If you've skipped a madden before

How were you able to stay away? Just curious, nothing thought provoking.

I've only been a regular Madden player for about 7-8 years and I haven't completely skipped an entire year in that time.

However, more recently, I have taken extended absences from the game and found no issue with occupying the "extra" free time with other activities while not even giving the game a second thought.

I had more time to spend with family and friends, work on my guitar playing, ride my motorcycle - almost any other activity or hobby you enjoy can easily fill the time spent playing Madden.

If you're looking for game suggestions to replace Madden I can't be much help there.  I only play Madden & NHL with any regularity.  Sprinkled in with a bit of GTA and most recently the Star Wars Jedi games (Fallen Order and Survivor) have made for a nice break from Madden and sports games in general.  At least for me.

Other games/things to do is the big one. If Madden/gaming is a habit you’ve formed, its easier to stay away if you have something else to replace it with. 

I started 19, and got so tired of it I stopped playing a month or so in, and didn’t pick up Madden again until end game on 21. I’ve played every Madden game (and TB before it) since it’s been a thing and those were the only times I can ever remember not playing it. 

As we sit now, on July 14th, I have no desire to play 26 after stopping 25 a few months ago, but I bet that’ll change once football actually starts.

I wish I skipped this one

Im not an addict and I play other games....

I boycotted last years Madden due to being banned in m23. I only play Madden in the off-season to curb my NFL fix. Once fantasy football starts I will be disengaged in this game.

Skipped most of 23, played a little the last month or so, but mostly draft. Last year didnt start mut until mf and was done fairly early switching to 3 v 3 superstar. This year got at it fairly early, won a shit ton of super bowls, did some squads but went back to strictly 3s around ASA. Some people love when it requires the least skill to play with unlimited x factors and stuff, I get lost at the cartoony shit. I'll buy 26 and probs stay on superstar for the majority of the year. Lingering now just to rip half off packs, won't waste my coins on useless RPs . Taking a break or skipping a year has you more optimistic and less bitter at a sub par product imo. Best way to do it to find another game to occupy your madden routine

ramsfanstl4 said:

How were you able to stay away? Just curious, nothing thought provoking.

I took decades off, but only just recently became a die-hard MUT junkie.  Casually found my way back to this one great and storied franchise during late M22 cycle, then dove in head first partway through the M23 game year, roughly around Blitz / Black Friday.  Dropped my first $25 on a 49ers theme team pack in JAN 2023 and it's been downhill ever since.  Now i'm somewhere in the 1000-1500+ hour (per game year) range and thousands of dollars in the hole.  Oof.

This is not yet a success story, but i'm trying to remain strong and NOT pre-order M26.  This is the time to vote with our wallets.  My plan of attack is to continue trying to field games of Squads (in M25) if we can still find games into August and September.  With any luck, i'll consider picking up the game first time we see a $35 sale, potentially around Black Friday.  If i simply cannot go that long, i'll inevitably have to pony up the $100, but will be doing everything in my power to prevent any pre-order.  No need to continually feed the EA machine, especially not the year when their exclusivity agreement with the NFL is up for renewal (and potentially dependent on hitting revenue figures).

I'm trying to put my money where my mouth is, but it'll take a good bit of luck and perseverance.  Thankfully it's summer and there's other things to fill my time.  Maybe i'll revisit some movies or TV shows i've had building up, or perhaps i'll check out that Elden Ring expansion i've been promising myself i'd finish (well, start) for a year or two.  Heck, if all else fails, i'm sure there's Nightreign for me to check out.

There's a ton of legit good games and media out there, sadly, this is not one of them.  We all deserve SO much better for our $100 annually.  I've played M26 Closed Beta (for a weekend) and it's the same basic game, with roster updates and a bunch of lipstick on the proverbial Madden-pig.  Anyone expecting this to be the "best" Madden ever, clearly does not have a robust knowledge of game history to compare and contrast to.  I assure you we won't be missing out.

Good luck, dude.  I didn't realize any actual Lambs fans exist, so pleasure to make your virtual acquaintance, my NFC West brother.

I am still on old gen, the game not being available will be enough incentive for me to pass on M26. I plan on getting back into the community with M27, when I upgrade systems.

I am curious to see how others are able to break the grip, but honestly with the promos being so absolute dog 💩, I invested the least amount of time in this year's mut compared to previous years. 

A quick flawless run, knockout available challenges, solos for field pass stats, wait 4-7 days and rinse and repeat has really killed my joy for the game. EA doesn't even try to make promos engaging.

Sorry this turned into a rant

Smoke some comp on SQUADS BABY!!!!

I’ve been playing on and off for years. I usually go “all in” one year and have a blast then take a one or two years off. The grind it takes to be a competitive Madden player is a lot. Not to mention MUT is an expensive hobby unless you got time to grind 2-3 hours daily. I really don’t understand how people do this every year.

I skipped madden 23 but other then that I played 22, 24, and 25, soon to be 26

Mostly because it's not that great of a game. It's easy to play intermittently for me.

Tried mlb and it sucked more than mut sadly 😆