Player progression in sports games is a perennial issue that developers struggle to address effectively. Whether it’s the lack of progress, excessive progress, inconsistencies between simulation and real game progress, or a progression system that deteriorates over time, sports games have yet to find a solution that satisfies players.
In the realm of football games, both EA Sports College Football 25 and Madden 24 face challenges with player progression. In EA Sports College Football 25, teams tend to become significantly better over time, leading to a reduction in roster balance and variety. The simulation engine in both football games contributes to unrealistically low stats for certain position groups, resulting in the formation of superteams despite modest individual player stats.
On the other hand, Madden 24 struggles with various position groups in its simulation engine, with playbooks playing a significant role in player progression. Teams like the Chiefs consistently excel in certain positions regardless of player retirements, highlighting the impact of playbooks on simulated game outcomes.
While the community has found ways to adjust XP sliders for better player progression results, roster building remains a crucial aspect that influences player development. Madden 24’s failure in this regard, particularly in the absence of manual team control, can be attributed to issues with the salary cap system.
The significance of the salary cap in roster management cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts how teams build their rosters and manage player contracts. Without a realistic salary cap mechanism, player progression and team building lose their strategic depth and authenticity.
EA Sports has acknowledged the importance of player progression and roster building in their games, with promises to improve these aspects in future iterations. The introduction of Breakout Storylines and a focus on preventing unrealistic player developments, such as older players gaining speed in their later seasons, are steps in the right direction.
However, concerns remain about the effectiveness of EA’s simulation engine and the lack of emphasis on the salary cap in their plans for franchise mode improvements. While the proposed changes sound promising, skepticism lingers about their execution and impact on gameplay.
Ultimately, the success of player progression in sports games hinges on a balanced approach that considers both individual player growth and team dynamics. By addressing issues with the simulation engine, playbooks, and the salary cap, developers can create a more immersive and realistic gaming experience for fans. Only time will tell if EA can deliver on their promises and elevate the quality of player progression in their football games.