While the Madden dev team has spent weeks fielding questions and comments from its fanbase over a perceived lack of Franchise mode improvements, they've revealed a brand new mode. The Yard is a new arcade social game mode which pits players in 6v6 games on console and PC or 5v5 games on mobile. Games can be played in co-op PvE or PvP on consoles and PC as well, while on mobile, The Yard: Underground offers a slightly different experience for an entirely solo journey.
You can get your first glimpse of the mobile version of the new game mode in this new trailer, while more information on The Yard for consoles and PC is due at a later date.
The Yard is meant to be an arcade-style game mode where trick plays and flashy clothes rule the gridiron. It sounds something akin to the old days of NFL Street, though EA has elected not to revive the name for this new mode. More recently, it sounds like the successful NBA 2K Neighborhood feature, or rather an aspect of it.
Some elements of the two parallel game modes will have cross-progression enabled, including a feature that allows players to carry their avatar across both modes, as well as other aspects of the games like their Madden rank and earned currency.
The Yard will come as a brand-new mode in Madden NFL 21 when it launches on console and PC from August 28. The game is also coming to Stadia later this year, but not until winter.
