Image via Complex Original
There aren't many guarantees in the gaming world but there are a few titles that you can count on to jump off of shelves with or without hype. Madden has been one of those titles since it came out in 1988. We've pulled together 10 notable moments from Madden's rich history.
John Madden Begins
1988-1998
The saga begins with John Madden becoming the first NFL player with his own video game franchise. Joe Montana took a shot in 1991 with Joe Montana Football on the Sega Genesis but it couldn't stand up against the momentum of Madden.
2. Things Will Never Be The Same
1990
Madden resets the bar of football video games and is recognized as an industry game changer. Over a decade later, it continues to lead the way.
3. Got Teams?
1994
Instead of generic cities, Madden gets licensed to use the actual team names. A huge win for football gaming.
4. Name Callin'
1995
The Madden franchise adds NFL player's names. Something completely unheard of at the time.
5. Madden Bowl Is Born
1995
EA Sports begins it's yearly tournament pulling in celebrities, athletes and tons of attention. Winners included actor Morris Chestnut, Chad Ochocino, Maria Menounos and most recently, Tim Tebow.
6. Madden Goes Online
2003
Online play is introduced allowing gamers to challenge friends over broadband and (wait for it) dial-up.
7. Play Crystal Ball?
2004
EA Sports starts their Super Bowl simulation in which the teams competing at the Super Bowl compete in the latest Madden game. The sim is a hit and went on to accurately predict 7 of the last 9 Super Bowls.
8. Getting In On History
2005
For the first time, a linebacker is chosen as a Super Bowl MVP. That man was Ray Lewis. While boasting the historical MVP on the cover, Madden 2005 also improved on it's defensive features lending to the game's marketing campaign of "Fear The D".
9. John Madden Steps Back
1999
It wasn’t until this release that NFL players started to get top billing on Madden covers. Garrison Hearst was the baller to usher in a new era for Madden Football.
10. iShare A Cover
2010
Troy Polomalu and Larry Fitzgerald's Madden cover marked the first time there were ever 2 players featured at once. Madden '10 was also the first in the franchise to be released for iOS.