Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Madden NFL Videogame Belongs To Video Gamers

By Dwayne Mavia

Madden NFL is one of the most popular videogames in history. The game has been around for greater than two decades and is still growing strong. The game has been around so long that the initial videogame was actually built for the Apple II computer. The game has definitely come a good distance since then. It is one of the most interactive, full-featured video games and every release comes with the latest features.

John Madden is the founding personality to lend his name to the game. He drove much of the original innovations to the game for greater reality. He didn't want his name associated with anything that was not real. But Madden's real appeal was his personality that could be transferred to the gaming experience. He is acknowledged as a proponent for retro tough guy kind of football. This is exemplified in his on-air commentary style, was demonstrated during his tenure as a head coach, and reflected in his annual tough-man list- the All-Madden Team.

One of the long lasting features of Madden NFL is John Madden offering commentary as the game is being played out. Again, a nod to the game providing authenticity of true NFL game. Madden has not been alone though. His fellow on-screen television analysts Pat Summerall and Al Michaels have lent their voices at different times to the game also.

The game's history extends back to 1989. It was then that the EA Sports wanted John Madden's personality for a football videogame. Though there may be better-known celebrities, his well-known penchant for hard-hitting football brought an attitude to the game. The videogame company has been so good at capitalizing on the attitude that some people recognize the game but not John Madden. Indeed, even with his retirement the game's sales continue to grow and people look forward to each new edition .

The videogame is a cultural hit. It is often referenced by NFL players and is seen in homes everywhere. The game is even used to see who will win the Super Bowl. It has grown to have its own mystique concerning who is on the cover. John Madden no longer graces the cover of the game since 1999. The videogame company has smartly placed NFL players on the cover each release. Unfortunately, since the time that players have been placed on the cover they have had a poor subsequent year.

Surely for a videogame that has been around for 20 years and is played on every gaming console available, it is surely humbling to remember that it was first designed for the Apple II. The first gamers of that humble Apple II videogame could not conceive of all the features that come with the current release. There was not even the Internet in those days and full color monitors were very, very expensive. The Madden NFL has such an audience that despite John Madden's retirement the game is indicating no loss of attraction for gamers.

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