Well loyal readers, forget about those dreams of NFL2k10, it isn't happening. EA has officially extended their NFL exclusivity contract until at least 2012. It must be making real money for both corporate giants (hehe Giants) or else it would not have been renewed. Damn. Click read more for the full info.

PRESS RELEASE

REDWOOD CITY, Calif--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS) today announced an extension of its exclusive licensing relationships with the National Football League and NFL PLAYERS to develop, publish and distribute interactive football video games. These agreements – which were negotiated separately and are extensions of contracts originally signed in December 2004 – provide EA continued rights to NFL teams, stadiums and players for its critically-acclaimed and best-selling football videogames through the end of the 2012 season, which culminates in February 2013.

EA has brought us an beautiful Madden 2007 trailer on XBL for us today. For the first time ever, step up as the lead blocker to create a hole, and then take control of the tailback and smash through or slash away from would-be tacklers as you fight for every yard. Madden 2007 is scheduled for this August 22nd, so hurry up and reserve your copy!

Read this before we go on:

What are the long-term ramifications for the league?
Barring a new CBA, the players either will be on strike or the owners will lock out the players in 2008. The union likely will decertify, and antitrust rules will apply. Also, the NFL draft will go away in 2008 as part of a clause inserted in the current CBA. Players coming out of college could be free agents, with no salary restrictions. Open negotiations, including those for rookies coming out of college, will leave it to the players to get what they can get.

Now, pay attention, cause this is a bit complicated. The current problems in the NFL between the league and the players association might make the EA/NFL contract void. This is because if the union decertifies, then anti-trust rules will apply. If this happens, then EA is out of luck. Antitrust laws would be in effect and the contract would be voided. (EA signed a deal with both the NFLPA and NFL so at the least, other companies could use the players, but not the actual team names. Not a big deal really, since we know who they would be referring to.)

Just to recap, the NFLPA may decertify itself in order to keep a lockout from occuring. This in essence will make antitrust laws apply. The NFLPA will decertify if no agreement is reached to extend the CBA. Keep an eye on this people, we know it is a lot of "ifs" but stranger things have happened. Keep your fingers crossed.

Update: Since the current CBA runs until 2008, they would not de-certify until then we have been told. This means on the off chance this happens, we still have to put up with 2 more years of EA. If you want to read up a bit on anti-trust law, check it out here.

According to Reutersy, Virtual Jam owner Pernell Harris filed suit in San Mateo County agains software giant Electronic Arts. He claims he met with EA in 2003 to present "Heart of a Champion," a game which followed an aspiring athlete from high school to the professional leagues. Harris says the similar section in Madden NFL 06, superstar mode, uses his ideas. EA, of course, mainatains Herris' claims are baseless.

NL gaming has done their own review of Madden 06 for the Xbox360. Besides the website being a bit disjointed, the review is fairly informative and it should give you a real good idea of whether or not you want to own this title. There are things missing from the game like no season mode and a limited franchise mode. Is it for you? Read on and decide.

More Xbox360 news for you. It seems the closer we get to launch the more news we see. IGN has some direct feed videos from Madden 06 XBox360 for you, at their usual small size if you are not an insider. These should put to bed any final concerns you may have over this game, it is Madden after all.