REDWOOD CITY, CA — Electronic Arts announced the cover star for next year's Madden game will be none other than the yellow penalty flag referees like to throw at the slightest opportunity.

"The flag is the real star of the NFL, and everyone knows it," said Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts. "That's why I had the talented team at EA Sports prioritize the yellow penalty flags on the cover and in all aspects of gameplay. It's the only way to bring the game into the next generation."

Though a beloved franchise, Madden has been losing popularity in recent years due to a combination of what critics claim is minimal gameplay innovation and a serious lack of yellow penalty flags. An in-depth preview on Gamespot.com noted, "Penalties are nothing new to Madden, but flags have always been an afterthought. Finally, the video game is on par with reality."

Madden 25 will reportedly feature updated player rosters, new touchdown celebration animations, and improved yellow penalty flag physics. Now referees can throw yellow flags that thud on the grass, bounce off of helmets, or even get carried a few extra centimeters further in windy weather. Also new to this version is a brand-new yellow penalty flag career mode where gamers can play as the penalty marker itself.

At publishing time, the NFL introduced new penalty rules, severely crippling the presence of the yellow penalty flag in an average game. The so-called Madden curse continues.

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