EA and NFL extend their exclusive agreement with Madden

EA will continue to be the sole provider of NFL video games.

The league announced an “extensive, multi-year exclusive agreement” with EA, aimed at “growing American soccer around the world.”

Technically, EA’s Madden product will continue to be “the exclusive action simulation game for NFL football.”

EA acquired the exclusive rights 20 years ago, after the NFL 2K5 game proved not only better but also cheaper than the alternative product. Since then, it’s been Madden and only Madden when it comes to NFL video games.

Many complain about the quality of the annual offer. On the lack of real innovations. About the flaws of the running game, with blockers overtaking players they would otherwise incapacitate. About the perception, or even reality, that the Madden game is slower than the college game.

It’s always a great success. And that’s more than enough to be fun to play.

However, the best way to stimulate innovation remains real competition. For two decades, EA hasn’t had one. And EA undoubtedly paid a significant premium for the privilege.

It remains to be seen whether the game improves significantly from year to year.