Christian McCaffrey is named the Madden 2025 cover athlete
49ers running back Christian McCaffrey talks about becoming the next athlete to grace the cover of the Madden video game.
Sports Seriously
There’s been a ton of buzz around EA Sports College Football 25, the first college football video game in the franchise since 2013.
But there’s another major sports game release creeping up: Madden NFL 25. It will be the first installment of the pro football video game series since … well, last year’s Madden 24.
Orlando-based EA Sports dropped a deep dive into the Madden 25 updated gameplay Tuesday, July 23, including Boom Tech tackling and signature styles. Christian McCaffrey is the first San Francisco 49er to be on a Madden cover. And yes, Madden 25 will include the new hybrid kickoff rules.
The first trailer for Madden 25 dropped June 20. Get hyped:
And remember: You can transfer your player created in College Football 25 into Madden 25 to continue his journey from Heisman winner to Pro Football Hall of Famer. Here’s everything we know about the game, including release date, price, platforms and ratings:
When does Madden 25 come out? When is the release date?
Madden 25 will release on Friday, August 16. Those who preorder the Deluxe Edition or who ordered the MVP Bundle will have access Tuesday, August 13.
How much will Madden 25 cost?
The standard edition of Madden 25 will cost $69.99. The Deluxe Edition, which includes early access and other perks, costs $99.99. The MVP Bundle, which includes the Deluxe Edition of College Football 25, costs $149.99.
Wait, wasn’t there already a Madden 25?
Strangely, yes. For the video game franchise’s 25th anniversary, EA Sports called the version that came out in 2013 “Madden NFL 25” instead of “Madden NFL 14.” That game was released on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Barry Sanders was the cover athlete of the old version of Madden 25.
Madden 25 gameplay
On Tuesday, July 23, EA Sports released a deep dive into the new features of gameplay in Madden 25. Watch below:
What’s new for Madden 25?
The biggest innovation in Madden 25 is Boom Tech, an updated tackling system that EA says puts real-world physics into its FieldSense animation-branching technology. What it means is tackling will feel more like it would in the real game, depending not only on each player’s ratings and how well you time the Hit Stick, but also the angle of approach and momentum of the players leading up to contact.
The game also will add more signature styles, so virtual Derrick Henry runs like real Derrick Henry, virtual Tyreek Hill catches passes like real Tyreek Hill, and virtual Jalen Hurts squats real low to take snaps just like real Jalen Hurts. Pre-snap hand motions and gestures will reflect actual adjustments the player or computer is making.
EA also said it is adding more types of catches and pass-block mechanics that will let players see which defenders their linemen are targeting pre-snap and adjust the blocking scheme.
Finally, Madden 25 will include three different broadcast teams. Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis are back, accompanied by Sunday Night Football’s Mike Tirico and Fox analyst Greg Olsen. Also new to the game are Kate Scott, play-by-play announcer for the Philadelphia 76ers, and former NFL quarterback and Fox college football analyst Brock Huard.
Does Madden 25 have franchise mode?
Franchise mode is a staple of sports games, and it’s back with Madden 25. It lets players build their favorite team into a perennial Super Bowl contender as owner, coach and GM. This year’s version will include a revamped NFL Draft night with Commissioner Roger Goodell and personalized storylines.
Does Madden 25 have all-time teams?
All-Time Teams, which let gamers play with teams of the best players in NFL history, was a mode available in the previous “Madden 25” (the one from 2013) as part of the franchise’s 25th anniversary. It’s not one of the modes featured in the forthcoming Madden 25, largely replaced by Ultimate Team, which lets users build their own fantasy team of the game’s best players to compete in online challenges and tournaments.
Does Madden 25 have superstar mode?
Superstar mode, which lets players create their own NFL athlete and build him up to an MVP and Hall of Famer, is back with Madden 25. Players in Superstar mode can earn rewards in live and seasonal events.
What are the Madden 25 ratings? When do they come out?
The famed player ratings for Madden 25 are the highly scrutinized grades for each player. The Madden 99 club is the select group that receives an overall rating of 99, the highest EA Sports’ ratings go. (There previously was a Madden 100 club, but EA no longer scores that high.)
The 2024 Madden ratings will be released throughout the week on ESPN starting July 29 and culminating with an hourlong special at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 3.
Where to play Madden 25
Madden 25 will be available on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. All features of Madden 25 will be available on only the PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Is Madden 25 crossplay?
Cross-platform play will be available for the PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC versions of Madden 25. Crossplay will be available in the following modes:
- Online head-to-head
- Franchise
- Ultimate Team
- Superstar KO
- Superstar Showdown
Will Madden 25 be on PS4? It is PS5 only?
There will be a PS4 version of Madden 25, but it will have limited features. Players will be able to trade in their PS4 version of the game for a PS5 version at no extra cost.
Will Madden 25 be on Xbox One?
There will be an Xbox One version of Madden 25, but it will have limited features. Players will be able to trade in their Xbox One version of the game for an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S version at no extra cost.