Madden Creative Director Suddenly Departs in the Midst of Madden 19's Development

Madden NFL creative director Rex Dickson will be leaving EA after more than a decade with the publisher, he revealed today.

In a statement posted to Twitter, Dickson wrote that the decision was undertaken after discussions with team leadership. "We collectively agreed this was the best path forward for everyone involved. This is as much for me and my family as it is about giving the team, the community, and the Madden franchise a chance for a new direction."

Dickson's sudden departure comes in the middle of Madden 19's development, making it something of a surprise. Nevertheless, Dickson said there was "no drama or deeper story" to his departure in his statement. Mike Young, who helped create last year's successful Longshot mode, will reportedly take the reins as creative director.

Dickson has been Madden's creative director since 2013's Madden 25, taking over after a wave of high-profile departures. Prior to that, Dickson had been in charge of the NCAA Football series, which shutdown the following year due to licensing issues.

Dickson steered Madden through the difficult transition into the current generation, focusing most of his energies on gameplay and graphics. The series has made large positive strides in that time. I gave Madden 18 a 4.5 in my review, praising its gameplay improvements and the new Longshot mode.

"I am filled with hope when I think about the passion of those who will pick up the flag and fight on for the future of the Madden franchise," Dickson wrote.

Madden 19 hasn't been formally announced yet, but it should be launching in August as usual.