EA has expanded the period during which the free Xbox Series X upgrade is offered for this year’s Madden game – and presumably FIFA 21 as well. Back in early May, when Microsoft verified the first Xbox One games that would support its free Xbox Series X upgrade plan, EA faced criticism for its own free next-gen upgrade for Madden 21. At that time, EA stated that instead of enabling the upgrade to the Xbox Series X version at any time via Smart Delivery, the publisher would confine the upgrades to a restricted time frame. One would need to purchase the Xbox One version of Madden 21 by December 31st of this year, and the Xbox Series X upgrade must be completed by March 31st, 2021; otherwise, one would be compelled to make a double purchase.
Fans criticized these unnecessary complications in the context of Microsoft’s helpful Smart Delivery feature, and it seems that EA took heed. As Polygon observed, EA has updated its website to declare that its free Madden 21 upgrade will be accessible until the release of Madden 22 in the summer of 2021.
“During our recent Inside Xbox announcement, we included some dates that limited this Dual Entitlement approach,” the description reads.
“Having listened to our players’ feedback, we’re extending the offer throughout our Madden 21 season up to the release of Madden NFL 22, so players can upgrade to Madden NFL 21 on Xbox Series X whenever they initially purchase their new console within that period.”
Presumably, FIFA 21, which is set to shine at EA Play Live 2020 later this month, will operate in the same manner, with a free Xbox Series X upgrade available until the release of FIFA 22 in September 2021.
Undoubtedly, more titles will be added to Microsoft’s Smart Delivery list as the Xbox Series X’s “holiday 2020” launch approaches. Sony has yet to disclose its next-gen upgrade plan, if it indeed has one.
