Failed to start game Madden 21

Hi @computers22, 

Can we try running through some troubleshooting steps to see if we can help get this issue fixed? 

I'd recommend starting off with the basic connectivity steps over at the EA Help website when you can. Those can tackle most of the common issues we see, so it may do the trick in this case as well. If you're still having some trouble after that check out the PlayStation-specific steps as well. Let me know how that goes when you've got the chance. Thanks!

/Kent

I am struggling to play H2H Seasons games in Madden 21 Ultimate Team on PS4.

I have managed to play a few, but more often than not, I get a 'Failed to Start A Game!' message after about 10 seconds in the loading screen.

I then try to go back into matchmaking, then the games simply hangs on a 'Searching For An Opponent' screen, with no way of backing out.

I do not believe I have any issues on my side. I am a long standing FIFA player and can easily connect to the dedicated on-line servers for FUT. I also have Duma OS on my Netgear Router, so have a good insight into my connectivity inc Geo-Filter Settings, open ports etc etc.

I am able to access MUT to play solo challenges without any issues. Is this a known problem and is there a fix? Or is this an account level issue?

Thanks in advance.

I am having SAME EXACT issue on Xbox one!!! It's starting to pass me off!  What is the fix?  I've done all of the resets and other suggestions.   PLEASE FIX THIS ASAP!!!

Hey all,

Thanks for following up on this. 

If you're still running into this same error can we try setting a different DNS on your console to see if that makes any difference at all? I've seen similar situations in the past, and using a different DNS can sometimes help. 

If you're on PS4 you can change the DNS using the following steps: 

1. Open up the Settings on your PS4, then go to Network. From there go to Set Up Internet Connection, and select either WiFi or LAN cable depending on what you're using.

2. Select Custom > IP Address Settings (Automatic) > DHCP Host Name (Do Not Use) > DNS Settings (Manual)

3. Enter the Primary DNS as 8.8.8.8 and the secondary DNS as 8.8.4.4 -- This is the public Google DNS, but if there's a different DNS you would rather use instead that's OK as well. 

4. Select Next > MTU Settings (Automatic) > Proxy Server (Do Not Use) > Test Internet Connection

If you play on Xbox follow the steps below to update your DNS:

1. Open up your Xbox Settings, then go to Network. 

2. Select Advanced Settings, choose DNS Settings, then select Manual. 

3. Enter 8.8.8.8 as the primary DNS, then enter 8.8.4.4 as the secondary DNS. If there's a different DNS you prefer using instead that should also be fine. 

Let me know if you're still running into this same error message after that. Thanks again. 

/Kent

Had the exact same problem.  The only thing that worked for me was deleting the "saved data".  On ps4 if you go to settings and choose application saved data management. From here delete all the madden 21 files and restart the game.  Hope that helps

@EA_KentAttempted this as i was having the same problem but it didnt work. The next response of deleting saved data worked temporarily but it came back on next startup. This is getting really frustrating. Can we get a fix to the source rather than just workaround please?

Madden 21 weekend League i tryed to play My first game with 22 hours left and got this message( Failed to start game! An unexpected error occurred while starting your game.). Can u fix this or is it something i should fix on my end and if what is it. 

There has to be a permanent fix. I have to DO THIS EVERY TIME I boot up after turning off my ps4