It’s been over two decades sinceESPN NFL 2K5set the gold standard for immersive football presentation. Ask any longtime football gaming fan what made2K5so memorable, and the answer isn’t just about gameplay, it’s about atmosphere. One of the most beloved features was its fully-realized halftime shows, complete with Chris Berman breaking down the first half’s highlights with voice-over and slick replays. For years, fans have asked, “Why can’tMaddendo halftime shows right?” Based on some new gameplay info, it seems likeMadden NFL 26is finally stepping up.
Madden NFL 26has announced thatthe upcoming editionwill feature fully-produced half-time shows and weekly highlight recaps, with none other than NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson at the helm. The move marks a long-overdue attempt to bring immersive broadcast-style presentation back to the Madden franchise, a feature that has been missing, or at best, half-heartedly implemented for far too long. I hope halftime shows inMadden 26finally make it into the end zone and give players the full NFL experience and bring back a beloved feature fromNFL2K5.
Madden NFL 26 Is Adding A Halftime Show
Madden Finally Pulls The Trigger On Proper Halftime Shows
Madden NFL 26will feature dynamic halftime shows hosted and voiced by Scott Hanson. The decision to bring Scott Hanson into the fold is an interesting and potentially smart move. Hanson is synonymous with NFL RedZone, wherehis ability to shift between games and highlight big momentshas become legendary. If EA can channel even a fraction of that energy and style intoMadden NFL 26, it could be a game-changer. Of course, this is an essential immersion feature that one of the greatest football games of all time, ESPN 2k5, nailed a long time ago, so this was a long time coming.
“There will also be Weekly Recaps similar to the old 2K5 formula that will provide league-wide rundowns, such as standout performances, major upsets, and injury updates.”
These segments will include actual first-half highlights, player stats, key moments, and “storylines” specific to each game. There will also be Weekly Recaps similar to the old 2K5 formula that will provide league-wide rundowns, such as standout performances, major upsets, and injury updates.This will all serve to make the experience more immersive, ideally using highlights, recaps, and commentary based on what’s happening in your careerduring Franchise Mode.
The Ghost of Halftimes Past May Finally Be Put To Rest
ESPN NFL 2K5, released in 2004, wasway ahead of its time, especially when it comes to the halftime show presentation. The halftime show wasn’t just a quick highlight reel, it was a full segment that immersed players into the game. Chris Berman’s commentaryadded context and gave it real authenticity.Dynamic camera angles made every touchdown feel like it was part of a live Sunday broadcast. The game even featured weekly wrap-up shows, giving players the sense that they were really part of the experience rather than just progressing through a season.
In contrast,Maddenhas never truly nailed this.Over the years, it has dabbled with halftime presentations, incorporating brief cutscenes, static screens with stats, or a few quick replays with generic voice-over. However, nothing captured the drama or polish of2K5, andMaddennever really settled on a working formula. Often, halftime inMaddenis just a break before the second half, which is simply a missed opportunity to add some excellent immersion for players that want to enjoy a full NFL experience.
The fact that we’re still talking about a 2004 game as the presentation benchmark in 2025 says a lot.ESPN NFL 2K5was super innovative and set the bar pretty high.Maddenhas never quite caught up in regard to half-time shows, butMadden NFL 26might finally find the sweet spot. For a generation of players who remember Chris Berman’s “Boom!” and the detailed game breakdowns, this could be the return to form they’ve been waiting for.
