It's been a while since you've been able to play as a semi-fictional but not really version of your favorite college football players and teams. This year EA's Madden franchise will give you the cruelest twist of the knife by introducing a story mode in which you play as a character making his way through high school, college (Texas, and apparently only Texas, in this case), and then finally into the pros. Here's a promo video:
In the video shown of the story, called “Longshot,” protagonist Devin Wade has been out of the University of Texas, where he was a hotshot quarterback, and out of football for several years. Wade must struggle to prove himself to reach the NFL and fulfill his dreams.
Four years ago, Electronic Arts shut down the NCAA Football series after a nearly 20-year run with it. A class action lawsuit against EA Sports alleged that it and the NCAA’s licensor used thousands of college football players’ likenesses without their permission. The suit was settled with the athletes for a combined $60 million.
Oh, in case you think this is just a precursor to some sweet, sweet NCAA action, well...
No.
— Rex Dickson (@RexDEAFootball) June 10, 2017
Sorry guys.
