In a major change to its roadmap, Microsoft is returning to its three-year plan for new Windows upgrades. The new plan means we might see Windows 12 as early as 2024.

According to a report by Windows Central, Microsoft's new roadmap means new versions of Windows will ship every three years.

In the past, Microsoft has also taken its time with new versions of the operating system — Windows 10 was released in 2015, and Windows 11 wasn't released until six years after in 2021. During this time, Microsoft shifted away from its initial three-year plan and instead focused on delivering consistent updates to Windows 10.

Its new plan also means that new features for existing Windows versions will ship more often. As detailed by Windows Central, starting with Windows 11 version 22H2, Microsoft will begin rolling out major updates for Windows 11 up to four times a year through its "Moments" program. This means more frequent updates for Windows — typically, Microsoft has only shipped updates once per year.

Windows 11, which released last year, introduced plenty of new features like Auto HDR gaming and snap layouts. IGN gave Windows 11 a 7/10 in our review of the operating system, praising its visual improvements but noting that there wasn't much more to push users to upgrade.

Amelia Zollner is a freelance writer at IGN who loves all things indie and Nintendo. Outside of IGN, they've contributed to sites like Polygon and Rock Paper Shotgun. Find them on Twitter: @ameliazollner.

In a major change to its roadmap, Microsoft is returning to its three-year plan for new Windows upgrades. The new plan means we might see Windows 12 as early as 2024.

According to a report by Windows Central, Microsoft's new roadmap means new versions of Windows will ship every three years.

In the past, Microsoft has also taken its time with new versions of the operating system — Windows 10 was released in 2015, and Windows 11 wasn't released until six years after in 2021. During this time, Microsoft shifted away from its initial three-year plan and instead focused on delivering consistent updates to Windows 10.

Its new plan also means that new features for existing Windows versions will ship more often. As detailed by Windows Central, starting with Windows 11 version 22H2, Microsoft will begin rolling out major updates for Windows 11 up to four times a year through its "Moments" program. This means more frequent updates for Windows — typically, Microsoft has only shipped updates once per year.

Windows 11, which released last year, introduced plenty of new features like Auto HDR gaming and snap layouts. IGN gave Windows 11 a 7/10 in our review of the operating system, praising its visual improvements but noting that there wasn't much more to push users to upgrade.

Amelia Zollner is a freelance writer at IGN who loves all things indie and Nintendo. Outside of IGN, they've contributed to sites like Polygon and Rock Paper Shotgun. Find them on Twitter: @ameliazollner.

It looks as though Chris Pratt won’t be the next Indiana Jones after all. Appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the 43-year-old actor played down rumors that he would be taking over from Harrison Ford after the upcoming fifth Indiana Jones film.

“I don’t even know who Steven Spielberg is,” he quipped. “Who? Steven Who? No, aren’t they doing Indiana Jones with Harrison Ford?”

Indiana Jones 5 will see Harrison Ford’s whip-cracking archaeologist return for another adventure. First announced back in 2016, the film has been in production ever since.

But Pratt is somewhat mistaken about Spielberg’s involvement. Originally set to direct the Indy sequel, he since exited the project and was replaced by Logan director, James Mangold. Although Indiana Jones 5 will likely be Harrison Ford’s last outing as the iconic adventurer, there’s no official word on whether anyone will replace him.

However, we do know that Phoebe Waller-Bridge has joined the cast, alongside Mads Mikkelsen.

“All I know is I once saw a quote from Harrison Ford and I don’t even know if it was really him, but it was enough to scare me, that was like, ‘When I die, Indiana Jones dies.’ And I’m like, am I gonna get haunted by the ghost of Harrison Ford one day when he dies if I play…?”

Admittedly, the thought of Harrison Ford appearing out of nowhere like a vengeful Ark of the Covenant spirit is somewhat amusing… but I can see why Pratt isn’t so keen.

Still, Pratt has proven to be a popular choice for an eventual Indiana Jones reboot, despite the fact that Disney is yet to announce any further plans for the franchise beyond the upcoming sequel. That said, he was rumored for the role back in 2015… and many fans still think he’s the perfect choice to take over the role.

Whether or not Indiana Jones will continue raiding tombs after Harrison Ford has hung up his fedora remains to be seen. But I can think of worse actors to play him.

Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

It looks as though Chris Pratt won’t be the next Indiana Jones after all. Appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the 43-year-old actor played down rumors that he would be taking over from Harrison Ford after the upcoming fifth Indiana Jones film.

“I don’t even know who Steven Spielberg is,” he quipped. “Who? Steven Who? No, aren’t they doing Indiana Jones with Harrison Ford?”

Indiana Jones 5 will see Harrison Ford’s whip-cracking archaeologist return for another adventure. First announced back in 2016, the film has been in production ever since.

But Pratt is somewhat mistaken about Spielberg’s involvement. Originally set to direct the Indy sequel, he since exited the project and was replaced by Logan director, James Mangold. Although Indiana Jones 5 will likely be Harrison Ford’s last outing as the iconic adventurer, there’s no official word on whether anyone will replace him.

However, we do know that Phoebe Waller-Bridge has joined the cast, alongside Mads Mikkelsen.

“All I know is I once saw a quote from Harrison Ford and I don’t even know if it was really him, but it was enough to scare me, that was like, ‘When I die, Indiana Jones dies.’ And I’m like, am I gonna get haunted by the ghost of Harrison Ford one day when he dies if I play…?”

Admittedly, the thought of Harrison Ford appearing out of nowhere like a vengeful Ark of the Covenant spirit is somewhat amusing… but I can see why Pratt isn’t so keen.

Still, Pratt has proven to be a popular choice for an eventual Indiana Jones reboot, despite the fact that Disney is yet to announce any further plans for the franchise beyond the upcoming sequel. That said, he was rumored for the role back in 2015… and many fans still think he’s the perfect choice to take over the role.

Whether or not Indiana Jones will continue raiding tombs after Harrison Ford has hung up his fedora remains to be seen. But I can think of worse actors to play him.

Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

The eldritch horror, Xur, is now live in Destiny 2 for the weekend until next week's reset. If you're looking to get your some shiny new Exotic armor or weapons for your Guardian, look no further.

Each week, Xûr has a random assortment of Exotic armor, one for each Guardian class, as well as a random Exotic Weapon and an Exotic Engram available for purchase. In addition to his Exotic wares, he's got a random collection of Legendary weapons and armor to deck out your Guardians.

We've rounded up all the info on Xûr for the week including where to find Xûr, which Exotic weapons and armor are available, as well as which Legendary weapons you should pick up, either for PvE or PvP.

Where Is Xûr Today?

Xûr's location can be found at The Tower on July 15 through July 19. To reach him, travel to the landing point at The Courtyard and make your way to the Hangar. You'll find ol' snake-face chilling near the stairs at the back of the Hangar area.

What's Xûr Selling Today?

Xûr has at least one good find this week. Check out this exotic gear!

Exotic Engram

Suros Regime - Exotic Auto Rifle

The Bombardiers - Exotic Hunter Leg Armor

• 17 Mobility
• 12 Resilience
• 2 Recovery
• 2 Discipline
• 23 Intellect
• 7 Strength
• Total: 63

Ashen Wake - Exotic Titan Gauntlets

• 10 Mobility
• 13 Resilience
• 9 Recovery
• 19 Discipline
• 2 Intellect
• 10 Strength
• Total: 63

Crown of Tempests - Exotic Warlock Helmet

• 3 Mobility
• 30 Resilience
• 3 Recovery
• 16 Discipline
• 2 Intellect
• 16 Strength
• Total: 70

Hunters and Warlocks both have bad rolls for not-amazing exotics this week. Luckily the Warlock saves the day with one of the single greatest rolls for Crown of Tempests that I've ever seen. It's actually mezmorizingly good. Buy. That. Helmet.

Exotic Weapons

Hawkmoon - Exotic Hand Cannon

• Paracausal Shot
• Extended Barrel
• Alloy Magazine
• Rangefinder
• Heavy Grip

Dead Man's Tale - Exotic Scout Rifle

• Cranial Spike
• Corkscrew Rifling
• Accurized Rounds
• Moving Target
• Composite Stock

Neither of these exotic weapons has a particularly amazing roll this week. I'd skip them both!

Legendary Weapons

Seventh Seraph Officer Revolver - Hand Cannon

• Hammer-Forged Rifling/Smallbore
• Appended Mag/Extended Mag
• Threat Detector
• High-Impact Reserves
• Reload Speed Masterwork

Distant Stimulus - Sniper Rifle

• Corkscrew Rifling/Extended Barrel
• Appended Mag/Tactical Mag
• Clown Catridge
• Opening Shot
• Handling Masterwork

First In, Last Out - Shotgun

• Extended Barrel/Full Bore
• Steady Rounds/Accurized Rounds
• Hip-Fire Grip
• Opening Shot
• Stability Masterwork

Corsair's Wrath - Linear Fusion Rifle

• Corkscrew Rifling/Extended Barrel
• Liquid Coils/Projection Fuse
• Killing Wind
• Unrelenting
• Blast Radius Masterwork

Extraordinary Rendition - Submachine Gun

• Extended Barrel/Hammer-Forged Rifling
• Accurized Rounds/Alloy Magazine
• Surplus
• Tap The Trigger
• Stability Masterwork

The Keening - Sidearm

• Extended Barrel/Polygonal Rifling
• Extended Mag/Ricochet Rounds
• Slideshot
• Sympathetic Arsenal
• One Quiet Moment
• Reload Speed Masterwork

Wolftone Draw - Combat Bow

• Tactile String/Polymer String
• Fiberglass Arrow Shaft/Straight Fletching
• Sneak Bow
• Harmony
• Charge Time/Draw Time Masterwork

The roll for Distant Stimulus is quite good for PvP or PvE with Opening Shot and Clown Cartridge and similarly the roll for First In, Last Out this week is desirable for PvP with the all-important Opening Shot perk on it. Aside from those two highlights, none of the other Legendary weapons jump out at me this week.

Warlock Legendary Armor

For Warlocks, Xûr is selling the Seventh Seraph set which includes:

Seventh Seraph Gauntlets

• 24 Mobility
• 2 Resilience
• 2 Recovery
• 7 Discipline
• 15 Intellect
• 10 Strength
• Total: 60

Seventh Seraph Chest Armor

• 8 Mobility
• 2 Resilience
• 19 Recovery
• 12 Discipline
• 12 Intellect
• 6 Strength
• Total: 59

Seventh Seraph Helmet

• 10 Mobility
• 7 Resilience
• 16 Recovery
• 12 Discipline
• 10 Intellect
• 6 Strength
• Total: 61

Seventh Seraph Leg Armor

• 8 Mobility
• 16 Resilience
• 8 Recovery
• 2 Discipline
• 11 Intellect
• 18 Strength
• Total: 63

Seventh Seraph Bond

The Warlock armor this week is pretty rubbish! The only semi-decent roll is the boots, which have 63 overall stats, but their stat placement is fairly uninspired. Sorry, Warlocks!

Titan Legendary Armor

For Titans, Xûr is selling the Seventh Seraph set which includes:

Seventh Seraph Gauntlets

• 9 Mobility
• 12 Resilience
• 8 Recovery
• 9 Discipline
• 14 Intellect
• 8 Strength
• Total: 60

Seventh Seraph Chest Armor

• 2 Mobility
• 12 Resilience
• 18 Recovery
• 8 Discipline
• 10 Intellect
• 14 Strength
• Total: 64

Seventh Seraph Helmet

• 2 Mobility
• 2 Resilience
• 22 Recovery
• 2 Discipline
• 11 Intellect
• 16 Strength
• Total: 55

Seventh Seraph Leg Armor

• 12 Mobility
• 10 Resilience
• 10 Recovery
• 16 Discipline
• 13 Intellect
• 2 Strength
• Total: 63

Seventh Seraph Mark

Titans did marginally better than Warlocks as they've got a decent chest piece with 64 overall stats in all the right places and some boots that would be good if they didn't have so much dang mobility. Aside from that, though. There's not a ton to love!

Hunter Legendary Armor

For Hunters, Xûr is selling the Seventh Seraph set which includes:

Seventh Seraph Gauntlets

• 15 Mobility
• 2 Resilience
• 15 Recovery
• 6 Discipline
• 15 Intellect
• 12 Strength
• Total: 65

Seventh Seraph Chest Armor

• 2 Mobility
• 7 Resilience
• 21 Recovery
• 9 Discipline
• 14 Intellect
• 8 Strength
• Total: 61

Seventh Seraph Helmet

• 16 Mobility
• 2 Resilience
• 12 Recovery
• 9 Discipline
• 18 Intellect
• 2 Strength
• Total: 59

Seventh Seraph Leg Armor

• 9 Mobility
• 17 Resilience
• 2 Recovery
• 6 Discipline
• 23 Intellect
• 2 Strength
• Total: 59

Seventh Seraph Cloak

Hunters have a pretty great roll of their helmet this week, but everything else is underwhelming as heck! Grab that helmet if you need a great, well-rounded roll for your Hunter, though!

That's a wrap on Xûr for this week, Guardians! Are you taking part in Saladin's Iron Banner competition this week? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! For more on Destiny, check out some of the new weapons and gear you can find in The Witch Queen and read about how Sony's purchase of Bungie fits into its larger plans.

Travis Northup is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @TieGuyTravis and read his games coverage here.

The eldritch horror, Xur, is now live in Destiny 2 for the weekend until next week's reset. If you're looking to get your some shiny new Exotic armor or weapons for your Guardian, look no further.

Each week, Xûr has a random assortment of Exotic armor, one for each Guardian class, as well as a random Exotic Weapon and an Exotic Engram available for purchase. In addition to his Exotic wares, he's got a random collection of Legendary weapons and armor to deck out your Guardians.

We've rounded up all the info on Xûr for the week including where to find Xûr, which Exotic weapons and armor are available, as well as which Legendary weapons you should pick up, either for PvE or PvP.

Where Is Xûr Today?

Xûr's location can be found at The Tower on July 15 through July 19. To reach him, travel to the landing point at The Courtyard and make your way to the Hangar. You'll find ol' snake-face chilling near the stairs at the back of the Hangar area.

What's Xûr Selling Today?

Xûr has at least one good find this week. Check out this exotic gear!

Exotic Engram

Suros Regime - Exotic Auto Rifle

The Bombardiers - Exotic Hunter Leg Armor

• 17 Mobility
• 12 Resilience
• 2 Recovery
• 2 Discipline
• 23 Intellect
• 7 Strength
• Total: 63

Ashen Wake - Exotic Titan Gauntlets

• 10 Mobility
• 13 Resilience
• 9 Recovery
• 19 Discipline
• 2 Intellect
• 10 Strength
• Total: 63

Crown of Tempests - Exotic Warlock Helmet

• 3 Mobility
• 30 Resilience
• 3 Recovery
• 16 Discipline
• 2 Intellect
• 16 Strength
• Total: 70

Hunters and Warlocks both have bad rolls for not-amazing exotics this week. Luckily the Warlock saves the day with one of the single greatest rolls for Crown of Tempests that I've ever seen. It's actually mezmorizingly good. Buy. That. Helmet.

Exotic Weapons

Hawkmoon - Exotic Hand Cannon

• Paracausal Shot
• Extended Barrel
• Alloy Magazine
• Rangefinder
• Heavy Grip

Dead Man's Tale - Exotic Scout Rifle

• Cranial Spike
• Corkscrew Rifling
• Accurized Rounds
• Moving Target
• Composite Stock

Neither of these exotic weapons has a particularly amazing roll this week. I'd skip them both!

Legendary Weapons

Seventh Seraph Officer Revolver - Hand Cannon

• Hammer-Forged Rifling/Smallbore
• Appended Mag/Extended Mag
• Threat Detector
• High-Impact Reserves
• Reload Speed Masterwork

Distant Stimulus - Sniper Rifle

• Corkscrew Rifling/Extended Barrel
• Appended Mag/Tactical Mag
• Clown Catridge
• Opening Shot
• Handling Masterwork

First In, Last Out - Shotgun

• Extended Barrel/Full Bore
• Steady Rounds/Accurized Rounds
• Hip-Fire Grip
• Opening Shot
• Stability Masterwork

Corsair's Wrath - Linear Fusion Rifle

• Corkscrew Rifling/Extended Barrel
• Liquid Coils/Projection Fuse
• Killing Wind
• Unrelenting
• Blast Radius Masterwork

Extraordinary Rendition - Submachine Gun

• Extended Barrel/Hammer-Forged Rifling
• Accurized Rounds/Alloy Magazine
• Surplus
• Tap The Trigger
• Stability Masterwork

The Keening - Sidearm

• Extended Barrel/Polygonal Rifling
• Extended Mag/Ricochet Rounds
• Slideshot
• Sympathetic Arsenal
• One Quiet Moment
• Reload Speed Masterwork

Wolftone Draw - Combat Bow

• Tactile String/Polymer String
• Fiberglass Arrow Shaft/Straight Fletching
• Sneak Bow
• Harmony
• Charge Time/Draw Time Masterwork

The roll for Distant Stimulus is quite good for PvP or PvE with Opening Shot and Clown Cartridge and similarly the roll for First In, Last Out this week is desirable for PvP with the all-important Opening Shot perk on it. Aside from those two highlights, none of the other Legendary weapons jump out at me this week.

Warlock Legendary Armor

For Warlocks, Xûr is selling the Seventh Seraph set which includes:

Seventh Seraph Gauntlets

• 24 Mobility
• 2 Resilience
• 2 Recovery
• 7 Discipline
• 15 Intellect
• 10 Strength
• Total: 60

Seventh Seraph Chest Armor

• 8 Mobility
• 2 Resilience
• 19 Recovery
• 12 Discipline
• 12 Intellect
• 6 Strength
• Total: 59

Seventh Seraph Helmet

• 10 Mobility
• 7 Resilience
• 16 Recovery
• 12 Discipline
• 10 Intellect
• 6 Strength
• Total: 61

Seventh Seraph Leg Armor

• 8 Mobility
• 16 Resilience
• 8 Recovery
• 2 Discipline
• 11 Intellect
• 18 Strength
• Total: 63

Seventh Seraph Bond

The Warlock armor this week is pretty rubbish! The only semi-decent roll is the boots, which have 63 overall stats, but their stat placement is fairly uninspired. Sorry, Warlocks!

Titan Legendary Armor

For Titans, Xûr is selling the Seventh Seraph set which includes:

Seventh Seraph Gauntlets

• 9 Mobility
• 12 Resilience
• 8 Recovery
• 9 Discipline
• 14 Intellect
• 8 Strength
• Total: 60

Seventh Seraph Chest Armor

• 2 Mobility
• 12 Resilience
• 18 Recovery
• 8 Discipline
• 10 Intellect
• 14 Strength
• Total: 64

Seventh Seraph Helmet

• 2 Mobility
• 2 Resilience
• 22 Recovery
• 2 Discipline
• 11 Intellect
• 16 Strength
• Total: 55

Seventh Seraph Leg Armor

• 12 Mobility
• 10 Resilience
• 10 Recovery
• 16 Discipline
• 13 Intellect
• 2 Strength
• Total: 63

Seventh Seraph Mark

Titans did marginally better than Warlocks as they've got a decent chest piece with 64 overall stats in all the right places and some boots that would be good if they didn't have so much dang mobility. Aside from that, though. There's not a ton to love!

Hunter Legendary Armor

For Hunters, Xûr is selling the Seventh Seraph set which includes:

Seventh Seraph Gauntlets

• 15 Mobility
• 2 Resilience
• 15 Recovery
• 6 Discipline
• 15 Intellect
• 12 Strength
• Total: 65

Seventh Seraph Chest Armor

• 2 Mobility
• 7 Resilience
• 21 Recovery
• 9 Discipline
• 14 Intellect
• 8 Strength
• Total: 61

Seventh Seraph Helmet

• 16 Mobility
• 2 Resilience
• 12 Recovery
• 9 Discipline
• 18 Intellect
• 2 Strength
• Total: 59

Seventh Seraph Leg Armor

• 9 Mobility
• 17 Resilience
• 2 Recovery
• 6 Discipline
• 23 Intellect
• 2 Strength
• Total: 59

Seventh Seraph Cloak

Hunters have a pretty great roll of their helmet this week, but everything else is underwhelming as heck! Grab that helmet if you need a great, well-rounded roll for your Hunter, though!

That's a wrap on Xûr for this week, Guardians! Are you taking part in Saladin's Iron Banner competition this week? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! For more on Destiny, check out some of the new weapons and gear you can find in The Witch Queen and read about how Sony's purchase of Bungie fits into its larger plans.

Travis Northup is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @TieGuyTravis and read his games coverage here.

Severance star Adam Scott is joining the upcoming Spider-Man spin-off, Madame Web.

According to Variety, the 41-year-old actor has landed a role in the upcoming superhero spin-off, but quite who he will be playing remains a mystery. Madame Web will star Dakota Johnson as the titular heroine, the film acting as an origin story for a clairvoyant who uses her psychic powers to feel the presence of other Spider heroes through the web of life and destiny.

Originally appearing in the comic books as Cassandra Webb, the character is usually depicted with a variety of psychic abilities including telepathy, prescience, and the ability to detect psychic powers in others.

Earlier this year, the film was confirmed to be heading to the big screen in July 2023.

Madame Web’s connection to the web of life and destiny could prove to be a rather useful power with Marvel’s continued exploration of the multiverse – especially if they introduce Spider-themed characters from other realities…

After all, we’ve already seen various Spider-Man villains cross over in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Not to mention an interesting cameo from Tom Hardy’s Venom.

Meanwhile, Adam Scott is preparing for the second season of Severance, which was renewed earlier this year following the show’s impressive debut on Apple TV+.

“My dream is that Mark is able to get a goat,” he told IndieWire about Season 2. “A baby goat of his very own, and live happily ever after somewhere super comfy.”

Somehow, I don’t think Lumon Industries is going to let that happen. And as for who he’ll be playing in Madame Web, let’s hope he has a better time than poor old Mark. Madame Web stars Dakota Johnson alongside Adam Scott, Sydney Sweeney, Emma Roberts, Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced, Tahir Rahim, and Mike Epps.

S.J. Clarkson will direct the spinoff based on a script by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless.

Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

Severance star Adam Scott is joining the upcoming Spider-Man spin-off, Madame Web.

According to Variety, the 41-year-old actor has landed a role in the upcoming superhero spin-off, but quite who he will be playing remains a mystery. Madame Web will star Dakota Johnson as the titular heroine, the film acting as an origin story for a clairvoyant who uses her psychic powers to feel the presence of other Spider heroes through the web of life and destiny.

Originally appearing in the comic books as Cassandra Webb, the character is usually depicted with a variety of psychic abilities including telepathy, prescience, and the ability to detect psychic powers in others.

Earlier this year, the film was confirmed to be heading to the big screen in July 2023.

Madame Web’s connection to the web of life and destiny could prove to be a rather useful power with Marvel’s continued exploration of the multiverse – especially if they introduce Spider-themed characters from other realities…

After all, we’ve already seen various Spider-Man villains cross over in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Not to mention an interesting cameo from Tom Hardy’s Venom.

Meanwhile, Adam Scott is preparing for the second season of Severance, which was renewed earlier this year following the show’s impressive debut on Apple TV+.

“My dream is that Mark is able to get a goat,” he told IndieWire about Season 2. “A baby goat of his very own, and live happily ever after somewhere super comfy.”

Somehow, I don’t think Lumon Industries is going to let that happen. And as for who he’ll be playing in Madame Web, let’s hope he has a better time than poor old Mark. Madame Web stars Dakota Johnson alongside Adam Scott, Sydney Sweeney, Emma Roberts, Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced, Tahir Rahim, and Mike Epps.

S.J. Clarkson will direct the spinoff based on a script by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless.

Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

After years of it being a sore spot for some players, EA is promising that Madden NFL 23 is getting some "serious upgrades" to its franchise mode.

EA shared the news in blog that gives deep dive into what fans can expect from Madden NFL 23's franchise mode, including the "all-new Free Agency feature, how Player Motivations and Player Tags are bringing more authenticity to Franchise mode, Scouting upgrades that were driven by player feedback, and more."

Free Agency, Active Negotiations, Motivations, and Player Tags

Free Agency in Madden NFL 23 is getting an overhaul and will add "additional evaluation periods, player motivations, and added salary cap functions" that will give players more control and options on building their teams.

The Offseason Free Agency Hub, meanwhile, is getting a full visual overhaul that aims to keep the most relevant info as accessible and clear as possible. There will also be Active Negotiations and Evaluations to shake things up a bit and put a bit more pressure on you as an owner while also giving your more control.

Active Negotiations will stagger the number of players you can offer contracts to during free agency. The first stage will only let you offer five players a contract, the second stage will up it to 10, and the third stage will remove the limits. This will make it so a few teams can't just sign all the best players right away.

Evaluations will let three Eval Offers be made each week that will let players "accept/decline contracts or not make a final decision without the need for the week to be advanced." This will give your team the chance to negotiate with potential players without advancing a week, which will be helpful if you need to change direction if you find a player is not interested in signing with you.

Player Motivations are another big addition to free agency in Madden NFL 23 and will see three Motivations being linked to each player. The Motivations can be anything from a player wanting to be in the chase for a Super Bowl to wanting a team with a franchise QB to simply being close to their hometown. These factors will help determine how interested a player is in signing with you, and a player who is more aligned with your team may be willing to take a pay cut to come aboard. The full list of Motivations are as follows;

• Super Bowl Chase
• Historic Championships
• Head Coach Historic Record
• Scheme Fit
• Top the Depth Chart
• Team Has Franchise QB
• Mentor at Position
• Close to Home
• Big Market
• Tax Free State
• Warm Weather State
• Highest Offer

There will also be Player Tags that will add effects to your team and specific players. These tags are dynamic and will update weekly depending on performance. The full list of Player Tags is as follows;

• Award Winner: Players who have won yearly awards will draw more interest during Free Agency, creating heated competition to land the biggest available names.
• Franchise QB: The top QBs and those poised to take the league by storm will hold a prized position with their team. Not only will they appeal to certain Motivations, teams will not look to replace them via Free Agency or the Draft.
• Bridge QB: Journeyman Quarterbacks filling the most important role for a team. These players will keep the seat warm as the team looks to Draft the next heir to the throne.
• QB of the Future: Recently drafted and ready to take the reins. These Quarterbacks will be given starting roles as they get close in OVR to the current starter.
• Day 1 Starter: Elite players ready to make a difference on the field the moment they are drafted. They will be given starter priority and will secure their position, causing the team to look elsewhere in future Drafts.
• Future Starter: These developing players have high ceilings, but may not be ready to play right away. While they wait for their turn to start, they will gain extra XP during Weekly Training.
• Bridge Player: Filling in the gaps across the roster, these players will either allow for split time with up and comers or signal the need for the team to upgrade this position in the Draft.
• Mentor: Veteran leadership cannot be understated. Weekly Training XP boosts will be given to all players that share a position with a Mentor.
• Trade Target: Whether a young player without a realistic shot at a starting spot or a veteran without a needed hole to fill, these players will be placed on the team’s Trade Block in search of a better fit.

Franchise Hub, Scouting, and Draft Classes

The Franchise Hub is another big focus for the team behind Madden NFL 23 as they understand you can "spend as much time off the field as you spend on the field." Alongside making it so the hub features your team's primary color and logo, there will be updates to the Activity Feed, Scouting, and more.

In regards to Scouting, over 50 scouts have been added in Madden NFL 23, ensuring that "every position has at least one scout in each tier with that particular expertise." You will also be able to scout multiple positions at each stage and there have been improvements made to revealing attributes and information for college prospects.

Draft Classes will include 30 new templates that will further describe how these up-and-comers are being looked at, including Generational Prospects, 99 Club Prospects, High Variance Prospects, Specialist Prospects, and more.

These are only some of the changes headed to Madden NFL 23, and the team is gearing up to share more details on Face of the Franchise and Madden Ultimate Team in the near future.

Madden NFL 23 will be released on August 19, 2022, and you can check out our impressions of the closed beta and details on the cover star being the late John Madden himself.

Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

After years of it being a sore spot for some players, EA is promising that Madden NFL 23 is getting some "serious upgrades" to its franchise mode.

EA shared the news in blog that gives deep dive into what fans can expect from Madden NFL 23's franchise mode, including the "all-new Free Agency feature, how Player Motivations and Player Tags are bringing more authenticity to Franchise mode, Scouting upgrades that were driven by player feedback, and more."

Free Agency, Active Negotiations, Motivations, and Player Tags

Free Agency in Madden NFL 23 is getting an overhaul and will add "additional evaluation periods, player motivations, and added salary cap functions" that will give players more control and options on building their teams.

The Offseason Free Agency Hub, meanwhile, is getting a full visual overhaul that aims to keep the most relevant info as accessible and clear as possible. There will also be Active Negotiations and Evaluations to shake things up a bit and put a bit more pressure on you as an owner while also giving your more control.

Active Negotiations will stagger the number of players you can offer contracts to during free agency. The first stage will only let you offer five players a contract, the second stage will up it to 10, and the third stage will remove the limits. This will make it so a few teams can't just sign all the best players right away.

Evaluations will let three Eval Offers be made each week that will let players "accept/decline contracts or not make a final decision without the need for the week to be advanced." This will give your team the chance to negotiate with potential players without advancing a week, which will be helpful if you need to change direction if you find a player is not interested in signing with you.

Player Motivations are another big addition to free agency in Madden NFL 23 and will see three Motivations being linked to each player. The Motivations can be anything from a player wanting to be in the chase for a Super Bowl to wanting a team with a franchise QB to simply being close to their hometown. These factors will help determine how interested a player is in signing with you, and a player who is more aligned with your team may be willing to take a pay cut to come aboard. The full list of Motivations are as follows;

• Super Bowl Chase
• Historic Championships
• Head Coach Historic Record
• Scheme Fit
• Top the Depth Chart
• Team Has Franchise QB
• Mentor at Position
• Close to Home
• Big Market
• Tax Free State
• Warm Weather State
• Highest Offer

There will also be Player Tags that will add effects to your team and specific players. These tags are dynamic and will update weekly depending on performance. The full list of Player Tags is as follows;

• Award Winner: Players who have won yearly awards will draw more interest during Free Agency, creating heated competition to land the biggest available names.
• Franchise QB: The top QBs and those poised to take the league by storm will hold a prized position with their team. Not only will they appeal to certain Motivations, teams will not look to replace them via Free Agency or the Draft.
• Bridge QB: Journeyman Quarterbacks filling the most important role for a team. These players will keep the seat warm as the team looks to Draft the next heir to the throne.
• QB of the Future: Recently drafted and ready to take the reins. These Quarterbacks will be given starting roles as they get close in OVR to the current starter.
• Day 1 Starter: Elite players ready to make a difference on the field the moment they are drafted. They will be given starter priority and will secure their position, causing the team to look elsewhere in future Drafts.
• Future Starter: These developing players have high ceilings, but may not be ready to play right away. While they wait for their turn to start, they will gain extra XP during Weekly Training.
• Bridge Player: Filling in the gaps across the roster, these players will either allow for split time with up and comers or signal the need for the team to upgrade this position in the Draft.
• Mentor: Veteran leadership cannot be understated. Weekly Training XP boosts will be given to all players that share a position with a Mentor.
• Trade Target: Whether a young player without a realistic shot at a starting spot or a veteran without a needed hole to fill, these players will be placed on the team’s Trade Block in search of a better fit.

Franchise Hub, Scouting, and Draft Classes

The Franchise Hub is another big focus for the team behind Madden NFL 23 as they understand you can "spend as much time off the field as you spend on the field." Alongside making it so the hub features your team's primary color and logo, there will be updates to the Activity Feed, Scouting, and more.

In regards to Scouting, over 50 scouts have been added in Madden NFL 23, ensuring that "every position has at least one scout in each tier with that particular expertise." You will also be able to scout multiple positions at each stage and there have been improvements made to revealing attributes and information for college prospects.

Draft Classes will include 30 new templates that will further describe how these up-and-comers are being looked at, including Generational Prospects, 99 Club Prospects, High Variance Prospects, Specialist Prospects, and more.

These are only some of the changes headed to Madden NFL 23, and the team is gearing up to share more details on Face of the Franchise and Madden Ultimate Team in the near future.

Madden NFL 23 will be released on August 19, 2022, and you can check out our impressions of the closed beta and details on the cover star being the late John Madden himself.

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Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.