What's New in Madden 24 - Release Date, FieldSENSE, Franchise Mode
The annual release of the popular Madden NFL game is always an exciting time for fans. It means the NFL season is not far behind and fans get to play as their favorite players and teams.
There has been several questions around the game with the lack of changes and updates year-to-year. With the release of Madden 24 on August 18, here is what fans can expect.
FieldSENSE
Madden released FieldSENSE last season, which was strongly received by players. This has made the game more realistic, giving AI more improvements to fundamental football, with better quarterback decisions and better blocking on the offensive line.
This has also helped on the defensive side of the ball, helping AI defenders contest shorter routes and use a variety of mid-air catch tackles. Prior to this year, it was mainly jump catches that only had the catch tackle options. Now, it's all situations, using swats and hit sticks in all contested catch situations.
In Madden 24, tackling has become much more controlled this season. Depending on the players size and strength matchup, the types of tackles are much more varied. The 'New Defender Advatage' formula will choose the type of tackle based on the players' ratings, size, speed, and momentum.
The 'conservative tackle' is removed and is now a wrap tackle, smaller defenders go lower on bigger ball carriers, big defenders wrap and drive the ball carrier back, and scoop tackles have been added, which pick the ball carrier off the ground. There were over 1700 tackle animations added and adjusted to Madden 24.
SAPIEN Technology
This new technology to Madden 24 makes each players movements look as similar in the game as they do in real life. EA Sports not only updated their performance skeleton, but created a new one from the ground up. The SAPIEN Skeleton fluidly maps the players movements and scans data to create the unique player movements.
The movements are more fluid this year and are much more noticeable in the run game this year. Bodies are more realistic when watching the players in motion, with the ankle and wrist joints appearing more human.
Franchise Mode - New Features
The popular gamemode every season of the Madden franchise as been franchise mode. There have been very few updates and new features added throughout the years but there a few new ones to look at.
Traning camp will be added back into the rotation. Players will use the training camp option at the beginning of each season to boost player ratings. As devs announced, training camp will have these games at launch:
- Target Passing (QBs)
- Pass Skeleton – Outmanned (QBs)
- Rushing Attack (RBs and FBs)
- WR Battle (WRs and TEs)
- WR Battle – Red Zone Attack (WRs and TEs)
- Trench Battle – The Long Hall (DL and LBs)
- Chase and Tackle (LBs)
- DB Battle (DBs)
- DB Battle – Red Zone Defense (DBs)
- Field Goal Accuracy (K)
- Coffin Corner (P)
Madden 24 also made changes to their trading system. Prior to this season, only three spots were able to be traded. That gets changed to six, which includes six draft pick slots. You can still only trade up to three years in advance for draft picks.
Supstar Mode Returns
The last time Superstar Mode was in Madden was when Madden NFL 25 (2013). Madden released a similar mode called Face of the Franches in Madden NFL 20. This season, Superstar mode returns, which can be played online or offline.
Players will customize their player and take them through their journey in the NFL. Your player will start by going through the NFL Draft process, including the NFL Combine where they will compete in mini-games and the interview process.
Players will need to achieve goals and can earn brand ambassadorship, while also being able to interact on social media. It's like playing a real life player and walking through each process throughout life in the NFL.
Player Rating - 99 Club
- DT Aaron Donald LAR
- WR Justin Jefferson MIN
- QB Patrick Mahomes KC
- TE Travis Kelce KC
- RG Zack Martin DAL
Zack is the Publishing Manager for Esports Illustrated. He grew up playing videos as a kid, mainly sports games and the Call of Duty series. Before his work at Esports Illustrated, Zack published content for the NFL Draft for various sites since 2017, including partner sites on FanNation and has appeared on various shows across the country and videos across the FanNation group. Outside of work, Zack enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He loves playing football and video games with his son, taking his two daughters to get their favorite treats, and binge-watching shows with his wife. Zack began covering Esports at the end of 2022, mainly covering the Call of Duty League.