The launch of Madden NFL 26 on its first day was anything but a touchdown for Electronic Arts (EA). Gamers around the world faced numerous challenges and server issues that left them unable to enjoy the much-anticipated football video game. Instead of diving into the action, many players found themselves waiting and wondering: Are EA servers down for Madden 26?
Madden NFL 26 became available on Thursday at noon ET for players who preordered the game and opted for early access. However, reports quickly surfaced from users struggling to enter the game. A Twitch streamer expressed their frustration on social media, stating, "I went to the trouble of uninstalling the Preorder version of Madden 26, and now I've installed the EA Play Trial and I can't even get in due to the servers." Others echoed similar sentiments, with one user lamenting, "Can't even get in the main menu. What a joke!"
EA acknowledged the issues on Thursday, particularly for Xbox users who purchased the MVP Bundle—a combination of Madden NFL 26 and College Football 26. In an official post, Madden's developers stated, "We're working closely with Microsoft and plan to resolve this as soon as possible." To assist affected players, developers suggested that Xbox users perform a hard reset of their consoles before attempting to log in again.
Later in the day, EA announced that they would conduct server maintenance to resolve specific issues affecting all users, which meant that online modes would be temporarily offline. Fortunately, just an hour later, they confirmed that maintenance was complete and all online modes were back up and running, providing relief to frustrated gamers.
Despite the rocky start, EA representatives did not respond to Axios' request for comment regarding the launch day issues.
While some players faced difficulties, many gaming enthusiasts successfully accessed Madden NFL 26 on launch day. Players shared clips showcasing exciting gameplay moments, including running backs skillfully navigating through defensive lines and quarterbacks executing impressive Hail Mary throws. Additionally, gamers enjoyed the soundtrack featuring popular artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Drake, and Chappell Roan, enhancing their gaming experience.
The full version of Madden NFL 26 is set to launch for all users on August 14, 2025. However, the influx of new players could potentially lead to further server issues, raising concerns about EA's readiness to handle increased demand. As fans eagerly await the official release, they hope for a smoother gaming experience moving forward.
In addition to the gameplay excitement, Madden NFL 26 also features standout players like Saquon Barkley on the cover. Players are also keen to discover the ratings for popular athletes such as Myles Garrett and Shedeur Sanders, adding to the anticipation surrounding the game's release.
