Press Release.
Electronic Arts is celebrating the start of the 2022 NFL season by inviting American Football fans around the world to play EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 23 through a global trial, during Free Access Weekend, through September 11 via Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®5.
Free access weekend for NFL 23
Fans will be able to experience the incredible impact of the FieldSENSE™ gameplay system on PS5™ and Xbox Series X|S, which helps make Madden NFL 23 “the best feeling game in the series,” according to Bleacher Report. Users will be able to explore new enhancements in Free Agency and Contract in Franchise Mode, Madden Legacy Game celebrating Coach John Madden and more with the option to purchase Madden NFL 23 All Madden Edition at up to 25% off during any time during Free Access Weekend to continue enjoying Madden NFL 23.
Madden NFL is one of the longest-running annual game franchises, and for the past three years, more players than ever have enjoyed it. Continuing that trend, Madden NFL 23 saw a 30% increase in games played in the first week since launch compared to Madden NFL 22.
“Our team is passionate about creating the best experiences for our players every time they launch Madden NFL 23, and we never stop improving the game after launch,” said Seann Graddy, Executive Producer, EA SPORTS Madden NFL. “We’ve seen a great positive response to features like our gameplay system, FieldSENSE and other features since launch and we’re eager to continue delivering the best Football simulation experience with new content throughout the NFL season.”
Through the number of games played, Madden NFL fans have overwhelmingly declared the Buffalo Bills as the new team to root for this season, as they had a 115% increase in usage compared to Madden NFL 22, making them the most popular team in the game. In addition to being the most popular team, the Bills appear in the top five most-played matchups, with the Rams, Chargers, Buccaneers, Dolphins and Cowboys as their main rivals.
On the player side, the Buffalos also took it all. Josh Allen racked up the most air yards and touchdowns of any quarterback, Stefon Diggs was the top receiver, Von Miller led in catches and cornerback Tre’Davious White grabbed the most interceptions.
In conjunction with Free Access Weekend, a game update will arrive to Madden NFL 23 this week with new enhancements based on user feedback and new content, including ‘CHECKMATE’ from two-time GRAMMY® nominee Cordae and writer, producer and three-time GRAMMY®-winning rapper Hit-Boy. The song will debut on the Madden NFL 23 in-game Soundtrack, along with another new song, ‘NO LIMIT’ by Money Man, Babyface Ray & Key Glock ft Bleu of Empire kingpins.