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Madden predicts Saints win Super Bowl XLIV
If the "Madden Curse" is the unflapping revenge exacted by the fowl spirit of the Great Turducken, its devoured body unceremoniously carved up by the bare hands of John Madden on national television those many years ago (seriously, go wikipedia that joint), then the annual "Madden NFL Super Bowl Simulation" is just ... plain math. In the latest case of crunching the numbers, Madden 10 has predicted the New Orleans Saints to be winners of this Sunday's Super Bowl XLIV over the Indianapolis Colts. It was a real nail biter, EA recalls: "with minutes left in the game the duo of Joseph Addai and Peyton Manning put the Colts back on top with a go-ahead touchdown pass. With the game hanging in the balance, Drew Brees hits David Thomas for an 11-yard touchdown and the game winning score." The final: 35-31. But more intriguing than the projected outcome of a mere sporting event is EA Sports' coveted simulation formula, which has become scary good. Not only did it correctly predict the winners of the conference championship games a few Sundays ago within a three-point margin of error, according to EA Sports, the formula accurately played out last year's Super Bowl down to the final score and individual player stats, which begs the question: What can't it predict? We'd like to put a request in to EA to simulate next week's retail showdown: BioShock 2 vs. Dante's Inferno. Place your bets now! %Gallery-84606%
Madden Ultimate Team now available on Xbox 360 and PS3
If you've grown tired with tossing around the virtual pigskin for the last six months, then you may want to check out Madden NFL 10's free DLC, Madden Ultimate Team. Available as a free title update on the Xbox 360 and PS3, Madden Ultimate Team turns the football experience into a trading card game, allowing players to construct custom teams using collectible cards. Upon initial start-up, you'll receive a starter pack with one coach, some players, an offensive and defensive playbook and home and away jerseys. You can then match your constructed team up against the CPU or take on a human opponent via online, where your performance will net you coins to purchase more cards. You can check out a tutorial of the new mode above, but also feel free to get a closer glimpse at the cards and interface via the images in our gallery below. Or, you know, just boot up your copy of Madden NFL 10. %Gallery-77451%
NPD lists top-selling games of 2009 in US -- excluding December
The NPD Group, which tracks sales of games in the US, handed over a list of the top 10 selling games this year through November to IndustryGamers. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on Xbox 360 dominates the top spot with 4.2 million copies sold, while the PS3 version slips in at eighth place -- considering the data only goes up to November, a quick look at last month's NPDs could have told you as much. The only other non-Nintendo titles at the top are Halo 3: ODST with 2 million and Madden NFL 10 on Xbox 360 with 1.5 million at the six and nine spots, respectively. Otherwise, Nintendo owns this list with first-party titles. If you're prepared to gaze upon the stunning sales Nintendo had in 2009, head on over to IndustryGamers for the data.
Madden 10 has shipped 3.9 million copies
EA may be hurting, but there are still some bright spots, like when it announced Madden NFL 10's sales figures during its quarterly conference call with investors. The publisher revealed that the company "sold" 3.9 million copies globally, which isn't entirely accurate, as we've learned those are "sell-in" figures -- a fancy way of saying "shipped." EA's John Schappert stated that Madden had a rough start in August, with sales down 19 percent from the prior year, but that it rallied up eight percent year-over-year in September, thanks to the PS3 price drop. The company claims that Madden 10 has sold five percent more than last year's iteration on PS3 and Xbox 360 combined, as of the end of September. Not shabby for a down economy!
Analyst: Madden 10 Wii didn't sell because of ... Madden 09 Wii
Yesterday, Electronic Arts CEO John Ricitiello pointed to a downward turn in game sales this summer as a prime culprit in what he called a "discouraging" August kickoff for one of the "highest-rated and best-marketed Madden titles in years." Still, that didn't explain the 42 percent decline in sales for the franchise on Nintendo's console. So, we spoke with Jesse Divnich, games market analyst at EEDAR, to get his thoughts on the fairly "oh, wow"-worthy revelation.More than anything, Divnich believes that gamers' experience with last year's game on Wii influenced their decision to not give the franchise a second shot on the system. "I believe many diehard Madden fans, who transitioned from the PS2 to the Wii, made their yearly Madden purchase in 2008 and realized that the Wii could not offer the same experience they have grown accustom to (online play, realistic graphics, in-depth team management)," he told Joystiq.The game's motion control gameplay features -- versus the familiar DualShock 2 -- might also have been a turn-off, Divnich said, likening it to the slow acceptance of console controllers for use in first-person shooters. "Anyone introduced to the FPS category through the keyboard/mouse combination even still today refuses to accept the analog controllers as a legitimate FPS controller," he remarked.Ultimately, though, Divnich came back to the PS2-to-Wii user's experience with last year's Madden. "Avid Madden fans have the curse of knowledge ... and they know that Madden cannot offer the same experience on the Wii as it did for the PS2."
Madden 10 for Wii sold only 67K copies in August, EA calls overall sales 'discouraging'
We first caught wind that an imperfect storm was brewing for this season's Madden offering shortly after kickoff in mid-August. Now we know that not only has Madden 10 for Wii been sacked at retail, but EA is less than happy with the performance of the franchise as a whole thus far in '09.IndustryGamers received word from NPD that Madden NFL 10 for Wii -- a game touted as being rebuilt from the ground up for Nintendo's console this year, in part to improve sales -- sold only 67,000 copies in the month of August. In comparison, the PS2 version sold 160K copies, with the Xbox 360 SKU selling the best at 928K. This time last year, the Wii installment of Madden 09 sold ... just about 116K copies.In the same afternoon, Bloomberg reported that EA CEO John Ricitiello emailed his employees a memo that stated, in part, "It is discouraging that one of our highest-rated and best-marketed Madden titles in years is facing strong headwinds." Ricitiello clearly wasn't faulting quality, but rather downward industry sales trends which he admitted "present a challenge." That may be the case, but it doesn't explain the Wii version's shockingly low sales, especially for a franchise that's about as mainstream as they come.Source -- Madden Wii Sells Just 67K Copies [IndustryGamers]Source -- Electronic Arts Says 'Madden,' Industry Sales Drop [Bloomberg]
Madden 10 AFL Legacy Pack takes the field Sept. 24
Madden 10 rolls back the decades with the release of the "AFL Legacy Pack" DLC on September 24 for Xbox 360 and PS3. The DLC presents the game as if it were the 1960s, with referees in orange striped uniforms, "retro football card-like user interface" and a film grain broadcast camera look. The eight original AFL teams will be presented with their original uniforms and the 15 AFL Legacy Game matchups in the regular season can be presented in Legacy mode during the offline Franchise mode, Play Now and Superstar modes. The pack costs 560 ($7) on Xbox 360 and $6.99 on PS3. %Gallery-72264%
Some copies of Madden 10 missing 'Online Franchise' DLC codes
Developers these days are doing a lot to incentivize those new game purchases over their used counterparts, and Madden 10 is no exception. Those who purchased the game were supposed to receive a downloadable code for the game's "Online Franchise Mode," though reportedly, those in "regions outside of North America," specifically Australia, the UK and "other regions" are getting copies with a missing DLC code.Panic broke out at EA's forums over the situation, but EA Sports told Joystiq this morning that a fix is on the way. "We are aware of the situation and we're working towards a solution right now," EA's Rob Semsey told us. The one-time use DLC code is supposed to be on the back of the manual in the game's box, but due to the "printing process of the manuals," some folks are getting copies without any code. Worse? The DLC has already landed on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, giving some Madden 10 owners the impression that they were expected to pay for the content -- despite having purchased a new copy on launch day.EA says we'll get more official word on a solution "very soon," but for now we suggest following Madden 10 lead designer Ian Cummings' tweeted suggestion of calling the customer support line. %Gallery-63607%
European PSN update for August 13
Are you ready to be "taken for a ride?" You really don't have a choice in the matter -- Marvel vs. Capcom 2 landed on the European PSN today, pulling any who dare to boot up their PS3s into her slavering, ever-addictive maw. Then again, if you're in the market for a bit of edutainment, then LittleBigPlanet's "History Pack" sounds like it'd be right up your alley. Or, maybe you just want to incorporate some bizarre MMORPG microtransaction elements into your Madden NFL 10 experience -- you're set there, too. Man, what an all-inclusive PSN update! Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list: (Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)
Play Madden in a football stadium ... on the big screen!
Following in the great tradition of, um, the Jonas Brothers' tour manager playing Gears of War 2 on a way too big screen at Cowboy Stadium, EA and Sony are hosting a Madden 10 event for 256 lucky fans at the same stadium. The kicker? If you manage to snag a spot, you'll not only get access to the full game nearly a week early, but you may also find your gaming projected on one of the stadium's many enormous screens. The event takes place on Cowboy season ticket holder appreciation day and as such, those lucky enough to get inside may find 10,000 or so people in the stands. However, if you brave the Madden 10 tourney ladder and win, you'll be walking away with a copy of the game, before its August 14 release, and a PlayStation 3. The PlayStation US blog is giving away 25 tickets (+1 guest) for little more than a silly photo of yourself demonstrating "your favorite touchdown dance or pose" with a PlayStation item in the picture. It could be worse, right? You could have to sing a Jonas Brothers song or something. [Image credit]
EA Sports' fall soundtrack in full, from Alexisonfire to Zap Mama
What kind of crazy, block-bustin' beats are you going to be nodding your head to when playing this fall's EA Sports titles? The publisher wants you to know, in full, well before any of the games launch. Why? Well, we're not entirely sure. One thing that's clearly apparent from the various soundtracks: target markets. We're not exactly left scratching our heads over who wants Röyksopp rolling in the background while playing a rousing game of footie (hint: EUROPEANS) or who wants Alice in Chains pumping in Giants Stadium (hint: UNITED STATESIANS). Either way, head after the break for the whole list, including the tunes in Madden NFL 10, NBA Live 10, NHL 10, and FIFA 10. And then go out and buy a Röyksopp album. You'll thank us.
Xbox Live gets Madden 10 demo a week early
With EA having already announced that the public demo for Madden NFL 10 -- read: not the fancy pre-order demo -- would release on July 30 on both the Xbox 360 and PS3, it looks like Microsoft has made other plans. Microsoft has announced that the Madden 10 public demo will be hitting Xbox Live on July 23, a full week ahead of the PSN version. Unsurprisingly, you'll need to be an Xbox Live Gold member to snag the demo early. Silver members will still be stuck waiting until next week.Lest you've forgotten, the public demo features a snowy night game between the Giants and the Cowboys. If you're not in line to pick up the spiffy pre-order demo but still want to see what the fuss is all about, be sure to snag the public demo when it drops this Thursday.
Madden 10 pre-order demo drops July 23, public demo July 30
Remember that fancy Superbowl reenactment demo that's only available to those that pre-order Madden NFL 10? EA has announced that said demo will arrive next week on July 23. But what about all the little people, the ones that won't be putting down some reserve cash for Mr. Madden's latest outing? EA has them covered too, announcing that a public demo will arrive on PSN and XBLA one week later, on July 30.As previously announced, the public demo will not be a reenactment of Super Bowl XLIII, but will instead be a boring, snow-covered night game between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants. We suppose you might want to pre-order if the particular setting of your virtual football demo is of great importance to you. Otherwise you can wait a week to take Madden for a spin without committing your cash.
Madden NFL 10 to feature online co-op
If there's one thing football games lack nowadays, it's the feeling of comradery that comes from playing with teammates. When it's one person versus another person, the whole teamwork thing kind of gets thrown out the window. Well, no longer will you be forced to play online all alone, as EA has revealed that Madden NFL 10 will include online co-op gameplay for the first time on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. Head past the break for a trailer where some of the folks behind the game explain the new feature and what they hope it will mean for the future of Madden.
Madden 10: Did EA press reset?
Senior producer Phil Frazier calls Madden NFL 10 a "reset." That's a tough buzzword to sell, especially for Madden, which is reappearing this August as its twenty-something-ith iteration. Despite its massive following, Joystiq has largely treated the series as uninteresting. Year in, year out, the process has grown mechanical: the annual announcement, followed by details of game enhancements, and then, of course, a look at those supposedly cursed cover athletes. Then, silence. The game's released. A few months later, news of its sales dominance. Rinse. Repeat. Reset.It's difficult not to trivialize a game franchise that follows such a formulaic path from concept to destined bestseller. On the surface, it appears as if there are no surprises. There's nothing to be inspired by. Maybe there's a twinge of aliveness in seeing the first screenshot of the new season, in admiring the game's gradual transformation into lifelike football, in our brief exaggeration of that image as actually lifelike, before scrutiny sets in, and we identify it as just the new Madden.Somewhere, certainly, there are discussion forums geeking out over the new look and tweaks and promises -- or passionately lamenting the next "QB Vision Cone." But here, we have not been moved beyond the mundane and have not trusted that an exclusive NFL license, a one-year development cycle and, dare we suggest, a "simple" sports game are keys to gaming innovation. An inner troll is nagging: Guys, you know it's just another "roster update."
Joystiq impressions: Madden NFL 10 (Xbox 360)
Are you ready for some football, even though though we're still a few months away from the start of the season? EA has made it no secret at all that they're ready for you. This year's development blog has offered up the most transparent production of a Madden game ever ... but does it make a difference? Are you willing to gamble with your hard-earned dollars in the hopes that they got it right? With its lock on the NFL licensing for video games, Madden NFL 10 could come out with the players wearing frilly tutus and ballet shoes, and it would still sell a kajillion copies, although that's easily chalked up to the name recognition of the game, and the fact that EA has gotten it right more often than it's gotten it wrong. So why does it feel like every year Madden adds more modes and features, without taking a look at the core gameplay to see what they can change?We took a look at the Xbox 360 version recently at an EA preview event, and the game certainly looks a lot prettier than ever before (and much sharper than it's cartoonish Wii cousin), but is the gameplay any better? Find out beyond the break after you peep the new images below.%Gallery-63607%
Madden NFL 10: Photos and videos
Madden NFL 10 for the Wii decided to go a much more cartoonish, "genre defining" route than its PS3/360 cousin in order to "stay true to its core audience." So, if you're looking for a more realistic footballing experience, you won't find it here. But if you're looking some something fine-tuned to the Wii's motion controls and aimed at the more casual player, look no further. And by casual we mean you can apparently tackle someone... without even touching them. There's a gallery full of new Wii images below, and two videos after the break. You have three more months to get ready for some football, which really seems like a lot of time. Don't strain yourself.%Gallery-63609%
Madden NFL 10 on Wii features 'genre-defining art style'
Click image to juke into our gallery Seriously, EA? Inside your long press release about the Wii version of Madden NFL 10, you point out the new, cartoon looks? Don't play up the fact that this year's edition is entirely new and built from the ground up on the Wii. Don't elaborate on how the game will "deliver a social, dynamic experience for the entire living room" or anything. Nope, just tell us how great it looks, sit back, and prepare to count all the money.Madden NFL 10 sacks retail on August 14, 2009.%Gallery-51384%
Madden NFL 10 to feature new Pro-Tak mode, faster ways to play
EA just passed along some new screens and details for Madden NFL 10, and it looks like Tiburon is really working hard to make this year's edition stand out. One of the biggest improvements to the game is the Pro-Tak feature, which provides more dynamic tackling on the defense, better evasion maneuvers for the Quarterback, and allows players to fight for fumbles at the bottom of the pile. Defenders can even gang up on an offensive player, allowing up to 9-man gang tackles. There will also be a new way for you to decrease the length of a game through the Madden NFL Your Way feature. This is a customizable version of the game that will support a new, revamped play calling system, along with faster clocks, and streamlined presentation.Madden NFL 10 will tackle retail on August 14, 2009.%Gallery-51382%
Madden NFL 10 tackles retail on August 14th
It's another year, it's another Madden. The best only NFL game in town will make its return this year on August 14th, promising "all-new animation technology." The Madden line follows EA's newfound love for Nintendo, as the Wii version gets special attention this year with a "unique, genre-defining art style" that "epitomizes what fun looks like on the Wii." Cel-shaded Madden, perhaps?We don't know much more about this year's iteration of the Madden series, except for details garnered from the game's only screenshot. The infamous cover athlete is also currently unknown and will be revealed later this year on April 24th.Madden NFL10 will be available on Xbox 360, PS2, PS3, PSP and Wii. Update: Big Download has confirmed that no PC version is in the works. "We have no plans to release Madden NFL 10 on the PC this year."
