Maddens often ridiculed Franchise mode had a different kind of issue for users this time around. Some players who logged in to Madden 23 over the holidays experienced an issue related to data storage that corrupted their Franchise files — causing irreparable damage to some. Initial estimates are that 60% of League Data will not be recoverable.

According to the team at EA, the issue ran from December 28 around 2:45 pm EST to December 29 around 12:45 am. Players trying to log in to the Madden Franchise server around this time experienced a data storage error resulting in corruption of their Online Franchise, Connected Franchise Mode Leagues, and Face of the Franchise files.

EA says its teams are attempting to restore those files, but they estimate only 40% will be recoverable, in some instance players will have permanently lost their saves.

For those who didn’t log in during that window, you appear safe from the data storage issue and should be able to play. As for anyone who experienced a loss, there doesn’t seem to be anything you can do until the update next week.

Thank you for reading!

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.

Thank you for reading!

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.

Thank you for reading!