After years of anticipation, college football fans will finally be able to get their hands on a new college football video game from EA Sports in the summer of 2024. This marks the first time since 2013 that an officially licensed college football video game has been released, as previous versions were discontinued due to legal and financial issues surrounding the use of player likenesses.

The upcoming game, which has yet to be officially named, is expected to feature a range of improvements and enhancements compared to its predecessors. EA Sports has indicated that the game will make use of the latest technology to create more realistic player models, animations, and gameplay mechanics. In addition, the game is expected to include a wider range of customization options, allowing players to create their own teams and customize everything from uniforms to playbooks.

One of the most significant changes in the new game is the inclusion of the name, image, and likeness (NIL) of college players. In July 2021, the NCAA announced a new interim policy that allows college athletes to profit from their NIL rights, opening the door for video game companies to use player likenesses in their games. EA Sports has indicated that they will work with the College Licensing Company (CLC) to secure the necessary rights from the schools and players.

The inclusion of NIL rights in the game is likely to be a major draw for fans, who have long wanted the ability to play as their favorite college teams with accurate player rosters. However, it remains to be seen how the game will balance the inclusion of player likenesses with the need to compensate players fairly for their use. EA Sports has indicated that they will work closely with the schools and players to ensure that everyone is fairly compensated.

The upcoming college football video game is sure to be a major event for fans of the sport, who have been eagerly awaiting the return of an officially licensed game. The improved graphics, customization options, and inclusion of player NIL rights are likely to make the game more immersive and realistic than ever before. With its expected release in the summer of 2024, fans have plenty of time to gear up for what is sure to be an exciting and highly anticipated release.