The last year has been huge for the video game industry. As the world is adapting to the pandemic, more and more people are diving into video games while staying home during lockdowns. Video game company Electronic Arts is coming off its biggest year in history, with its stock rising over 15% since last year. EA has no plans to slow down in 2021, having already made big moves like the acquisition of Codemasters and launching EA Play on PC Game Pass.
Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson shared plans for upcoming titles including Battlefield 6 and Madden NFL 22. According to Wilson, Madden NFL 22 will have a little bit of a different cover than previous years. When asked by Bloomberg Technology who will be on the cover, Wilson replied, "Well, we're going to know soon enough. I reviewed it with the team just a few days ago. I can tell you they have more surprises afoot."
Wilson adds, "We're going to do something a little different with the cover this year. I won't say any more than that. Other than to say, I'm really proud of the work the team has done--both with the game, with the cover, and with the marketing that we're going to build around Madden."
There has not been much information about Madden 22 available, but it seems a reveal may be coming soon. Last year's title was revealed in June with an impressive trailer showing off new features like the skill stick and pass rush controls. The trailer was accompanied by a big reveal that Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson would be the cover athlete.
Each year, fans wonder who will be the Madden cover athlete based on how the previous season panned out. Being on the Madden cover is a rare achievement for players, and comes with a bit of superstition. Many players on the cover of Madden have gone on to have an unlucky year, which has become known as the Madden curse. However, Madden 20 cover athlete Patrick Mahomes may have put the curse to rest by winning the Super Bowl after being on the cover.
Although the cover athlete has yet to be revealed, fans are sharing their predictions on who it could be. Wilson's comments that the cover will be a little different does not reveal much, but does open the door for many possibilities. Perhaps this will be the year that there are three cover athletes, since Madden has already featured a pair of cover athletes with Madden 10. The upcoming cover may be a fresh look for Madden and fans are hoping for a fresh experience since last year's title did not innovate much.
Madden may have a little bit of a different release this year. EA has yet to officially announce the game and has not shared many details. This could mean that EA is hard at work perfecting the title, or may have a big announcement coming. The delay in the Madden 22 announcement could also be due to the pandemic, but hopefully the reveal will be worth the wait.
Madden NFL 22 has not yet been officially announced.