After being discontinued in 2013 due to legal battles, EA Sports College Football 25 is set to be released on Friday, becoming the most highly anticipated sports video game of all time. Hardcore fans are ecstatic about its return, with one fan even comparing it to the excitement of getting engaged. The cancellation of the game more than a decade ago was a devastating blow to fans as NCAA canceled its brand licensing contract and EA Sports faced a hefty settlement for improper use of student athletes’ names and likenesses.
The NCAA changed its rules around Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights in 2021, allowing student-athletes to profit from brand usage, which opened the door for new games to be created. The announcement of the return of College Football 25 was met with a wave of excitement from fans, leading to $70 million in pre-sales on the first sneak-peek day. The game features 134 universities to choose from, far exceeding the limited options offered by pro-football video games like Madden NFL.
Fans of the game, such as Anthony Pantino, are eagerly awaiting the release of College Football 25, citing the game’s depth and level of complexity as key factors that set it apart from other football video games. Pantino, along with other diehard fans, spent years playing older versions of the game on outdated consoles, eagerly anticipating the chance to build their virtual football program from scratch as a coach. The game’s intricate features provide players with a true feeling of accomplishment, making it more engaging and captivating than other football video games.
Despite the long wait for the game’s return, fans are ready to dive back into the virtual college football world, with some even preparing extensive strategies and tactics to enhance their gaming experience. For fans like Eric Kosh, the return of College Football 25 is a significant event that will keep them glued to their TVs for hours on end. The game’s release is poised to bring together a community of passionate fans who have been eagerly anticipating the return of a beloved video game that has been absent from the gaming landscape for far too long.
The excitement surrounding the release of College Football 25 speaks to the enduring popularity of the game and the dedication of its fans, who have eagerly awaited the opportunity to once again immerse themselves in the virtual college football experience. The game’s return marks a significant milestone for the gaming community and serves as a reminder of the impact of beloved sports video games on players of all ages. As fans prepare to once again step onto the digital gridiron, they are eager to rekindle their love for the game and create new memories in the virtual world of college football.
