Tomorrow is the day for the release of the biggest sports videogame title of the year: Madden 2007. The marketing agencies are working overtime to get players excited complete with the use of a website called Maddenoliday, a Flash-powered extravaganza including a countdown timer to the launch at midnight tonight.

Clickz explains the Maddvent calendar (pictured above):

Every few days more goodies are revealed in the Maddvent calendar. Behind each door is hidden a new feature of the site, including e-cards; Maddenoliday carols; a book telling of traditions of the holiday; recipes; and a snow globe. One features printable coupons for things like the use of the “good” controller, free snacks during gameplay, and the use of particular plays. Other days reveal access to game assets like screenshots and video clips of gameplay with the real players discussing the action.

Electronic Arts (EA) that makes Madden has an exclusive deal with the NFL which guarantees that they are the only company that can make a videogame with the NFL players and likeness. From a customer perspective, I don’t like exclusive deals like this. This makes it easier for EA to be lazy and provide few truly useful upgrade features for throwing down 60 bones every year. Then again, I’m sure the NFL is watching them closely to see that the game continues to evolve along with available technology and hardware.

We’ll be buying Madden 2007 at midnight or tomorrow for the Xbox 360 and I’ll get some screenshots posted sometime thereafter along with my early thoughts on the game. I don’t need a special day declared to enjoy a new Madden football game. Put me in coach!

In the picture to the right I’m holding Madden for the 3DO. The official Madden 2007 site is here.

Did this post make you go hmm?

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