If you’re a college football fan, as some point you have played a version of EA Sports NCAA College Football. The game was stopped being made after a judge ruled for former UCLA hooper Ed O’Bannon that using his likeness in the College Basketball edition in 2009. The ruling gave players who were in the games from 2003-2014 about $1,000 each for their likeness.
When you think about the payout was it really worth the hassle and backlash O’Bannon received after all us gamers lost a game we loved? I would say no but the NCAA was able to continue to claim their athletes as amateurs and thus the game was stopped after their 2014 version. Rumors of the game returning have begun with the potential for players to use their likeness again, but there are still hurdles remaining for it to make its return.
The good news however is that EA Sports Madden franchises newest edition will have an option for two years in college, but only 10 schools will be in the pool for you to choose from.
Madden 21's career mode will allow you to pick from a pool of 10 colleges and play two seasons.
So that leaves one question … pic.twitter.com/zr05vKCACF
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) July 1, 2020
It’s a great idea but clearly isn’t quite as satisfying as a game dedicated to the greatness that is college football, mainly the recruiting aspect. It depends on the position you would make yourself as to where you would go. It’s a neat addition to the Madden franchise, and it scratches the NCAA itch, but not completely. Here’s hoping in the future EA is able to bring back its NCAA video games and we can get back to winning virtual championships with the Irish.