The history of official NFL video games has shifted significantly over the years. In the early 2000s, companies such as Take‑Two Interactive, via its 2K Sports label, produced NFL-licensed simulation football games like ESPN NFL 2K5, which was widely praised for its innovation and gameplay.

That era ended when Electronic Arts Inc. (EA Sports) secured exclusive rights from the NFL to produce the only official simulation NFL console games. This year, EA released Madden NFL 26 and simultaneously confirmed an expanded licensing deal with the NFL that locks EA’s exclusivity through at least April 2031. 

According to NFL reporter Albert Breer, “The NFL has extended its deal with EA Sports through 2031. So Madden’s gonna be the NFL’s video game into the next decade.”

“Madden NFL has become one of the most widely recognized and culturally relevant gaming franchises in the world,” said Renie Anderson, executive vice president and chief revenue officer at the NFL. “EA SPORTS and the NFL have built one of the most iconic partnerships in all of sports and entertainment, and we see so much opportunity ahead to deliver for football fans everywhere,” said Cam Weber, President of EA SPORTS. 

Despite the long-term deal, the game’s launch was met with widespread criticism from fans and reviewers. Many users reported bugs, slow menus, outdated modes, and what they viewed as incremental updates.  

Because there is no competing NFL simulation game thanks to the exclusive deal, fans are voicing frustration. Their reactions signal a longing for a return to the earlier era when Take-Two (2K) and others offered alternative NFL games. 

Madden NFL 26 fails to impress fans

The absence of competition has led to stagnation in game design and unmet expectations. One user wrote, “Gross. 2K needs it back. There’s zero competition, which means zero innovation.” This sentiment echoes across forums and social posts. Especially on Reddit, where fans have ranted about Madden being the slowest and glitch-prone game. 

Others add blunt demands which cut to the chase, “Give it back to 2k”. Gamers contend that without rival developers pushing boundaries, improvements remain minimal. While the concepts are new, they fail at executing them at the highest graphic interface. 

A strong reaction claimed the latest edition is “The worst thing that has ever happened to sports video games. And the league just keeps signing up for it over and over again. Competition is good, and NFL 2K is great for business and a major competition for EA. They are afraid 2k will dominate like it did in basketball.” The fans’ claims are justified, as gamers spend $69.99 for the experience from a well-reputed creator. But having to wait until the patch improvements for bug fixes and other upgrades to have the complete experience seems a bit excessive. 

The call for renewed competition gains weight with another fan’s take, “The NFL’s refusal to let 2K back into the mix is infuriating for consumers AND not logical from a business sense. More games each year means more profit… Competition will force EA and 2K to put out higher-quality products. Low-level thinking!”

Although Madden has immersive gameplay, the ESPN NFL 2K remains undefeated in the gaming community. Primarily because of its presentation, graphic immersion, and more importantly, the mind of physics in the game. The realistic approach to Madden is far from what the NFL 2K offers. Fans rant that the foundation of gameplay is decent for the Madden NFL 26, yet not as immersive as what 2K provided previously. 

The anger peaks with demands directed at the league licensing structure, and fans see it as a downgrade: “NFL need to let ea go and bring back NFL 2K and Blitz.” Fans clearly tie game quality directly to the presence or absence of alternative developers. And the backlash suggests many feel they’re the ones paying the price. For better or worse, improvements by EA through the deal can fix these issues for smoother graphics and better gameplay. EA’s NFL Blitz reboot in 2012 is also one of the old-school arcade-style games that fans loved.

But, let’s not forget one thing every gamer has heard and stayed true to with EA Sports, “Its in the game.” Hopefully, EA takes these improvements into consideration and fixes them with the latest update. And standardizes them when the next Madden takes over the consoles.