EA has revealed the gameplay changes coming to Madden NFL 23, including the addition of fan requested features in its Franchise mode.

Akin to Career Mode in FIFA or MyGM in NBA 2K, Franchise has been heavily criticised by fans in recent years but Madden NFL 23 promises a built-up and refined version which includes staff management, weekly game planning, and scouting.

New free agency tools, improved trade logic, and increased scout decision making also increase the authenticity, all packaged together with a simplified user interface intended to create a stronger understanding of how to build a strong franchise.

For those looking to launch a solo career, Face of the Franchise mode has also received some upgrades, headlined by the addition of the cornerback position for the first time. The similar upgrades to Franchise mode apply here too, such as the improved trade logic and so on.

While most core systems have been improved, Madden NFL 23 also introduces new technology called FieldSense that EA said “provides the foundation for consistent, ultra-realistic gameplay” by providing players with more control at every position on the field.

This materialises in a few ways. Defence will be more adaptive than ever before, with players able to perform mid-air knockouts, hit the pile to assist in tackles already in progress, blow up blocks, and force turnovers with stand-up tackles.

Skill-based passing is another addition with a new accuracy reticle and power meter appearing on screen that puts the player directly in control of the trajectory of and power behind each pass. Classic passing can be switched on if preferred, but this new method provides “surgical accuracy” when done right.

When passing isn’t the way forward, 360 degree cuts give players complete control over the way they move, instead of being limited to slowly veering “car turns”. The left trigger/L2 and right stick can be used to plant-and-go, elude defenders to break big plays, or hard cut and immediately change direction.

Upgrades to wide receiver and defensive back move sets also make for more intense battles off the line, and generally streamlined playbooks now make it easier to find the plays that work best in each scenario.

The authenticity of Madden NFL 23 also seeps into its visuals, as new player-locked, 4K touchdown cameras emulate the NFL broadcast experience, player silhouettes now have more body types built from actual NFL player scans, and stadium details (from exteriors to towel placements) have also been improved.

EA announced yesterday (June 1) that John Madden himself would be this year’s cover star following his death last December. Three new covers show Madden as a broadcaster and a coach, alongside a recreation of the original John Madden Football game from 1988.

In our 6/10 review of last year’s game, IGN said: “Madden NFL 22 takes a small and unimpressive first step into the Xbox Series X and PS5 generation, with even its better new ideas hobbled by poor execution.” Hopefully Madden 23’s steps are bolder.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer who occasionally remembers to tweet @thelastdinsdale. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.