Madden 25: New Next-Gen Trailer and Interview with Art Director Jean Adams

We're all addicted to visual enhancements in our sports video games. Improvements to the graphics and animation of the next-generation versions of our favorite series will be the primary focus.

Madden 25 is one of the sports video game series making the launch-day jump to the Xbox One and Playstation 4. The trailer above shows just a few snippets of eye candy from the next-gen version of Madden 25.

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Madden 25 art director Jean Adams. Jean answered a few questions and expounded on some of the visual details. Want to know about player models, weather effects and more? Read on.

Here's my interview with Jean.

BM: Talk specifically about some of the new things developers of Madden have been able to do with the extra power of the next-gen consoles.

JA: With the new consoles and our EA Sports Ignite technology, we are able to render incredible amounts of detail in everything you see, from the stitches on the jerseys, to the pore level detail on players’ faces.

Plus, we are now able to render thousands of 3D crowd and sideline characters.
 

BM: Can you describe some of the major differences in player models on next-gen as they compare to current-gen?

JA: The likeness of the player models to their real-world counterparts is stronger than ever. Peyton Manning, Robert Griffin III and Michael Vick look awesome!

Also, the player animations are far smoother, adding to the unprecedented realism.
 

BM: Will we see tattoos represented on players?

JA: Tattoos will not be represented in Madden NFL 25.
 

BM: Approximately how many players will actually have authentically rendered faces in the game?

JA: We’ve added hundreds more heads to the game for rookies and Pro Bowl players and have gone back in and recreated all coaches and quarterbacks.
 

BM: Talk a little about lighting and day-to-night progression. How will this be different and more realistic in the next-gen version of Madden 25?

JA: Lighting is much more dramatic than in years past. From the light and sun flares, to the amazing atmospherics that render at night.
 

BM: Let's talk a little bit about coaches and the sidelines? In current-gen Madden, the coaches and many of the members of the team on the sidelines weren't rendered quite as detailed as the players on the field.

How has this improved?

JA: There is a lot more detail on the sidelines now. You’ll see the head coach there for sure. The thing that makes the new sidelines better than before is the characters’ ability to avoid collisions with players coming off of the field.
 

BM: How about field degradation? Will we see enhanced or more noticeable field deterioration?

JA: The entire field is more realistic. We render every blade of grass, degradation and divots. Plus, a new dynamic snow surface will make the game look much more realistic than ever before.
 

BM: In regards to weather conditions, how will more drastic weather affect player uniforms, the field, the players, coaches, officials and even fan's attire?

JA: Weather will create degradation on all characters and the field, but by far the coolest weather-related feature will be the new dynamic snow surface on the field.
 

BM: Will uniforms and helmets show the wear and tear of an NFL game?

JA: Helmets will have nicks and scratches, mud and grass stains will build up over time. You will also see mud splatter on players during rain games.
 

BM: Approximately how many different facemasks are there in the game?

JA: We have tons of facemasks, but the ones you want to look out for are the ones we called “grid” and “web." These are the coolest facemasks in the NFL.
 

BM: How many different player models were used to differentiate body types?

JA: We have an infinite amount of player body types. We use a blend system that allows us to create any body type in the NFL.

BM: When gamers get their first look at Madden 25 gameplay on next-gen, what do you think their initial reaction will be?

JA: I think they will be amazed by the lighting and crowds. The crowds will immerse them into the NFL atmosphere and the lighting will blow them away.

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