EA College Football 25 has finally made its debut for those who pre-ordered the deluxe edition, granting them early access to the highly anticipated game. Despite being out for less than 24 hours, it has already become one of the biggest games of the year.
The last major college football game released by EA was NCAA Football 14 back in 2013, over a decade ago. Since then, players have resorted to using mods and hacks to keep the outdated Xbox 360/PS3-era football simulation up-to-date with real-world events. However, with the arrival of EA College Football 25, fans can now enjoy a brand new and updated gaming experience.
Although the official launch date for EA College Football 25 is set for July 19, EA decided to offer early access to those willing to pay extra, a move that has stirred some controversy. Despite this, the game has gained immense popularity, with reports of over 660,000 players online at one point, reaching a peak of 713,974 players later on. This player count surpasses that of other recent game launches, making it one of the most popular games currently.
Comparing the player count of College Football 25 to other popular games like Helldivers 2 and The First Descendant, it’s evident that the game has quickly gained a massive following. Additionally, on Twitch, College Football 25 has attracted more viewers than other well-known titles such as Overwatch 2 and Apex Legends. These impressive numbers are even more remarkable considering the game is only accessible to those who purchased the $90 deluxe edition and is limited to Xbox Series X/S and PS5.
The release of EA College Football 25 has not only led to a surge in online player numbers but has also resulted in increased console sales. With reports of more Xbox Series S consoles being sold in the past 24 hours than during its initial launch in 2020, it’s clear that the game is driving sales for the console. Analysts predict that College Football 25 has the potential to become one of the top-selling games of 2024, showcasing the excitement and anticipation surrounding its release.
As the game becomes available to a wider audience on July 19, it is expected to continue its upward trajectory in popularity. With its exclusive availability and impressive player count, EA College Football 25 has captured the attention of gamers and sports enthusiasts alike, solidifying its position as a top game of 2024.