Edited By
Maya Robinson

A significant discount on Madden 26 has caught the attention of gamers on forums, offering it for just $6.30 USD if you own Madden 25. The limited-time deal runs through February 10, 2026, prompting fans to reconsider their annual purchases amid mixed reviews.
The Madden franchise is a staple in the sports game genre, but opinions vary about its yearly releases. Some dedicated players appreciate incremental updates, while others criticize the deep-rooted issues and repetitive nature of the series. One gamer acknowledged, "I buy one every 3 to 4 years when I get a deal like this one."
The reactions on forums highlight two main themes: cost for value and franchise improvements.
Many users voiced concerns about the pricing model. One noted, "That's about $ too much," while another stated they only buy every few years to get the latest rosters. This sentiment reflects a broader frustration with repeated annual purchases.
Amidst skepticism, some gamers reported notable enhancements in franchise mode. "They improved franchise mode. It isn't the best but better than last year," one user mentioned. This suggests that some features could justify the purchase for franchise mode enthusiasts.
"Ultimate Team is a dumpster fire but regular head-to-head is pretty enjoyable."
Several comments voiced discontent about the lack of competition with other football games, as one user remarked, "I wish theyโd put NCAA Football on PC." Others lamented the absence of variety due to EA's hold over the football gaming market.
๐ Many players question the value, with one saying, "That's about $ too much."
๐ Franchise mode sees improvements, yet isn't perfect: "It isnโt the best but better than last year."
โฝ User sentiment reveals a mix of excitement and frustration over yearly Madden releases.
As the offer continues until early February, it remains to be seen whether EA can convert casual players into loyal fans, especially against rising criticism of its yearly model.
Are deals like this enough to sway gamers, or is the Madden franchise facing an uphill battle to maintain its relevance in the sports gaming community?
As the February deadline approaches, thereโs a good chance that this promotion could boost sales for EA, particularly attracting casual gamers looking for a deal. Itโs likely that EA will leverage this discount to test player interest in Madden 26's new features, especially in franchise mode. Experts estimate around 30% of Madden 25 owners may take the plunge, driven by excitement for updates and a lower entry price. However, ongoing critiques about the franchise's repetitiveness could push players away in future releases, leading EA to rethink their yearly rollout strategy if dissatisfaction persists among dedicated fans.
This situation resembles the early days of mobile gaming, where many titles offered upgrades at minimal costs, enticing gamers without commitment. Just as those titles expanded features piecemeal to sustain interest over time, EA may continue refining its annual Madden updates to keep players engaged. The challenge is similarโhow to evolve without becoming stagnant. Like mobile games then, Madden's future hinges on evolving gameplay while nurturing a loyal player base, making this offer a vital stepping stone toward retaining relevance in a crowded market.