Madden Takes A Step Into The Real World News

The virtual world of EA's flagship Madden series is set to take a step into real-life in the upcoming 2008 game. EA announced yesterday that they have formed a partnership with Jostens (a company responsible for creating 27 out of the 41 Super Bowl rings in the sport's history) which will mean that Madden gamers can purchase rings displaying their gamer level from the company.

"We wanted our gamers to have something tangible to recognize their achievements within Madden NFL 08 and we kept coming back to Super Bowl rings," said Madden NFL 08 Lead Producer David Ortiz. "We wanted to remain authentic to the real Super Bowl ring therefore we forged a great partnership with Jostens to allow our gamers to proudly display their Madden NFL 08 skills."

Gamers will advance through five different levels in Madden 08 and will be able to purchase a ring at level three. Additionally, if an extraordinary achievement is made by the gamer then they will obtain "Epic ring status" which means their ring will have enhanced design and be more unique.

The rings will be customisable in a number of ways including NFL team logos, the designs on the tops and sides of the ring , different colours and the metal the ring is made of (non-precious or 10K white and yellow gold). Non-precious rings are set to cost $149 and gold rings will be priced at $495.

"We know that Madden NFL players are passionate about their game and take pride in their skills," said Mike Bailey, president and CEO, Jostens, Inc. "We've had fun designing the rings with EA and hope they add a new dimension of reward to the game."

There will even be jewels (or simulated jewels at least) with each ring set to house a set of simulated stones selected by the gamer, cubic zirconium stones in the design and the option to have real diamonds if the player's pocket is deep enough.

EA's Madden series is coming into its 18th year and with more than $2 billion to its name in retail sales generated by the sale of over 60 million games, it is one of the most prolific game series' in history.