News Post

Design Logos and Uniforms For the Next Madden NFL with a Chance to See Them In-Game

02:03 PM - February 21, 2014 by Steve_OS

I know we have a lot of graphically talented gamers at OS. Why not take those skills and design some logos and uniforms for the next Madden NFL game?

As most of you are aware, Madden NFL 25 gave you the opportunity to relocate any NFL team to another city in Connected Franchise. The Madden team is looking for users to submit redesigned logos and uniforms for those cities and team names.

You won't get paid if you are selected, but you will see your submission(s) in the game, see your name in the credits and get the upcoming Madden NFL game for free. You have until March 7th to submit as many designs as possible.

Download all of the assets and find out more details here.

Member Comments

# 21 Jakeness23 @ 02/22/14 09:52 AM

Here I was thinking that they'd give us more customization options next year as in, more cities, lettings us create mascots and logos, jerseys and stadiums� guess not. I mean, why can't they just use their TeamBuilder site that EA already has, and just use it for Madden?

# 22 RogueHominid @ 02/22/14 09:57 AM

This is pretty sad, actually. Will the next step be asking gamers to write code to perform yet another function this particular studio cannot perform? To me, this request says: hey, we don't have the talent and means to do this part of our job, so could you please help us? I think I'd be embarrassed if I were on the design team.

# 23 onac22 @ 02/22/14 09:57 AM

Sounds like fun for those who are interested. However, I am in the crowd that says why not have team builder and then hold the contest after game releases. I don't think EA is listening to user feedback again, most people wanted a team builder not forced to use EA's. It took to long to sort through all of the canned teams, uniforms, and names. In the end I found only a few were worth using. Strike one Madden 15. Two more and it is no buy till reviews are out.

# 24 Jakeness23 @ 02/22/14 09:57 AM

And we need an expansion feature too, not just relocate.

# 25 Meast21Forever @ 02/22/14 10:13 AM

I'm not sure why people are so upset by this. My initial reaction was 'Hey that's a pretty cool idea.' I've seen people creating some alternate uniforms, logos, etc. for the Redskins (with possible name change to the Warriors) and thought they looked cooler than most current NFL uniforms. There are some super talented people out there who do this kind of stuff for the fun of it. I think that's who EA is targeting.

It may be a bummer about the lack of a 'teambuilder' type feature in Madden, but it seems like the NFL may have put some restrictions on EA recently that simply don't allow that type of feature. Just a gut feeling, but consider how conscious the NFL is about its image. Them placing restrictions on EA, preventing the public from creating neon green and highlighter pink uniforms for the Las Vegas Fighting Fairies, seems pretty plausible to me.

I think it's a pretty cool idea. Giving fans the opportunity to contribute to a weak area (cause most of the relocation uni's are awful) sounds like a positive to me.

Oh, and side note - this feature has nothing to do with fixing gameplay. People acting like they are focused on this and not focused on improving the overall game are wrong. That's not how that works.

# 26 elgreazy1 @ 02/22/14 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meast21Forever


	I'm not sure why people are so upset by this. My initial reaction was 'Hey that's a pretty cool idea.' I've seen people creating some alternate uniforms, logos, etc. for the Redskins (with possible name change to the Warriors) and thought they looked cooler than most current NFL uniforms. There are some super talented people out there who do this kind of stuff for the fun of it. I think that's who EA is targeting. ...... I think it's a pretty cool idea. Giving fans the opportunity to contribute to a weak area (cause most of the relocation uni's are awful) sounds like a positive to me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trojan Man


	This is pretty sad, actually. Will the next step be asking gamers to write code to perform yet another function this particular studio cannot perform? To me, this request says: hey, we don't have the talent and means to do this part of our job, so could you please help us? I think I'd be embarrassed if I were on the design team.

Trojan Man essentially calls it out and it adds back to my original argument. Look, I understand this is an amazing opportunity. To be featured on a world-renown product would be amazing. While it is a great opportunity for any artist to be featured, it is completely exploiting the individuals because a company like EA, with it's embarrassment of revenue, should be paying people real money for services that are going to be featured on a multi-million dollar product.

Terrible example but it's what I can come up with on the fly: Imagine you're a construction worker looking for work, would you volunteer to come out of pocket to do drywall in Donald Trump's new skyscraper? Sure it's a great opportunity, but what incentive does Trump have in paying it forward when he got labor for free? No one wants to go unpaid for their skills and labor; especially in this economy.

This is an industry I'm wanting to be apart of. I had to go to college, take on loans, debts, internships (x3), sacrifice, etc to be in a position just to get a foot in the door. Now, companies like EA are crowdsourcing to avoid paying for real, professional work. Accountants don't balance budgets for free, doctors don't open practices for free, janitors don't clean for free, designers/artists shouldn't create for free - people should be paid for their services and expertise.

I understand, this is voluntary, but the simple truth is this is just another example of EA being lazy. Instead of adding to the workforce and hiring and paying designers - or as stated, giving interns these opportunities to expand their portfolio - the company is casting a massive net to the general public to acquire services for free.

Okay, I'll get off my high horse now...

# 27 Meast21Forever @ 02/22/14 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elgreazy1


	... Okay, I'll get off my high horse now...

I don't necessarily disagree with your post. It's a viewpoint I respect and is certainly valid.

My argument would be that they're paying the winners 60 bucks (free copy of the game) and a pretty cool thing to tell their friends about. This is not a major feature they're requesting help with here. They're not asking for anything that takes major effort or hard labor. They're targeting people who know how to whip some things up in photoshop and balance a few color schemes when they're bored after the wife goes to sleep. They're not asking for a major contribution that will make or break their product. To have better uniforms/logos would be nice. To not would still be acceptable, as it was this season.

I understand wanting to work in the business and that interns could do this job. I wouldn't question them if they did that. But I think a lot of people would. If EA told us to choose between a couple of guys in their early-twenties who are just breaking in to the field of graphic design OR the entire realm of Madden players/fans of all ages (some of whom likely already possess more skill in graphic design than said interns) and who already play the game, follow the NFL, understand uniform concepts, etc. - who would the majority choose? I'd take the field. (Not to mention the backlash should the interns create uniforms that the public doesn't like. "EA used unpaid interns to make these uniforms? Typical EA effort.")

People think EA is this evil, sinister company trying to exploit it's customers at every opportunity. In some cases you could make that point and it'd be tough to argue. I don't think this is one of them. I think it's just a way to get fans involved and improve a small part of their product.

I'm excited to see what people come up with.

# 28 Beelzebot44 @ 02/22/14 12:16 PM

This is a pretty cool idea in general, but I'd much prefer to be able to create my own uniforms either in the game or through a Teambuilder site. I understand they need to limit the team names and cities for commentary and to go with the storyline features, but why restrict the uniforms?

# 29 moylan1234 @ 02/22/14 04:21 PM

I agree they should just give us Teambuilder, but since they asked I'm sending everything I have. Those logos are so bad at least they admit they need help, but yea curious why they just don't give us TB

# 30 ReMeDy @ 02/22/14 05:08 PM

As a graphic designer, this is appalling. Even art "contests" are a bad idea, but in this case, it's even worse since no prizes are being awarded! The only prize is the "chance" of seeing your design in the game? Really?

To those who don't know, here is the truth of art contests:
1.) A prize is awarded to a 1st place finisher (and sometimes 2nd-3rd place) that when combined is well below the amount a professional designer would demand.

2.) Tons of amateurs sign up. Not all are limited to children. Some are aspiring graphic design students who want to improve their portfolio, since most professionals in the field recommend you include some logo designs in your portfolio. (Hint: EA is hoping to get a few of these kinds of people).

3.) There is something in small font in the contest rules stating the contest owners get to KEEP your designs, whether you win or lose.

4.) Losing designs will, in some way, sneak into the company's future plans, but they won't tell the owners of the artwork that they used them. They don't need to! After all, you waived your right to the artwork when you submitted it. Your artwork may also be used as "inspiration" for future works. This art will be stored for decades as clip art they can pull from at their convenience.

Art contests are a great way of acquiring a ton of ideas with minimal cost. In this case, however, it's even worse since no cost is involved whatsoever. Please people, do not sign up for this. You could not only hurt yourself, but hurt the job market for graphic designers.

# 31 BucksFan5Covers @ 02/22/14 07:33 PM

i made the Columbus Aviators today... i think its cool if people with good skills can make some. If you want to see mine its here:

# 32 BucksFan5Covers @ 02/22/14 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReMeDy


	As a graphic designer, this is appalling. Even art "contests" are a bad idea, but in this case, it's even worse since no prizes are being awarded! The only prize is the "chance" of seeing your design in the game? Really? To those who don't know, here is the truth of art contests: 1.) A prize is awarded to a 1st place finisher (and sometimes 2nd-3rd place) that when combined is well below the amount a professional designer would demand. 2.) Tons of amateurs sign up. Not all are limited to children. Some are aspiring graphic design students who want to improve their portfolio, since most professionals in the field recommend you include some logo designs in your portfolio. (Hint: EA is hoping to get a few of these kinds of people). 3.) There is something in small font in the contest rules stating the contest owners get to KEEP your designs, whether you win or lose. 4.) Losing designs will, in some way, sneak into the company's future plans, but they won't tell the owners of the artwork that they used them. They don't need to! After all, you waived your right to the artwork when you submitted it. Your artwork may also be used as "inspiration" for future works. This art will be stored for decades as clip art they can pull from at their convenience. Art contests are a great way of acquiring a ton of ideas with minimal cost. In this case, however, it's even worse since no cost is involved whatsoever. Please people, do not sign up for this. You could not only hurt yourself, but hurt the job market for graphic designers.

If you win you get a free copy of the game.... You only have to win one of the teams contests as well..

People are way over thinking this. I dont understand why people are so against this. I would call myself a good designer and i think this is really cool. Its just the people that dont have the tools to make things are getting mad. Seriously.... just because you cannot create it the way you want it doesnt mean it wont look good.

# 33 spikedmayo @ 02/22/14 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meast21Forever


	It may be a bummer about the lack of a 'teambuilder' type feature in Madden, but it seems like the NFL may have put some restrictions on EA recently that simply don't allow that type of feature. Just a gut feeling, but consider how conscious the NFL is about its image. Them placing restrictions on EA, preventing the public from creating neon green and highlighter pink uniforms for the Las Vegas Fighting Fairies, seems pretty plausible to me.

This, this, so much this. I feel like the NFL may have more of an impact on this game than people think.

# 34 spikedmayo @ 02/22/14 07:54 PM

Someone mentioned earlier that this says that this will mean teams/logos will be city specific again, i dont think so.
BucksFan5Covers Columbus Aviators design(awesome btw) could be the Los Angeles Aviators or Mexico City Aviators or whatever, i think that was one of the gripes people had, if you wanted to move your team to LA you only had 3 choices, giving people 51 choices instead of 3 is a step in the right direction.

# 35 metallicarl @ 02/22/14 07:56 PM

If they just want some better uniforms they already have thousands on teambuilder.... Just give us back the ability to make our own in game. Even with the generic logos in past games, I could create something close to old USFL and WFL teams. Also liked to recreate the teams from my jobs fantasy league.

# 36 scottyo60 @ 02/23/14 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BucksFan5Covers


	If you win you get a free copy of the game.... You only have to win one of the teams contests as well.. People are way over thinking this. I dont understand why people are so against this. I would call myself a good designer and i think this is really cool. Its just the people that dont have the tools to make things are getting mad. Seriously.... just because you cannot create it the way you want it doesnt mean it wont look good.

BucksFan the problem is like the guy who you quoted said, losers will have their art show up in a game with zero compensation or acknowledgement and because it's a contest you won't actually own the material. Which also means you can't do anything about it.

I'd go nuts if I knew a marketing firm I was applying for for years just crowd sourced ideas for free and left me still searching for that opportunity. I'm not sure if designing is your job, but the two that really have complained clearly are. I'm sure they have tools, but know that this contest doesn't benefit their career in anyway.. And the possibility they use the art later with no credit.

Let me ask you this.. Would you be upset if your Columbus Aviator design lost, but in say two years it showed up in game. You got no free game, no money, no credit. Would you be upset you did all that work and not a person outside OS and your friends know who did it?

# 37 jjerickson1382 @ 02/23/14 12:54 PM

The info on EA says they will review better names and city options. Idk what you think, but I think the logos can be used as multiple names. And anything with a little taste fould create beyter color schemes like the golden eagles with green and red unis...( someone shoulda been slapped for that one).

I really hope they give us the a ility to choose the city, the logo, and the name seperatly. I don't want to be stuck with 3 choices. If there are 3 team names for every city that the commentary will say....how hard would it be for the team names to he substituted...such as Brooklyn black nights or Los Angeles thunderbirds

Ex:
Black nights logo could be Spartans
Diablo could be devils, demons,

huskies could be timber wolves

Redwoods R logo could be raptors or different city like Richmond something

The capitals C logo could be used for anything stating with a C

I for one don't ever see a NFL team being named Egyptians,dreams,all stars, conquistadors, Celtic tigers, Mounties, monarchs, river hogs, snowhawks (there is already Seahawks). There is already an eagles team
..so why would there be a golden eagles?
Just about anything could be better than the crap they gave us this year like having a huskies team with a blue/white logo and brown and gold unis

# 38 oathofsilence @ 02/23/14 02:18 PM

EA finally wants to get creative by making something new, rather than updating old **** every year and they immediately crowd source it xD

2K... I hope you were making source codes for football games while EA had that licensing deal in the bag, because (and thank **** for this) it ran out last year.

Awaiting a better company to put out a quality product.

# 39 jjerickson1382 @ 02/23/14 02:30 PM

didnt madden used have like 50 plus cities to choose from?
cities I'd like to see are:
Boston
Milwaukee
anchorage (or Alaska in general like Minnesota or Arizona, and carolina)
Hawaii as a state also

Team names I'd like to see are:
Spartans
Wildcats
raptors
yellow jackets or hornets
Devils
some form of wolf...
sharks
vipers or some other cool snake

# 40 jjerickson1382 @ 02/23/14 05:22 PM

I just hope they seriously consider different team nicknames. does anyone else here think that nfl would have a team name such as:

Egyptians - people already hate the redskins team name...would probably just cause more issues

Snowhawks - already have seahawks

Nighthawks- how many hawks does the nfl need?

Golden eagles- philly would be angry

Mounties- sorry but i dont even think canada would back that.

river hogs- doesnt razorback just sound cooler? and isnt it the same animal?

Beats- just dont see any city wishing they had a music note logo

Yanks- pretty sure that was/is a slang term for americans

Redwoods- is their fanzone named the forest? or branch city

Caps- bottle caps?

armadillos- really? they couldnt find a better animal?

Orbits- just no.....

Hounds- could do better simply by adding blood in front of it...bloodhounds.

Bisons- thats a "meh" for me

Dreams- really?...what dream do you play for

All stars- dont we have a probowl roster for that?

Steamers- yes...just trow Cleveland in front of that and let puns begin

Tigers- yes...tigers vs bengals which cat is better...wait they are the same!

Elks- again....just no

Diablos- could do better simply by making it english! Devils

Dreadnoughts- unless your a military man you have no clue what a dreadnought is.

Voyagers- again...just one word. "Really"?

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