'Madden 23' Players Go On Strike After Awful In-Game Gambling Odds

This isn’t the first time that gambling has hit the gaming headlines this week. Just a few days ago, Twitch banned the streaming of “slots, roulette or dice games that aren’t licensed either in the U.S. or other jurisdictions that provide sufficient consumer protection,” after prominent streamers - including Pokimane - threatened to go on strike. Now, Madden 23 players are threatening to do the same due to the title’s awful in-game gambling odds.

In other sporting news, Ted Lasso is coming to FIFA 23. Check out the trailer below.

As reported by Polygon, prominent streamer Zirksee is encouraging all players to cease in-game spending on Ultimate Team until EA responds to their concerns. The general consensus is that Madden 23’s pack odds are too low compared to the amount of money players are required to spend.

Speaking about the issue, Zirksee tweeted, “Myself and other creators in the community have decided to go on a pack strike. With the massive issues going on in Madden 23, we need changes. Don’t buy points! Here are the things we want to see changed.” The list read, “Better rerolls, better pack odds overall with bundles and toppers, $100 version of promo bundle should be enough to complete a master/full legend, solos reward with BND champion fantasy pack or at least top set pieces that can be added into sets to help NMS players.”

EA are yet to respond to the strike, but seeing as sports games are often built around these kinds of in-game gambling systems, a player boycott could prove to be a rather persuasive tactic. Time will tell.