For NFL players, being named the cover athlete 
for EA’s Madden franchise beats the pants off getting their face plastered on a Wheaties box.
Historically, the company has decided who gets the honor, but this year, it’s letting fans make the decision.
There are still a lot of looming questions about 
the 2011-2012 NFL season – most notably, will there be one? Now that uncertainty is starting to seep into the video game world.
Electronic Arts has already made it very clear: No matter what happens between the players and owners, there will be a new Madden game in stores this August. But if the season is substantially shortened or cancelled altogether, it could have a devastating impact on the game’s success.
The first few levels of Mad Chad 
will probably make you smile — as a brief diversion from the day to day. By the time you get halfway through the game, though, you’ll likely be bored, as it hasn’t changed at all from what you started playing. The repetitive elements get old and you quickly realize there’s no real point in collecting the coins you encounter on virtually every level, as they don’t offer any real benefit. This is an average side-scrolling game app, but there are better options available.
Read more at Common Sense Media
“Madden” day is coming — and HR offices are bracing
themselves. The release of Electronic Arts’ most popular football franchise, which takes place on Tuesday Aug 10, always brings a surge of “sick days” from dedicated fans, who opt to stay home from work and play the day away.
The “Madden” franchise is, in many respects, EA’s crown jewel.
Chris Morris: Journalist 