2K to make NFL games for the first time since NFL 2K5 Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. 2K to make NFL games for the first time since NFL 2K5 Interception! News by Wesley Yin-Poole Deputy Editorial Director Updated on 10 Mar 2020 16 comments 2K is to make NFL games for the first time since 2004's NFL 2K5. The first game in this new deal launches in 2021, during parent company Take-Two's fiscal year 2022. Game titles, developers and release dates will be announced later. 2K's last NFL game was 2004's NFL 2K5. "The NFL is one of the most successful sports brands in the world, known for creating incredible entertainment for fans," said 2K president David Ismailer in a statement. "We're thrilled to be back in business with the NFL in a partnership that will span multiple video games centered on fun, approachable and social experiences. It's exciting to bring together 2K's expertise in creating award-winning sports games with the NFL's renowned status as a world-class entertainment and sports organization." EA has made NFL simulation video games for some time now, and while 2K makes a point of stressing its NFL games will be non-simulation, EA's Madden series now has a serious competitor for the first time in years. In a statement, EA stressed nothing had changed from its point of view. "EA Sports is the exclusive publisher of NFL simulation games, and our partnership with the NFL and NFLPA remains unchanged," it said. "Our agreements have always allowed for non-exclusive development of non-simulation games on various platforms. Our commitment to NFL fans, which spans almost 30 years, has never been stronger, and we're having our biggest year yet. Madden NFL 20 is the most successful game ever in the franchise, and new modes like Superstar KO and our Madden NFL esports broadcasts are growing the fan base. We'll be building on that momentum with more new and different experiences, on more platforms and with new ways to play, in the years to come." 2K used to make NFL games as part of its NFL 2K series, which was developed by Visual Concepts and published by Sega. Originally, it was exclusive to the Dreamcast, but after Sega's console died it went multi-platform. The last game, the critically-acclaimed NFL 2K5, came out in February 2004 for the PS2 and original Xbox, and put a serious dent in EA's Madden game for that year. As a result, EA signed an excusive deal with the NFL to make officially-licensed video games and put the NFL 2K series out of business. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 59 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 4 Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 10 Latest Articles Preview Football Manager's new Console edition is the best you'll get without a PC Getting Touch-right. Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 59 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 4 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store