First Madden NFL Screenshot Released, Shows Tattoos

EA Sports has released the first screenshot for Madden NFL 15, the latest installment in the blockbuster professional football series due out this August for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4. In addition to showing off some impressive new visuals, we see that tattoos are finally coming to the series.

The screenshot focuses on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and shows off tattoos on his left and right biceps. Just yesterday, Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers agreed to a six-year, $126 million deal to keep the QB in San Francisco through 2020.

Noted sports video game blogger Pasta Padre writes that before this, the NFL blocked EA from featuring tattoos on players, though it's unclear why.

Madden NFL 15 launches August 26 for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, and PS4. EA is keeping fairly tight-lipped about what this year's game will offer compared to last year's special commemorative entry, Madden NFL 25. However, EA has said that Madden NFL 15 will introduce an "entirely new broadcast presentation" featuring new camera angles and "dynamic pre-game and halftime features." It will also place emphasis on defense.

The annual Madden NFL cover vote is down to two athletes: Cam Newton and Richard Sherman. Voting wraps up tomorrow, and the winner will be announced at a special Los Angeles event later that evening.