Forum Discussion

Sneaky4's avatar
Sneaky4
Newcomer
2 months ago

Madden 26 'Preparing game' loop: New Steam license vs Old Revoked key

Hello, I am seeking help with a persistent licensing issue for Madden NFL 26 (PC/Steam) that EA Help chat has been unable to resolve. The Problem: When I launch the game from Steam, it gets stuck on 'Running install script (EA App)'. The EA App then opens with a 'Preparing game' window that disappears after a few seconds. In my EA App library, the game is listed as 'Unavailable', stating it needs to be downloaded on Steam, even though it is fully installed. Technical Conflict: I previously had a copy of the game from a 3rd party seller that was REVOKED. I purchased a NEW, legitimate copy on Steam on Dec 29. I have my Case ID, Steam Transaction ID, and receipt ready to provide to a moderator privately if needed. Support agents have confirmed that my new license IS on the account, but the EA App is failing to authorize the launch because the old 'Revoked' status is likely conflicting in the backend database. Troubleshooting Done: Cleared EA App cache and performed Safe Boot. Unlinked and re-linked Steam/EA accounts. Reinstalled the game and the EA App. I need a Manual Entitlement Override to prioritize my new Steam license over the old revoked one. Can a Community Manager please look into this or help escalate it to the backend entitlement team? Thank you.

1 Reply

  • Not sure if you are still having this issue, but I had the same thing from first purchasing from Luna, then Steam. I used an uninstaller like Revo to find hidden instances of the game. I uninstalled the EA app and Madden using Revo. After that I reinstalled the game through Steam and the EA app no longer said unavailable.

Featured Places

Node avatar for Madden NFL 26 Technical Issues

Madden NFL 26 Technical Issues

Need support with tech, connectivity or performance issues in Madden NFL 26? Join us to discuss troubleshooting.Latest Activity: 1 hour ago
1,323 Posts