EA Unveils 'Project Gridiron' as Social Open-World Football Experience
Electronic Arts has officially confirmed the development of 'Project Gridiron,' a new social-first open-world experience for American football, as part of a broader strategic shift following recent layoffs and studio closures. The project, which has been in development for several years alongside the 'The Grounds' mode in EA Sports FC 27, is described as a separate initiative from the traditional Madden NFL franchise. EA aims to focus resources on fewer, high-potential titles, including a revived Fight Night series and new shooter collaborations between Respawn and DICE, while pausing or restructuring other projects like The Sims and skate. The move signals a pivot toward long-term franchise growth and social hub features, similar to NBA 2K's 'The City,' within the sports gaming portfolio.