On January 8, fans of the EA Sports College Football video game series are in for a treat as the company is set to release an "official update" on the upcoming football simulator. This reveal coincides with the College Football Playoff National Championship between Michigan and Washington. While the details of the update are still under wraps, there's a lot of anticipation surrounding the potential content, including the possibility of an official release date.
The upcoming game, expected to launch in the summer of 2024, marks the return of the popular series after a decade-long hiatus. The last installment, NCAA Football 14, was released back in 2013. Since then, changes in college football, notably the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules, have set the stage for a much-awaited comeback.
EA Sports originally partnered with OneTeam Partners to broker deals with players for their NIL in the game. However, The Brandr Group filed a lawsuit last summer to prevent these deals, which was eventually settled in November, paving the way for the game's development.
The excitement is not just about the return of a beloved franchise but also about the expected enhancements and new features. The game is built on the Madden engine, but fans should expect unique tweaks to gameplay. The adjustments aim to capture the distinct atmosphere and traditions of college football, making it more than just a reskin of the Madden game.