Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

Xbox

PlayStation

PC/Steam

Screenwise Verdict

Madden 22 is fine if your kid is already deep into NFL fandom and wants to understand the strategic side of football. It teaches real concepts about play-calling, team building, and sports management.

But let's be honest: this is the video game equivalent of a participation trophy. EA Sports has been releasing essentially the same game with updated rosters for years, and 2022 was particularly egregious. The gameplay is solid but stagnant, and the franchise mode that should be the heart of the experience feels neglected.

The real problem is Madden Ultimate Team, which operates like a casino designed for kids. You collect player cards through packs that cost real money, chasing rare cards in a system that's functionally identical to loot boxes. It's predatory, it's designed to exploit FOMO, and it's the reason EA keeps pumping out these minimal updates.

If you're going to let your kid play, stay far away from MUT or have very clear spending boundaries. Stick to Franchise mode or exhibition games, where the game is actually about football rather than gambling mechanics dressed up as team-building.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8+ who already have interest in football and can grasp the rules. Younger kids can play but may struggle with advanced mechanics. Teens and adults who follow the NFL will get the most out of it, though the 2022 edition's lack of innovation makes it a tough sell even for fans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Sports simulation that models teamwork and strategic thinking within the framework of professional football. No inappropriate content, though it does normalize the physicality and aggressive nature of tackle football. Encourages understanding rules, cooperation, and sportsmanship through gameplay.

Imaginative

42

This is a simulation game that recreates real NFL football with high fidelity. While Franchise mode offers some strategic creativity in team-building and play-calling, it's fundamentally replicating an existing sport rather than inviting open-ended creative expression. The modes are structured around established formats with limited room for imaginative play beyond tactical decisions.

Safe

71

ESRB guidance confirms mild violence inherent to football tackling but nothing graphic. Users interact online but no built-in chat listed. However, Madden Ultimate Team mode (MUT) is notorious for its card-pack mechanics that function as loot boxes, encouraging repetitive spending. While not marked in provided data, MUT has been widely criticized for predatory monetization targeting younger players. This significantly impacts safety score despite clean content otherwise.

Enriching

58

Teaches football rules, strategy, and player management in depth. Franchise mode offers genuine decision-making about team building and resource allocation. However, the 2022 edition was widely panned for being essentially identical to previous years with minimal innovation—it's more about repetitive play than meaningful growth. Entertainment value exists for football fans but diminishes quickly for casual players.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Teaches real football strategy, rules, and play-calling in an accessible format
Franchise mode offers team management and long-term strategic thinking
Can spark interest in understanding the tactical side of sports beyond just watching games
Provides a shared interest for parents and kids who follow the NFL together

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What to Watch For

Madden Ultimate Team mode uses card-pack mechanics that encourage repetitive spending—consider disabling purchases or avoiding MUT entirely
The 2022 edition was widely criticized as a minimal update; if you own Madden 21, this is basically the same game
Online play exposes kids to competitive environments where they'll encounter other players (though no direct chat)
Limited appeal if your kid isn't already into football—this isn't the game that creates new fans

Conversation Starters

"What's your favorite play to run? Can you explain why it works against certain defenses?"
"If you were a real NFL coach, how would you build your team differently?"
"What do you think about how the game handles injuries compared to real football?"
"Do you feel tempted to buy card packs in Ultimate Team? Let's talk about why those are designed to keep you spending."

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