Sports games are consistently one of the most popular video game series out there, and the Madden NFL series is one of the most recognizable from even that. The yearly releases from the series have not failed to top the charts, ensuring that it rakes in plenty of profits for Electronic Arts, and despite having highs and lows, the series has managed to sell over 130 million copies and generate over $4 billion in profits. As the most prominent football video game on the market, it is no surprise that gamers are already looking toward Madden NFL 23.

Although its release is still a few months away, Madden NFL 23 rumors are already plentiful. While some rumors are far too wild to be real, others are far more realistic and could give gamers some insight as to what they can expect with Madden NFL 23. Though EA has yet to confirm any details concerning Madden NFL 23, rumors surrounding the game suggest that it may be a special release.

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John Madden on the Cover of Madden NFL 23

John Madden EA Sports

The Madden NFL series is named after John Madden, the famed football commentator. John Madden is part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and before becoming a commentator, he served as the head coach of the Oaklands Raiders from 1969 until 1978. Madden passed away in December 2021, and though the cause of his death has not been disclosed, football fans around the world mourn him.

Since Madden's death, Madden NFL fans have been campaigning for Madden to be featured on Madden NFL 23's cover. Although the cover is typically reserved for a star athlete, Madden NFL 22's cover stars broke some traditions on its own, and many believe that a cover dedicated to Madden would be the perfect way to commemorate the legend. Some fans have even gone ahead and made mock covers featuring Madden, and some, like @antwon_creates, have posted them on social media sites.

EA has yet to confirm who will appear on Madden NFL 23's cover. However, an edition of the game featuring Madden would certainly be an easy way to please gamers and pay respects to a pivotal figure in football.

Madden NFL 23 is Coming to Nintendo Switch

madden 22 touch pass

Like most sports games, Madden NFL enjoys a multi-platform release annually However, for the last few years, Madden NFL has conspicuously neglected Nintendo, and the last time a Madden NFL game appeared on a Nintendo gaming device was with Madden NFL 13 on the Wii U. This is unfortunate, as there are plenty of football fans who would benefit from a Switch port of Madden NFL games. According to rumors, things may change with Madden NFL 23, and gamers may finally enjoy a Switch release.

The rumors are spurred on by job postings from EA searching for a programmer for Madden NFL who has experience with "Microsoft, Sony, or Nintendo game consoles." Some suggest this indicates that EA is planning future Madden releases on Nintendo gaming systems. Although a Nintendo release for Madden NFL 23 has yet to be confirmed, EA would grow Madden's player base by doing so.

Madden NFL 23 Will Support Cross-play

Playing a match in Madden 2022

One of the most entertaining aspects of Madden NFL is the online multiplayer mode. However, for many years, the series has not supported cross-play, meaning that gamers on different consoles cannot play with each other. This has been a disappointment for a while, but rumors suggest that Madden NFL 23 will buck past trends and permit cross-play.

Rumors of crossplay support are bolstered by recent trends in sports games. Developed by San Diego Studio, MLB: The Show is another highly successful sports game franchise. With MLB: The Show 21, the series introduced crossplay. Closer to EA, it has been suggested by reputable industry insider Tom Henderson that FIFA 23 will feature crossplay. With EA reportedly easing into crossplay with FIFA 23, some gamers believe the same will happen with Madden NFL 23.

EA has yet to confirm anything about Madden NFL 23. However, rumors suggest that gamers are ready for something bigger and better with Madden NFL's next entry. Should the rumors be true, Madden NFL 23 may be a game that ups the bar from previous entries.

Madden NFL 23 will release in 2022.

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