The latest Madden NFL game was recently released, bringing back familiar and loved NFL teams and players to NFL fans and gamers while introducing a few new key features and upgrades compared to prior installments. In the build-up to Madden 25‘s release, developers at EA published a new video and blog post flexing some of the features fans can expect from the game. The big focus of the gameplay deep dive was Madden 25’s “BOOM Tech”, EA’s approach to a redesigned tackling system that integrates real-world physics and impact to give players more control and immersion on defense.
The Madden games have long been popular among NFL fans. They are loyally played and awaited by people who enjoy the sport. The first Madden game, released by EA, greeted NFL fans in 1988, and every year, the video game has become a popular go-to for sports fans during and after the real-life NFL off-season as an alternate, digital counterpart to the real league.
Aside from gaming, NFL fans also enjoy sports betting. NFL betting remains one of the most popular forms of sports betting. In 2023, around 28% of the US population participated in NFL betting. Online betting platform Thunderpick helps facilitate the continued popularity of NFL betting. Over the years, Thunderpick has established its brand as a crypto-friendly, provably fair betting platform that caters to esports, including the Madden NFL league and tournaments. Passionate Madden gamers can use the platform to bet on famed professional players like multi-title winning Madden pro Drini, who plays for esports org Complexity. As such, NFL fans have had lots to do throughout the years during the NFL off-season.
For Packers fans specifically, the new Madden 25 has some key highlights to look forward to. Below, we’ll take a look at four Packers highlights from the latest Madden NFL installment:
The white helmets
Early in 2024, fans speculated that the Packers would introduce white helmets in the new season. The rumors are more than confirmed in a gameplay deep dive video uploaded by EA a few months later to draw hype prior to the release of Madden 25. In the video, the Packers are shown wearing white helmets with their alternate white paints and leggings. While the one-second clip of the white helmet cameo may seem missable, it’s certainly exciting news for long-time Packers fans.
One of the last few times the Packers were seen wearing white include the 1950s, including the entire 1958 season during which nine players from the starting lineup ended up inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Javon Bullard’s trailer moment
Another key video released during the build-up for the new Madden NFL release is, of course, the game’s official trailer. A few seconds into the trailer, fans can see Packers rookie Javon Bullard facing Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, who put a successful juke move on the Packers’ rookie safety. The cheeky moment may be a nod to the real-life Robinson who pulled off a vicious juke on former Packers safety Darnell Savage in Week 2 of last season.
To his credit, Bullard responded positively to his trailer moment via social network platform X (previously Twitter). Still, Bullard and Packers fans will have to wait for the postseason to see any real-life matchup between Bullard and Robinson. Also in the trailer was Packers center Josh Myers and the rest of the offensive line.
Ratings controversy
While the new Madden release seems has had its share of Green Bay Packers nods and celebrations, there was also a controversy surrounding the in-game player ratings launched prior to the game’s official release. The rating discrepancies were especially noticeable for Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who scored a rating of 81. Packers fans believe the QB’s rating deserves higher, but this wasn’t the end of the in-game controversies.
Fans also noted that the game inaccurately included two players no longer signed to the team and omitted 20 current roster members. Several Packers players were also listed with incorrect positions. While these mistakes and inaccuracies can and do happen, it does bring into question the accuracy of in-game ratings for the team.
The Packers playbook
Finally, another Packers highlight from Madden 25 is the in-game Packers playbook. If you’re trying to run your own Packers Madden franchise in the offseason, then making use of the in-game Packers offensive playbook is a great step. Played with the right Packers Madden roster, you can easily download the updated roster online and simulate their season during the real-life offseason or alongside the new one set for September.
One of the key highlights of the in-game Packers playbook Madden fans can experiment with the Gun formation, which contains fan-favorite plays like Bunch and Trips TE sets. The Packers offensive playbook is also quite flexible and can be tailored to your preference and play style.
If you found this post interesting or useful, you can check out the Packers Talk homepage for more fan blog and podcasts about the Green Bay Packers.
This article first appeared on PackersTalk.com and was syndicated with permission.
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