Implications of John Madden's retirement on the 21-year-old "Madden" gaming series are not yet clear. [UPDATE: EA has weighed in, saying that Madden's retirement won't affect his involvement with the "Madden" games]
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Legendary football announcer John Madden announced his retirement from broadcasting today, stating "I know this is the right time." Madden had been broadcasting football for 30 years but decided it's time to spend more time with his family, according to a statement released through NBC Sports.
For gamers, the biggest implication of the news would be any effect this retirement has on EA's "Madden NFL" football games, which both bear Madden's name and prominently feature the football icon.
Backed by Madden's name and an exclusive NFL team and player's license, the "Madden" series has remained a top-seller in recent years. The combined versions of the "Madden NFL 09" game sold 5.25 million copies in the U.S. alone in 2008, the NPD sales-tracking group told MTV Multiplayer earlier this year. That made the game the second-biggest seller of 2008.
Would Madden's retirement affect his appearance in the game? MTV Multiplayer has reached out to EA to find out more and will update you as soon as we hear back.
UPDATE: EA Sports provided the following statement about the implications of Madden's retirement:
EA SPORTS continues its strong relationship with John Madden and will continue to produce new versions EA SPORTS Madden NFL with John’s collaboration. His retirement has no impact on EA, other than us wishing him the very best in this next stage in his life.
We will continue to work with John, as we have for years, on the making of Madden NFL. His role has evolved over the years through the creative development process of the game. That will not change any time soon.
Peter Moore, President of EA SPORTS, has also issued the following statement on John’s retirement:
"John is a true sports icon who has made an indelible impact on the sport of football which will be felt forever. His prolific coaching and broadcasting careers, as well as his distinct role in shaping the EA SPORTS football experience have redefined how multiple generations have come to know and love the sport with unrivaled passion. We’re excited to see his legacy live on in the 21st year of Madden NFL football, and well beyond. It’s been a privilege for EA SPORTS to have had the strong relationship we’ve had with John for more than two decades and one that will continue into the future."
Madden's NBC statement only refers to the game series as a sign of the retiring broadcaster's success, noting: "Madden’s EA Sports video game 'Madden NFL Football' is the No. 1 selling sports video game of all-time with more than 65 million copies sold since its release 20 years ago.
In 2005, EA signed Madden to a new multi-year deal for use of his name and likeness
John Madden has been associated with EA's series since the first "Madden" game was released in 1988.