Why Did the Madden Team Get Rid of the Referees?

[Hamburgerpimp97]

Recently saw an earlier posted Madden 21 gameplay clip and noticed the refs were left out again on the field of play. What is the reasoning for that? I recognize it may be inconsequential, but not a good decision from an optics and authenticity standpoint. You could get away with that if it were Atari football from 1980.

[Iteachpercussion]

One of the developers (can't remember which one) said that the refs did not look good enough and did not react good enough on the field, so they felt they should be removed. And thus, the refs disappeared.

[Hamburgerpimp97]

Thank you! I disagree with the developer as their absence is a worse look and the process shouldn't be overthought. Take for instance MLB The Show and base coaches. No one expects them to be calling signs in the game, but the fact they are included just adds to the experience and authenticity.

[kennylc321]

This is a classic lose-lose situation.

So EA said they were not pleased with how they look. Honestly, if that is really is the case, I won't fault them. 50% of the gamers will be mad because they are not in the game. But if EA included poorly constructed refs in the game, the other 50% will be mad because they look horrible and bemoan that EA is "lazy."

Pick your poison. Either way, somebody is mad.

Normally, I launch into a spiel about it's on refs but not today.

[baconbits11]

I think their line about not looking good or reacting is a bunch of bull. They were removed because that was the only way to improve the framerate and smoothness of gameplay.

[reyes the roof]

I’m indifferent on the refs but I do miss the cutscenes when there is a first down measurement

[webbjay82]

So they can add it back as a "new" feature later on.

[IlluminatusUIUC]

People on YouTube would figure out how to use them for pick plays in about two days