It wouldn’t be a new EA Sports announcement without some head-scratching buzzwords, and Madden NFL 23 is all about FIELDSense this year. This is not to be confused with FIFA 22’s previously introduced HyperMotion motion capture technology, which we’d expected to tackle the gridiron this year – but it seems like the publisher still needs a little more time to implement that.

So, what is FIELDSense, then? Well, let’s dig into the publisher’s own description first: “Through new technology and mechanics, FieldSENSE delivers a gameplay flow with realistic outcomes on the field. FieldSENSE leverages animation branching technology to enable Hit Everything, which redefines the physical interactions during the play allowing players to fight for every inch and change the outcome of tackles – whether mid-air or on the ground. It also provides new mechanics such as 360 cuts, giving players the ability to change direction on a dime while controlling ball-carriers, and Skill Based Passing, a new way to pass that offers players the ultimate control to place the ball exactly where they want, with the power they want.”

Run that through Corporate Translate a couple of times, and we’re effectively talking about more animation permutations, that allow for more varied outcomes to tackles and hits. The 360 cuts should provide a little more fluency on the ground, while we like the idea of being able to place the ball where only receivers can catch it – obviously that’s something you see in the NFL every Sunday, where the top quarterbacks are not only able to find their receiver, but also locate the exact area where defenders can’t make a play. Welcome improvements, then, but as always the proof will be in the pudding.

It’s worth mentioning that FIELDSense is exclusive to new-gen consoles like the PS5, so you won’t find it in the PS4 version at all. Other additions and improvements include new body types, and better visual representations of game day gear. There’ll also be hundreds of new coach and player likenesses, and EA Sports has also incorporated the “look” of those new cinematic broadcast cameras the NFL has been using for touchdown celebrations.

Face of the Franchise will return, with the addition of cornerback as a playable position, while Franchise will incorporate various additions and improvements to free agency, contracts, and trade logic. The game’s due out on 19th August, and the most expensive All Madden Edition will include Dual Entitlement across PS5 and PS4, as well as 4,600 Madden Points and three-day early access. As reported yesterday, NFL icon John Madden will feature on the cover of all the game’s various permutations.