NFL

Before football returns in full force, everyone can try to lead their team to glory in Madden NFL 27.

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The video game’s typical August release is just about here, marking what’s become a staple on the football calendar for gamers and fans alike.

This year’s release includes a new wrinkle: Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition, debuting on Apple Arcade to give fans a new way to play.

Here’s what you need to know about Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition. 

MORE: Madden NFL 27 ratings tracker

What is Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition?

Madden NFL 27 will feature an Arcade Edition for the first time, bringing the game to Apple’s mobile game subscription service Apple Arcade.

«Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition is a new premium experience focused on authentic NFL seasons, franchise management, and story-driven gameplay — letting players jump straight into managing and playing through NFL seasons,» EA Sports said in an announcement.

EA Sports adds that users «can take control of real NFL teams and rosters, guiding their franchise through the regular season and playoffs while making key decisions around trades, free agency, and roster management.»

Madden video games have long been available on Apple devices through the App Store as Madden Mobile, but Arcade Edition will be spefically designed for Apple devices.

When does Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition come out?

EA Sports says the Apple Arcade edition of Madden NFL 27 will be released on Wednesday, Aug. 6, ahead of the worldwide launch of the game on Aug. 13.

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MORE: See Madden NFL 27 team ratings

How is Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition different from the traditional Madden video game?

Madden NFL 27 will be very similar to the traditional version, with only some reported distinctions.

Men’s Journal reports the Arcade Edition will be «entirely free of microtransactions,» or in-app purchases, but Arcade Edition will feature «Quick Play» mode as well as franchise mode. Quick play allows users to jump right into exhibition matchups, while franchise mode lets users act as general managers of a team.

EA Sports says fans can still expect regular roster updates and more modes to be added as time passes.

How to play Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition

Playing Arcade Edition will require a paid Apple Arcade subscription. Once a user subscribes to Apple Arcade, the game will be available to play without any additional fees, in-app purchases or ads.

Apple Arcade subscriptions give users access to other games as well, so no specific purchase of Madden NFL 27 is required. 

How much does Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition cost?

Madden NFL 27 is free with an Apple Arcade subscription. An Apple Arcade subscription of $6.99 per month or $49.99 for a full year.

The subscription allows users to play any Apple Arcade game without ads or in-app purchases. 

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