NFL 2K Series to Return in 2021

After more than a decade of only Madden NFL video games, NFL 2K is back and has announced a deal with the NFL that will give 2K Games the ability to once again produce NFL football games. While no specific game titles, developers, or release dates have been officially announced, some projects are already in the early stages of development and will launch starting in 2021.

NFL 2K Series to Return in 2021

When Electronic Arts signed a long-term, exclusive deal with the NFL in 2004, it gave them exclusive rights to all NFL teams, stadiums, and players for fifteen years. With the deal expiring this year, 2K Games finally saw their opportunity to make a return by forging a deal with the NFL.

According to NFL Vice President Rachel Hoagland in an interview with IGN, the NFL stayed in touch regularly with 2K Games over the past several years in an effort to grow the next generation of football fans and increase the NFL's presence in the world of gaming. This deal was the next logical step in that effort.

But that doesn't mean fans should expect to see NFL 2K21 on the shelves in the future. Early statements from 2K Games indicate that the company is only looking to develop non-simulation football game experiences. So a game similar to Madden 21 is entirely out of the picture for now.

Fans can still look forward to a potential XFL 2K game, as the company is still in negotiations with the XFL for the rights to produce the first video game featuring the XFL's teams, stadiums, and players.

Expected NFL 2K Titles

With a non-simulation focus, fans should expect more casual titles from 2K Games with a focus on making the game approachable for both long-time fans of the NFL and recent viewers. A game like NFL 2K Blitz or NFL 2K Football Manager could be potential options, with perhaps even more opportunities for expansion into mobile games depending on interest from players.