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Is Madden 23 Face of the Franchise Fixed? A Deep Dive

The short answer is: it’s complicated. While EA has addressed some of the more game-breaking bugs that plagued the initial release of Madden 23’s Face of the Franchise mode, the experience is still far from perfect. Many players find the mode enjoyable after patches, whereas others still encounter frustrating glitches and immersion-breaking issues. Let’s delve into the details.

The Patchwork Fix: What EA Did Right (and Wrong)

Madden 23 launched with a litany of problems, particularly impacting Franchise mode and Face of the Franchise. Players reported corrupted save files, random position changes, and a general feeling of instability. EA acknowledged these issues and released several patches aimed at resolving them.

Key Fixes Addressed:

Save File Corruption: The most critical fix addressed the data storage error that corrupted online and connected franchise leagues. While EA admitted they could only recover around 40% of the lost data, the fix aimed to prevent further data loss.
Position Glitches: The infamous bug where non-QB save files would randomly revert to the QB position was also supposedly fixed. This was a major source of frustration, as it forced players to restart their careers or deal with an unwanted position change.
Draft Corruption: Issues that corrupted league drafts, leading to unusable franchises, were also targeted. This made the league less interesting and could lead to frustrations from players playing with their friends.

Remaining Issues & Lingering Problems

Despite these fixes, some issues persist:

Immersion Breakers: While technical bugs may be resolved, many players still criticize the shallow storylines, repetitive dialogue, and lack of meaningful choices within Face of the Franchise.
Gameplay Quirks: Instances of unrealistic gameplay, such as unrealistic out-of-bounds calls, awkward animations, and AI inconsistencies, can still detract from the overall experience.
Inconsistent Progression: Some players find the player progression system to be unbalanced, making it difficult to reach desired player ratings or develop specific skills.
The “Fixed” Label: While EA may claim these issues are fixed, not every player agrees.

User Experiences: A Mixed Bag

The perception of whether Face of the Franchise is “fixed” largely depends on individual experiences. Some players report enjoying the mode immensely after the patches, finding it a fun and engaging way to experience Madden. Others still encounter lingering glitches or find the gameplay fundamentally unappealing.

Success Stories: Many users have found the mode very interesting after the glitches. They have been able to create different stories and enjoy themselves in the game.
Frustration Persists: For many, the remaining issues and lack of depth prevent Face of the Franchise from reaching its full potential. The glitches ruin any kind of progression or storytelling.

Alternate Methods and Workarounds

While EA’s patches provide the primary means of addressing bugs, some players have discovered alternate methods and workarounds to mitigate issues:

Console Standby Trick: As mentioned in the original article, putting your console into Standby or Instant-On mode (PS5/Xbox) can help disconnect the game from the servers and potentially resolve connection-related errors.
League Settings Adjustments: Tweaking league settings, such as turning off “full on-field control”, can sometimes resolve gameplay-related issues or allow you to play in peace.
Manual Saves: Regularly creating manual save files can provide a backup in case of unexpected errors or data corruption. This is especially helpful when playing the game.

The Future of Face of the Franchise

Despite its shortcomings, Face of the Franchise has the potential to be a compelling single-player experience. However, EA needs to prioritize addressing the remaining issues and adding more depth and complexity to the storylines and player progression system. The mode must be more engaging and less repetitive. Hopefully this is included in Madden 24.

Face of the Franchise and the Broader Gaming Landscape

The ongoing issues with Madden 23’s Face of the Franchise highlight the broader challenges facing the sports gaming industry. Players increasingly demand more realistic, immersive, and bug-free experiences. The focus on constant updates is important to the player base. For more on the educational aspects of gaming and game design, consider exploring resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society, whose website you can find at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Madden 23 Face of the Franchise: Fixed? FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Face of the Franchise mode in Madden 23.

1. What’s the best position to play in Face of the Franchise Madden 23?

Many players find Running Back (RB) to be the most enjoyable position. You get involved in both the running and passing game, and if you choose a team with a good QB, you can quickly develop into a star.

2. How many years do you play in Face of the Franchise Madden 23?

Face of the Franchise mode starts in a player’s fifth year in the league, offering a fresh perspective from the beginning.

3. What happens if my franchise gets deleted in Madden 23?

Due to data storage errors, particularly around launch, some franchises were deleted. EA estimated that only 40% of league data could be recovered. Ensure you back up your saves.

4. Is Madden 23 franchise better than 22?

Many consider Madden 23 to be an improvement over Madden 22, citing more realistic gameplay, better graphics, and improved broadcasting.

5. Can you control all 32 teams in Madden 23 franchise mode?

Yes, but only in an offline franchise. You cannot control all 32 teams in a cloud franchise.

6. How do you get a realistic franchise mode in Madden 23?

Use the “Sim” game style, adjust coach firing settings, roster size, and X-Factor/Superstar player counts to create a more authentic NFL experience. Also, make sure to increase the difficulty.

7. What Skill Level should you use in Madden 23 for the most realistic experience?

For the most realistic experience, you should use the All-Madden skill level. This will make the AI smarter and make the game a good challenge.

8. Can you control all 32 teams in Madden 23?

You can only control all 32 teams in an offline franchise. This is not possible in a cloud franchise.

9. Does weight matter in Madden 23?

Height and weight have a minimal impact, with attributes being far more important. A heavier running back won’t break tackles unless they have a high Trucking attribute.

10. Why am I controlling the whole team in Face of the Franchise?

This is due to a setting called “full on-field control”, which can be toggled on or off in the league settings.

11. What is the easiest position to play in Madden 23?

Wide Receiver (WR) is often considered the easiest position to produce and develop at.

12. How do you throw a low pass in Madden 23?

Press the receiver icon while holding L2 (PS5), LT (Xbox), or ALT (PC) to throw a low pass.

13. Is it better to be a coach or owner in Madden 23 franchise?

For the complete Franchise experience, being the Owner is recommended. You’ll manage finances, stadium renovations, and the coaching staff.

14. What is the weakest team in Madden 23?

The Houston Texans are generally considered the weakest team in Madden 23, with a low overall rating.

15. What is the hardest level to play on Madden 23?

The hardest level to play on in Madden 23 is All-Madden.

Is Madden 23 face of the franchise fixed?