Madden 21 will be released by EA next month and will launch on current-generation consoles before appearing on PS5 and Xbox Series X later this year. The latest entry in the successful NFL franchise releases on August 25, 2020 - a full month later than Madden 20’s release last year - and will be available on PC, Xbox One and PS4 but, unlike FIFA 21, will not be available on Nintendo Switch.
But fans of the Madden series who are keen to play the game on Xbox Series X or PS5 don’t have to hold off until the next-gen consoles are released, as Madden 21 will be offered as a free next-gen upgrade (with a few caveats, such as the Blu-ray version is not eligible).
EA has released some details of how gameplay, animation and controls will be improved from Madden 20, with the company promising Madden 21 will offer a smoother ball-carrying experience when you hit the line of scrimmage or attempt to dip or rip away from cornerbacks.
Whether the annual release of Madden is something you await as much as NFL Week 1, or you're just curious about what EA Sports has planned for the series in the next-generation, you're in the right place. Below we've rounded up everything we know so far about Madden 21.
Cut to the chase
- What is it? The latest release in EA Sports' Madden NFL franchise.
- What can I play it on? PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, PS5 and Xbox Series X.
- When can I play it? MVP and Deluxe editions launch on August 25 for PS4, Xbox One and PC, while the standard version will be out on August 28. Madden 21's Xbox Series X, PS5 and Stadia release dates are TBC.
Madden 21 release date
EA has confirmed that Madden 21 Deluxe and MVP editions will release on August 25 for PS4, Xbox One and PC, while the standard edition will release on August 28 - but Madden fans will be used to having to choose from three versions.
Madden 21 will release for PC on August 28, making it the first Madden game to appear on Steam, following EA’s listing of the Command & Conquer, Battlefield and Dragon Age series on the Valve digital distribution service. Could we see FIFA following suit?
PS5 and Xbox Series X versions of Madden 21 e have been confirmed for when the next-gen consoles are launched, but exact dates of availability won't be known until the consoles themselves have release dates.
The good news is that EA has confirmed that it has reached Dual Entitlement partnerships with Microsoft and Sony to offer Xbox One or PS4 buyers the chance to upgrade to the next-gen versions of the game free. The offer will be available up until the release of Madden NFL 22 but those who buy a physical version of Madden 21, however, will not be able to upgrade.
Madden 21 trailers
EA released a deep-dive gameplay trailer for Madden 21 in June. As the trailer states "the goal in Madden 21 is to deliver complete control to players on both sides of the ball". The new defensive line mechanics should make being a pass rusher "more responsive and more fun to play". The game will see all pass moves controlled by the right stick and triggers, with two new offensive moves – side hurdle and the dead leg.
Check it out below:
EA officially revealed Madden 21 with a trailer during its EA Play event on June 18. Check it out below:
Madden 21 news and rumors
Gameplay changes
Madden 21 trailers suggest that "realistic open field tackling" will end some of the issues that blighted previous Madden games. For example, in Madden 20 many were left frustrated by being tackled in unrealistic ways particularly when a running back would hit the line of scrimmage. EA also has promised further "authenticity improvements" which will hopefully iron out the glitches that saw players animated in strange ways especially when colliding or blocking in pairs.
The use of the right stick and triggers in offense will lead to more stylish combinations when running with the ball and there will be more celebrations if showboating is your thing.
Madden Curse
This year’s cover star is Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Why is that important? Being the face of Madden might not actually be a dream scenario for a player because of the so-called 'Madden Curse' which has seen previous cover stars struck with a loss of form or injury. It’s became such a curiosity that it was reported in 2010 that EA was even considering making a movie based on the phenomenon.
However, previous Maddens have been said to have broken the curse (Madden 20’s Patrick Mahomes won Superbowl LIV although he did get injured earlier in the season) and Jackson has said he isn’t bothered by it. As the NFL season hasn’t started yet all eyes will be on the Ravens to see if the curse strikes again…
Player ratings: the 99 club
In previous Madden games there has been an elite club of ‘99’-ranked players. Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Donald, Stephon Gilmore and Christian McCaffrey are in the 99 club in Madden 21 with DeAndre Hopkins, Bobby Wagner and Khalil Mack dropping out from Madden 20. Cover-star Jackson is the third-highest ranked quarterback and said "I wish it was better. But hey, it’s better than it was last year. I guess we can roll with it till the season starts."
The ratings have become a huge area of interest and help hype up the upcoming NFL season.
This is America
The Black Lives Matter movement has seen global sport react positively to its anti-racism message and has forced the NFL to change its stance and apologize for not backing black players who took the knee. EA has issued a statement supporting BLM and quickly moved to postpone its Madden 21 reveal after the death of George Floyd. We hope that EA doesn’t side hurdle the issue in the game (wouldn’t it be good to see all the players taking the knee before kick-off?) as previous iterations haven’t exactly led by the front on this issue.
Face of the Franchise is back
Madden 20 introduced this game mode that allowed you to control a college QB who (hopefully) made the draft into the NFL and then functioned like a superstar mode. EA has confirmed Face of the Franchise will be bigger in Madden 21 with the action starting at high school (ala Friday Night Lights) and with a chance to switch positions to running back and wide receiver at college.
X-Factor
A critically-acclaimed addition to Madden 20 saw a group of players have Superstar X-Factor abilities. The 50 sportsmen could raise their game when in ‘the zone’ and boost their team with special skills making them unique compared to their team-mates. The Superstar X-Factor abilities return for Madden 21 so there’s a whole host of new characteristics (that were leaked) including losing the ability to fumble, tight ends who consistently catch when breaking free from coverage and quarterbacks who can throw an extra 15 yards.
NFL Street 2.0?
A Twitter user broke EA’s non-disclosure of the closed beta of the game and claimed that a new feature would be added to Madden 21 called 'The Yard'. If the leaked image is true (note: EA has been quick to censor its disclosure) then it looks like a six-a-side option similar to NFL Street with playground rules. Could this be a timely foray for EA back into arcade-style football after rival games maker 2K signed a deal with the NFL make ‘non-simulation’ titles from 2021? Whatever the case if the rumours are right we can see this being a feature that will polarize franchise fans.
Different versions available
There were three different versions of Madden 20 - and Madden 21 follows suit. Here's what is included with each:
Standard
- 1 of 32 Players from NFL Team Elite Packs
- 5 Madden Ultimate Team Gold Team Fantasy Packs
- 1 'Your Choice' Uniform Pack
Deluxe
- 3-Day Early Access to Madden NFL 21 (August 25, 2020)
- 12 Madden Ultimate Team Gold Team Fantasy Packs
- 1 of 32 Players from NFL Team Elite Packs
- 1 'Your Choice' Uniform Pack
MVP
- 3-Day Early Access to Madden NFL 21 (August 25, 2020)
- Lamar Jackson Elite Item with Power Up
- 1 Large Quicksell Training Pack
- 17 Madden Ultimate Team Gold Team Fantasy Packs
- Madden Championship Series Ultimate Champion Pack
- 1 of 32 Players from NFL Team Elite Packs
- 1 'Your Choice' Uniform Pack
- FIFA 21: release date, trailer, news and rumors
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