Sign on Options
Theme:
To Dark

First Madden NFL 10 Screenshot

  • By BrianEk, GameSpot
  • Posted Mar 23, 2009 11:41 am PT

I've been sports editor for a long time here at GameSpot--approaching five years, in fact--and, during that time, I've watched sports game publishers go from being relatively secretive about their projects to incredibly open-ended and engaging with both media and fans. Gone are the days, it seems,...

I've been sports editor for a long time here at GameSpot--approaching five years, in fact--and, during that time, I've watched sports game publishers go from being relatively secretive about their projects to incredibly open-ended and engaging with both media and fans. Gone are the days, it seems, of first looks at the next Madden or NCAA Football just months before the game is due to hit store shelves.

These days, the developers behind those games are in touch with fans on a near-constant basis, showing off cool tech, asking for ideas, and basically keeping their games facing the community. And even though these looks are still carefully controlled and designed to show off the game's best aspects, it's great to see publishers taking community serious and keeping them engaged.

The screenshot above is the first screen from Madden NFL 10, and was published today in Peter Moore's EA Sports blog. Here's a snippet from the blog:

The old adage says, "A picture is worth a thousand words", and that is certainly true in this fantastic shot. How many improvements can you pick out? The Madden dev team will call each one out in their blog later this week.

Judging by the chatter on the EA Sports Madden forum, folks are calling out the towel in Ben Roethlisberger's pants, the on-field ref, and the chain-gang as "new" in the pic. Personally, I'm wondering if the focus on the different positions of the offensive linemen suggests any new blocking schemes or animations. Also, between the blurry ref on the right and the blurry sideline, there's some pretty serious depth-of-field happening here. I wonder how prevalent that visual effect will be in the game...

So, what else looks new to you in this screenshot of Madden 10?

152 Comments

  • DKHardee

    Posted Apr 12, 2009 8:18 pm GMT

    Also in the pic it looks to me like the names on the back of the jersey are bigger than before. I know in edit player the name on the uniforms looked like it should but when it came to the field, the names got bunched up and didn't look as good.

  • youngstuntz

    Posted Apr 11, 2009 8:34 pm GMT

    Also refs, coaches more involved, and when a player get injured and its a BIG injury they get up and walk off. If its a broken leg have teammates help him off the field, career ending have the truck come out. if you get a big hit and the player isn't moving have both teams come on the field to check on him. Make rivalry more interesting more calls, penalties, fights. Basketball have techs called, fights, coaches and players gettin thrown out, coaches fuss about bad calls. more shots of the fans realistic. Madden players on the sideline don't look like they're not into the game. A big catch, big hit, int for a return, kick/punt return have the sideline jumping pumping up the crowd, running down the sideline with them

  • youngstuntz

    Posted Apr 11, 2009 8:27 pm GMT

    When you move up a conference change the logo on their field and jerseys to the new conference. I like playing with the worst teams and bring them to 6 star teams and don't get the love. I could be in the sun belt conference and join the SEC or ACC something but still have the sun belt stuff, change that please.

  • DKHardee

    Posted Apr 7, 2009 8:40 pm GMT

    I agree with HeCantBeatMe 100%. Playing NCAA 09, I have been with Tulane for 7 years, only lost 3 games, Won 2 National Championships (Tulane don't get love in the polls). Last night the SEC dropped Miss State and added Tulane, Gonna bring the Green Wave an SEC Championship! NCAA 09 is almost perfect, I just wish they had D1-AA on it. PLEASE PUT 1-AA AND THE BIG SOUTH CONFERENCE ON NCAA 2010!!!!

    My Guesses for Cover athletes...
    Madden NFL 2010 Cover Athlete: BIG BEN
    NCAA Football 2010 Cover Athlete: KNOWSHON MORENO

  • HeCantBeatMe

    Posted Apr 7, 2009 1:53 pm GMT

    I hope that got people from the NCAA 09 dev team to work on this game, because that was the far better game than Madden 09. I still cant stop playing NCAA 09! I dropped Madden 09 like a half a year ago.

  • dscarpinato1

    Posted Apr 5, 2009 2:19 pm GMT

    REFEREE!!!

  • bleedgreen2-1-5

    Posted Apr 5, 2009 9:58 am GMT

    yo man i agree with the dude below me

    when i played with the Eagles thier jerseys were innaccurate, the black jersey didnt have green trim on the numbers and the green jerseys didnt have grey inner trim in the numbers. some of the players's helmet had crooked wings.
    they should add more jerseys or let you create your won, but keep the logs and helmets logo unlike the older maddens when you make a new uni and they helmet becomes generic
    plus, westbrook dosent wear a visor!

  • DKHardee

    Posted Apr 3, 2009 8:51 pm GMT

    I agree the night games in 09 do look to blue. Also in 09 I noticed some uniforms werent accurate. Like the 49ers throwbacks, it had the red facemask instead of the grey. It had the newer SF logo instead of the 80's version. I hope they get that right this year especially since the 49ers are gonna unveil new uniforms on draft day (rumored to be going back to the 80's look fulltime)

    Other things I would like to see are:
    1. Helmets coming off on huge hits
    2. Grabbing of jerseys to where the shoulder pads come through the neck of the uni.
    3. Jerseys to get xtra dirty in rain games
    4. Refs on the field
    5. Make Monday night games be in ESPN-MNF Broadcast Style during Franchise
    6. Star Players to have there own animations
    7. Choice of keeping Uniforms when relocating in franchise. ( i moved the Broncos from Denver to LA and would have liked to keep the current uniforms and logo)

  • UnkownUser

    Posted Apr 3, 2009 11:28 am GMT

    Okay i have heard a lot of many different things wrong with madden, and i have to agree with a lot of those complaints, but i have to give it to E.A. for the improvements they have made. One thing i will say though that i HATE about madden 09 is the lighting during the night games!!!! Its so dag on BLUE lol I do miss though how in 07 you could start a game during the evening and throughout the quarters it would progress to a night game, I thought that was cool. Also i like to create teams and players, so i was wondering are they adding any new created team logos cause its only like 8 logos. What happened to the extended variety of create team logos they use to have? Also created team jersey (that has gotten alot better but it would be perfect if u could put a color trim around the jersey numbers.) Also i read on a comment that the outside introduction isnt better than the player introduction and i agree with that but why not have both and if its a rainy game don't have the outside stadium shot look like the first damn day of spring lol!! Oh and with created teams sometimes the roster sets players to start when i like them better on the sidelines lol, its pretty annoying when i load my team how i have to spend five minutes before the game switching around my depth chart for my created team. It would be a lot better if they fixe that to where that could be set when you are creating the team. I hope also someday they could have a new feature where i can upload created players from my previous madden for example " i create Sean Conery in 09 and instead of creating him again in madden 10 i can just upload him" Its the little things that count. Finally please make a better menu and get some good artist and tracks for the madden 10 cause some of those songs are annoying!!!!!

  • gamebreaker44

    Posted Apr 2, 2009 5:27 pm GMT

    I want momentum in Madden. There is no pressure. NCAA makes you pay for going for it on silly 4th down or running a play that is not executed properly. Special teams are are just awful. Defensive lineman and linebackers do not pressure the QB. DB's are poor tacklers on Madden 09. Please Please make them bring back defensive assignments for the DB's and linebackers to defend the best offensive threats on the field. It seems that offense always had a huge advantage especially in the passing game. Randy which his ratings is a 98 is matched up on db that is rated 70. What the hell is that! On PS2 Madden 05, 06, 07, and 08 got it right please bring that feature back to Madden. Gamers that take pride in defense would appreiciate that.

  • Netherscourge

    Posted Apr 1, 2009 10:19 am GMT

    Depth of field. The Camera focuses on where the ball is - everythign in the foreground and background is blurred.

  • maverick_76

    Posted Mar 30, 2009 6:34 pm GMT

    All I ask for is competent A.I. that reacts as the players would on the field in real life. Like if the guys head is turned, he won't intercept the ball or tip it and your line actually knows how to block. And of course get rid of the eff you plays the A.I. runs where no matter what you did the guy was going to score. And get rid of the "money plays" and the dreaded spin and rocket catch, those are not real, just really annoying. Also add more animations, other than that the game released last year was good, just polish it up with more realistic play. I might actually purchase it if that happens, Until then back to 2K5 where the bar was set and still has not been passed, *sigh*.....

  • nyranasaurus

    Posted Mar 29, 2009 10:19 pm GMT

    can we have this game back on PC please. Also Fight Night would be amazing on PC.

  • DKHardee

    Posted Mar 29, 2009 7:46 pm GMT

    also you can see the superbowl logo patch on the shoulders

  • tyler22221

    Posted Mar 28, 2009 6:07 am GMT

    That is pretty cool but i cant believe how much maddens they have

  • bleedgreen2-1-5

    Posted Mar 27, 2009 10:58 am GMT

    yo i read that they fixed the Big ben weight problem and made him bigger

    nice to see they are actually listening

    i suggest:
    -Eli Mannings shrug when he makes a bad play
    -Donovan McNabb, smiling a whole lot (like Always) and even have his tongue hang out when he surveys the feild, or assures the receivers that it was his fault if there was a bad pass.
    -Joey Porter talkin treash ans startin fights
    and last but not least..................T.O.s hissy fits when he dont get the ball!

    that would be realism in a football game wouldnt it?
    basically they should give players distinct actions that replicate what they do on the feild instead of some stale generic motion captures.
    Bring back the QB's real voices like in 08 with brady, mcnabb, peyton and other star players

    cant wait till next madden comes out!

  • brianmelton20

    Posted Mar 26, 2009 6:22 pm GMT

    Looks good so far, can't wait for more on madden

  • ACEGamer89

    Posted Mar 26, 2009 5:32 pm GMT

    Woo for procedurally generated animations! I just hope none of these big plans end up getting canned before the game launches. That would be a shame.

  • chikkkenbutt

    Posted Mar 26, 2009 11:42 am GMT

    Can we all answer the question? All 2k fanboys and madden haters please find another forum to rant about. As for this screenshot however... effin amazing! the new dev team has really stepped up to the plate as far as I can tell (I hope they continue with this progress). But all I can say about this is wow!
    -New, EXCELLENT looking player models (accurate size and weight!) Nice ref model too!
    -NEW REFS!
    -Sidelines also look great! Not everyone is just standing around, there are players standing, sitting, etc. New gatorade jug things! and new personnel! I can't tell if thats a trainer, or w/e by the table with the gatorade on it, but their new! -NEW HAND TOWELS that ppl have been asking for!
    -Also, the blocking looks like its blocking, and not a just a wall of linemen! and it seems as tho there's actually a pocket! -It also looks like the DL have new moves too! (judging by #55)
    All in all this look effin awesome. Keep it up EA! ....it's about time.

  • hollatchaboy

    Posted Mar 26, 2009 9:52 am GMT

    Well it would be cool to see the players on the sideline interact more to what is happin on the field. And actually be able to see players like Troy (Palamolu) how ever u spell it. But actually see him give dap to a receiver coming of the field. lol. It would keep the games momentum goin. I play in tournaments so im more about the AI being able to handle its side of the field when im not over there. And not have a 75overall WR mirk my 85overall nickleback (80%) of the time on cross routes and hitches. But im sure i can go on all day. Its still fun to play, even with messed up glitches.

  • BigBoi17

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 8:21 pm GMT

    Maybe helments are no longer STUCK to the players head as one object. So the helment popping hits are back. Depth of field is serious. On field ref. Glove on ben's left hand only. Starks in perfect position and POSTURE to stop the outside rush, so hopefully canned animations are a thing of the past. One thing that EA needed to work on was presentation, that will seperate this madden from ALL the maddens of the past...

  • ejahthegod

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 7:48 pm GMT

    Game play and graphics!!! But game play is more important than graphics. 09's game play wasn't that good. I agree that 2k was better before they get exclusive rights.

  • Laxman816

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 7:30 pm GMT

    Wow. Now just make NCAA Football 10 look this good!

  • bleedgreen2-1-5

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 6:09 pm GMT

    i agree with fupa24,

    why even come here and bash EA if you hate them so much? get a life and go play the overly loved "ok but not that good" 2k5

    If i was a game designer and i had a chance at exclusive rights i'd take em! who wouldnt? Means more money for you as a business, maybe they were scared? i would try to put out a company that was selling another football agme for 30 less dollars, its business, sure madden needs improvement but can you name any game ever that couldnt have used any? i cant

    thats why EA is making good games like NHL 09 Madden and NBA live
    2ks baseball and hockey games are horrible so chill out.

    cant wait for this game to come out, i know everyone bashin on it will get it too because they wouldnt bother coming here of they werent.

  • jar288

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 4:46 pm GMT

    another madden. who cares, check out backbreaker

  • not_guilty_84

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 4:26 pm GMT

    i thought madden 09 really brought alot to the table and made the franchise that much better, this screenshot really looks legit! the helmet has that realist shine, the sweat towel, etc... i hope they upgrade the crowd and sidelines for graphics, seriously the graphics on field are advancing so fast they might as well make it all around graphical! and i liked the introducing players more then the outside stadium effect, eventhough it looked way too good! and more interaction with the sidelines, like they move out of the way or get knocked down but not running through them andworse through the walls! minor fixes for an amazing game!

  • OldDogOfWar

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 3:32 pm GMT

    graphically it looks better and more realistic movement as well, but wats new really, lmao they better have improved the graphics on the crowed lol, not that it matters but damn, im tired of seeing the crowed in ps1 graphics lmao at least upgrade the crowed to ps2 graphics

  • Liferow

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 3:08 pm GMT

    2K series was better. Madden gets too complicated every year. Gotta do a street fighter combo before you hiking the ball. I miss the old ones. Bought 09 only because Favre was on the cover.

  • kennyjb00777

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 2:36 pm GMT

    1. quarterback is looking at his target, position also allows him to look away. this means the defense can react quicker if the QB stares to long. 2. blocking up front also looks better, this means the user will have to use best defensive player on the field or it could mean, if your DE is not a great player (ranked high) it's a good idea to use someone else. 3. the field looks a bit different as well. the field looks like it's moving. gives it a more realistic feel. 4. numbers on the jerseys are different as well. this will make it easier to identify player on the field. will help make quicker audibles. 5. look at the position of the defensive players hands. it's more realistic. finally, i hope 2010 is easier to audible into single man coverage or assign a man to a particular receiver (example, playing zone on the colts, but playing man on Reggie Wayne) It should work like 2k5( RIP)..

  • BarNone101

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 1:49 pm GMT

    this is still the 09 engine..the only thing diff about the player models is that roethlisberger has a towel...

  • jbenthal0476

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 1:42 pm GMT

    I just hope the Buccaneers are pewter this year instead of that old forty-niner beige they tried to make. Every Madden game recently hasn't had this problem except Madden 09. This may seem small but when your a Bucs fan this stands out very severely. Also, if you win an important game, let it have some sort of show, not just the same scene from 08 again.

  • HotRay228

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 1:34 pm GMT

    The Players On The Sideline Still Look like crap.

  • b_bongers

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 12:01 pm GMT

    To everyone who is looking for things to do with how the gameplay has changed, go to this site: http://www.insideblog.easports.com/default.aspx?Sort=MostComments&PageIndex=1 There's much to read if you have the time, and a few videos as well. Like the rest of you I could care less about the graphics, and this site has a lot of the changes so far, like a video of how a WR accelerates off the line, has to slow down before he makes his cut in, and then accelerate again. Another cool feature they've added is WR/DB matchups, so you can always have your best defender guarding their big threats. Anywhoo.. can't f'in wait!

  • Favre2k3

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 9:44 am GMT

    Screenshots are great and all... but every year I can pick out problems with this game that makes me hate it, when are they going to implement zone blocking, or how about double team chips the the LB which is a staple for the running game, or how about saftey's blindly jumping up and knocking down the long ball, there is bump and run covereage but it works terribly, tacklers floating to the runners from behind to start the tackling animation, the physics are still all off, especially how moment does play a factor in the animations, and if it does it does not look right. The deep ball needs to be fixed because it is always underthrown, I could go on but it makes me frustrated how EA focuses on pointless things, Like handtowels.. who gives a crap about handtowels

  • JianJLyman

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 7:58 am GMT

    I care more about Gameplay then visuals lets see. Madden Devs actually go play there game online and stop the cheating! Also Ai can use some work. Also lol Why when a false start happens your Qb runs thru the D line?

  • shandoo45

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 7:26 am GMT

    great looks better then 09

  • davillain

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 6:15 am GMT

    One thing hasn't changed the sideline players still don't look even slightly real.

  • emotionless50

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 12:51 am GMT

    yeah....gamplay does need work....instead of movin like robots

  • GunSKillz

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 12:27 am GMT

    Madden needs to worry more about gameplay instead of graphics so i rather have a trailer to see gameplay instead of a pic to show us what we know the ps3 and xbox can do with graphics...

  • emotionless50

    Posted Mar 25, 2009 12:21 am GMT

    rocksteady05 i understand wat u mean but wat about feelin like u r actually playin 4 somthin instead of the computer doin the samething over...i been on video games since i can remember and im 18....they can make things like the players really getting mad at eachother on the field or somthing....then it carries on till they resolve it...and a real live press on the game....2ksports just needs 2 take over....and my QB Big Ben Doesnt look right

  • -SPECTER-MIKE

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 11:55 pm GMT

    The only way to tell a difference in the graphics is wait a about 4 years to change games. The games are fun but I dont buy one every year.

  • rocksteady05

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 11:14 pm GMT

    emotionless 50...you are implying madden forgets the obvious things...like sideline clapping??? stop looking at the sidelines and play the game that's the important part. does anyone else thing ben looks WAY to skinny though??

  • Takz_Rocks

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 10:58 pm GMT

    What about playing as a referee? Analyzing the picture I'm imaging being a referee and deciding as a referee, and being measure by making the correct decision. Maybe I'm crazy, I don't usually play this kind of games, but maybe it could be an interesting add to the new Madden. What do you thing about this?

  • kbmj2324

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 8:48 pm GMT

    The game is past it's prime...give it up EA or just give up the license!!!Please! NFL 2K5 still is the best football game to date....

  • -Near-

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 8:41 pm GMT

    A picture is not worth a 1000 words when it comes to gaming in my opinion, more like a trailer is worth a 1000 words

  • SportsGamer101

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 7:56 pm GMT

    Funny thing about Madden Haters is that for the most part (in my speculation) is that they play the SAME OLD FPS which ALL LOOK THE SAME!!!! sorry to say it....don't want to burst your bubble.....shooting someone is only so cool in so many different ways! No matter how you boil it down whether it's the interface or "cool features", every FPS is THE SAME!!!! Trust me, I love to play the occasional shooter particularly Killzone 2, but I think it's funny when people say "It looks the same as it did last year"..........WELL NO KIDDING.....IT'S FOOTBALL AND FOOTBALL HAS BEEN THE SAME FOR 100 PLUS YEARS....I can't wait for this game to come out so I can destroy all comers!!

  • swoosh18

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 7:45 pm GMT

    shiny helmets. =]

  • chrismaster36

    Posted Mar 24, 2009 7:06 pm GMT

    Meh... looks the same

Subscribe to GameSpot's YouTube Channel

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Featured Stories

Submit News

Got tips? Send them in!

Related Game

Madden NFL 10

Madden NFL 10 Boxshot
Follow:
  1. Not Following
    Xbox 360: Follow
  2. Not Following
    PlayStation 3: Follow
  3. Not Following
    Wii: Follow
  4. Not Following
    iPhone/iPod: Follow
  5. Not Following
    PlayStation 2: Follow
  6. Not Following
    PSP: Follow
  7. Not Following
    BlackBerry: Follow
Add to List
  1. Xbox 360
  2. PlayStation 3
  3. Wii
  4. iPhone/iPod
  5. PlayStation 2
  6. PSP
  7. BlackBerry

Follow for the latest news, videos, & tips from experts & insiders

GameSpot Fuse
    Platforms:

    Site Blogs