EA isn’t supporting Smart Delivery on the Xbox Series X with Madden 21. The game is the next title in a franchise that debuted in 1988, making it one of the longest running video game series that is still going. Every year, the latest installment in the franchise is released, with Madden 20 even predicting the winner of Super Bowl LIV. The simulations are meant to be another form of entertainment and stir up fans, and it's exciting to get a glimpse of what Madden looks like for next-gen console experiences.
Smart Delivery offers gamers the ability to purchase a game for the previous generation of console - in this case, Xbox One - and always be able to play the best version of that game on whichever console they’re using. For example, Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla will be a title that supports Smart Delivery, helping bridge the gap between this console generation and the next. Thus, fans only need to purchase the game once, and when they play it on Xbox One or Xbox Series X, the appropriate version of the game befitting the given device will be activated.
EA announced its plans for Madden 21 on Xbox Series X, and it's taking a different route from its competitors and is not supporting Smart Delivery. Instead, the publisher is offering a “deal” for gamers who purchase Madden 21 prior to December 31, 2020 and upgrade to the Xbox Series X by March 31, 2021. Essentially, fans who fulfill these prerequisites will be given a free upgrade to the Xbox Series X version of Madden 21.
Fans have already taken to the comments section of the Twitter feed to espouse both their disapproval of EA’s decision, as well as their lack of surprise. The average consensus seems to be along the lines of this being typical behavior for the company, with consumers voicing their irritation that EA will always do whatever it takes to gouge their consumers. One user even heralded this offer as EA “supporting Stupid Delivery.”
EA is often the target of fan ire and backlash. Unfortunately, the company often brings it on itself by making decisions that don’t reflect the convenience, wishes, or support of gamers. The decision to not support Smart Delivery with Madden 21 is as unsurprising as it is aggravating, for it further reinforces the belief that EA cares for nothing but their bottom line. While it’s the goal of every video game developer and publisher to profit off their games and consumers, many are able to do so by also playing to fans’ loyalty and desires rather than a purely fiscal perspective. EA, it seems, cares little-to-nothing for the former - but has plenty of time to readjust its approach to Xbox Series X Smart Delivery if it wants to salvage a bit of respect from consumers excited for next-gen offerings.
Madden 21 will release sometime in 2020 and will be available for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
Source: EA, Twitter