A recent report from EA Sports insiders reveals the developer is taking a "make or break" approach with Madden NFL 24, following recent controversies surrounding the franchise. The annual football series has become a staple of EA Sports' yearly releases with the games typically being the studio's biggest title of the Fall season. However, recent launches from the franchise have been marred by controversy related to negative reception from fans and critics alike. Now, EA Sports appears to be taking a drastic approach for this year's game.
While the Madden NFL franchise remains one of the best-selling sports games, recent games have increasingly seen backlash from fans. Fans have criticized the Madden series for bugs and shortcomings related to its gameplay and game modes, along with a variety of glitches. Madden NFL 23's Franchise Mode has been a particular target of fans with server issues leading to 60% of players losing their Franchise Mode saves permanently. A report from EA Sports reveals the developer is feeling the heat of the mounting criticism.
EA Sports insiders have revealed the company is moving forward with a "now or never" approach as development on Madden NFL 24 progresses. While EA has offered discounts and closed beta access for players who lost their save files, reports from the developer reveal that EA Sports is placing a heavy importance on Madden NFL 24's sales. EA Sports staff members reportedly mentioned major changes set for the franchise's leadership, should Madden NFL 24 see similar controversy to the previous entry.
EA Sports has yet to make any official reveals related to Madden NFL 24, however sources report Franchise Mode is a heavy focus. Improving contract management is reportedly high priority for developers working on Madden NFL 24's Franchise Mode, alongside a plethora of smaller additions and changes. Franchise Mode has been one of Madden NFL 23's heaviest points of criticism, both due to the save file corruption and several bugs within the mode. EA's presentation of major seasonal events like the Super Bowl and NFL Draft have also seen poor feedback from fans.
EA Sports' "make or break" attitude with Madden NFL 24 comes as the developer has been the leading developer of NFL games for nearly two decades. The studio's main rival in 2K Sports has not released a football game on consoles since NFL 2K5 with Madden NFL becoming a go-to for football fans looking to take the reins of their favorite teams. EA Sports also revealed last year it would be returning to NCAA football with EA Sports College Football in the summer. Madden NFL 24 will look to be a pivotal release for the future of EA Sports' football franchise.
Madden NFL 23 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: Insider Gaming