Madden NFL 21 is an based on the (NFL), developed by and published by . It is an installment of the long-running series. It was released for , and on August 28, 2020, and for and on December 4, 2020. It features quarterback as the cover athlete, and and as its in-game commentators. The game received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its gameplay but criticized its technical issues, while player reception was negative, with many heavily criticizing the lack of innovation.
A mobile version, titled Madden NFL 21 Mobile, was released on and a few weeks before the game's initial launch as a full rework of the 2014 mobile game .
EA Tiburon stated that Madden NFL 21 would include "new innovative gameplay mechanics" that "offer advanced levels of control and inspire creativity on both sides of the ball." The new stick skill ball-carrier system was added, and new pass rush moves were introduced. Changes to tackling and new user-controlled celebrations were also added. This, along with the release date, was revealed in the description of a first-look video originally set to premiere on June 1, but was delayed until June 16 due to the .
On September 8, EA announced that would be made available to play in the game and sign as a free agent, the first time he appeared in the franchise since . The move was met with a mixed response, due in part to Kaepernick being rated an 81 overall, higher than other comparable quarterbacks like (80) and (77).
The game also features a backyard-style mode known as "The Yard". In addition to the players in the normal game, two-time and his brothers and , also players, are playable characters in this mode. An EA promotional video has the three brothers playing in uniforms inspired by their homeland of . In January 2021, an expansion of -themed content was added to The Yard (including a Bikini Bottom-themed "reef-top" stadium, and themed modes and cosmetic items), as a cross-promotion for 's simulcast of a January 10 wild card playoff game.
