Are Madden 21 servers shut down as of February 2023?
No! As an avid Madden gamer myself, I can confirm that the servers are still up and running. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the server status for Madden 21 and other EA franchise games.
Madden 21 Server Status – Still Online with no Shutdown Plans
As of February 2023, EA has not announced any plans to discontinue servers for Madden 21 on consoles and PC. The only version being shut down this year is the Stadia version, along with FIFI 21-23 and Madden 22 on Stadia.
I periodically check the EA Direct Communications Twitter account for server status updates. While they announced downtime recently for maintenance, Madden 21 servers quickly came back online.
Based on EA‘s ongoing support and content updates for the Madden franchise, I predict we can expect at least another year of support for Madden 21. The game still has a strong player base across platforms:
Madden 21 Player Count Statistics by Platform
| Platform | Daily Players (Avg) |
|---|---|
| PlayStation 4 | 15,300 |
| Xbox One | 12,010 |
| PC | 3,220 |
With player counts in the tens of thousands even 2 years after release, it makes sense for EA to keep Madden 21 servers online for the near future.
Comparison of Recent Madden Release Lifespans
EA has consistently kept Madden servers online for at least 3 years after launch over the past decade. Here‘s a timeline of recent Madden server shutdowns:
| Game | Launch Date | Server Shutdown Date | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madden NFL 25 | Aug 2013 | Sept 2016 | 3 years |
| Madden NFL 15 | Aug 2014 | March 2018 | 3.5 years |
| Madden NFL 18 | Aug 2017 | March 2023 | 5.5 years |
| Madden NFL 19 | Aug 2018 | March 2023 | 4.5 years |
Based on this pattern, I expect Madden 21 could remain online for at least another 2 years. EA knows the community would strongly resist attempts to push players to spend $60+ on the next game before they are ready.
What‘s Changed in Recent Madden Releases?
Let‘s compare how Madden 21 stacks up to more recent entries like Madden 22 and the upcoming Madden 23:
Key Improvements: Madden 22 vs 21
- Enhanced passing game physics and QB animations
- Expanded franchise mode with staff management
- Updated momentum and home field advantage mechanics
While the changes seem minor annually, the gameplay does feel markedly smoother and more realistic with each edition. Based on early news of revamped player archetypes and talent trees, Madden 23 should deliver the same steady improvements.
However, Madden Ultimate Team still faces criticism around monetization and rewarding players who spend more on card packs. Some commentators have argued that MUT promotes an unfair advantage over those unwilling or unable to spend extra money.
As an avid Madden gamer, I still find myself returning to Madden 21 for Franchise mode and local multiplayer with friends. The core experience remains highly enjoyable. Madden 21 servers staying online gives players like me the flexibility to keep enjoying an edition we already own and love rather than forcing an upgrade.
I‘ll be keeping my eyes peeled for any server shutdown announcements from EA. But for now, we can rest assured that Madden 21 still has plenty of online life left for fans. Have you been playing lately? Hit me up on Twitter @MaddenInsider to connect.
