From the initial scene of former NFL lineman Clint Oldenburg leading a team meeting at Electronic Arts in downtown Orlando, the latest documentary series, “In the Game: Madden NFL,” about the history of one of the video game industry’s most cherished franchises demonstrates its connection to our region. Following a series of NFL players shouting the game’s catchphrase – “In the Game” – into the screen, the focus shifts directly to Electronic Arts’ downtown Orlando headquarters.
“Look, feel, play like an NFL superstar,” Oldenburg tells a room full of Electronic Artists. “That is the experience that we want our Madden players to have across the entire game.” And so begins a 202-minute journey through the history of the iconic video game series Madden NFL.
The story transitions from early stage discussions using archival footage and interviews from those who were present to present-day development of the most recent installment in the series. As a longtime gamer who grew up playing the first Madden game back in the late 1980s, the documentary hit home for me. It strikes all the right chords.
I have a soft spot for nostalgia, a deep passion for video games, a love for football, and an avid interest in interviews. Therefore, it was a delight to get a glimpse behind the scenes of the game’s development and production.
When I first came to Orlando as the technology reporter for the Orlando Sentinel, I had no idea I was inheriting the beat that covers Electronic Arts. I have always had some degree of behind-the-scenes access, which has allowed me to see both the positive and negative aspects. But I was impressed with the way this documentary was filmed.
The genuine enthusiasm shown by some of the NFL players was truly fascinating. Even as a child, I often wondered what it would be like to be in a video game, so hearing their perspectives added depth to the production. Additionally, witnessing behind-the-scenes footage of recording sessions for tackles and dropbacks was a first for me. It provided insight into a process that is not often seen.
The first episode of the documentary, which premiered on Amazon Prime today, does an excellent job of introducing this four-act series. It weaves a narrative around the early days of Electronic Arts and the Madden franchise with the development of the latest video game, Madden NFL ’25, earlier this year.
Decades later, it confirmed my childhood suspicion that the Joe Montana football game was a watered-down, inferior version of Madden. Though I never realized it was intentional, I enjoyed both games for different reasons. Montana for its simplistic gameplay and Madden for its intricate simulator.
The documentary follows a growing trend of productions that celebrate the enjoyable things from our past. It is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of Madden and its development, but rather a personal reflection on how video games and their creators have become the subject of fascinating storytelling.
With aerial shots of downtown Orlando scattered throughout, this documentary hit close to home for me. In fact, you can even see my old apartment in some of the aerial shots!
