Headlines

A new blog from EA SPORTS breaks down the improvements coming to presentation aspects in Madden NFL 16. Here are some of the highlights:

New on-the-field cameras and Wirecam help allow the user to get a closer look at the action in a realistic manner.

3D monoliths can provide a quick look at player or team stats during transitions such as players taking the field, as example.

Living Worlds continue to improve in the franchise with noticeably improved crowds (female models, head tracking, signs & towels, et al.) and a new Living World Steadicam operator cameraman who will interact with the on-field action, when appropriate.

The blog also shows an example of Dynamic Feedback with a player's season rushing touchdown total appear on-screen following a score and also goes into detail on audio improvements as well.

Continue on to see the full Madden NFL 16 presentation blog from EA SPORTS. ...

NBA 2K has announced early details on their game soundtrack for NBA 2K16. This year, DJ Mustard, DJ Khaled and DJ Premier have helped to establish a 50+ song soundtrack for the popular basketball title.

Per the press release: "NBA 2K16’s soundtrack will be comprised of six in-game playlists, including three lists individually curated by each producer, an international “Around the World” playlist, the 2K Classics Mixtape featuring fan favorites from previous 2K titles, and a master playlist that includes all 50 tracks from this year’s selection."

In the past, the soundtrack has been curated by artists such as Jay-Z and Pharrell.

Does a game soundtrack mean much to you? What songs or genres of music are you hoping to hear - or conversely, not hear?

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

To no one's surprise, the Skills Trainer and Gauntlet modes are returning to Madden NFL 16 - along with some improvements.

Users who begin Skills Trainer on Rookie or Pro difficulty will receive extra information to help them get up to speed on Madden and the game of football, including real world football concepts and strategy. The mode will go through the new passing, catching, and coverage mechanics, so it could possess positive benefits for returning Madden NFL players as well.

The Gauntlet returns with new mini-games and challenges. Most noteworthy is that of the millions to play the mode last year, less than 200 actually completed all 40 levels. This speaks to the feature's difficulty with so few 'lives' given to complete the mode.

Continue on to read the blog and then share your thoughts with the community. Do you find these modes fun and engaging? What would you add to improve them? ...

Ahead of tonight's cover reveal on RAW, 2K Sports has announced that Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin will grace the cover of WWE 2K16.

"Not only will Austin grace the video game's cover, but he's involved in shaping its creative direction. Through his numerous contributions, inclusion on the largest roster in franchise history and the game's to-be-announced features, WWE 2K16 is certain to put everyone on notice," said Chris Snyder, vice president of marketing at 2K. ...

EA SPORTS has released a new blog detailing improvements to lighting and animations coming to NBA Live 16.

The blog recaps some of the known processes such as face-scanning, but adds that Live 16 has focused on improving player facial animations, lighting, and player texture, tones, and even sweat. The screenshots also provide a look at the LA Clippers new road uniform.

The company has increased early marketing and social media efforts for the title as compared to the past, regularly sharing new screenshots from the game.

The next major feature reveal for the title is expected to come in early August, coinciding with GameCom. ...

If you pre-order Rory McIlroy PGA Tour through Amazon and are enrolled in Amazon Prime, you'll receive $10 off in addition to the pre-order bonus of TPC Scottsdale and release day delivery. You won't see the discount until you get to the final checkout page.

For those who are interested in the title but had reservations about the game due to a limited (at least at launch) course and golfer listing, this promotion makes the game investment significantly more tolerable. It is unknown how long this promotion will be in effect.

In other PGA TOUR news: As speculated by the community for months, it is now confirmed that the game will not be a yearly title. However, the development team has plans for free content down the line for the title which apparently include courses, as noted by several tweets this afternoon from the product's account. ...

Ever since the announcement that EA SPORTS PGA TOUR would utilize the Frostbite Engine, the company has discussed the benefit of no loading time between holes and a new video showcases this aspect.

A new Rory McIlroy PGA TOUR developer blog features a six-minute gameplay video highlighting the lack of loading times and the new Quick Rounds feature which will allow users to finish a full 18-hole round in just minutes.

The blog also includes information on Golf Channel integration, camera options, and presentation elements. Continue on to see the first look at PGA TOUR gameplay then share your thoughts with the community. ...

Fresh off a Stanley Cup Championship, Chicago Blackhawk teammates Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane have been announced as co-cover athletes for NHL 16.

The revealed 'cover' image has drawn significant criticism from the community, but it is unknown if it is the final version for retail. Traditionally, EA SPORTS has released a 'placeholder' cover for the initial athlete reveal only to update the cover following a photo shoot. However, their most recent cover reveals (Madden NFL 16, NBA Live 16, Rory McIlroy PGA TOUR) featured the final cover.

Continue on to see part of the press release from EA SPORTS and then share your thoughts with the community. ...

Michael Jordan is returning to the cover of NBA 2K. Following cover appearances on NBA 2K11 & NBA 2K12, 2K Sports has announced the Michael Jordan Special Edition of NBA 2K16 (PS4/XB1 only). The cover features MJ in various iconic images and much like the standard edition covers includes Jordan in his college (UNC) uniform. However, the school name has been photoshopped off of his jersey. The released Curry/Davis/Harden covers include their respective college names on their uniforms.

The special edition retails for $79.99 and if pre-ordered will be delivered to customers on September 25, the same date as the previously announced Early Tip-Off Edition.

The Jordan Edition comes with several physical and digital items. They include: Jordan NBA 2K16 Poster, Jordan Fathead® Wall Cling, Digital Jordan shoes for your MyPLAYER, Digital Jordan T-shirt for your MyPLAYER, Digital Jordan jersey for your MyPLAYER, 30,000 Virtual Currency, MyTEAM VIP+ - 3 Emerald Packs AND a new Special Edition Exclusive Moments Card.

In sports gaming (and gaming in general), it has seemed that many recent 'special editions' featured primarily or only digital editions. Do you like these special edition perks? Continue on to share your thoughts with the community. ...