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Madden 23 on PS4: Tackling the Gridiron with Your Friends

So, you’re looking to hit the gridiron with your buddies in Madden 23 on your PlayStation 4. You’ve come to the right place! Playing with friends is a cornerstone of the Madden experience, and while the process is relatively straightforward, a few nuances can trip you up. Here’s the lowdown on how to connect and compete with your friends in Madden 23 on PS4, along with a host of troubleshooting tips and extra details to enhance your gameplay.

Getting in the Game: Step-by-Step Guide

The primary method for playing with friends in Madden 23 on PS4 boils down to using the Play a Friend option:

Fire Up Madden 23: Ensure you and your friend(s) have the game up and running on your respective PS4 consoles.
Navigate to the Online Hub: From the Madden 23 main menu, head towards the “Online” section. This is where you’ll find all the options for online multiplayer modes.
Select “Play a Friend”: Within the Online Hub, look for and select the “Play a Friend” box. This option specifically allows you to challenge your PlayStation Network (PSN) friends to a head-to-head match.
Invite Your Friend: A list of your online PSN friends will appear. If a friend is currently online and available, a green circle will usually be displayed next to their PSN ID. Select the friend you want to play against.
The Waiting Game: After selecting your friend, an invitation will be sent to their PS4. They need to accept the invitation to initiate the game setup.
Game Settings: Once your friend accepts, you’ll both be taken to a pre-game lobby where you can configure the game settings, such as quarter length, difficulty level, and team selection.
Hit the Field: After finalizing the settings, you’re ready to hit the field and engage in some epic Madden action!

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

Sometimes, the path to virtual football glory isn’t as smooth as a perfectly executed Hail Mary. Here are some common problems you might encounter when trying to play Madden 23 with friends on PS4, and how to tackle them:

Friend Not Showing Up on Your List: This is often the most frustrating hurdle. Ensure your friend is actually online on their PS4 and showing as online in their PSN profile. PSN privacy settings can sometimes hide a friend’s online status. Ask them to check their privacy settings to ensure that “See You’re Online” and “See Your Game and App History” are set to “Friends”.
PS Plus Subscription Required: A PlayStation Plus subscription is mandatory for most online multiplayer games on PS4, including Madden 23. Make sure both you and your friend have active PS Plus memberships.
Network Connectivity Issues: A poor internet connection can prevent you from connecting to your friend. Check your internet connection on both your PS4 and your friend’s console. Consider restarting your routers and modems if you suspect connectivity problems. A wired (Ethernet) connection is generally more stable than Wi-Fi.
Game Updates: Ensure that both you and your friend have the latest version of Madden 23 installed. Outdated game versions can cause compatibility issues and prevent online play.
PSN Outages: PlayStation Network occasionally experiences outages or maintenance periods. Check the PSN status page to see if there are any known issues affecting online gameplay.
Game Glitches: Madden games, like any complex software, can sometimes have glitches. If you’ve tried all the above steps and are still unable to connect, restarting the game or even your PS4 consoles might resolve the issue.

Madden 23 Franchise Mode with Friends

Beyond head-to-head games, Madden 23’s Franchise Mode offers an engaging way to compete with friends over an extended period. Here’s how to invite friends to your online franchise:

Create an Online Franchise: Start by creating a new online franchise from the Franchise Mode menu.
Navigate to the “Members” Tab: Once your franchise is set up, navigate to the “Options” tab at the top of the screen. Within the Options menu, you should find a “Members” section.
Select a Team and Invite: This section will display all the teams in your franchise. Select the team that you want to assign to your friend, and then choose the “Invite User” option.
Choose Your Friend: A list of your PSN friends will appear. Select the friend you wish to invite to control that team.
Acceptance Required: Your friend will receive an invitation to join the franchise. Once they accept, they’ll be able to manage and play as their assigned team within the franchise.

Franchise Mode Considerations

Communication is Key: A successful online franchise requires consistent communication. Using a party chat or messaging app outside of the game can help coordinate game times and discuss league rules.
League Rules: Establish clear rules and guidelines for your franchise to ensure fair play and prevent disputes.
Commissioner Privileges: The franchise commissioner (the person who created the league) has the ability to manage the league settings, resolve disputes, and remove inactive users.
Active Participation: A fun and engaging franchise requires active participation from all members. Encourage everyone to stay involved by playing their games regularly and participating in league discussions.

FAQs: Tackling Your Madden 23 on PS4 Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about playing Madden 23 with friends on PS4:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Madden 23 with friends on different consoles (e.g., PS4 vs. Xbox)?

No, Madden 23 does not support cross-platform play between different console families. PS4 players can only play with other PS4 players, and Xbox players can only play with other Xbox players.
Do I need PlayStation Plus to play Madden 23 online with friends?

Yes, a PlayStation Plus subscription is required to access online multiplayer features in Madden 23 on PS4.
Why can’t I see my friend on the “Play a Friend” list?
- Ensure your friend is online on their PS4.
- Check your friend’s PSN privacy settings to make sure they are appearing online.
- Try removing and re-adding each other as friends on PSN.
How do I invite a friend to my Madden 23 franchise?

Navigate to the “Options” tab within your online franchise, select “Members,” choose the team you want to assign to your friend, and then select “Invite User.”
Can I play on the same team as my friend in Madden 23 online?

The ability to play on the same team online with standard teams is limited. You’re primarily able to play with a friend in MUT Squads 3v3 online or Superstar KO mode.
My friend and I are experiencing lag during online games. What can we do?
- Check your internet connection speeds.
- Try using a wired (Ethernet) connection instead of Wi-Fi.
- Close any unnecessary applications that might be using bandwidth.
- Restart your routers and modems.
Is there a way to communicate with my friends during online games?

You can use the PS4’s built-in party chat feature to communicate with your friends during online games.
How do I report a player for cheating or unsportsmanlike conduct?

You can report players through the game’s reporting system or by contacting EA support.
Can I customize the rules in my online franchise?

Yes, the franchise commissioner has the ability to customize various league rules, such as trade settings, quarter length, and injury frequency.
What happens if a player leaves my online franchise in the middle of the season?

The commissioner can either replace the player with another friend or allow the AI to control the team for the remainder of the season.
Are there any alternative ways to play Madden 23 with friends other than “Play a Friend” and Franchise Mode?

MUT Squads is an alternative way to play online with friends, where you team up to play against other players.
Can I play Madden 23 with friends who have the PS5 version of the game?

Unfortunately, Madden 23 does not offer cross-gen play. PS4 players can only compete with other PS4 players, and PS5 players with other PS5 players.
Why does it say that PlayStation Plus is required when I thought some games were free to play without it?

While some free-to-play games don’t require PS Plus, Madden 23 is a paid game and therefore requires a PS Plus subscription for online multiplayer.
Is Madden 23 available on PlayStation Now/PlayStation Plus Premium?

Availability on subscription services can change. Check the PlayStation Store or the PlayStation Plus service details to confirm if Madden 23 is currently available.
Where can I learn more about game design and the educational aspects of gaming?

The Games Learning Society is an excellent resource for exploring the intersection of games and learning. Check out their website at GamesLearningSociety.org for research, articles, and community discussions.

Playing Madden 23 with friends on PS4 is a rewarding experience that can create lasting memories. By following these tips and troubleshooting common issues, you’ll be well-equipped to dominate the virtual gridiron with your buddies. Now go out there and create some unforgettable Madden moments!

How do you play Madden 23 with friends on PS4?