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MADDEN

Madden 23 Fixes One Of Franchise Mode’s Biggest Issues

Madden 23 Franchise Mode Fix

This year’s Franchise mode finally resolved one of the series long running issues.

Earlier this month EA released details on it’s extremely popular Franchise mode and it looks to be much improved thanks to smarter scouting logic, deeper draft classes, and several other key changes. The biggest change revolving around free agency bidding looks to completely change the Franchise mode landscape.

In previous years, because free agency is broken into several phases in Madden, the league advances as a collective from one phase to the next. This allows free agents to pick their new teams based on the contract offers that are most favorable. For any well ran league, this would occur at a scheduled time of day so that all players know what to expect. But having that information also presents a huge, previously unavoidable flaw for everyone involved: If you know when a bidding war is set to end, you can treat Madden like eBay and bid as the window closes.

If you played in a franchise league prior to Madden 23 you likely have been on both sides of the problem. There hasn’t been anyone from stopping anyone from just waiting until the final few seconds to jump ahead with a better deal.

To address this you would need to take the entire free agency process out of the game and into a silent auction.

Madden 23 FINALLY resolves this problem with one long-awaited adjustment. In Madden 23’s free agency period, you can’t see other players bids, nor where yours lands in comparison. As now those who really want a player will need to offer a contract without the intel of knowing exactly what other offers are on the table. This should help Madden players recognize the value of a dollar more than ever before.

Players will still be able to know if their offer is in the range of something appealing to the player. New player motivations will provide insight into what a free agent is looking for in a team–great QB, starting spot, or even an income tax-free state have been mentioned as some examples. All authentic to the sport and, more importantly, create a much better user experience.

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MADDEN

EA Sports Aims to Release College Football Game in July 2023

NCAA Football 23

After teasing the release of a new college football video game last February, EA Sports has reportedly targeted a July 2023 release date for the reboot of the franchise.

According to a Jan. 2021 proposal, EA Sports along with the Collegiate Licensing Corporation informed schools they intend to release a college football game sometime in July 2023. CLC management later sent a follow-up proposal to multiple D-I schools in February of this year with an update confirming “game development is in full swing” and the “launch goal is still summer of 2023.”

While nothing released includes a specific date, EA Sports noted in last year’s proposal the target timeframe will allow for the “two-year game development window necessary for collecting game assets and developing game play to meet the current market demands for a unique college football game while following NCAA guidelines.”

The report also includes an update in regard to compensating players for the use of their likeness, the issue that led to the lawsuit that stopped production of NCAA Football in 2013. With the NCAA no longer allowed to govern student-athlete compensation, there’s hope that EA Sports will be able to use the players in the game, and would still launch the title if they are unable to use likenesses.

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MADDEN

Madden 23 Player Ratings

Madden 23 QB and OL RatingsFollowing the death of Hall of Fame coach John Madden, and EA Sports’ decision to put Madden on the cover, there seems to be an added feeling of legacy around the game this year. The player rating reveal has become part of that legacy, and EA has recently released the Madden 23 player ratings.

As the game has grown so has the attention that comes with player ratings. Ratings matter to players, they complain on social media about their rating, the Madden staff has an entire crew dedicated to adjusting ratings throughout the year. It’s a thing.

With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the Madden 23 launch ratings.

Quarterbacks

1. Tom Brady, Buccaneers: 97

2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers: 96

3. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs: 95

4. Josh Allen, Bills: 92

5. Joe Burrow, Bengals: 90

6. Dak Prescott, Cowboys: 89

7. Justin Herbert, Charges: 88

T-8. Lamar Jackson, Ravens: 87

T-8. Russell Wilson, Broncos: 87

10. Matthew Stafford, Rams: 85

Offensive line

1. Trent Williams, OT, 49ers: 99

2. Zack Martin, G, Cowboys: 98

T-3. Tyron Smith, OT, Cowboys: 95

T-3. Quenton Nelson, G, Colts: 95

5. David Bakhtiari, OT, Packers: 94

6. Terron Armstead, OT, Dolphins: 93

7. Lane Johnson, OT, Eagles: 92

T-8. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Buccaneers: 91

T-8. Corey Linsley, C, Chargers: 91

10. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Ravens: 90

Running backs

1. Derrick Henry, Titans: 97

T-2. Nick Chubb, Browns: 96

T-2. Christian McCaffrey, Panthers: 96

4. Jonathan Taylor, Colts: 95

5. Dalvin Cook, Vikings: 94

6. Joe Mixon, Bengals: 93

7. Alvin Kamara, Saints: 90

8. Aaron Jones, Packers: 89

T-9. Austin Ekeler, Chargers: 88

T-9. Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys: 88

Wide receivers

1. Davante Adams, Raiders: 99

2. Cooper Kupp, Rams: 98

3. Tyreek Hill, Dolphins: 97

4. DeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals: 96

5. Stefon Diggs, Bills: 95

6. Justin Jefferson, Vikings: 93

7. Mike Evans, Buccaneer: 92

T-8. Terry McLaurin, Commanders: 91

T-8. Keenan Allen, Chargers: 91

10. Amari Cooper, Browns: 90

Tight ends

1. Travis Kelce, Chiefs: 98

2. George Kittle, 49ers: 97

3. Mark Andrews, Ravens: 93

4. Darren Waller, Raiders: 91

5. T.J. Hockenson, Lions (89

6. Kyle Pitts, Falcons: 87

7. Mike Gesicki, Dolphins: 86

8. Dallas Goedert, Eagles: 85

T-9. Zach Ertz, Cardinals: 84

T-9. Hunter Henry, Patriots: 84

1. Justin Tucker, Ravens: 90

2. Harrison Butker, Chiefs: 84

3. Evan McPherson, Bengals: 83

T-4. Chris Boswell, Steelers: 82

T-4. Younghoe Koo, Falcons: 82

T-6. Graham Gano, Giants: 81

T-6. Daniel Carlson, Raiders: 81

8. Robbie Gould, 49ers: 80

9. Matt Gay, Rams: 79

10. Nick Folk, Patriots: 78

1. Myles Garrett, Browns: 99

2. T.J. Watt, Steelers: 96

3. Nick Bosa, 49ers: 94

T-4. Von Miller, Bills: 92

T-4. Khalil Mack, Chargers: 92

T-6. Joey Bosa, Chargers: 91

T-6. Cameron Jordan, Saints: 91

T-8. DeMarcus Lawrence, Cowboys: 90

T-8. Chandler Jones, Raiders: 90

10. Rashan Gary, Packers: 89

1. Aaron Donald, Rams: 99

T-2. Cameron Heyward, Steelers: 93

T-2. Vita Vea, Buccaneers: 93

4. Jonathan Allen, Commanders: 92

5. Chris Jones, Chiefs: 91

6. DeForest Buckner, Colts: 90

7. Kenny Clark, Packers: 89

T-8. Jeffery Simmons, Titans: 88

T-8. Michael Pierce, Ravens: 88

10. Fletcher Cox, Eagles: 88

1. Fred Warner, 49ers: 94

2. Demario Davis, Saints: 93

3. Lavonte David, Buccaneers: 92

4. Bobby Wagner, Rams: 91

5. Darius Leonard, Colts: 90

6. Roquan Smith, Bears: 89

T-7. Micah Parsons, Cowboys: 88

T-7. Eric Kendricks, Vikings: 88

9. De’Vondre Campbell, Packers: 87

10. Devin White, Buccaneers: 85

1. Jalen Ramsey, Rams: 98

2. Jaire Alexander, Packers: 94

3. Tre’Davious White, Bills: 93

T-4. Darius Slay, Eagles: 92

T-4. Denzel Ward, Browns: 92

T-6. Marshon Lattimore, Saints: 91

T-6. Stephon Gilmore, Panthers: 91

T-8. J.C. Jackson, Chargers: 90

T-8. Marlon Humphrey, Ravens: 90

10. A.J. Terrell, Falcons: 89

1. Tyrann Mathieu, Saints: 94

2. Derwin James Jr., Chargers: 93

T-3. Budda Baker, Cardinals: 92

T-3. Kevin Byard, Titans: 92

T-5. Micah Hyde, Bills: 91

T-5. Justin Simmons, Broncos: 91

T-7. Jessie Bates III, Bengals: 90

T-7. Jordan Poyer, Bills: 90

T-7. Harrison Smith, Vikings: 90

T-7. Jamal Adams, Seahawks: 90

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FIFA

FIFA 23 Release Date & First Trailer

FIFA 23 Release Date

EA has revealed that FIFA 23 will be available September 30th, will feature same-generation cross-play, a World Cup DLC, and more.

Revealed on the official website, EA’s final FIFA game will be cross-play at launch for the first time, although there is a catch. Players can only play together between the same generation of consoles, meaning those on PlayStation 4 can only play against those on the same platform or on Xbox One. PC players will be in the same pool as players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Friends can also only play against each other in online friendlies and FIFA Ultimate Team’s Play a Friend mode. All other modes – FUT Online Friendlies, Online Seasons, FUT Rivals, FUT Champions, and FUT Online Draft – can only be played cross-play through online matchmaking. Players will be able to opt-out of cross-play altogether if they chose to do so.

EA has also announced that free DLC will be released at some point after the initial release, bringing both the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 into the game. No release window was given for the DLC.

FIFA 23 has promised to bring more realism and control through its new HyperMotion 2 technology which includes 6,000 unique animations to make players move more authentically than ever before.

Further reveals will be made in the lead-up to the game’s September release date, with EA promising new information on gameplay features on July 27, Career Mode on August 1, Matchday Experience on August 5, Pro Clubs and Volta on August 8, and FIFA Ultimate Team on August 11.

Here’s a look at FIFA 23’s first trailer.

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NBA 2K

NBA 2K23 On PC Will Be Previous-Gen Version

NBA 2K23 PC

Players have been clamoring for the next generation upgrades from the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of NBA 2K to be added to PC the past few years.

Despite the consumer push, it looks like NBA 2K23’s PC version wont be getting the upgrade.

According to the FAQs section of the 2K Games website, the PC and Nintendo Switch versions of the next NBA 2K game won’t receive the graphical and technical upgrades that the game’s next-gen console versions will have.

“For now, the focus was on making sure NBA 2K23 was optimized for the new consoles, while also making sure the experience remains fresh and innovative for players on other platforms” a 2K rep stated.

This will obviously be a disappointment to PC fans of the NBA 2K series, as the developers continue to largely ignore that version of the game.

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MADDEN

Madden NFL 23 Reveals New Changes to Franchise Mode

Madden 23 Franchise Mode

Prior to its release in August, EA has revealed new information about changes that will be coming to Madden NFL 23’s Franchise mode.

Franchise mode is one of the most popular game modes on Madden every season, so a lot of us want to know what is being done to improve it. This time around, it seems like EA is looking to address many of the biggest complaints that players have had over the last few years.

Broken down in a newly released video, EA highlighted a number of the changes that will be implemented in Franchise mode.

Franchise Mode Changes

EA has overhauled the entire process involved with free agency, which means that moves in each offseason will have be be thought out a bit more.

Not only is the Free Agency hub getting a visual remodel, but the game will also implement new systems related to player motivations. There will now be a vast number of these motivations that players will take into account when looking to sign with a team. As such, signing a player will be more complex compared to past games where you would simply offer a high amount of money to get a player on your roster.

In addition, Franchise mode is going to implement a larger number of other updates. Scouting is getting refined, we will also see draft and trade logic getting overhauled. As far as cap space management, Madden 23 is also now implementing the rollover cap, which will give you more flexibility when it comes to constructing your roster.

If you’d like to learn more about all of the changes happening with Franchise this year, you can check it out on EA’s website.

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NBA 2K

NBA 2K23: 10 Things To Know

NBA 2K23 10 Things to Know

We don’t have an official release date yet, but here’s what we know right now about NBA 2K23 based on history, rumors and confirmed information.

We don’t have a lot in the way of confirmed NBA 2K23 news but we expect to learn a lot more in the coming weeks.

Here’s what we have as far as what you can expect from NBA 2K23’s features, release date, editions, demo, and more.

NBA 2K23 Launch Date

2K says pre-orders will kick off on July 7th and we’ll see a flurry of details confirmed right before or on that date.

The initial NBA 2K announcements are typically light on details so don’t expect 2K Games and Visual Concepts to show much of the game in the early going.

NBA 2K23 Release Date

We don’t have an official NBA 2K23 release date yet. You can expect the NBA 2K23 release date to land sometime in September ahead of Black Friday and the 2022 holiday season.

One leak suggests the NBA 2K23 release date will be September 16th.

We didn’t see any early access last year so there may not be a way to play NBA 2K23 ahead of its official release date. In the past, 2K Games has offered an early access date to those who bought deluxe versions of the game.

NBA 2K23 Consoles

NBA 2K23 will release for current-generation platforms including PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

You can also expect a release on Xbox One and PS4.

NBA 2K23 Cover

NBA 2K23 will feature four athletes on the cover.

Devin Booker will be one of the NBA 2K23 cover athletes. He’ll  appear on the standard version of the game.

2K has also confirmed that Michael Jordan will appear on the covers of two deluxe editions, with Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi featuring on the game’s WNBA edition.

NBA 2K23 Editions

2K’s confirmed two NBA 2K23 editions: a Michael Jordan edition and a Championship edition. The rest of the editions should get confirmed soon.

The bundles typically come with Virtual Currency (VC), MyTEAM bonuses, and cosmetic items for the game’s popular MyPLAYER mode.

The standard edition will retail for $59.99 for older platforms and $69.99 for newer consoles.

NBA 2K23 Pre-Orders

Again, NBA 2K23 pre-orders will start on July 7th.

2K will provide pre-order bonuses to entice buyers. Here were the pre-order bonuses if you pre-ordered a copy of the standard edition of NBA 2K22 for console or Windows PC:

  • 5,000 Virtual Currency
  • 5,000 MyTEAM Points
  • 10 MyTEAM Promo Packs (delivered one a week)
  • A Boost for each MyCAREER Skill type
  • A Boost for each Gatorade Boost type
  • Luka Dončić MyPLAYER Jersey
  • 95 Rated Luka Dončić MyTEAM Free Agent Card

While we should not assume the pre-order bonuses will be the exact same, we can expect them to be close.

NBA 2K23 Features

Right now, we know almost nothing about the game. We can expect numerous improvements and changes with a particular focus on current-generation platforms (Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PS5), but as of now little to nothing has been confirmed.

NBA 2K23 Demo

After many years of providing a demo, the company declined to offer an NBA 2K22 demo. It’s unclear if NBA 2K23 will suffer the same fate.

NBA 2K23 Microtransactions

We expect to see Virtual Currency (VC) return in NBA 2K23.

NBA 2K23 PC Requirements

If you plan to play NBA 2K23 on a Windows PC, you’ll need to take note of the game’s minimum and recommended spec requirements.

Unfortunately, those details won’t arrive until we get much closer to the official release so unless you are sure your PC can handle running the game we suggest you hold off on a pre-order.

 

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Categories
FIFA

FIFA 22 Update 1.27 Released

FIFA 22 1.27 Update

EA Sports has released the FIFA 22 update 1.27, with several bug fixes and a few gameplay changes.

The patch was released for PC platforms earlier this month and is now available to download on consoles.

Check out the full FIFA 22 1.27 patch notes below.

 

Fifa 22 Update 1.27 Patch Notes

Gameplay

Made the following changes:

  • Increased the likelihood of a knuckle ball shot occurring when requesting a high powered shot while the ball is 0.67 meters/2.2 feet away from the ball carrier.
  • Added the new Ball Roll Cut 180 Skill Move that can be performed by players with a 4 or 5 star Skill Move rating.
  • Greatly increased the accuracy of low and mid powered Low Driven Shots.
  • Significantly reduced the reach of attempted shot blocks by AI controlled players.
  • Significantly decreased the range required for a defender to attempt a tackle without being requested to do so.
  • Increased the distance between the defender and the ball carrier when the defender is requested to Contain or Teammate Contain.
  • Slightly increased the effectiveness of Finesse Shots in potential goal scoring situations in which the ball carrier is not under heavy pressure from a defender or goalkeeper.
  • Increased the speed at which the ball travels at following a low or mid powered header.
  • Increased the speed at which the ball travels at following a chipped header.
  • Lowered the ball trajectory that can result from a chipped header.
  • Slightly increased animation speeds when dribbling, Agile Dribbling, and Strafe Dribbling.
  • Slightly increased the animation speed of Reverse Stepover, Stepover, and Body Feint Skill Moves.
  • Slightly reduced the reach of attempted shot blocks by human controlled players.

FIFA Ultimate Team

Addressed the following issue:

  • The Compare Price functionality did not always provide search results when used on some Stadium and Consumable Items.

VOLTA

Addressed the following issue:

  • One of the default Avatars was not wearing shoes on the selection screen, and if that Avatar was selected, shoes could not be equipped to them.

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FIFA

FIFA 22’s Shapeshifters Team 4 Revealed

Fifa 22 Shapeshifter Team 4

FIFA 22’s Shapeshifters promotion enters its final week with the release of Team 4.

The FIFA 22 Shapeshifters promo began four weeks ago with the launch of the Shapeshifters Team 1 squad. The promotion offers special player items with upgraded attributes and position changes.

There has also been a collection of FIFA 22 Shapeshifters player items released as Squad Building Challenges and objectives.

The release of the Shapeshifters Team 4 squad shut down the rumors of the Futties promo starting this week, that promotion is expected to drop next week.

Fifa 22’s Shapeshifters Team 4
  • LW: Abedi Pele (98)
  • RW: Antonio Di Natale (97)
  • RB: Ivan Cordoba (97)
  • CAM: Joe Cole (96)
  • LW: Clint Dempsey (94)
  • CAM: N’Golo Kante (98)
  • CB: Kyle Walker (95)
  • CM: Matthijs de Ligt (95)
  • CDM: Thomas Delaine (93)
  • LB: Alexis Claude-Maurice (93)
  • ST: Pepe (92)

Team 4 of the Shapeshifters promo was officially released on Friday, July 8, 2022 and will be available in packs for a week.

 

 

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Categories
NBA 2K

Devin Booker Announced As NBA 2K23 Cover Athlete

2K Sports officially announced that Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker will be the NBA 2K23 cover athlete.

Booker joins Michael Jordan, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird that who will grace the covers for the various special editions of NBA 2K23.

Booker was named to the 2021-2022 All-NBA first team this past season and is one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.

“It’s a dream come true to see myself on the cover of NBA 2K,” said Booker.

“I’ve been a huge NBA 2K fan since I was a kid, and it’s surreal to finally join the exclusive club of basketball greats who’ve been cover athletes. I’m also honored to share this year’s covers with the iconic Michael Jordan, who changed the game for all players who came after him, as well as two of the all-time WNBA GOATs, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird, who continue to make a huge impact on the game.”

Number 23 as a 2K23 cover athlete was an obvious choice for 2K Games, as the all-time great Michael Jordan appears for the fourth time on an NBA 2K cover. The latest announcements also confirm the second consecutive year 2K has chosen to feature a WNBA star on its covers, with two-time MVP Candace Parker being the choice last year.

NBA 2K23 Standard Edition will retail for $60.00 on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, meanwhile, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions are priced at $70.00. Michael Jordan Edition is priced at $99.99, and the Championship Edition comes in at $149.99 with a 12-month subscription to NBA League Pass.

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