Madden NFL 13 Takes Step Back Due to Disappointment with Audio

As the wait for the “monumental change to gameplay” being announced on June 4 for Madden NFL 13 continues EA Sports turned their attention to promoting the enhancements to audio. The new commentary team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms is joined by a number of authentic QB cadences and real on-field sounds provided by NFL Films, crown noise improvements, and an original soundtrack produced entirely in-house. 

The poll gauging reaction to the audio news turned in the least enthusiastic response regarding any wave of promotion for Madden – and even weaker than any numbers that have come in for NCAA Football 13. With over 4K votes having come in here is where Madden 13 stands in the days following the release of audio related information and media.

•41% No change and likely to buy
•34% Encouraged and more likely to buy
•14% No change and unlikely to buy
•11% Discouraged and less likely to buy

These numbers reflect some sense of deflation to enthusiasm after having all sorts of improvements to audio touted only to release a poorly received video which was meant to demonstrate them but completely failed to instill confidence in what the final product will bring. Few were going to have their purchase decisions swayed solely by audio – though it is worth noting this is the first time the “discouraged” number has reached double digits in a poll – but in this case EA has to identify the lukewarm response as a reason for concern particularly should any stumbles be encountered elsewhere.