The history of official NFL video games has shifted significantly over the years. In the early 2000s, companies such as Take‑Two Interactive, via its 2K Sports label, produced NFL-licensed simulation football games like ESPN NFL 2K5, which was widely praised for its innovation and gameplay.

That era ended when Electronic Arts Inc. (EA Sports) secured exclusive rights from the NFL to produce the only official simulation NFL console games. This year, EA released Madden NFL 26 and simultaneously confirmed an expanded licensing deal with the NFL that locks EA’s exclusivity through at least April 2031.

According to NFL reporter Albert Breer, “The NFL has extended its deal with EA Sports through 2031. So Madden’s gonna be the NFL’s video game into the next decade.”

“Madden NFL has become one

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