Madden 06 scores a Web site

The industry's biggest software publisher, Electronic Arts, may have reported some losses in its most recent earnings report, but if history repeats itself, that's all about to change. One of its yearly cash cows, the Madden NFL franchise, is about to get milked. Madden NFL 06 is scheduled to ship to retailers in just under two weeks, and in preparation for its release EA has launched the game's official Web site.

The site features links to all things Madden, with the standard info on the gameplay, screenshots, and videos for pigskin fans to peruse. In addition, there are wallpapers for gamers' computers and a "Tips & Tricks" section from Prima, makers of gaming strategy guides.

Because of the game's fanatic supporters, EA has included a bit more in the Madden 06 site than normal gaming Web destinations. This year, EA is launching a fantasy football service (free with preorders of the game from select retailers), which is incorporated with the online versions of Madden 06. In addition to including a link to the service, the site also includes links to USA Today's fantasy football previews. Fans can also get the latest on this year's Madden Challenge, which kicks off in late August and hits every city that hosts an NFL team, as well as Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

The Web site also includes coverage of June's Madden event in New York City, player profiles on NFL stars Roy Williams, Trent Green, and Tony Gonzales, and a recap of EA Sports' Quarterback Challenge.

Madden NFL 06 takes the field August 8 on the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, DS, and Game Boy Advance. The game also hits the PC on August 17, the PSP on September 27, mobile platforms on August 9, and the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 sometime in the future.