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Madden 26 Needs to Be Better Than Ever
Let’s be honest — Madden 25 was a major disappointment. Every year, fans get hyped up from trailers and promises, and every year the final product feels like a letdown. The truth is, EA Sports has all the tools and potential to make a game that truly represents the NFL and gives players something special. But they don’t. And that’s why Madden 26 absolutely has to be better than every Madden before it — not just for sales, but for the community that’s been holding on with hope for years. Let’s start with graphics. This game needs to look next-gen. Look at Forza Horizon 5 — everything in that game looks real. Madden should be the same. Stadiums should feel alive, weather should impact the game visually and physically, and player faces need to look exactly like the real-life players. No more generic models or missing likenesses. On top of that, give every team more alternate jersey colors — fans love repping their squad in throwbacks or custom colorways, and it makes the game more personal. Gameplay has to be completely overhauled. Right now, it feels more like an arcade game than an NFL simulation. Linebackers shouldn’t be jumping 6 feet in the air for one-handed picks, and offensive linemen need to actually block. Give us smarter O-line AI that can recognize blitzes, pick up blocks, and hold them long enough to let the quarterback or running back make a play. Make it feel like real football. And this time, the game cannot be pay-to-win. Ultimate Team is fun, but people shouldn’t have to drop hundreds of dollars just to be competitive. Let players grind and earn without feeling left behind. We’ve had six straight Maddens that felt almost the same — that’s not just lazy, it’s disrespectful to the fans who keep showing up. Madden 26 also needs to bring energy back to the field. Add new and fun celebration dances when teams get a first down or touchdown. Make them funny but tough — like how the players really celebrate on Sundays. It’s those small moments that make games memorable. Even pre-game intros should show off star players, highlight rivalries, or showcase big plays from earlier in the season. These little details bring the game to life. And don’t forget the legends. Why have we gone years without players like Brett Favre, Bart Starr, Jay Cutler, or Eddie Lacy? Fans love all-time teams. It’s part of football history, and when you ignore that, you’re ignoring the heart of the sport. To the developers: we’re not asking for miracles — we’re asking for effort. Listen to the community. Don’t shortchange us again. If Madden 26 isn’t something special, I honestly might never buy another Madden. You’ve got one more shot to make it right. Make it count.
Madden NFL 26 Reveal Trailer
Hey Madden fans! We just dropped the reveal trailer for Madden NFL 26. Check it out below! We can't wait to show you more of what we've been cooking up this year in the coming months. Let us know what you think of the trailer. Also be sure to also check out the Gridiron Notes for a peek at what we've got coming in the future, including the new weather system and Wear and Tear: Welcome to EA Sports Madden NFL 26 Let us know what you're looking forward to the most in Madden NFL 26!Please Revamp Character Creation...
College football 25 brought in tons of new generic faces... While you cannot create a player in CFB these faces are massively better than the same generic faces that have been in Madden for a decade... They are broken, outdated, the faces dont fit properly fit in helmets... Tattoo's need to be added to all character creation and not just one simple on for superstar. There are TONS of missing equipment options that have been in the NFL for years and the equipment in CFB and Madden do not line up at all. Customization has been neglected for years and years and its time for a revamp... Something like NBA2k character creation would massively improve the game for things like making draft classes etc.Madden online H2H feedback
Dear EA Madden Team, I wanted to share some feedback on the Head-to-Head (H2H) mode, which continues to be the best part of the game for players like myself who don't engage much with MUT or Franchise. For many of us, H2H is where we spend the entire year competing, improving, and building up a meaningful win-loss record. It’s what keeps the game engaging long-term. Unfortunately, in Madden 25, the decision to reset H2H records was a major letdown for a large portion of the community. After putting in countless hours and effort to earn those wins, having everything erased felt discouraging. That progress, history, and record were part of what made the grind worthwhile. I kindly ask that you consider allowing permanent H2H records to remain intact throughout the year not just for our own profiles, but also to be visible during matchups. It would be a huge enhancement to see our opponent’s win-loss record and global ranking displayed in a corner of the screen before or during the game. It adds context and excitement, especially when you realize you're going up against a top-tier player or someone with a similar record. Additionally, I’d love to see a format similar to the College Football 25 playoff system introduced into H2H. For example, after playing 10 regular games, players could qualify for an online playoff bracket. It would provide an exciting sense of progression and reward even for those who aren't necessarily aiming for a Top 100 ranking. It’s a format that could add a new level of depth and purpose to each H2H season. Thanks for taking the time to consider this. These changes would go a long way in keeping H2H both competitive and rewarding for the community that lives in this mode all year long. Thanks!
Don't buy Madden
Long time fan, always in the thick of the game since ps2. So I say this like a long time fan. EA is basically adding things back into the game and copy with pasting from the last year games repeat the year before, and before that. The same issues continue in the game, like blocking logic, AI logic vs Player Logic. But to be real check out Angry Joe's reviews so far, and watch how he talks the basics, to how the game didn't improve and how things once in the game are finally back while other things have been in the game are now highlighted as new features. Adding halftime, big wup. Weather that matters yet no dirty uniforms during the game, omg Mlb does it with their game which speaks something. The recent franchise deep dive fell so flat that I laughed away to falling out of my chair. So In short, review it, check out Angry Joe, Ryan Moody, and look at what they point out. Madden 25 was a train wreck and so will 26.[Discussion] Madden NFL 26 Improved Gameplay
Dear EA, I had a few Ideas for Madden 26 That I think will improve the gameplay and overall experience of the game. Improve the tackling/physics. most times the defender Im using always takes the wrong pursuit angle and it could end costing me a big play or a touchdown. Also theres times when a QB is scrambling and my defender just stands there and watches even when I try to flick the right stick down to try and stop him. Turn the game speed up. It doesn't have to be arcady as college football but a faster football game is always more fun. Keep Madden 25/College football 25 Spin and add back Madden 24 Juke Mechanics. I love the spin in this years game, its super fluid, However I feel it took more skill for the madden 24 double juke and was more rewarding when you used it on a opponent. Fix switch stick animation and hit stick. Switch stick is a great idea it just feels always slow or doesn't go to the right player when Im trying to use it. The Hit stick tech is a good Idea as well its just some of the animations are not fluid and the animation looks clunky. Make Sure Zone drops and zones in general are working. There were a lot of times this year that my players were not in there correct zone. I had a new idea for exhibition games, Franchise mode, and online H2H. It would be cool to have legendary teams in the game, We should start off with 10 classic NFL teams that You can play with online and offline and for each new season You can drop another classic team. All these teams will be playable for each mode except ultimate team, but for H2H You have to reach a certain amount of RP and Rank to use the classic team or If you want people to use Different teams Online Then make it to where You must win at least 10 games with an 80 overall or lower for each classic team you want to unlock. It will be like a challenge you have to accept, and after you win the challenge, it starts over for the next classic team you want to unlock. For H2H, let the person as the home team pick the weather and time of day you will be playing. Also For Online H2H You should add a road to the Superbowl mode similar to road to cfp in College football 25 where you play about 10 games and if you win at least 7 games you will qualify for the playoffs. You will then play 2 Playoff Games and If you win those games then you will move onto the SuperBowl. Make Challenges usable for H2H games. Make sure to buff picks. Too many dropped picks this year. Keep adding new plays and routes every season. I think you guys for the most part did a good job on this for this year. These Are My thoughts for the New Madden this year, but honestly, I hope seven and eight of my list would be implemented in the game because I'm an H2H player, and it would be nice to get some content for that mode. Thank you for letting me use your platform to give my suggestions. Sincerely Ruester151Madden Franchise Coop
It would be incredibly easy for EA to bring back the co-op feature in Madden franchise mode, especially considering it was already a staple in past versions of the game. The core mechanics—multiple users managing teams, drafting, trading, and playing games together—are already built into online franchises. Adding local or online co-op for users to control the same team or play side-by-side in a franchise would simply build on existing functionality. Not only would it enhance the gameplay experience, but it would also make the mode way more enjoyable and social. Friends could rebuild struggling franchises together, take on dynamic storylines as a coaching duo, or just have fun competing cooperatively, which adds a whole new layer of immersion. The fact that it hasn’t been reintroduced yet feels like a missed opportunity to make the game more fun, engaging, and replayable.
Madden NFL 26 Gameplay Deep Dive
Powered by years of NFL Data. The Madden NFL 26 Official Gameplay Deep Dive! Clink on the link below to read the Madden NFL 26 Gameplay Deep Dive. https://www.ea.com/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-26/news/madden-26-gridiron-notes-gameplay-deep-dive Madden NFL 26 Gameplay Deep DiveHalftime Panel, Sideline Reporting, and Real Dialogue – Like NBA 2K25 Does It
Hi Madden Dev Team, Thanks for all your continued work on Madden NFL 26. I wanted to respectfully bring up a few major presentation and immersion features that I think would take the game to the next level—especially in comparison to what we see in NBA 2K25. In NBA 2K, there’s a full halftime show with Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith (yes, Kenny “The Jet” Smith). They sit at a desk, react to the gameplay, show replays, and bring entertainment and realism. Madden could benefit greatly from a similar treatment—a studio crew halftime panel. Maybe Scott Hanson or real-life NFL analysts? Something immersive, something real. Also, in NBA 2K, there are sideline check-ins with Allie LaForce and David Aldridge—it adds so much to the experience. In Madden, there’s currently nothing that truly feels “live from the sidelines.” Imagine a reporter walking the sideline, checking in with a quick injury update, coach quote, or just crowd atmosphere. It could even be someone like Holly Rowe, Laura Rutledge, or another known sideline reporter for football. Additionally, in Superstar Mode, the lack of real voice acting makes the experience feel flat. NBA 2K has real conversations, cutscenes, and dynamic in-game chatter. Madden’s current approach of silent dialogue boxes just doesn’t compete. We want: Mic’d up moments On-field player chatter Real voice acting in Superstar career stories Emotion, trash talk, and celebrations This is what players expect in a next-gen sports game in 2025. I know this would take time and licensing—but even starting small with a few of these enhancements would be a major W. Thanks again for listening to the fans. Madden NFL 26 has great potential to level up. All the best, Juan
Madden 26 - CFB 26 = Buy both to acquire missing features?!
Seriously disappointed with no talks about dynamic lighting. Cfb 26 is getting actual innovation when it comes to lighting; not only region based lighting, but seasonal. Meaning that the sun will be in a lower position depending on how late in the year it is. (This is not small, its huge especially if youre a fan of west coast teams and using your favorite teams in madden) Im very confused to your approach to game developing. You guys are the same company; why are you making us choose between games and its features when you really SHOULD be asking; hey, what do i wanna play more? NCAA? Or madden? NFL or college? NOT WHAT GAME HAS MORE FEATURES. And yet thats how i approach these games now due to these decisions You guys are the same company! Why cant you include most of the features that the CFB team has implemented and innovated? and vice versa! If i buy college i get no halftime. If i buy madden the 49ers stadium looks like a blackout at halftime in santa clara. Let me guess.. thatll be a feature next year, right ea? Wnd maybe youll the updated snow games to cfb 27, right? Cmon ea. ADD DYNAMIC AND REGION BASED LIGHTING TO MADDEN 26. SHARE FEATURES. STOP IT. It’s like they’re purposely holding back features in this game. Yes, I know dynamic lighting updates could literally be added into a patch or title update but at this point, it feels like they’re just waiting for madden 27. It just doesn’t make any sense. Not to mention licensed coordinators; which cfb added 300 and want madden can’t add like… what? 96?MADDEN 26 DO NOT BUY
I Will not be buying madden unfortunately the game doesn’t match its price tag, it just feels like a rinse and repeat game with updated rosters only?. It’s disappointing that NFL2k05 Had more features than madden 2025. The EA company needs to take a step back and actually make the game more enjoyable , especially with career mode ! Can you not add a trophy room for all the things you win? Can we get some type of story behind our career like REAL LIFE. & Why aren’t past teams in the game ? Why do I have to go on ultimate team to play with Steve young or have to download a roster ?. I’m not the only one saying this by the way. LISTEN TO YOUR FANSMadden NFL 26 Superstar Deep Dive
Hello Madden players! Welcome back to Gridiron Notes, your home for Madden NFL 26 news and updates. Today’s the day we dive into both College Football 26’s Road to Glory and Madden NFL 26’s Superstar Mode! This year marks the 20th anniversary of Superstar Mode and it’s the fastest-growing mode in Madden over the last two years. We’re excited to bring you a host of information about everything new in the modes, straight from the developers! Superstar Introduction Madden NFL 26 marks the 20th anniversary of Superstar, the first completely player-centric career mode in Madden history. Twenty years ago, experiencing a team sport like football through the lens of an individual player was an entirely new concept, but its inception inspired a new genre of gaming. To celebrate this twenty-year milestone, the dev team is proud to announce the largest and most impactful update in Superstar’s history. Built on some of Madden’s strongest technical systems, we have completely revamped the core experience and created a future of possibilities. Our three new core features are Game Day Beats, Sphere of Influence, and Career Chapters. They all work together to amplify the most authentic and engaging career path Superstar has ever seen. From challenging gameplay modifications on the field, to relationships and consequences off the field, the player journey brings every week of the NFL season to life. For years, our fans have been asking for higher stakes, more consequences, and better agency in the weekly loop. While skill progression will always be a core part of player development, being an NFL Superstar is more than just an OVR number. In Madden NFL 26, we will deliver a more holistic experience that brings out the Superstar in YOU! Career Chapters Missing from previous iterations of Superstar was a sense of where you stood in your journey at any given time. Yeah, you had an OVR, and maybe you were on a Super Bowl winning team, but how close were you to becoming a true NFL Superstar? The path to stardom has many steps, and with the addition of Superstar Career Chapters, you’re tangibly stepping your way up to greatness. You will know WHO you are and WHAT you need to do to reach the next level. Start as a backup and grind your way to full-time starter by impressing your coach. From there it only gets harder as you strive to win over teammates, fans and the media, en route to becoming a bonafide legend. Each Chapter of your career comes with clear goals that must be met to move forward in your journey. But with a path to greatness comes the peril of consequences. If you don’t meet your goals, you can find yourself regressing and losing playing time to a hungrier teammate. Only through a combination of skill, success, and personal balance can you eventually reach the top. It’s important to know that becoming a Superstar is a balancing act. If you are only please your coach, you may never get the love you need from the media to be accepted as a legend. Or if you are only please your fans, and disregard your coach, you’ll be a man of the people… seated firmly on the bench. Let’s break down the three new core features and explain how they all work together to redefine the mode. Career Chapters - The Backup Experience The dev team issued a challenge to itself at the beginning of the year; let’s make it FUN to play as a backup. We all know it’s great to be a starter and get all the snaps, but over the years our fans have told us they covet a challenge. Our goal was to capture that sense of challenge in a backup experience that felt interactive, exciting and even dramatic. Luckily, we had great real-life NFL examples, such as “Mr. Irrelevant” Brock Purdy checking in for the injured Jimmy Garoppolo. Or Russell Wilson coming out of nowhere to unseat a highly-paid free agent and shock the depth chart in Seattle. We also imposed a design rule; backups shouldn’t have to play through endless chains of drills week in and week out. We believed the backup experience should have realistic game action intertwined with other meaningful opportunities to earn a look as a starter. This game action could be mop-up duty in a blowout where your coach gives you a couple drives to showcase a specific proficiency. Maybe the starter gets banged up and you get a game or two to show what you’ve got. These organic moments that mirror real-life NFL will bring excitement to the daily grind of earning a starting job. To read the entire Madden NFL 26 Superstar Deep Dive blog, please click on the link below. https://www.ea.com/games/madden-nfl/madden-nfl-26/news/madden-26-gridiron-notes-superstar-deep-dive?utm_campaign=mad26_hd_ww_ic_soco_twt_m26-ss-gn-x&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&cid=84527&ts=1751037388108Throwback Stadium Option
Why doesn’t Madden incorporate the ability to change the home field to a throwback option when we choose to play with throwback uniforms? I play with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers creamsicle uniforms but it looks terrible when the home field only uses the current red/black team logos. When you watch an NFL game that features throwback uniforms, the whole environment from the stands, to the end zone, and midfield logo are the throwback options. Should be able to change the field options when we change the uniform options. Need that real authenticity.
