EA extends NFL deal to 2013

By Games Industry.biz Published 13 February, 2008

Madden has generated over USD 2 billion.

Electronic Arts has extended its licensing deal with the National Football League and NFL Players to create and distribute American football games until 2013, GamesIndustry.biz reports.

As well as covering all forms of console videogames - handheld, home consoles and console-based online features - the agreement also allows EA access to NFL Films and the NFL Network "to enrich its game experiences".

"This is all about bringing authenticity and realism to NFL videogames," commented Eric Grubman, president of NFL Ventures.

"EA Sports continually works to maintain the cutting edge for NFL products across a variety of gaming platforms. We like the fact that they never rest."

EA's Madden franchise has genereated over USD 2 billion in retail sales, and 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of the series.

"For nearly two decades, EA Sports has been bringing sports fans closer to the great game of football through the breakthrough interactive experiences of our videogames," said Peter Moore, president of EA Sports.

"Game quality is our top priority, and we're committed to pushing our gameplay innovation, connecting football fans via rich online experiences and delivering the most visually stunning sports games on the market," he added.

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Comments (6) Latest comment 4 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • neuroniky #1 4 years ago

    Another sad day for gaming.

    2K Sports football was soooo better... Damn EA. And call the anti-trust.

  • samaran #2 4 years ago

    madden now is better than 2K ever was.

  • Darren #3 4 years ago

    @Samaran - Agreed... although it took EA three attempts to get it right on the Xbox 360...

    2K did release an unlicensed NFL game last year called All-Pro Football 2K8 but going by the demo it wasn't all that great and felt like a game five years out of date. Perhaps it's for the best that EA have exclusive use of the license really.

  • thomasbeff #4 4 years ago

    08 is easily one of the best sports games around. But Darren is right, the previous two attempts were shite.

  • Feanor #5 4 years ago

    "madden now is better than 2K ever was"

    It should be, though. There hasn't been a proper NFL 2K game in years.

  • cyber_nicco #6 4 years ago

    How the hell is it for the best that EA gets exclusivity on the NFL license? In what possible way is that better for us?

    And BTW, both 2K5 and Madden 2005 were very good. Just because 2K was pretty much forced out of the football business doesn't mean they wouldn't be making a good game now. Oh, and have you all forgot? EA did this in response to 2K selling their games for $20 (to garner market share) against Madden's $50 (later reduced to $40). The competition was good on both the cost and quality front.