Evil Deaddeveloper Saber Interactive has officially announcedWild Card Footballas a new arcade-style American football game featuring former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. While many developers have taken their own spin on the massively popular sport, football games in recent years have largely been dominated by EA’sMadden NFLfranchise. The iconic sports game developer recently revealed the franchise’s next entry withMadden NFL 24skipping last-gen consoles. Now, Saber Interactive is looking to bring a more over-the-top and arcade-inspired brand of football in collaboration with a former NFL star.
While Colin Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since 2016, the player’s name is still one of the most recognized within the sport for his civil rights activism. Kaepernick made headlines for his actions in 2016, both sitting and kneeling during the US national anthem, protesting racial injustice. Despite not playing in the NFL in more than half a decade, Kaepernick reportedly still appears in the free agents list of EA’sMadden NFLgames as recently asMadden NFL 22. Now, Kaepernick is teaming up withSaber Interactivefor a new original football game.
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Saber Interactive officially revealedWild Card Footballon June 29, teaming up with Colin Kaepernick and the NFL Players' Association for the game. The game is set to feature arcade-inspired gameplay with players able to achieve power-ups and utilize special skills to turn the tides of the football game. Thepartnership with the NFL Players' AssociationsuggestsWild Card Footballwill include real NFL players, teasing Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey among others in the trailer.Wild Card Footballis scheduled for a multi-platform release on October 10.
The inclusion of real NFL players inWild Card Footballcomes as the Players' Association has made increasing efforts to branch out from its longstanding EA partnership in recent years. The NFLPA would team up with mobile game developer Mythical Games to launchNFL Rivalsas a mobile-exclusive title earlier this year. Many NFL players have also revealed their inspiration from popular video games, with multiple players likeNew Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams referencingPokemonduring a press conference.
Wild Card Footballwill look to make a splash in a football genre that could see the top dogMadden NFLbeginning to lose its grip.Madden NFL 23released to mixed reception from fans and critics, with many praising its football gameplay but critiquing the significant bugs and glitches within the game. EA has even previously revealed the developer is taking a"make or break" approach withMadden NFL 24, suggesting major changes could be on the way depending on the game’s performance.Wild Card Football’s NFLPA endorsement will look to give the game a fighting chance against theMaddenjuggernaut.
Wild Card Footballwill release on October 10 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
