[CM Hooe]

Quote: Originally Posted by jsteele14

There is nothing that says all new upgrades need to be released just before the season starts. I understand that the roster needs to be updated but game improvements could be done anytime. From a programmers perspective, August 22nd is a random date that has no bearing on the readiness of the new features.

Yup. Case in point - Salary Cap Ranked was added to Madden NFL 16 this past April, well after launch.

EA is undoubtedly still obligated to a boxed release every August as part of their exclusivity agreement, but that doesn't mean that they must wait until August to deliver new features.