EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 26
Simulation
Sports
Single-player
Multi-player
PvP
Online PvP
Shared/Split Screen PvP
Co-op
Online Co-op
Shared/Split Screen Co-op
Shared/Split Screen
Cross-Platform Multiplayer
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
In-App Purchases
Camera Comfort
Chat Speech-to-text
Chat Text-to-speech
Color Alternatives
Adjustable Difficulty
Playable without Timed Input
Stereo Sound
Surround Sound
HDR available
Family Sharing

EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 26 leverages a new AI-powered machine learning system to convert thousands of plays from nearly a decade of real NFL data into more explosive gameplay.

Developers: Tiburon
Publishers: Electronic Arts
Release Date: Aug 14, 2025
Price (USD): $69.99
Current Players: 4.6k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Mixed(50%)
fun and enjoyable
graphics realistic
control options
entertainment value
modding aspect
reliant on animations
franchise mode depth
superstar mode bugs
technical issues
poor optimization
microtransactions
repetition
EA launcher
The overall sentiment around the game is largely negative due to its numerous bugs and technical issues. Players are most frustrated by the game’s poor optimization and crashing problems, particularly on PC. Many criticize the game for being a repeat of previous versions with superficial enhancements. Despite these significant drawbacks, there are players who find the game fun and enjoyable with friends, appreciating the graphics and gameplay improvements. However, the game’s excessive microtransactions and technical shortcomings overshadow positive aspects for most players.

Positive Points

  • Some players find the game fun and enjoyable, especially in franchise or superstar modes.
  • Many appreciate the graphics and realistic look of the game.
  • There are praises for the additional gameplay options and control over players, which add depth to the experience.
  • Some reviewers who play casually or aren't familiar with Madden enjoy it for its entertainment value with friends.
  • The modding aspect is appreciated by PC players, allowing for customizations.
  • Negative Points

  • The game has numerous bugs and technical issues, including crashing and infinite loading screens that make it unplayable for many.
  • Poor optimization, especially for PC users, results in performance issues even on high-end systems.
  • There are many complaints about the game's reliance on costly microtransactions, particularly in Ultimate Team mode.
  • Reviewers criticize the repetitive nature of the game, with minimal updates from previous versions.
  • The EA launcher and anti-cheat system cause frustration, with many players unable to launch or play the game.
  • Mixed Points

  • While some appreciate the gameplay improvements, others feel the game is still too reliant on animations and lacks a true physics engine, leading to unrealistic outcomes.
  • Some players enjoy the depth of franchise mode, but others critique its interface and slow load times.
  • Superstar mode has been both praised for its fun factor and critiqued for its bugs and necessity of an internet connection for single-player modes.
  • Common Themes

  • The game is plagued by technical issues that severely impact the gaming experience.
  • Many players are frustrated with EA's handling of the Madden franchise and the focus on monetization over quality.
  • Despite criticisms, long-time fans of the series continue to purchase the game, often citing a lack of alternatives.
  • Updated 2/9/2026, 12:01:13 AM UTC