The Big Announcement
Football fans, rejoice! EA Sports has announced that Madden 22 will be going free-to-play in 2023. That’s right, you’ll be able to download and play the game without spending a dime. This move is a big one for EA, as it brings the Madden franchise more in line with other popular free-to-play games like Fortnite and Apex Legends.
What Does Free-to-Play Mean?
If you’re not familiar with the term, free-to-play means that the game is available to download and play for free. However, there may be in-game purchases or microtransactions that you can make to enhance your experience. These purchases can range from cosmetic items like new uniforms or player skins, to more significant upgrades like increased player stats or better equipment.
Why Go Free-to-Play?
So why would EA make this move? For one, it opens up the game to a much larger audience. Madden has always been a popular game, but there are plenty of people who are hesitant to spend $60 or more on a game they may not enjoy. By going free-to-play, EA can attract those players who might not have otherwise given Madden a chance.
What About Current Madden Players?
If you already own Madden 22, don’t worry. You’ll still be able to play the game just as you always have. However, there may be some changes to how the game is updated and supported going forward. EA has said that they will continue to release new content and updates for both the paid and free-to-play versions of the game, but it’s unclear if there will be any differences in how those updates are delivered.
What Can You Expect from Madden 22?
As for what you can expect from Madden 22, it’s still too early to say. The game is set to release later this year, and EA has been tight-lipped about what new features or improvements we can expect. However, if past Madden games are any indication, you can expect updated rosters, improved graphics, and plenty of new gameplay mechanics to keep things fresh.
What About Competitive Play?
One question on many players’ minds is how competitive play will be affected by the move to free-to-play. EA has said that they will continue to support the Madden Championship Series, so it’s likely that competitive play will remain largely unchanged. However, it’s possible that there may be some adjustments made to how players qualify for MCS events or how prizes are distributed.
What About Madden Ultimate Team?
Madden Ultimate Team, or MUT, is one of the most popular modes in Madden. It allows players to build their dream team using cards earned through gameplay or purchased with real money. It’s unclear how MUT will be affected by the move to free-to-play, but it’s likely that there will still be in-game purchases available to enhance your team.
What About Madden Mobile?
Madden Mobile is the mobile version of Madden that’s available on iOS and Android devices. It’s also unclear how Madden Mobile will be affected by the move to free-to-play, but it’s likely that there will still be in-app purchases available to enhance your experience.
When Can You Play Madden 22 for Free?
Madden 22 is set to go free-to-play in 2023, but a specific release date hasn’t been announced yet. It’s likely that we’ll hear more about the free-to-play version of the game closer to its release, so stay tuned for more information.
Conclusion
The move to free-to-play is a big one for the Madden franchise, and it’s sure to attract plenty of new players to the game. While there are still plenty of unanswered questions, one thing is clear: Madden 22 is going to be a game to watch in 2023.