Now that John Madden is retiring...

[Kabob]

Since Madden is retiring, what will future EA Sports NFL games be called? I guess they could still go with "Madden" but seeing that he has no ties with the franchise now...

 

[Jack Flash]

They'll be called Madden. You don't throw away a brand name like this one.

 

[Queasy]

Yep. I believe EA has already stated they are keeping the Madden name.

edit: Yep

National Football League TV announcer John Madden declared his retirement today, but don't expect Electronic Arts to stop leveraging the name of the legendary personality in its hit Madden NFL franchise.

EA Sports rep David Tinson told Gamasutra that the publisher has "a long term contract with John Madden."

EA Sports president Peter Moore also said in a statement, "We?re excited to see [Madden's] legacy live on in the 21st year of Madden NFL football, and well beyond.

"It?s been a privilege for EA Sports to have had the strong relationship we?ve had with John for more than two decades and one that will continue into the future.?

Madden's likeness first appeared on 1988's John Madden Football for Commodore and Apple II.

Following its August 2008 release, the most recent franchise entry, Madden NFL 09, had sold 4.5 million units as of September 2008. The franchise overall has sold many millions more, serving as a staple of EA's portfolio for years.

Madden NFL 10 is slated for this August.

Moore also called Madden "a true sports icon who has made an indelible impact on the sport of football which will be felt forever."

Due to an agreement between EA and the NFL and NFL Players Association, Madden NFL holds the exclusive rights to feature real-life players, stadiums and teams. In February 2008, EA and the NFL extended the agreement through the 2012 pro football season.

 

[purbeast0]

what you mean he will have no ties with the franchise?

he retired from broadcasting NFL games.

and it's not like madden has been doing the actual announcing in his football games for years.

 

[Kabob]

Originally posted by: purbeast0
what you mean he will have no ties with the franchise?

he retired from broadcasting NFL games.

and it's not like madden has been doing the actual announcing in his football games for years.

No ties to the NFL franchise.

 

[purbeast0]

oh i thought you meant no ties with the EA franchise

i don't think that will be a problem though, the name alone will still sell the game no doubt.

 

[gorcorps]

Doesn't he get some $$$ from having his name (and voice) in the game as well? Might as well keep some cash flow going if you can, even though I'm sure he doesn't need it.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Rehashed Garbage 2011

 

[Jack Flash]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
Rehashed Garbage 2011

Can say that about almost every game released. 'Turbo Space Marine Shooter' 'Spiky Hair RPG' 'Street Drifter Racer' 'Zombie Kill Shooter'

 

[Kabob]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
Rehashed Garbage 2011

My personal favorite was a photoshop someone did of a Madden cover, I believe the new name was "Roster Update 2006" or something of the sort.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: Jack Flash

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
Rehashed Garbage 2011

Can say that about almost every game released. 'Turbo Space Marine Shooter' 'Spiky Hair RPG' 'Street Drifter Racer' 'Zombie Kill Shooter'

But it actually applies to the Madden series The garbage part. Yes, every game is pretty much inspired or a rehash of some other game.

 

[JDub02]

<madden> brett favre is the greatest player in football. if he lost both his arms and legs, he'd still be the best torso in football. </madden>

 

[SlitheryDee]

After he's dead and gone, they'll still be calling it "Madden NFL 2XXX".