Madden NFL 22 Launches August 17; First Game & Feature Info
Madden season has begun as EA SPORTS released the Madden NFL 22 cover athletes, release date(s), and first game feature overview.
The rumors from early spring proved correct as the M22 MVP Edition will feature Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes as the cover athletes. The Deluxe and MVP Editions will be available on August 17, with the standard version released on August 20. Information on the differences between the pre-order bonuses for the versions can be found here.
Based on the trailer and early game previews from media, M22 will focus on improved game atmosphere with 'Homefield Advantage' and 'Dynamic Gameday' with the goal of making each game and season unique.
The first game info also highlighted improvements coming to Franchise Mode, such as staff management (fictional OC & DCs) with a skill-tree progression system reminiscent of NCAA Football 14's Dynasty Mode. Also included will be new scenarios, revamped weekly practice system, among other improvements. It is also worth noting that Franchise Mode will receive updates throughout the year, beginning with a post-release update for an improved Player Scouting system.
Face of the Franchise's storyline will be entitled 'United We Rise' and allow users to play as a linebacker. Superstar KO, after seeing limited improvements in M2, and The Yard will also be receiving updates.
The next information reveal from EA SPORTS will come on June 21 and center on Franchise Mode. Continue on to see the feature overview, M22 reveal trailer, media previews, and more.
Franchise
We heard you. Not only is your feedback extremely important to us, but also helps Madden NFL get better each year. Our development team worked tirelessly to incorporate highly-requested updates to Franchise in Madden NFL 22 that make you feel more connected and in control.
There will be more detailed staff management and skill tree progression systems, with comprehensive weekly game strategy that integrates into your gameplan. Through the regular season and off-season, new scenarios will keep things fresh as you weigh various risks and rewards to make the right decisions for your team. Plus, Franchise will see improvements throughout the year via three Live Service updates. Our first live service update targeting September to release is one of your top requested features, Player Scouting. Keep an eye out for more Gridiron Notes as each Live Service update rolls in.
The Yard
The Yard is back with a new challenge-based Solo campaign. You can now visit new fields located on gorgeous beaches and beautiful mountain landscapes across the world, battle boss characters with unmatched NFL talents, and unlock celebrations and items for your avatar. Plus, a new ranked mode can allow for you competitive Yard players out there to test your skills against one another and earn rewards.
Face of the Franchise: United We Rise
Face of the Franchise returns - and this time with more customization. The mode lets you shape your story as a quarterback, wide receiver, running back, or (for the first time ever) a linebacker striving to reach NFL superstardom and become more than the game.
You’ll start out prepping for the NFL and experiencing flashbacks to your most pivotal college football moments. You’ll then take the stage on Draft Day and begin the once in a lifetime NFL journey, playing every game of your rookie season, rising to the top all based on the choices you make.
An all-new Player Class and progression system also lets you choose your skills, ratings, and unique attributes with even more customization options to realistically craft your avatar.
You can also level up this year by sharing progression between The Yard and the all-new Face of the Franchise: Unite We Rise, so you never miss a beat.
Superstar KO
Superstar KO is back again in Madden NFL 22 with a co-op eliminator mode. You’ll be able to play quick games in unique stadiums with fan favorite house rules and icons of football culture. Authentic NFL teams, various stadiums and rosters will also be available for the first time.
Dynamic Gameday*
For the first time ever, you can experience Dynamic Gameday - a new feature that will impact gameplay across every mode in this year’s game, making the thrills and unpredictability of the NFL come to life.
Next Gen Stats: Star-Driven AI and Gameday Atmosphere (which we’ll dive into below) make up Dynamic Gameday. Combining the power of next-gen technology, real world player data, and enhanced AI helps deliver the most emotionally driven and interactive gameplay yet.
Next Gen Stats*: Star Driven AI* & Gameday Atmosphere*
Every team and every player you know and love will be more true-to-life with Next Gen Stats: Star-Driven AI. It’s going to change AI behavior and team tendencies based on real world data over the course of the NFL season. With redesigned Next Gen Player Movement 2.0*, players will blitz, scramble, and break tackles during gameplay based on their real world Next Gen Stats data.
Gameday Atmosphere is also bringing real NFL game scenarios to Madden NFL 22. You’ll experience the impact of spontaneous moments that can change the outcome of a game in a split second - all based on the unique atmospheres and environments of the stadium. With each stadium housing a unique Home Field Advantage game modifier, you’ll be able to shift momentum in (or out of) your favor during high-stakes moments. You’ll also see all-new crowd animations, on-field reactions and celebrations that bring the real world emotion of game day to life.
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Polygon - Madden NFL 22 upgrades Franchise mode and adds home-field advantage by Owen Good
Polygon - The NFL’s bizarre fair catch kick still isn’t in Madden, but one can still hope! by Owen Good
IGN - Homefield advantage, franchise improvements, and other new features highlight this year's update by Kat Bailey
Game Informer - [M22 features] changes to Franchise mode, new ways that Next-Gen Stats are being implemented, and various improvements to the atmosphere of the games you play by Brian Shea
Forbes - 45 Things We Learned From The Preview Event by Brian Mazique
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* A M22 community playtest is currently underway. No streaming or video capture of the game is allowed.
* Pre-order Madden NFL 22 from Amazon and help support TGT.
