It is becoming a tradition that with the start of the NFL preseason, fans know that EA is also readying the latest version of Madden NFL 23. This year’s version is scheduled to release in a few days but is a bittersweet launch as the game will be dedicated to the late John Madden, an NFL Hall of Fame coach and renowned commentator who passed away in 2021.
As with all yearly titles, there are a few differences in how the game will work and Madden NFL 23 boasts a wealth of improvements over last year’s title. Along with the improved graphics and various roster changes, players will be able to dive into the new career mode to take their favorite team to the Superbowl. The official release date for Madden 23 is August 19, but EA is allowing players to get ahead of the game a few days early.
For players who subscribed to EA Play, there is a live trial of Madden 23 which is available now. The limited-time access gives players 10 hours to experience the game in its entirety, from selecting a squad and starting on the path to the playoffs. Those who have purchased the All Madden Edition of the game will also be able to start their campaign now, without any limitations on time.
The trial is available for all EA Play PC players, and Xbox players will also be able to get a hold of the demo thanks to Game Pass. EA Play is included at no additional cost for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass PC subscribers. Once the trial is over, that will be it, as the game won’t feature in EA Play right away. However, players can get still enjoy a 10% discount when buying a digital copy of the game.
While players can certainly enjoy Madden 23 on Xbox One as part of Game Pass, they will however be missing a key feature in this year’s version. FieldSENSE is the new next-gen feature for Madden 23, and much like the HyperMotion feature seen in the latest FIFA games, the mechanic is set to give gamers more control over their squad using its "physics-informed mechanics." The downside is that EA has advised that the improved movements will only be available to gamers playing on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
As players of American Football can finally get their hands on Madden 23, EA’s attention will turn towards the other football as they gear up for September’s FIFA 23 release. The game will be the final entry in the three-decade-long relationship between EA and FIFA. Next year EA will still release a soccer game under the guise of EA Sports FC, whereas the FIFA license has yet to find a home, although 2K is reportedly in talks to snap up the lucrative name.
Madden NFL 23 releases on August 19 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S