In 1988, computer games were becoming prominent, and the number one team in the NFL was the San Francisco 49ers. A video game company, Electronic Arts (EA), was getting popular with kids worldwide. They later had a division called EA Sports. What followed has become a cultural phenomenon.
Suddenly, you heard a voice, “It’s in the game.” You knew you were in for something unique.
The irascible John Madden (photo, Football Scoop)
Trip Hawkins, the founder of EA, was passionate about football and wanted to create a football simulation game inspired by Strat-O-Matic, a sports simulator game. He needed a megastar to market the game. At first, Trip looked at NFL players. He approached Joe Montana, the 49ers quarterback at the time, and Joe Kapp to endorse the game. However, they both declined.
He then turned to Hall of Fame coach John Madden, a broadcaster who was eventually brought on board. Madden would have input into the game if it were going to be based around him. He wanted a realistic simulation of the NFL, including 11-on-11 gameplay. It was a challenge due to the technical limitations at the time. They never really knew what they had at the time.
The first game, John Madden Football, was released in 1988 for Apple computers and focused on football strategies. In 1990, kids took notice of the game with the release of Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991.
In 1993, they released more games for Madden Football, but the name was changed to Madden NFL. It would have full licensing and begin releasing titles corresponding to each NFL season for multiple gaming consoles. Throughout the years of each game’s release, it has become a cultural phenomenon. They now have Madden tournaments across the United States. It’s the first large-scale gaming tour by a major sports league.
The Madden game has generated billions in revenue and significantly impacted culture and video games. A documentary series, It’s in The Game: Madden NFL (Prime Video with the trailer to follow), addresses the franchise’s history. A feature film, Madden, about creating the game and starring Nicolas Cage, is in production.
