Madden NFL 25 (2024 video game)

Not to be confused with Madden NFL 25 (2013 video game).

Madden NFL 25 is an American football video game developed by EA Orlando and published by EA Sports. Announced on June 11, 2024, it is an installment in the Madden NFL series and follows Madden NFL 24. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions are based on the previous game, Madden NFL 24.

Madden NFL 25
Standard edition cover featuring San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey
Developer(s)	EA Orlando
Publisher(s)	EA Sports
Series	Madden NFL
Engine	Frostbite
Platform(s)	PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X/S
Release	August 16, 2024
Genre(s)	Sports
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer

Madden NFL 25 was released on August 16, 2024 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. It is the second game to be released under the Madden NFL 25 title; the first was to celebrate the franchise's silver anniversary in 2013.^[1] San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is the cover athlete for the game; he is the first running back featured since the 2013 entry.^[1][2] Madden NFL 25 was the last Madden game to be released on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

New gameplay mechanics

Madden NFL 25 introduced several new gameplay mechanics and enhancements over its predecessor, Madden NFL 24:

BOOM Tech Tackling System: This physics-based system revolutionizes tackling by considering factors such as player weight, speed, momentum, and ratings to determine dynamic outcomes. It introduces more realistic and varied tackle interactions, moving away from predetermined animations. ^[3]

Reloaded Hit Stick Mechanic: Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Hit Stick has been revamped to emphasize timing and approach angle. Successful execution depends on precise timing and positioning, rewarding players with more impactful hits and a higher chance of causing fumbles. ^[4][5]

Ball Carrier Balance and Recovery: Ball carriers can now brace for impact, stumble, and recover balance based on the defender's approach and the ball carrier's attributes. This adds a layer of realism to break tackles and balance maintenance. ^[3]

Enhanced Skill Moves with Setup Mechanic: Hundreds of new moves, including jukes, spins, and hesitations, have been added. The new "Setup State" mechanic allows players to chain moves effectively by holding the sprint button and executing specific right-stick inputs, enabling more strategic and explosive plays. ^[6]

Revamped Kick Meter: The kicking system now features a multimeter with separate horizontal and vertical components for accuracy and power. This change increases the challenge and skill required for successful kicks. ^[7]

Signature Authenticity and Styles: Players exhibit unique pre-play behaviors and adjustments, reflecting their real-life counterparts' football IQ and style. This enhancement blurs the line between the virtual game and the real NFL experience. ^[4]

These innovations collectively aim to provide a more immersive and realistic football simulation experience in Madden NFL 25.^[5]

Reception

Reception

Aggregate score

Aggregator	Score
Metacritic	(PS5) 70/100[8] (XSXS) 69/100[9] (PC) 65/100[10]

Review scores

Publication	Score
Game Informer	7.5/10[11]
GameSpot	6/10[12]
GamesRadar+	[13]
IGN	6/10[14]
Shacknews	6/10[15]

Madden NFL 25 received "mixed or average" reviews from critics, according to Metacritic.^[16][17]

Will Borger of IGN wrote a positive review, stating it is better than Madden NFL 24 and complimenting the game's "on-field action", as well as additions from College Football 25. However, Borger added that the game's mode are "functionally the same" and stated that the Franchise mode, while the game's "best thing", "still needs help". Borger wrote that "the improvements it did get are nice, but also long overdue, and you don't get a parade for doing things you should have done years ago."^[14]