Is Madden 21/22 Cross Platform? Detailed Guide
Video games based on the Madden NFL franchise have gained immense popularity worldwide. However, the question arises: can these games be made cross-platform? Madden 21 was launched exclusively for Xbox One and PS4 on August 20th, leaving out PC and mobile users.
It’s highly likely that EA Sports’ decision is influenced by their exclusive deal with Microsoft. As they are preparing to release an upgraded version of the Xbox One, which will support both Xbox 360 and Xbox One games, a feature called “Project Helix” will be introduced. With this feature, players will have the opportunity to engage in multiplayer games with players from other consoles and PCs.
Furthermore, speculations suggest that EA might want players to purchase Madden 19 in order to play the game, rather than accessing it on other platforms. This strategy would allow them to gather the largest online player base possible. Considering this theory, it begs the question: could Madden 21 potentially be released as a cross-platform game after Madden 19?
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What is Madden 21?
EA Tiburon has once again delivered another outstanding installment of the Madden NFL series: Madden NFL 21. This year’s game boasts a plethora of exciting new features, including highly realistic graphics and animations that enhance the overall gaming experience.
One notable addition is the ability to select your preferred team to play as, offering a sense of personalization. Additionally, you have the freedom to choose your opponent, allowing for diverse matchups tailored to your preferences. With such a wide array of options available, Madden NFL 21 accommodates any gaming situation, whether you’re playing solo or with a friend.
The game’s visual quality is exceptional, featuring top-notch graphics that contribute to an immersive atmosphere. The characters in the game feel incredibly lifelike, enhancing the sense of realism. Navigating through the fast-paced gameplay is made effortless with intuitive controls, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
However, the burning question on every player’s mind is whether Madden NFL 21 supports cross-platform play.
Is Madden 21/22 Cross-Platform?
Similar to its predecessors, Madden NFL 21 does not support cross-platform play. This means that players are unable to engage in gameplay with individuals on different platforms, such as PlayStation, Xbox One, or PC.
Anticipation arose among players upon the announcement of Madden’s new installment, with many hopeful for the possibility of playing with others on alternative consoles.
However, upon the game’s release, it was clarified that cross-platform play would not be feasible. This news left numerous individuals disheartened, perceiving it as a missed opportunity.
As a result, Madden NFL 21 is exclusively available on certain platforms and will not be accessible on Xbox One or PC, thereby preventing console and PC gamers from playing together.
Is Madden 22 Cross-Platform PC and Xbox One?
As of 2023, it has been confirmed that Madden 21 will not have a PC version. Furthermore, there has been no announcement regarding the availability of Madden 21 on Xbox One. As a result, it appears that the game will be exclusively available on the PS4 and PS3 platforms.
The absence of a PC version of Madden may be attributed to financial constraints. The company might face budget limitations, making it financially unfavorable to invest in a cross-platform release that could potentially cost $700. It is important to note that releasing the game exclusively on one console allows the company to generate higher revenue.
Due to the financial considerations and the lack of revenue generated from the development costs, the likelihood of Madden 21 becoming cross-platform is uncertain at this time.
Is Madden 22 PS4 and Xbox One Cross-platform?
The Madden 22 platform does not support cross-play between PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Players on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are unable to engage in gameplay together.
Enabling cross-platform compatibility between these consoles can be a complex task, as both console developers aim to maximize profits from their respective versions of the game.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that your friends are playing on the same console as you if you wish to play Madden 22 with them.
Is Madden 21 Cross-platform for PC and PS4?
Madden NFL 21 is not compatible with the PS4 and PC platforms. In simpler terms, if you own a PS4, you can only play with other PS4 owners, and you won’t be able to compete against a friend who plays on a PC.
The disparity in features between PCs and PlayStation consoles poses significant challenges for cross-platform gaming. This is the primary reason why cross-platform games are not feasible.
PlayStation players typically use gamepads, while PC users rely on a mouse and keyboard. This disparity in input methods makes it difficult for games to balance and synchronize reactions across both platforms.
Playing Madden NFL 21 on a console or PC can lead to issues such as tense or unresponsive gameplay due to the contrasting control mechanisms. Moreover, the hardware configurations of consoles and PCs can also differ significantly.
PlayStation consoles offer various input methods, including the touchpad, cheer stick, and DualShock control buttons, which are not available on any standard keyboard.
While it is crucial for modern games to support cross-platform functionality, allowing players to enjoy their favorite titles seamlessly across multiple platforms, Madden 21 falls short in this regard.
Madden NFL 21’S Cross-Gen Features
Simulation football enthusiasts have expressed their weariness with EA and the Madden NFL franchise, primarily due to the excessive emphasis on microtransactions within the games.
Furthermore, the lack of competition, with EA being the exclusive developer of simulation-based NFL games, has only exacerbated the dissatisfaction among fans.
Franchise Mode enthusiasts have particularly felt let down this year, as Madden 22 offers minimal significant changes compared to its predecessor, Madden 20.
In response to the outcry, fans of the game mode initiated the hashtag #FixMaddenFranchise on Twitter, demanding improvements.
EA has acknowledged the concerns and pledged to update and enhance the Franchise Mode in future iterations. They have committed to releasing patches this year to address some of the issues.
However, it is worth noting that Madden 21’s absence of cross-play functionality restricts players to online matches solely with those who own the same console. PlayStation 4 players are limited to playing against other PlayStation 4 users, while Xbox One players can only compete against fellow Xbox One users. Nevertheless, this limitation does not necessarily dampen the multiplayer experience.
Fortunately, players still have the opportunity to engage in online competition through popular game modes such as Madden Ultimate Team and The Yard, which remain beloved among the multiplayer community.
Final Words
We can now provide you with a clear answer regarding cross-play in Madden 21. In an unprecedented move for EA, Madden 21 does not support cross-play. Presently, there are no indications of plans to revise this restriction in upcoming game releases.
Interestingly, during its initial year of release after the launch of the next-generation console, Madden 20 did offer cross-platform functionality on both consoles. However, EA made the decision not to implement cross-play in this year’s iteration of the game.
Therefore, Madden 21 lacks the capability for players on different platforms to engage in gameplay together, marking a departure from the previous cross-play support available in Madden 20.