Tag: EA Sports

  • SSX Project Gravity Concept Art Unveils Canceled Snowboarding Game

    SSX Project Gravity Concept Art Unveils Canceled Snowboarding Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. Concept art for the canceled SSX Project Gravity was recently revealed, showcasing ambitious snowboarding experiences with futuristic elements.
    2. The SSX series was highly successful in the 2000s, known for its detailed mechanics, memorable characters, and catchy music, selling over 3 million copies.
    3. EA rebooted the SSX series in 2012, but no sequels have been released since, leaving the franchise largely inactive for over a decade.
    4. Project Gravity aimed to revive the SSX franchise as a live-service, free-to-play multiplayer game, focusing on an arcade-style experience.
    5. Development of Project Gravity was halted in February 2024 due to EA pulling support amid industry challenges, including layoffs and funding shortages.

    The legendary snowboarding series SSX has recently given fans a glimpse of what might have been with the release of concept art from the now-canceled SSX Project Gravity. This project, intended to serve as the spiritual successor to SSX, was in development at Supernatural Studios.

    Concept Art Revealed

    Gordon Wang, a former team member and art director, posted the concept art on ArtStation just a few days ago. Titled “Undisclosed Action Adventure Racing,” the artwork provided an exciting look into the ambitious goals of the project. It featured exhilarating snowboarding experiences infused with futuristic elements reminiscent of the classic SSX titles.

    The shared concept art combined illustrations with in-engine screenshots, created using Unreal Engine 5. It depicted breathtaking alpine landscapes and gravity-defying slopes, complete with rails for players to grind on.

    SSX Legacy

    The SSX series was a dominant force in the snowboarding genre during the 2000s, under the banner of Electronic Arts’ EA Sports Big. It started with the launch of SSX in the year 2000 and reached its peak with beloved titles like SSX Tricky in 2001 and SSX 3 in 2003. It’s estimated that the franchise sold over 3 million copies throughout its run and received numerous accolades, celebrated for its detailed mechanics, unforgettable cast of characters, and catchy music.

    After a seven-year break, EA brought the series back in 2012 with a reboot simply called SSX for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, developed by EA Canada. This version introduced exploration modes and received a generally positive Metacritic score of 82. However, no sequels followed, leaving the intellectual property largely inactive for over ten years.

    Future Prospects

    Since then, there haven’t been any new SSX games. Attempts to fill the gap, like Ubisoft’s Steep from 2016, only partially satisfied fans, leaning towards more realistic gameplay instead of the classic arcade feel that SSX was known for.

    Project Gravity aimed to bring back the franchise with a live-service, free-to-play multiplayer concept. Supernatural Studios, founded in 2020 by SSX co-creators Steve Rechtschaffner and Larry LaPierre, was working on the project and had gathered much of the original team. They described the game as “arcadey, amazing-feeling, very accessible, competitive, and fun.”

    Unfortunately, development was halted in February 2024 when EA pulled its support amid widespread industry challenges, including layoffs and funding shortages.

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  • EA Sports NHL 26 Release Date Set for September 12 in Trailer

    EA Sports NHL 26 Release Date Set for September 12 in Trailer

    Key Takeaways

    1. Early Release Date: NHL 26 will launch on September 12, 2025, a month earlier than expected, coinciding with the NHL regular season start on October 7.

    2. Pricing and Pre-order Bonuses: The Standard Edition costs $69.99 with bonuses like 500 NHL Points, while the Deluxe Edition is priced at $99.99 (currently $89.99) and includes additional NHL Points and early access.

    3. Innovative Features: The game will feature the new ICE-Q 2.0 system for realistic gameplay, utilizing NHL EDGE data for improved puck dynamics and player movements, along with an enhanced Goalie Crease Control System.

    4. Updated Game Modes: Be A Pro mode will receive significant updates, including new storylines and cinematic cutscenes, while Hockey Ultimate Team will introduce ranked matches and an offline Hut Cup Chase Mode.

    5. Community Excitement: The announcement has generated excitement among NHL players, with the Creative Director claiming NHL 26 offers the most true-to-life gaming experience yet.

    In a clever move that syncs up with the NHL’s regular season starting October 7, EA Sports has revealed that NHL 26 will be launching a month earlier than expected. This announcement came through the game’s official reveal trailer on YouTube. NHL 26 will hit store shelves on September 12, 2025, for both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X.

    Release Timeline Shift

    EA has altered its usual release schedule with this early launch. The cover art for the new Deluxe Edition showcases the Tkachuk family, featuring Matthew, Brady, and their father, Keith. Additionally, players will have access to a 10-hour trial for EA Play and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.

    Pricing and Pre-order Bonuses

    The Standard Edition of EA Sports NHL 26 is set at $69.99 and includes pre-order bonuses like 500 NHL Points, two World of Chel Battle Pass XP Boosts, a 99 OVR Matthew Tkachuk card for NHL 25’s HUT, along with a HUT Player Pack.

    The Deluxe Edition has a price tag of $99.99 (currently $89.99), and those who pre-order can start playing a week earlier. This edition also comes with an additional 4,600 NHL Points and a HUT Starter Choice Pack. EA Play subscribers will enjoy extra benefits such as 3,000 World of Chel Coins, Season Pass XP Multiplier Tokens, and a 10% discount on digital content.

    Innovative Features

    NHL 26 is set to elevate the gaming experience with its ICE-Q 2.0 system, which utilizes NHL EDGE positional data. This system incorporates real-world puck dynamics and the movements of NHL players, accurately simulating their skating speeds, shot power, and unique moves.

    The Goalie Crease Control System is also revamped, improving netminder mechanics for better positioning and more realistic saves, addressing a concern fans have raised for a long time.

    Exciting Game Modes

    Moreover, the Be A Pro mode is reportedly receiving its largest update since NHL 21. Players can look forward to fresh storylines, new NHL players, and cinematic cutscenes. The Hockey Ultimate Team will introduce HUT seasons, permitting players to take part in ranked matches. Those seeking a more relaxed single-player experience can enjoy the offline Hut Cup Chase Mode.

    Mike Inglehart, the Creative Director of EA Sports, stated, “NHL 26 is the most true-to-life experience we’ve ever built.” Excitement among the NHL player community is already building for the early release ahead of the October season kickoff.

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  • EA Sports Tests Real-World Input Delay with FC 26 Players

    EA Sports Tests Real-World Input Delay with FC 26 Players

    Key Takeaways

    1. EA Sports is actively addressing input delay concerns in EA Sports FC 26 by visiting players’ homes to assess their internet connections.

    2. Senior Producer Sam Rivera emphasized the team’s commitment to understanding input lag by gathering feedback and data from professional players and testing setups in Europe.

    3. More than 50% of players use Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet, leading to issues like packet loss and higher latency, which contribute to input delays.

    4. New animations have been introduced in FC 26 to improve gameplay responsiveness and address the complexity of in-game actions.

    5. EA Sports FC 26 is set to launch globally on September 26, 2025, across multiple gaming platforms.

    In a surprising turn of events, EA Sports has taken steps to tackle the widespread worries about input delay in their upcoming game, EA Sports FC 26. They even visited players’ homes to check their internet connections in real life.

    Deep Dive into Input Lag

    During an interview with IGN, Senior Producer Sam Rivera shared details about the team’s commitment to solving the ongoing input lag problem. This issue has been a source of frustration for Ultimate Team players who have experienced delays when executing in-game actions, such as passing or shooting. Rivera mentioned, “We really needed to understand the root of the problem. We worked with pro players, we gathered data from players all around the world to try to understand the issue, but we didn’t want to only listen to the feedback. We wanted to experience the input delay ourselves. So we traveled to Europe to meet with pro players at the eSports studios. We actually met with content creators at their homes, and we learned a lot.”

    Testing in Multiple Locations

    Teams of engineers from EA conducted tests on player setups in the UK and Spain. They discovered that more than 50% of EA FC players were using Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet, which led to issues like packet loss, jitter, and higher latency. Rivera elaborated, “If you play on Wi-Fi, you can have jitter and packet loss, which can create a very delayed experience.” The best way to play is by using an Ethernet cable and turning on your TV’s Game Mode, as not doing so can add between 20 to 100 ms of input lag. However, the issues were not limited to connectivity; some in-game actions also played a role in the delays, as Rivera noted: “Sometimes, we request actions in the game that are very difficult to perform. So if there’s a very fast incoming ball and I want to go for a long pass backwards, that is very difficult, and sometimes there are no animations for that. So it is like in real life, very difficult to perform. It’s difficult for us to capture those animations.”

    New Animations for a Better Experience

    To address these issues more effectively, EA Sports has introduced several new animations in FC 26. The company claims that the animation system for FC 26 is one of the most complex, needing to address every request, shot, and pass based on player and opponent positions. Although it’s impossible to completely eliminate input delay from a video game, Rivera believes they have made significant progress in FC 26 to offer a more responsive gaming experience.

    EA Sports FC 26 was officially announced in July 2025 and is set to launch globally on September 26, 2025, for platforms including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, and Amazon Luna.

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  • Madden NFL 26 Release Date Leaked; Nintendo Switch 2 Status Unclear

    Madden NFL 26 Release Date Leaked; Nintendo Switch 2 Status Unclear

    Key Takeaways

    1. Madden NFL 26 is set to be revealed by April 25th and will release on August 14th, with a Deluxe Edition offering three days of early access.
    2. The game is expected to be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with no current plans for PS4 or Xbox One versions, indicating a shift to current-generation consoles.
    3. EA has confirmed a Madden game for the upcoming Switch 2, but it is unclear if Madden NFL 26 will launch on that platform in August.
    4. EA Sports has previously provided lesser versions of games for the Nintendo Switch, leading to hopes for improved performance on the Switch 2.
    5. Fans are eager for more information regarding the Switch version of Madden NFL 26, as EA typically aims for simultaneous releases of its sports games each year.

    The arrival of a new Madden football game is a yearly event for EA Sports. Trusted leaker billbil-kun has mentioned that the company is set to reveal the new installment by April 25th at the latest. The release date for Madden NFL 26 is slated for August 14th, and players who opt for the Deluxe Edition will get three days of early access. While EA has confirmed that there will be a Madden game for the Switch 2, it remains unclear if Madden NFL 26 will be available on that platform in August.

    Platform Expectations

    According to billbil-kun, the latest Madden game is expected to be released on the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. There’s no information about a PS4 or Xbox One version, suggesting that Madden NFL 26 might be exclusive to current-generation consoles. This is a shift from Madden 25, especially since EA College Football 25 will only be available in 2024 for newer systems. Interestingly, the F1 25 racing simulation is also focusing on current platforms for the first time, indicating that EA may be moving away from older Microsoft and Sony consoles.

    Switch Developments

    Madden has been noticeably missing from the Nintendo Switch lineup. Previously, EA provided lesser versions of its sports games for the Switch with reduced graphics and absent features. While EA Sports FC 25 managed to retain many elements, the limitations of the Switch were clear. Gamers are hoping for improved performance when both games launch on the Switch 2. Initial footage suggests that the new Nintendo console could at least rival the Steam Deck. However, many EA Sports games are not compatible with Valve’s handheld, and anti-cheat measures prevent EA Sports FC 25 from running on it.

    The first Madden game for the Switch 2 might not share the same release period as Madden NFL 26. Nevertheless, EA generally aims for its sports games to be released at the same time each year. Fans are eager for more information regarding a Switch version when the Madden NFL 26 release date is officially announced.

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    Madden NFL 26 Release Date Leaked; Nintendo Switch 2 Status Unclear
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  • EA and Amazon Sign Multi-Year Deal for Major Games on Luna

    EA and Amazon Sign Multi-Year Deal for Major Games on Luna

    Key Takeaways

    1. Amazon Luna is expanding its game library through a multi-year partnership with EA, adding popular titles like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and Dead Space.
    2. New games will be available for streaming on Luna starting today as part of the agreement with EA, which also includes EA Sports titles.
    3. Luna is included with an Amazon Prime membership, but the free tier has a limited game selection that rotates regularly.
    4. Users can upgrade to Luna+ for $10 a month, which offers over 100 games, 1080p at 60FPS, and reduced wait times.
    5. Luna’s services have expanded to more European countries, now available in 14 countries, with Prime members gaining access to several popular games.

    Amazon Luna is a cloud gaming service by the company that currently offers a somewhat limited range of games. With a recent multi-year partnership with EA, the platform aims to broaden its game library and introduce major titles for its users. Amazon Luna has revealed that some of the most sought-after games from EA will be included in its expanding collection, featuring Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Dead Space. Furthermore, it has been announced that Luna is now accessible in more European nations.

    Streaming New Titles

    The announcement indicates that the three previously mentioned games will be available for streaming on Luna starting today. This addition is part of a multi-year agreement with EA, which also encompasses EA Sports, and selected games will be introduced in the months to come. David Tinson, EVP and Chief Experiences Officer at Electronic Arts, expressed in the announcement, “Our teams are focused on creating experiences that entertain and engage EA’s vast online communities, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with Amazon to offer those games to even more individuals.”

    Membership and Game Access

    Luna is included with an Amazon Prime membership, though the game library remains quite restricted. The games available in this free tier rotate and include popular titles like Fortnite, WRC Generations, Jackbox Party Pack 3, Fallout 3, Trackmania, among a few others. Moreover, it lets users connect their Ubisoft or GOG accounts to stream games they already possess. For $10 a month, Luna+ is the subscription tier that increases the library to over 100 games. It also provides 1080p at 60FPS and reduces wait times.

    Expansion of Services

    According to the Luna cloud gaming webpage, if you own Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, or Dead Space, and have an active Prime subscription, you can begin streaming them via Luna by linking your EA account.

    Additionally, Luna has announced that its services have broadened to include Sweden, Portugal, Belgium, and Luxembourg. It is now offered in 14 countries around the globe. Prime members in these countries will have permanent access to Fortnite, LEGO Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Trackmania, in addition to a rotating game selection that will change on March 31.

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