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Madden NFL 21 Next-Gen Details and Trailer
With only a few weeks until release EA Sports today began the marketing push for Madden NFL 21 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The game earlier was moved to a December 4 release missing the launch of the new systems. A new trailer today shows off what to expect visually while going further into some of the improvements to expect beyond that. Read more
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First next-gen patch for NBA 2K21
NBA 2K21 was the only sports game to launch with the PS5 and Xbox Series X and there is already a patch out to make fixes and improvements to the game. The changes are reflected across all the primary modes and are joined by likeness updates for 20 individuals. Read more
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The first of three significant Franchise updates for Madden NFL 21
The campaign to #FixMaddenFranchise made a tremendous impact but effects would not be realized immediately. It was always going to take time to upgrade Franchise Mode in Madden NFL 21, and those gains would be somewhat limited, with the more transformational improvements and additions hopefully coming in Madden 22.
The first of three planned updates largely centered on improving Franchise in Madden NFL 21 released today. It includes regression in Dev Traits, career stats for players, and customization for X-Factors. The next patch to do more with Franchise is scheduled to arrive in mid-January and will center on adding new controls for league commissioners. Read more
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EA games have joined Xbox Game Pass
As of today EA Play is now included with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. That means those with Game Pass will have access to the entire back library of EA published games and will receive other perks including the 10 hours of trial period with each new title.
Included among the mass of games are all the EA Sports offerings from 2019 and prior, plus the likes of Fight Night Champion, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Anthem, Battlefield V, Star Wars Battlefront II, Need for Speed Payback, Titanfall 2, Skate 3, Mirror’s Edge Catalyst and many others. EA Play on its own adds $30 a year worth of value to Game Pass Ultimate.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate retails for a 6 month subscription at $60 however deals are often found that make it considerably cheaper. Game Pass Ultimate features a huge library of games for Xbox consoles as well as PC with first-party titles joining the group on the day of their release.
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The Line Drive for November 8
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.
♦Developer blog goes through the new franchise features for NBA 2K21 next-gen.
♦Developer blog goes through the new Neighborhood for NBA 2K21 next-gen.
♦NBA 2K21 is a whopping 122GB install on the next-gen consoles.
♦Next-gen screenshot of a young Kobe Bryant from NBA 2K21.
♦An update to NBA 2K21 has added in next-season’s Statement jerseys.
♦Details on the latest patch that has released for Madden NFL 21.
♦The first significant update for franchise mode is still expected in weeks ahead.
♦Roster update with trade deadline movement and ratings for Madden NFL 21.
♦EA Sports has extended licensing agreements with the NHL and UFC.
♦Details on a new patch affecting gamplay and more released for NHL 21.
♦Details on the latest content for Diamond Dynasty in MLB The Show 20.
♦Details on the Road to the Final program in FUT for FIFA 21. -
The Line Drive for November 1
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.
♦The first next-gen gameplay video for NBA 2K21 showcases some of the advancements.
♦Next-gen NBA 2K21 will have an expanded WNBA presence and female MyPlayers.
♦Press Row Podcast late this week will feature next-gen preview discussion.
♦Bigger ratings movement came in the latest roster update out for Madden NFL 21.
♦The first news on MLB The Show 21 won’t be coming until early 2021.
♦Ratings changes from the post-World Series roster update live in MLB The Show 20.
♦Details on the latest content for Diamond Dynasty released in MLB The Show 20.
♦Details on a minor patch that was pushed live recently for MLB The Show 20.
♦Details on the most recent patch for FIFA 21 that is now out for both PC and consoles.
♦The 2020 update to the PES mobile game with some carryover has gone live. -
Next-gen Madden and FIFA pushed back
Madden NFL 21 and FIFA 21 will miss the launch of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Release of both games will instead come on Friday, December 4.
Speculation had started to build of a possible delay or even cancellation as launch of the new consoles neared and yet EA Sports would not comment on why they were not promoting the games or even selling pre-orders.
This is surprising news given that Madden and FIFA (unlike NBA 2K21) are not expected to be dramatically different than what was released on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Those who have purchased the game on the current-gen consoles will get the next-gen versions for free which would not have happened otherwise.
Pushing them back by just over three weeks wouldn’t seem to be enough time to do much if the games were in a poor state so the decision is a puzzling one. It will be more damaging to Madden which will by then be three quarters of the way through the regular season.
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The Line Drive for October 25
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.
♦EA is refusing comment on whether next-gen Madden/FIFA are being delayed.
♦Details on the latest patch affecting gameplay with other fixes for Madden NFL 21.
♦The latest ratings movement through roster updates for Madden NFL 21.
♦Another developer blog going further through gameplay for next-gen NBA 2K21.
♦NBA 2K21 strangely did a ratings reveal for a future update coming on Nov. 10.
♦2K Sports had to apologize for again adding unskippable ads to an NBA 2K game.
♦New fighters and other improvements from the latest patch for EA Sports UFC 4.
♦2K Sports has added some silly MyPlayer content in update to PGA Tour 2K21.
♦Patch details from earlier this month with improvements and fixes to PGA 2K21.
♦The improvements made to NHL 21 following the beta implemented for release.
♦Details on a new patch out for PC coming soon to consoles for FIFA 21.
♦MLB The Show 20 is currently on sale for $30 but likely down to $20 for Black Friday.
♦Details on the latest Diamond Dynasty program now running in MLB The Show 20.
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