develop their own set Prototype (play style), X-Factor, Abilities, and Skills. The mode can be played solo or as part of squads.

The Yard: Underground is currently available in Madden NFL 21 Mobile to give users a headstart with Rep & Madden Rank, Earned Currency (Cred), Avatar, and Gear Collection being shared between mobile and console once the account is linked. To begin the year, there will be over 2,000 individual pieces of gear for users to acquire.


At launch, there will be four different venues for users to select from: Miami Port, Lambeau Tailgate, F.O.B. Nico, and Brandenburg Football Festival. The developer blog stated that throughout the year, EA will be updating 'The Yard' with new Prototypes, new venues, new players (teammates), and more gear.

Click here to read the entire blog entry from EA SPORTS. ...

One month ago, underwhelming Franchise Mode additions to Madden NFL 21 left the community frustrated and taking to Twitter, leading to #FixMaddenFranchise becoming the top trending topic on the social media website. Days later, EA emerged to post a video stating that they heard the cry from the community.

Today, the Madden NFL development team began to lay out some tentative future plans for the Franchise Mode. In M21, post launch support plans to focus on: Tuning, Commissioner Tools, AI Personnel Management, Playoff & Super Bowl presentation, X-Factor/Superstar Ability Customization, Career Stats UI, Trade Logic, Retirement UI, & Playoffs Update. In M22, the team is creatively exploring Coaching and Staff Management, Scouting improvements, new scenario engine enhancements, new team chemistry system, Commissioner Tools improvements, & more content, such as Rebranding/Relocation Assets for Franchise.

However, the blog leaves a few questions by the community that will likely never be answered. Would there be little to no Franchise Mode additions had there been no community outcry? Or were some of these requests (all known and largely requested by the community for years) already in the works and simply being presented as a #FixMaddenFranchise response? Why was Franchise Mode not led by some of the dev team's "most-passionate Franchise voices" previously? In recent years, the mode had a Senior Designer dedicated to it as well as a team helping to support it in Austin, Texas. What is their current role and influence over the mode that has left many fans underwhelmed the last few years? Why did it take social media outrage for the team to publicly acknowledge long-standing Franchise Mode community feedback?

Continue on to read excerpts from today's blog. ...

Following Tuesday night's disappointing Madden NFL 21 (PS4/XB1) blog detailing limited updates coming to 'Classic Franchise' mode, the hashtag #FixMaddenFranchise became the top trend on Twitter. Fans took to social media to voice their displeasure, if not disgust, that the mode is seemingly receiving nothing more than a limited patch update this fall.

Thursday, the franchise's Executive Producer recorded a video for Twitter via the game's official Twitter account to inform fans that the development team is working on plans to bolster support for Franchise mode in M21 and beyond.

While it is a positive first step in seeing EA acknowledge the community's disappointment, fans will need to see action and results. They have heard how important EA feels they are for years, only for a major mode to not receive any highly requested community-based features.

The fact that EA thought they could release a minimally improved Franchise mode at the launch of M21 indicates the need for them to review how they receive, implement, and value community feedback. The Madden Franchise mode community has been very vocal for years in providing detailed feedback. If the development team needs to review tweets and trending topics for ideas/feedback, it is clear they have not been listening to or respecting the Franchise community.

This is likely a side effect of Madden NFL 20 being the 'most successful game in franchise history' as it set franchise records for pre-orders and monthly average players, as well as seeing a 30% increase in unique players versus M19. M20 set these records with a focus on X-Factors, Ultimate Team, and Superstar KO mode. With a record-setting year, it seems same to assume M21 will build on those modes/aspects as well.

Graddy's video also raises some questions: Will the Holiday 2020 launch of next-gen Madden NFL 21 see the same version of Franchise mode as current-gen? Or did Franchise mode resources go into the PS5/XBX version of the title and EA cannot disclose it at this time as they wish to focus marketing on current-gen? That would be a better alternative than EA not improving Franchise in either current or next-gen versions of the game. Time will tell on these questions. ...

2K Sports has revealed the three cover athletes for NBA 2K21: Damian Lillard (PS4/XB1 Standard Edition - $60), Zion Williamson (PS5/XBX Standard Edition - $70), and Kobe Bryant (Mamba Forever versions of each console - $100).

The current-gen version of the game will be released on September 4, 2020. The next-gen version will be a launch title for the new consoles, but no release date has been disclosed at this time. All versions are currently available to pre-order.

Unlike other companies, it does not appear that 2K will be providing a free upgrade to the new consoles for users who buy 2K21 on current gen. Only those who buy the Mamba Forever version will receive the standard edition of the game on the other console generation.

No game features or news have been revealed at this time, but 2K has stated that to 'bridge the two versions of the game' NBA 2K21 will feature MyTEAM Cross-Progression and a Shared VC Wallet within the same console family (PS4 to PS5, Xbox One to Xbox Series X). 2K states in official notes and graphics that the next-gen game has been built from the ground up and will include 'new gameplay features and expanded game modes.'

It's also worth noting that NBA 2K21 will retail on the next-gen consoles for $70, increasing by $10 over the current MSRP for most titles. Will this change your game buying habits for the PS5 and Xbox Series X?

Continue on to see the official press release from 2K Sports. ...

Attached to the bottom of today's Franchise Updates blog, EA SPORTS announced the 'updates' coming to Classic Franchise mode (current gen).

While many Franchise mode fans tried to be optimistic, they found the updates to read as little more than patch notes. Some of the first items highlighted on the blog entry included new X-Factors, the expanded Wild Card Playoff round, updated rookie contract amounts, among others.

#FixMaddenFranchise was a trending topic late Tuesday evening on Twitter. Some of the disappointment stemmed from an April 2019 Game Informer article entitled 'Madden NFL 20 Makes A Recommitment To Franchise Mode.' At the end of that article, Creative Director Michael Young stated: “Franchise has come back to being a big focus on the game and it will continue to be. We just want to add this rich depth and immersion to it so we're starting to think about it more like a sports RPG.” Fans expected to see the depth and immersion, but instead were left with numerous bug fixes instead of new features.

The new branding of 'Classic Franchise' also raises some questions. Has this change been made to differentiate it from Face of the Franchise or will 'Franchise' be the mode's naming for next-gen Madden, launching this fall? How different will next-gen Franchise mode be - if at all?

Continue on to read the list of Classic Franchise updates coming to Madden NFL 21. ...

Today, EA SPORTS revealed some of the improvements coming to Face of the Franchise mode in Madden NFL 21 (current gen). In M21, players will begin their journey in high school before attempting to make the NFL Hall of Fame.

In high school, users can customize their school name, city, and mascot. From there, users will select from one of ten FBS programs to sign with. The ten college programs users can select from are: Clemson, Florida, LSU, Miami, Michigan State, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and USC. Users will be able to play two seasons, but will have an ultimatum regarding their position made by the head coach following their first season. (It is unclear how the two seasons will play out given the limited number of schools.)

The NFL Combine will allow users to improve draft stock with the 40-yard dash as well as a 'pivotal' press conference. Once in the NFL, there will be numerous storylines that will alter your journey and potential path to Hall of Famer.

Continue on to read the official blog from EA SPORTS, but note that it contains spoilers for the storylines within the mode. ...

Today, EA SPORTS revealed the first look and info on Madden NFL 21, coming in late August. The official reveal trailer disclosed some of the new features/improvements coming to the game, including the Skill Stick, new Pass Rush Moves mechanic and implementation, and Location-Based Tackles.

The official press release mentions Face of the Franchise: Rise to Fame, 50 new Superstar X-Factor abilities, Live Playbooks 2.0, a new season of Ultimate Team content, and other new features.

A deeper look at gameplay is expected on June 25 in a Twitch livestream with Gameplay Developer Clint Oldenburg and an ensuing blog. Another look at the game is expected June 18 during EA Play Live. ...

Developers Canuck Play have announced that Doug Flutie's Maximum Football 2020 will be available this September for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

In a tweet, the studio announced the release timeframe and that from April through release, game improvements and new features will be disclosed.

Maximum Football 2019 included a college football Dynasty Mode and a robust team editor to help satisfy the demand for a collegiate football game. ...

Sixteen years after the final release of NFL 2K, 2K Games is back in the business of making NFL titles.

Today, 2K and the NFL announced a multiyear agreement allowing them to develop 'non-simulation experiences.' The first titles under this agreement are expected to launch in 2021. At this time, there is no indication on what consoles or platforms these titles may be developed for.

Per ESPN, the 'simulation rights' aspect of the NFL license expires in 2021 and multiple companies, including 2K, are said to be interesting in acquiring them.

In recent years, 2K has expanded their portfolio by adding arcade basketball (NBA Playgrounds), professional golf (The Golf Club), and now the NFL in some capacity. In an expanded timeframe, EA has lost or relinquished the rights to franchises or discontinued development of franchises devoted to college football (NCAA Football), professional golf (Rory McIlroy PGA TOUR), baseball (MVP Baseball), and Tennis (Grand Slam Tennis), as well as numerous arcade titles. Based on social media profiles of developers, EA Tiburon is currently developing an unannounced title.


Continue on to read the official press release as well as excerpts of stories covering this news from ESPN and IGN. ...

The February title update is now available for Madden NFL 20. This update adds new plays and updated play-call AI via the NFL Live Playbooks feature and includes a Franchise Mode fix, among other aspects.

The most notable new play added is in the Chiefs' Gun Trey Y-Flex Weak offensive package, Jet Chip Wasp. This play helped propel Kansas City to a victory in the Super Bowl, allowing them to convert a pivotal 3rd & 15 to Tyreek Hill for a first down.

This update also corrects an issue within Franchise Mode that saw wide receivers with the ‘Route Runner’ Wide Archetype fail to reach a high OVR rating via progression.

Continue on to see the details of this update courtesy EA SPORTS. ...

The second January game update for Madden NFL 20 is now availaable and - among other aspects - provides the final update to the list of Superstar X-Factor and Superstar players. New X-Factor players include Titans RB Derrick Henry, Steelers OLB TJ Watt, Browns RB Nick Chubb, Bills CB Tre’Davious White, and Vikings DE Danielle Hunter.

Also worth nothing is the addition of new functionality with Playcall Cooldowns & Limits within Madden Ultimate Team. From the official blog: This feature will be introduced via House Rules. Madden Ultimate Team now has the ability to configure a playcall cooldown or limit. After selecting a play with cooldowns, that play will not be selectable again until X amount of plays have been run. With limits, a play will have a configured number of how many total times that play can be called for the rest of the game. Cooldowns and limits can be combined together. We’re excited to hear your feedback when this House Rule launches, likely the end of January/early February.

This new feature has already been highly requested for possible addition within Franchise Mode as an option to help force players to use more of their playbooks and not resort to the same handful of plays.

Continue on to see the full list of changes & additions in this game update. ...

MLB The Show 20 has released the first gameplay trailer of the marketing season as well as their upcoming livestream schedule which discloses some basic game news & features.

Some of the features revealed between the gameplay trailer and the livestream schedule include: extreme catch indicator, importance of fielder skill rating, OF throw home indicator, team relocation in Franchise mode, custom leagues & competitive events, and a new mode within Diamond Dynasty, "Showdown."

The game releases on March 17, 2020 worldwide with early access beginning on March 13.

Continue on to see the gameplay trailer and the dev livestream schedule. ...

The January Madden NFL 20 game update (1.22) is now available and includes changes to run commit, commentary updates, Franchise stability, additional players in the Superstar KO pool, and more.

According to patch notes, the changes made will cause the "Updated ‘Run Commit’ mechanic to be more effective at stopping running plays when used toward the correct side of the run on all game styles." Some of the reactions to the Run Commit changes have been less than ideal.

Also worth noting is that the patch notes state that the disallowed player list name within Face of the Franchise: QB1 have been updated. Some names will not be allowed within the College Football Playoff, but can be edited back once the player is drafted.

Continue on to see the full patch notes released by EA SPORTS. ...

Think you know how bowl season will shake out? Prove it and join The Gaming Tailgate's Capital One Bowl Mania group on ESPN.com.

This game challenges you to select the winners of each of the NCAA college football bowl games with a Confidence scoring system (assign confidence points to your picks). Best of all, the game is FREE to play!

Get in the action now! Group: The Gaming Tailgate

The winner - provided they are a member of TGT in good standing - will receive their choice of a $25 PSN/XBL/Nintendo card. It is free to enter, so feel welcome to invite family and friends. Good luck!

...

In a joint statement, MLB, the MLBPA, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and San Diego Studio have announced a multi-year extension for development and distribution of MLB The Show. More noteworthy however, is the announcement that the title will now developed for additional consoles beyond PlayStation starting as early as 2021 with 'complete details announced at a later date.'

Following the release of this news on social media, both the Nintendo and Xbox Twitter accounts responded, implying (confirming?) that the title will be coming to those consoles. While the possibility - or seeming likelihood - of MLB The Show coming to more platforms (read: no longer a PlayStation exclusive) is great news for sports gamers, it also raises a bevy of questions to be answered at a later date:

Will the game be cross-platform? Will the San Diego Studio be the lone developer on non-PlayStation versions of the title? Will San Diego Studio no longer make PlayStation exclusive titles? Will there be some exclusive game aspects to keep PlayStation as the preferred console for the title? Did the title need to make this move to help cover expenses such as licensing costs or did MLB push them towards it?

Continue on to see the press releases and tweets previously mentioned. ...

Following legislation in California (and with more states likely to follow) allowing college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness, the NCAA's Board of Governors board 'voted unanimously to permit students participating in athletics the opportunity to benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness in a manner consistent with the collegiate model.'

The working group will gather feedback through April and then refine its recommendations on the principles and regulatory framework. The board asked each division to create any new rules beginning immediately, but no later than January 2021.

Should the NCAA's ultimate legislation allow for the use of players in video games, it could not only open up for a return of the NCAA Football franchise, but also perhaps NCAA Basketball, College Hoops, and MVP NCAA Baseball, among other titles. It could also provide a boost to existing games such as Doug Flutie's Maximum Football.

Continue on to see the official press release from the NCAA as well as an article from ESPN on this news. ...

The October title update is now available for Madden NFL 20 and contains a sizable number of improvements and fixes for the game.

Among the highlights: Chargers WR Keenan Allen has been upgraded to Superstar X-Factor from Superstar, replacing Free Agent WR Antonio Brown, Franchise News Story updates and New game-day stories and challenges, updated player and coach likenesses, extensive Franchise updates, and much more. The bug leading to a missing kick meter in Franchise Mode has also been remedied.

Continue on to see the lengthy patch notes courtesy EA SPORTS. ...