Madden needs to add an Eras Franchise Mode like NBA 2K

The best way Madden could bring franchise mode back to life is by copying NBA 2K’s MyNBA Eras feature. Let players choose a specific era to start their franchise — like the 1980s, 1990s, early 2000s, 2010s, or current day — and make everything match that time period.

That means period-specific rules, broadcast presentation, uniforms, gameplay style, team logos, and even how the game is called. Imagine starting in the early 2000s and trying to build around young Tom Brady or Mike Vick, then watching the league evolve over time with real historical draft classes.

Each era could reflect how the game was really played. Different pass interference rules. No challenges in the 90s. The old overtime rules. Stadiums and uniforms that no longer exist. Team names like the Oilers and Redskins. It could even adjust the types of playcalling that were dominant in that period.

2K nailed this and it completely revitalized their franchise mode. It made it feel immersive and gave players something new to dive into. Madden could easily do the same, and fans of simulation and offline franchise would finally get some attention again.

I get that EA focuses on Ultimate Team for the money, but even from a business perspective, this could open the door to new cosmetics, historic team packs, and special edition bundles. It’s a great move all around — for nostalgia, for gameplay variety, and for giving franchise mode some real depth.

If EA added this, would you actually come back to franchise? I definitely would.