The Biggest Game in the NFL ... is a Video Game
EA Sports launches "Madden '09" with 20th anniversary event in New York City.
June 26, 2008 -- After lofting yet another touchdown pass to the back of the end-zone, Daunte Culpepper threw up his arms in exaltation and slapped fives with throngs of cheering fans.
No, it wasn't an NFL game, but rather an early anniversary party at a midtown Manhattan nightclub.
The release on August 12 of "Madden '09" will mark the 20th year of the record-setting EA Sports series, which is both the longest-running and highest-selling sports video game of all-time.
"The impact Madden has had on the sports game industry is massive," said Kevin Kelly, a contributing editor to the video game blog Joystiq.com. "They kind of have a monopoly on the [football] game, but they got to that place by making such a quality football game that really puts you in the game with so much detail. It's helped build a giant sporting empire for them."
Free cocktails and skimpily clad "Madden Girls" flowed freely across the spacious nightclub, a festive backdrop to the presence of five NFL all-pros who've adorned past game covers, including retired St. Louis Rams' great Marshall Faulk, the Baltimore Ravens' linebacker Ray Lewis and last year's cover star, Tennessee Titans' quarterback Vince Young.
"I've been a part of Madden since 2003 [when I was on the cover] and I played Madden since I could afford the game," Faulk told ABC News at the premiere. "So to be here at this event is just great. I love coming out and supporting and being a part of this. And to have five of the guys who have been on the cover here all at once talking about our experiences of being on the game is truly special."
