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.
