App Trigger
Fansided

Madden 21 first look gameplay reveal postponed, here’s why

By Matthew Liebl

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

EA was supposed to reveal Madden 21 today but in respect to George Floyd and the ongoing situation in the United States, they’ve decided to postpone.

Football fans hoping to finally get a look at Madden 21 will have to wait a bit longer as EA Sports has decided to indefinitely postpone today’s planned reveal. The decision to delay the event wasn’t due to any issues with development or marketing but rather made out of respect to the ongoing situation in the United States right now.

On Sunday morning, EA Sports issued the following statement:

"Tomorrow, we had committed to celebrating Madden NFL 21 with you, but we’re not going to do that now.We stand with our African American/Black community of friends, players, colleagues and partners. Our immediate attention is on actions we can take to drive change against the unjust treatment and systemic bias that is plaguing the nation and our world.We’ll find another time to talk football with you. Because this is bigger than a game, bigger than sports, and needs all of us to stand together and commit to change."

More from App and Gaming News

EA Sports, of course, is referring to the countrywide protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis. The city’s delayed response in arresting the officer, Derek Chauvin, until footage was made public caused immense outrage. It wasn’t until riots started erupting in various cities across the country that Chauvin was finally arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Still, the frustration lingers and EA believes it best to focus its attention on how to help solve the issues plaguing America. Absent from their message was any sort of steps, plan or actual initiative that the company might take to help.

Response to EA’s statement has been mixed. While some have praised the publisher for bringing light to the African American community’s plight, others used the opportunity to take a shot at the company.

Some believe this is just a cover up and that EA isn’t ready to show gameplay while others made the typical “it’s the same game as the last 10 years” joke. Others believed delaying the reveal was a missed opportunity, as it could’ve been helpful to celebrate Lamar Jackson, a black quarterback, as the cover athlete of Madden 21.

EA Play Live is still on track for June 11, so it’s possible EA could just wait until then to reveal Madden 21.  The game is still expected to release in August.

Home/Madden NFL