Madden Game Enthusiasts Pull an All-Nighter

As the sun rose Tuesday, “Maddenitis” again swept the country, potentially causing numerous absences in the local work force.

At exactly the stroke of midnight, hundreds of area residents, some of whom had been waiting since 6 p.m., were rewarded for their patience with a brand spanking-new copy of Madden 12. Many local stores held midnight launch events.

In the wake of the recent events, from Wall Street’s constant upheaval, political unrest, earthquakes, tornado watches and hurricanes, enjoying camaraderie, fun and a lot of talking smack with friends, fellow workers and even people halfway across the globe has never been more necessary.

Passers-by had to wonder why there was a huge group of people of all ages out in the old Acme parking lot, throwing a football into a board with a hole cut in it.

“I look forward to this day ever year,” said Mike Dill, who won the pass-throwing competition at the Collegeville GameStop. The store  had a grill going with all the fixings of a tailgate party.

“My friend Shane and I will be up all night playing," Dill said. "I have played in some Madden tournaments in California, and I am looking forward to playing here tonight.”

The Collegeville store held its annual Madden tourney, with the winner not only able to claim bragging rights, but also a free copy of Madden 12.

A video game legend, the Madden football game franchise has sold more than 85 million copies since its inaugural release in 1988. It has generated more than $3 billion in sales as of the 2010 release.

With a still sagging economy, gamers have found ways to save and get discounts on this year’s version by either by trading old games or competing in contests held at local stores.

“I love story games,” said eighth-grader Stephen Cini. “Madden is the ultimate story game; every game is different. I can’t wait to get to play. The demo in the store is awesome, but we will be up tonight late getting our franchises started.”

“I was crushed when my Xbox broke,” said fifth-grader Matt Rittenhouse. “I just sent it away to get fixed, I will be playing with my friends until I get it back, but I can’t wait to play tonight. I am already looking forward to [Call of Duty] Modern Warfare 2 scheduled to come out in November.”

Although the NFL lockout is now ancient history, the after effects are still being felt. Madden 12 was delayed three full weeks because of the lockout.

With the free-agent frenzy that occurred at the end of last month, the Madden team had to really scramble in creating the new teams. With the ability to download the updated rosters of all NFL teams, gamers will be able to play with all of their team’s favorite players.

In addition to the regular issue this season, Electronic Arts released a "Hall of Fame" edition, of which only 125,000 copies will be shipped to stores. The run will be limited to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, retailing for $89.99.

Aside from the bronze cover featuring Marshall Faulk instead of Peyton Hillis, consumers who purchase the special edition will receive an autographed card of Faulk. 

Willy Wonka had his golden tickets; Madden 12 has its own jackpot, a grand prize. One solid, 18-karat gold autographed card will be randomly inserted into one Xbox 360 and one PlayStation 3 copy of the hall of fame edition. It's estimated that the card will be one of the most valuable pieces of memorabilia currently on the market.

Why is it that every year, hundreds in our area, thousands nationwide, want the game so badly that they are willing to line up and wait for hours?

“You have to get a jump on everybody,” said Pope John Paul II sophomore Chuck Loughlin. “That’s why we have to be here tonight, to be the first to play is something I look forward to ever year."