In partnership with EA Sports and Genius Sports, NBC Sports brings video game features to live NFL broadcasts. The new simulcast premieres on December 21st at Texans vs. Chiefs.
>> NBC Sports is expanding its NFL offerings with a new simulcast titled EA Sports Madden NFL Cast. The format combines classic live reporting with technologies and animations from the video game world. The simulcast will premiere on December 21st during the Houston Texans’ matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs and will be exclusive to the streaming service Peacock offered.
The new format uses the game engine from Madden NFLto view live data such as passing routes, game maps and player ratings in real time. The basis for this is the data from NFL Next Gen Stats, which is prepared by Genius Sports using the AI platform GeniusIQ.
“We are excited to partner with the NFL, EA Sports and Genius Sports to offer fans the opportunity to bring Madden NFL to life like never before, exclusively on Peacock,” said Fred GaudelliExecutive Producer der NFL bei NBC Sports.
Andrea Let’s hopegeneral manager and senior vice president of publishing at EA Sports, added: “The Madden NFL Cast is an important step in evolving NFL coverage and strengthening the connection between live-action football and video games.”
Simulcasts are becoming increasingly important in the US as they allow rights holders to reach different audiences and increase the value of their content. Formats like ESPN’s “Manningcast” or CBS’ kid-friendly NFL productions have shown how alternative broadcasts can appeal to new viewers.
With the Madden NFL Cast, NBC is relying on the influence of video games, which are increasingly shaping the design of modern sports broadcasts. The integration of live statistics, player ratings and interactive animations is a direct reference to well-known gaming elements that are increasingly seen in traditional broadcasts.
The Madden NFL Cast will first be tested during the matchup on December 21st. Whether the format remains permanently part of NBC Sports’ NFL offering will depend on the response from viewers. In any case, the simulcast shows how sports broadcasts are evolving to meet the needs of a diverse audience.
