While many companies are busy announcing their upcoming titles at E3, some have taken a different approach. After facing off against one another in Super Bowl LV earlier this year, Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, once again, find themselves eyeing each other down. Only this time, it is not on the gridiron. Instead, it is on the cover of Madden NFL 22, as revealed by EA earlier today.
Both stars are GOATs of the league. Brady is the man whom many believe is the greatest to ever hurl the pigskin, while Mahomes is the Chiefs’ young protege, who looks set to one day dethrone him. This is the first time that two players have graced the annual title since Troy Polamalu and Larry Fitzgerald took to the cover of Madden NFL 10, 12 long years ago.
Each year, the Madden cover athlete is fodder for heated debate. For months, fans argue as to who will grace the cover and who is deserving of the honour. Brady was first on the cover of the game’s 2018 edition, while this is Mahomes’ debut.
Despite the game being a concrete part of football culture, the Madden cover has always been considered a poisoned chalice. It carried a perceived curse that caused the cover stars to have a decline in form the following season. Thankfully, this has slowly been debunked in the last few years. So, we shouldn’t have to worry about these two giants of the game facing a decline in production this season.
Today’s announcement wasn’t just about the game’s cover. EA also took the time to announce a range of new features for Madden NFL 22, through their Gridiron Notes blog.
A Raft of New Features
Ever since the late 1990s, Franchise mode has been a mainstay of the series. It gives fans the ability to manage their favourite team, guiding them through the weekly management of the team, alongside conducting trades, hiring coaching staff, and drafting players.
Franchise mode looks different this year. It will include a more detailed staff management system and a skill tree progression system for your players. You will face various scenarios throughout the season, each carrying different risks and rewards. EA will continue to update the mode throughout the season, including an oft-requested update to player scouting.
Other Updates Coming to Madden NFL 22 Include:
- The Yard is back, allowing you to visit a range of fields and take on a range of challenges all across the world.
- Face of the Franchise is back, allowing you to live the story of a quarterback, wide receiver, running back or, for the first time, linebacker, as you work your way through college, the NFL Draft, and your rookie season.
- The co-op eliminator mode, Superstar KO, is back.
- Dynamic Gameday will allow players to experience game day in a unique way. Next-Gen Stats, Star-Driven AI, and Gameday Atmosphere will give players a range of spontaneous moments that will change the outcome of the game in the blink of an eye. (Available to Xbox Series X|S and PS5 only).
Madden NFL 22 releases August 20 on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Google Stadia, and PC. It will be available via early pre-order access on August 17.