Madden 21 is almost here, but the battles around Franchise Mode and the #FixMaddenFranchise have been going for years.
This finally came to a head this Summer, and as a result, we’ll be seeing some major changes around Franchise with Madden 21 and Madden 22.
Let’s go over everything you need to know about Franchise Mode in Madden 21, and EA’s roadmap for the future.
Madden 21 Franchise Mode
Initially given very little fanfare and what amounted to a simple roster update and patch, Franchise Mode in Madden 21 was met with hostility.
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In responding to fans, EA have given us much more to go on for this year and future games.
The recent Gridiron Notes outlined what fans can expect for Madden 21’s Franchise Mode.
Franchise Mode as a live service
The ability to deliver huge patches and updates to players post-release means that today, games are never truly “complete”. Developers are always tweaking and fixing, or adding some new flair to their releases.
This is how EA is approaching Madden 21.
“The game you buy on launch day is only the beginning of the annual Madden NFL 21 journey. Our commitment to you is to deliver meaningful change to the game throughout the year.”
Meaningful change is a fairly vague term, but it certainly means fans can expect more than just roster updates, new scenarios, and new X-Factors in Madden 21 with some pre-launch support and plenty of post-launch.
EA’s plan is to deliver the Madden 21 updates in two or three title updates over the course of the coming months. This is the post-launch support players can expect (albeit subject to change).
Madden 21 post-launch support
- Tuning – Improved progression and regression of players. Improve core player progression into the future such that X-Factors and other abilities for older players work well with incoming rookie classes.
- Commissioner Tools – Ability to undo transactions, ability to approve trades, ability to reset a game in case of a disconnect.
- AI Personnel Management – The AI will make better team management decisions in the draft. As well as in free agency and trades.
- Playoff and Super Bowl Presentation – Improve and refresh.
- X-Factor/Superstar Ability Customization – Introduce the ability to customize X-Factor and Abilities on all players. Allowing you to customize your roster as you see fit.
- Career Stats UI – Improved UI showing historical player performances. More immersion and depth on how players have progressed in your Franchise.
- Trade Logic – More fidelity, depth, and authenticity.
- Retirement UI – Better insight into retirements each season to allow players to react/manage.
- Playoffs Update – Add an authentic playoff bracket screen to see who’s in, who’s won, and who’s up next.
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By themselves each one is small, but together it should make Madden 21’s Franchise Mode more immersive and a touch fresher. More is promised for Madden 22.
Madden 21 gameplay
Key to the enjoyment of Franchise Mode is gameplay. Madden 21 should feel different in a few ways this year.
The new skill stick will heighten player control over ball carriers. Passing should be a more viable thanks to slower user defenders.
User pass rushing is also getting an improvement.
It should all make for a different gameplay feel from last year.
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The post Madden 21 Franchise Mode: Changes, roadmap, #FixMaddenFranchise, future, news, updates & more appeared first on RealSport.