Electronic Arts, the game developer for Madden NFL series has confirmed the removal of logos and team name of the Washington Redskins after the team announced changes this week.
The last-minute change to the popular football simulator game was first reported by Kotaku. Madden NFL 21 is set to release on Aug. 25.
“We are pleased to see Washington’s decision to change their team name and visual identity,” EA said in a statement. “We are quickly working to update Madden NFL 21 to feature a generic Washington team, while we await final word on the updated team name and logo design.”
When buyers pick up the physical copy of the game, it will feature the old nickname and logo because discs are already in production, but those assets will be patched out of the game automatically if a user connects the system to the internet.
“The first changes will be available to our EA Access players and will include audio/commentary updates; motion graphics and presentation updates; stadium art, environments, crowd gear and signage updates; and uniform updates,” EA’s statement said. “Players may continue to see some outdated Washington references in other areas of the game at launch, but we are committed to removing all of those from the game in additional title updates coming shortly after launch.”
Dan Snyder, Washington major owner had long resisted considering changes to the name. He told USA Today in 2013 to “put it in all caps” that he would never alter the franchise’s nickname.
Pressure was piled on the owners after a letter signed by 87 investors and shareholders with a total worth of $620 billion was sent to Washington sponsors FedEx, PepsiCo and Nike, asking them to stop doing business with the team unless the name was changed. Adweek.com reported that letter on July 1.
FedEx issued a statement on July 2 saying that it had told the team it wanted the name changed. Other Washington sponsors released similar statements shortly after following Amazon, Walmart and Target saying they would stop selling team merchandise online and in stores.
