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): $27.99
Current Players: 4.8k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Mixed(47%)
Gameplay mechanics
Graphics
Franchise mode
Tackle animations
Superstar mode
Player AI
Weather effects
Optimization issues
Superstar mode glitches
Pay-to-win
Same iteration
The general sentiment about this game is largely negative, particularly from PC users who cite severe optimization issues that make the game near unplayable at times. Superstar mode, albeit promising, suffers from accessibility problems and repetitive content. Many reviews are critical of the game's emphasis on monetization, particularly through Ultimate Team, which many players find aggressive. Even with some improvements to mechanics and graphics, the game is often said to feel like the same iteration as previous years. There's substantial dissatisfaction with EA's support and problem resolution, reinforcing a recurring frustration among players.

Positive Points

  • Gameplay mechanics have improved over last year's edition, offering a smoother experience according to some users who praise the gameplay enhancements.
  • Graphics are generally well-received, with some players appreciating the visual presentation and weather effects that add to the immersion.
  • Franchise mode is highlighted as an area that has seen improvements, making it more strategic and engaging.
  • There's positive reception about the tackling animations being better than previous editions, which some players find adds to the realism.
  • Negative Points

  • PC version suffers from severe optimization issues, leading to constant stuttering, lag, and crashing, making it unplayable for many.
  • Numerous bugs and glitches are reported across various game modes, including Superstar mode which many users found inaccessible due to persistent errors.
  • Online modes, particularly Ultimate Team, are criticized for being heavily monetized and pay-to-win, pushing microtransactions aggressively.
  • Players report that the game often feels the same as previous versions, citing a lack of innovation and meaningful updates in gameplay.
  • Mixed Points

  • Superstar mode is praised for its concept and improvements yet criticized for its accessibility issues and repetitive content.
  • While many players enjoy the core football experience, they express frustration over the persistent problems with player AI that seem unchanged from previous versions.
  • The weather effects and graphics are lauded by some but seen as insufficient to compensate for basic gameplay issues by others.
  • Common Themes

  • Overall frustration with EA for failed optimization, particularly on the PC platform, and the lack of response to community feedback.
  • Dissatisfaction with the game's reliance on monetization through Ultimate Team, which detracts from an otherwise enjoyable gameplay experience.
  • Many share a sentiment of nostalgia and disappointment, noting that despite minor improvements, the game doesn't measure up to older versions or fan expectations.
  • Updated 12/28/2025, 12:01:30 AM UTC