2K Games is returning to the field to make official NFL games again following a more than 15-year absence. The last officially licensed NFL game from the developer was NFL 2K5, released in 2004. Since then, EA has had exclusive rights to make simulation games based on the NFL.
In the time that it’s held the exclusive license, EA has made the most of its deal, releasing a new game in the Madden NFL franchise every year. The series consistently sells well and receives positive reviews from critics, but considerably more negative reviews from fans, with the most common criticism being how similar each year’s release tends to be to previous editions. Screen Rant game the most recent installment, Madden NFL 20, 3.5/5 stars, praising the game’s new modes, but saying that it “doesn’t separate itself from the games that came before.”
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Now, there will be a new licensed NFL franchise in town, but not one that competes directly with Madden. According to 2K Games, its deal with the NFL covers “non-simulation football game experiences.” The publisher says that it will announce developers and titles for its upcoming NFL games later, but the ban on simulation games means that the NFL 2K series won’t be returning, at least without a major overhaul, because it’s considered a simulation game. Whatever comes out of the new partnership, it will likely bear more resemblance to arcade-style football games like NFL Blitz than it does to Madden NFL. 2K president David Ismailer says that the new games will be “centered on fun, approachable and social experiences.” The first game from the new 2K-NFL partnership is expected in 2021.
EA responded with a statement of its own, saying that its partnership with the NFL “remains unchanged.”
Our commitment to NFL fans, which spans almost 30 years, has never been stronger, and we’re having our biggest year yet. Madden NFL 20 is the most successful game ever in the franchise, and new modes like Superstar KO and our Madden NFL esports broadcasts are growing the fan base.
According to EA, Madden NFL 2020 is the most successful game ever in the franchise. The publisher also said that it plans to introduce new experiences on different platforms in coming years, but didn’t elaborate on what form they make take. As a simulation game, Madden NFL occupies a much different space than whatever is coming from 2K Games, even being used to predict the Super Bowl each year.
While this may not be exactly the news that NFL 2K fans wanted to hear, having more competition among sports games is definitely a good thing for players, especially if it results in different experiences that appeal to players who aren’t interested in simulation games. For those who are only interested in simulation sports games, all signs point to EA continuing to dominate the field.
