The Play Clock in Madden 24 is an Abomination

Abusive is too harsh a word, but I'd say most, if not all Madden lover's relationship with the game is neglectful. We stick around even though the game has neglected us for well over a decade. Every year it's the same ole thing with maaaybe a tweak or two. When ESPN2K5 (the GOAT football game) has you beat in gameplay and special features, it's clear the goal of this game isn't to be its best self.

I've tried to avoid buying games or accessories for my PS4 since it's a PS4, but last week I broke down and bought Madden 24 since it was on sale for $29.99. I know the game is ass, but I fucking love playing people online and wanted to play with the new rosters. I love the chess-match of play-calling. There's nothing like outsmarting a stranger by pressing buttons. Plus there were rumblings of this year being better, which I believed like a fool. Sure, mini-games are back (which is something), but for the most part, it's the same version as last year with updated rosters and a different button for accelerated clock (ftr I don't love that change).

The whole reason I'm banging out this quicky-blog during my free period (apart from needing to write; #HireDozo) is complain about one of the game's more notable changes. As I typed that, I scoffed to myself like "actually, it's not notable at all" and that's the fucking problem! EA changed the chyron scorebug.

Here's a random screenshot of Madden 24 gameplay taken from google images. It could be from PS4, but the system isn't what matters here. I'm here to bash the scorebug. ​What is this? A play clock for ants?!?

Image Source

Last year's scorebug wasn't anything to write home about, but at least the play clock wasn't hidden away like a dimebag in your high school bedroom.

Image Source

Hopefully this doesn't come across as an old man yelling at clouds blog. I know our senses weaken over time, but seriously...this shit is just too fucking small man. Not only is it small, but it's tucked away. At least before it was clearly the last thing on the bug. I'm not saying it needs to be the size of the font on your dad's iPhone, but come on EA! Assuming you're not sitting inches away from your screen, even on a modest 42 inch TV (I have a 55 in my room) as opposed to a screenshot on a blog, it's not easy to find.

​These pictures were initially taken to show off the glitch that makes kicking almost impossible, but with Madden being Madden, they also showcase the microscopic play clock.

I’ve been playing Madden for 20 years. I love football & know the game is trash but Madden 24 is unfuckingreal with this shit man. How??? Who thought this was a good idea/hasn’t fixed a glitch yet???? Wtf @EAMaddenNFL pic.twitter.com/shGXbtAXp7

— Doz #HireDozo (@DozonLife) November 9, 2023

That's literally all I've got. Not every blog is a home run, but this has been a major thorn in my side since I started playing again last week that had to be addressed. Yes, I'm 15 games over .500, but that's not what this blog is about. Nobody cares that my (DEFENDING CHAMPION) fantasy team has won 8 in a row, either. I just want EA to put a little effort into this product, not make us play Where's Waldo when we come back to our game after sending a text or changing the YouTube video.