Madden NFL 21didn’t exactly set the world on fire when it launched last Fall, with longtime fans criticizing its lack of meaningful innovations and features. The general consensus was that it was the sameMaddenexperience players dropped into each and every year, lacking the bells and whistles its annual release schedule suggests should come attached. However, it seems EA is committed to addressing some long-requested changes through this year’sMadden NFL 22, at least in regards toits controversial Franchise Mode.
Posting a new deep dive on YouTube, the company revealed a host of features that will turn up in the team management portion of the upcoming sports game. The early look clocks in at 5 minutes long, highlightingMadden NFL 22’snew talent trees, revamped scouting system, franchise staff feature, and more.
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The clip begins by noting the changes its new franchise staff system will bring to the mode, claiming it’ll give players the opportunity to manage “everything from the front office to the field.” It will allow them to hire new staff and train them, with their employees providing access to a newly added talent tree that can be used to buff their team’s skills and better optimize their players to fit a certain playstyle. There will be three types of staff players can hire: head coaches, coordinators, and player personnel. Managers will be able to upgrade the staff in these positions by amassing “staff points,” which are earned by setting and achieving weekly objectives. This will all be accessible through a new franchise hub, which comes with plenty of quality-of-life updates and additions.
Meanwhile, a revamped scouting mode will be making its way to the game as post-launch content, withEAclaiming it’ll be added via a “live-service update” in September. The enhanced system will let players discover new talent through national and regional scouts, with EA claiming the system is much more in-depth than it was originally. To make the game more realistic, prospects will also move up and down the draft board throughout the season depending on their accolades.
There’s also the new weekly strategy feature, which EA labels the “core” of theMadden NFL 22Franchise Mode. It seems the system will allow players to check statistics and make informed decisions about how to manage their team, giving them the option to analyze the strengths of their opponents, manage fatigue levels, assess performance, and more.
Finally, EA details the enhanced season engine, which was teased briefly inMadden NFL 22’smost recent trailer. It will bring a wealth of dynamic situations meant to resemble the difficult decisions faced by real NFL managers, coming loaded with 50 unique scenarios that will force players to think on their feet. Sharing an example, the company revealed one situation where a manager is faced with difficult challenges alongside a young wide receiver. If they manage to overcome these issues, they have the potential to turn them into a rising star, adding yet another big name to their roster.
Madden NFL 22is set to launch on August 12 for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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