The 2024 football season is kicking off in a new and exciting way, with Electronic Arts releasing a highly anticipated revamp of its college football game. Fans of the old game are finding themselves drawn back in, but quickly realizing that they have some catching up to do in terms of gameplay. The transition from the old version to EA Sports College Football 25 is being likened to going from a flip phone to an iPhone, with the game evolving significantly. This evolution is sparking interest among gamers who have taken a break from playing on XBox and PlayStation consoles.
Players like Anthony Bencomo, a 47-year-old corporate recruiter, and Bill Long, a 31-year-old accountant, are among those who are reigniting their love for gaming through the new college football release. Long has even started an online league for gamers aged 30 and up, recognizing that some may feel out of touch with the younger, more experienced players. The debut of the game has brought together a community of fans, with more than 2 million users playing early on. The anticipation leading up to the release, as evidenced by early Twitch viewership and sales data, suggests a strong start for EA’s latest offering.
The revival of the college football game is not just a trip down memory lane for longtime fans. It also reflects significant changes in the landscape of college football, such as the introduction of the College Football Playoff. Additionally, the financial aspect of the game has undergone a major overhaul, with players now able to benefit from name, image, and likeness rights (NIL). This shift has resulted in players receiving compensation for their inclusion in the game, along with new opportunities for endorsements and promotions.
As EA’s new college football game gains momentum, analysts are speculating on its potential success. While some predict sales figures surpassing 3 million units, others suggest that the game may not reach the heights of EA’s Madden franchise. Questions also remain about the impact of the college football game on Madden sales and whether there will be any overlap between the two titles. Despite the uncertainty, the nostalgic appeal of the college football game is clearly resonating with fans of all ages, bridging the gap between old and new generations of gamers.