Madden 23: Release Date Info and Newest Features

The Madden NFL video game series entered a new era two years ago, when the first editions of the game were released for the latest generation of consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X). Since then, the games have continued to maximize that technology in new ways.

That will be evident in Madden 23, the next edition of the series to be released. The game is set to come out on Aug. 19, but those who preorder the All Madden Edition will get it three days earlier. That means a new year of Madden will begin on Tuesday for some gamers.

So, what exactly is different about this year's Madden? What makes it better than previous versions?

Here's a look at the notable new features coming in Madden 23.

The biggest improvement coming to Madden 23 is the new FieldSENSE technology that will transform gameplay for the series moving forward. However, this will only be implemented in the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions of the game.

According to EA Sports, FieldSENSE "leverages animation-branching technology and a suite of new user control mechanics for a seamless gameplay flow with authentic results on every play." And there are numerous ways to show how that is happening.

The "Hit Everything" mechanic will make it easier to have a greater impact with defensive players. A skill-based passing system will give users more control as the quarterback. Players will have the ability to make 360-degree cuts. Plus, wide receiver vs. defensive back battles will be taken to another level with new moves and abilities.

FieldSENSE will be implemented into every game mode in Madden 23. So any time you step onto the virtual gridiron, it's going to look and feel more realistic than ever.

The Face of the Franchise career mode will have some pretty drastic changes. In fact, the college games and combine drills that were introduced in recent years are no more, and that's because the narrative has changed for the mode.

The Madden 23 version of the mode is titled "Face of the Franchise: The League," and your player isn't entering the league as a rookie. He's heading into his fifth NFL season, meaning he just completed his rookie contract and is hitting free agency for the first time.

So you'll get to choose who your player—who can be a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker or cornerback—signs with, and you'll get to do so using the revamped free-agency system. According to EA Sports, you'll get into the on-field action within 15 minutes of starting the mode, much quicker than recent years.

There's now player-locked gameplay, position-focused progression, a refreshed league hub and new side activities, while the cutscenes and narratives will come after playing games.

Many Madden players spend a ton of time with franchise mode. And that's why there was public criticism when there weren't many changes made to franchise a few years ago. But Madden 23 is adding a few components that should continue to make the mode better.

The most notable improvements this year have to do with free agency in the offseason. Players now have motivations and tags that will better help dictate where they sign, and there's an entire overhauled hub to watch as free agency unfolds.

There's also a new in-season scouting system that is supposed to make things more "efficient," per EA Sports, as you find out more about the college stars soon entering the NFL via the draft. Speaking of which, the logic for teams regarding draft selections as well as trades has been improved, which should make things more realistic.

So while there doesn't seem to be a ton new for franchise, all the upgrades and added features coming in Madden 23 all appear to be positives for the game mode.