Describing the nerves of getting players to opt into EA Sports College Football game

Earlier this year, it was announced that EA Sports would be offering each college football player would receive $600 and a copy of the upcoming EA Sports College Football 25 video game.

Opinions on the offer have varied, and some bigger names like Texas quarterback Arch Manning have opted out of being put in the game citing him wanting to focus on the actual game instead of a virtual one. However, it appears that the majority of today’s star athletes have chosen to have their names displayed.

“I think we’re just super pumped at the end of the day,” the video game’s production director, Christian McLeod told On3’s Andy Staples. “I don’t think there were nerves. It was more belief in our rockstar [business development] team. They put together an amazing, amazing deal. And honestly, it was amazing to see. It was amazing to see the reception. Again, we’ve lost a generation on this product and are so happy that it’s coming back.”

When NCAA 14 came out in 2013, the previous player identification model saw athletes be described by their position and number instead of having their actual names displayed. Players were alluded to, but never outright named.

The ever-popular video game became a highly-sought after collectible item for fans or those with an older XBox or PlayStation console looking for a bit of nostalgia. The video game peaked at over $250 on the secondary market before dropping massively after the release date was announced for July 2024.

Demand has always been there.

“We were trying to think ‘What’s the critical mass?” game designer Ben Haumiller said. “Like, what does this mean? When they sign up, who’s going to opt in, who’s not and how is this all going to work out? There are concerns right, you’re getting that clenching moment of like, ‘Is this going to work?’ And then you start seeing that overwhelming response that the players want this game back just as much as we all do. So that was really such a great piece for us all to see.”

EA Sports College Football 25 will be available to play on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and EA announced gamers will have three editions to pick from. The standard base game costs $69.99. The deluxe edition allows three-day early access and a slew of perks, priced at $99.99. The MVP bundle is priced at $149.99 and includes an early release for EA Sports College Football 25 and Madden. The video game will not be offered on PC.

The official release date is scheduled for July 19.