Madden NFL 11 has been officially announced by EA Sports. The game will be released on Tuesday, August 10th for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PSP and iPhone.
Madden NFL 11 promises to “redefine videogame football for both veteran and rookie players by providing a Simpler, Quicker and Deeper experience.”
Key features of the game include:
* Simpler: Call plays like an NFL coach with ease using an all-new play-calling system, GameFlow, which executes an authentic, situational game plan for you.
* Quicker: The new play-calling system will enable players to spend more time on the field and less in the playbook – completing games in half of the time.
* Deeper: Madden NFL 11 is feature-rich, with improved animations and control options, enhanced online functionality, and new broadcast and audio presentation that delivers the NFL experience fans have come to expect.
Here is the game’s official trailer.
Additionally, the cover-athlete for Madden NFL 11 has been announced as Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints, as voted on by Madden fans via the Doritos-sponsored “Change the Game” promotion. Drew Brees beat out fellow runner-ups Jared Allen (Defensive End for the Minnesota Vikings) and Reggie Wayne (Wide Receiver for the Indianapolis Colts).
EA promised “Change the Game” was only the first of many future initiatives that will allow fans to “help shape the future of the Madden franchise”, and they’ve followed-up on that with two new initiatives.
From March 31 – April 26, fans have had the ability to vote on three match-ups through the Madden NFL website and determine which teams will be featured in the Madden NFL 11 game demo: a Super Bowl rematch, or a replay of one of the Conference Championship games. During the 2010 NFL Draft, fans will also have the opportunity to influence rookie player ratings in Madden NFL 11 via online votes on the Madden NFL website.
Here are some quotes on Drew Brees being selected as the cover-athlete.
“The Madden NFL franchise holds a special place in popular culture and the cover is a coveted position for players all over the league,” said New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. “I’m honored to be the first cover athlete chosen by Madden NFL fans and it’s a great way to cap off an amazing year for the Saints and the city of New Orleans.”
“Drew’s exceptional performance during the regular season and in Super Bowl XLIV resonated with voters and helped cement his position as the fans’ choice to grace the cover of Madden NFL 11,” said Todd Sitrin, Group Vice President, EA SPORTS Global Marketing. “Giving fans the power to select this year’s Madden NFL cover underscores our commitment to connecting with our fans and giving them opportunities to influence the game.”
“Doritos is always looking for unprecedented opportunities to provide our fans access to the things they are most passionate about, and we are thrilled we were able to partner with EA SPORTS to give consumers complete control over this highly anticipated gaming moment,” said Rudy Wilson, vice president, marketing, Frito Lay.
Drew Brees was named Super Bowl XLIV MVP after leading the New Orleans Saints to their first ever Super Bowl title. Following a career threatening injury during his last season with the San Diego Chargers, Brees joined the New Orleans Saints in 2005, less than a year after Hurricane Katrina. Since then, Brees has helped rebuild the city and the football team, through his successes on the field and contributions to the community off the field.
Brees’ decorated NFL career has included four Pro Bowl selections, three All Pro selections, three NFC Offensive Player of the Year awards, the Associated Press 2008 NFL Offensive Player of the Year and the Pro Football Weekly 2004 Comeback Player of the Year. Off the field, Brees has been a champion as well through his charity – the Brees Dream Foundation – and his work in the New Orleans, San Diego and West Lafayette/Purdue, Ind. communities, which have provided over $4,500,000 to charitable causes and academic institutions.