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    Madden EP Responds to Franchise Mode Community's Frustration 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 07-02-2020 12:53 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    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. ...
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    2K Unveils NBA 2K21 Cover Athletes; $70 Next-Gen Price Tag 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 07-02-2020 02:55 AM
    1. Categories:
    2. NBA 2K
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    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. ...
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    Madden NFL 21 'Classic Franchise' Update Leaves Community Underwhelmed 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 06-30-2020 03:32 AM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    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. ...
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    Madden NFL 21 Builds on 'Face of the Franchise' Mode 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 06-30-2020 03:00 AM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    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. ...
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    EA SPORTS Announces Madden NFL 21 & Cover Athlete Lamar Jackson 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 06-16-2020 02:00 AM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    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. ...
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    Doug Flutie's Maximum Football 2020 Launching This September 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 04-02-2020 08:00 PM
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    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. ...
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    NFL and 2K Announce Partnership to Produce Multiple New Video Games 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 03-10-2020 08:00 AM
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    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. ...
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    Madden NFL 20 February Update Brings Updated Playbooks, Play-call AI, & More 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 02-20-2020 07:00 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    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. ...
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    Madden NFL 20 Second January Update Provides Final 'Superstar' Line-up & More 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 01-30-2020 10:10 AM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    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. ...
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    MLB The Show 20 Gameplay Trailer & First Game Info 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 01-22-2020 11:00 AM
    1. Categories:
    2. MLB The Show
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    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. ...
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    Madden NFL 20 January Update Updates 'Run Commit' Among Other Fixes 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 01-10-2020 05:42 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    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. ...
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    Join the '19-20 TGT Bowl Mania Group 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 12-19-2019 01:15 PM
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    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!
     ...
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    Madden NFL 20 October Update Adds Franchise Improvements & Bug Fixes 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 10-03-2019 08:00 AM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    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. ...
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    Madden NFL 20 Update Adds Superstar KO Legends & Bug Fixes 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 09-19-2019 09:00 AM
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    Another game update is now available for Madden NFL 20. This game update adds new legends to the Superstar KO player pool, includes tackle animation improvements, bug fixes, and more.

    The update also fixes an issue causing the hidden dev trait snap-count to reset when using active rosters to start a Franchise league, however a later fix will need to occur to resolve this issue in existing franchises. Another significant issue resolved is an issue where Face of the Franchise QB1 decisions were presented to non-QB1 users in Franchise.

    Continue on to see the patch notes courtesy EA SPORTS. ...
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    Madden NFL 20 Game Update Includes a Hilton Upgrade 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 09-11-2019 06:00 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    Another game update is now available for Madden NFL 20. This update builds upon the previous September game update in correcting game issues, most notably using the standard 'general stability and connectivity improvements' terminology.

    The most notable change is the addition of Colts WR T.Y. Hilton as a Superstar X-Factor to replace the recently retired Andrew Luck. Hilton will possess the RAC ‘em Up, Double Move Elite, and Route Technician abilities. It is worth noting that this upgrade will not be included in existing Franchises; it will only occur in Franchises created after this game update.

    Continue on to see the blog from EA SPORTS detailing this game update. ...
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    Madden NFL 20 Update Adds New Mode: Superstar KO 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 09-03-2019 02:00 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    September's Madden NFL 20 game update is now available and adds in a new mode, Superstar KO.

    Superstar KO is a quick mode that allows users to customize their roster and play style in competing either solo or in squads online. Each team gets one drive from their own 25 yard line to score and stop their opponent. Whomever scores the most points wins, but in the case of a tie the game will then decided via Tug of War. View the Superstar KO developer's blog here.

    This update also adds two new abilities: New Pat Tillman Superstar X-Factor Ability and New Superstar Kick Return Ability. Other aspects of the update include updated player likenesses and fixes/improvements to gameplay, presentation, and MUT. View full details of the game update here.

    Continue on to see the Superstar KO press release from EA SPORTS and a look at Tug of War utilized to determine the winner. After you've tried the mode, let us know your results and thoughts on the mode here. ...
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    Join the 2019 TGT College Pick 'Em group on ESPN.com! 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 08-29-2019 06:22 PM
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    Think you know who will win each week in college football? Prove it in the annual TGT College Pick 'Em group on ESPN.com.

    Every week throughout the college football season, ESPN will select 10 evenly matched games. It's then up to you to do your research (or go with your gut) and select the winners of these games while also ranking them from 1-10 based on your confidence level.

    The winner (who must be in good standing at TGT to claim their prize) will receive their choice a free game, MSRP of $60 or less. It is free to enter, so feel welcome to invite family and friends.

    Continue on to see more info. ...
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    Madden 20 Update 1.10 Adds OL Superstar Abilities, Pass Block Double Teams, & More 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 08-20-2019 07:00 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    Game update 1.10 is now available for Madden NFL 20.

    This update is sizable, adding Superstar abilities to offensive linemen, adding Pass Block Double Team mechanic to pre-play, updated player and coach likenesses, franchise fixes, presentation updates, and more.

    Continue on to see full details of this update. ...
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    gamescom 2019 Opening Night Live - Monday, August 19 (2 PM ET) 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 08-18-2019 07:30 PM
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    At 1 PM CT Monday afternoon, gamescom's Opening Night Live will be available to watch via stream from Cologne, Germany.

    Hosted by Geoff Keighley, there will be world premieres and game info from the following studios: 2K, Activision, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Bungie, Capcom, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Google Stadia, Koch Media/Deep Silver, Private Division, Sega, Square Enix, Sony Interactive Entertainment, THQ Nordic GmbH, Ubisoft, Xbox Game Studios, as well as announcements from independent game studios.

    Known reveals and premieres include Need for Speed Heat gameplay from EA, Illfonic debuting Predator: Hunting Grounds gameplay, Kojima will give exclusive previews into Death Stranding, and Microsoft will have an exclusive look at Gears 5 gameplay.

    Continue on to see the gamescom Opening Night Live stream. ...
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    Madden NFL 20 Update 1.09 Focuses on Stability 

    by
    cdj
    Published on 08-14-2019 02:00 PM
    1. Categories:
    2. Madden NFL
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    Game update 1.09 is now available for Madden NFL 20. This game update does not include gameplay, presentation, or PC aspects; but rather focuses on stability and usability issues. Improvements in those game areas will come in future title updates.

    Continue on to see the update notes courtesy of EA SPORTS. ...
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