Madden 21's next-gen upgrades shown in latest video

Madden 21 is coming to Xbox Series X and PS5 on December 4, and with it comes next-gen player movement powered by the NFL's Next Gen Stats.

What this results in is Real-life player movement data for Madden 21, including route paths, acceleration rates, and speeds. This is captured by the NFL using sensors worn by football players in the league during each game.

This data, called Next Gen Stats, promises to drive fluid animation selection based on how players actually move when running, cutting, and changing direction on the field. EA said this results in the most realistic player movement in franchise history.

It also means route runners will run their actual routes and direction changes, while defenders will react more realistically to opposing routes and runs.

Players can also expect replays powered by the tech, which provides breakdowns of key plays, giving players an advantage to make adjustments based on how the game is unfolding. Play calling in Madden NFL 21 is also new and makes calling plays more customizable and intuitive. Players will also have the ability to save their favorite plays to find later.

On next-gen consoles, you can also expect authentic stadium environments, deferred lighting across all surfaces, visual fidelity, enhanced player visuals, and all-new realistic weather. Player bodies are also improved with visual details that change as the game unfolds.

You can also expect new cloth animation tech which dynamically changes the jersey wrinkles based on player movement. Plus, there's also new location-based audio, and on PS5, haptic feedback from the DualSense controller allows you to feel the impact of passes, catches, tackles, hits, and kicks.

Players who buy, or who have already bought, Madden NFL 21 for Xbox One and or PlayStation 4 from now to the launch of Madden NFL 22 get the Xbox Series X/S and or PS5 version of the game for free when the new games are released.