NFL PRO ERA is changing substantially this year
It’s been almost 3 years since the first NFL PRO ERA released, and now coming into it’s third year the game is changing to a live service model. But that is not all, for the first time you will be able to play defense, engage in the new social features and you should expect a lot more updates as the season progresses due to the live service nature of the new game.
Announced on the Meta Quest blog yesterday by the devs, StatusPRO, detailed exactly what all this means for the future of the popular American Football franchise.
Play in defense
Previous iterations of the game received criticism when it came to defense, as you were restricted to just warming the bench when it came to defense. Meaning you would miss out on half the game.
That is not the case any more as there is a brand new defense aspect of the game. Here is what they said:
- Playable Defense Introduction: NFL PRO ERA is adding a significant new feature—playable defense, allowing players to take on roles beyond just the quarterback.
- Linebacker Role: At launch, players can step into the shoes of a linebacker, considered the “captain of the defense” or the “quarterback of the defense,” making it a fitting choice for the first defensive position available.
- Pre-Snap Strategy: Players can choose their defensive strategy pre-snap and select any linebacker position to control during the play.
- New Gameplay Mechanics:
- Interceptions: Similar to FreePlay, players will physically catch the ball to make interceptions.
- Tackling: Tackling mechanics are intuitive—players move their hands forward to simulate bull-rushing or tackling. Additional options like swim moves and side steps will be available for pass-rushing.
- No Multiplayer defense at launch:
- While single-player defensive gameplay will be available at launch, full head-to-head multiplayer, including defensive play, is planned for a future update. Players who purchase the 2025 Edition Upgrade will gain access to this feature.
How will the upgrade work?
The relaunch of NFL PRO ERA as a live service aims to bring together players from both previous versions of the game and new users.
StatusPRO intends for this to be the “definitive version” of NFL PRO ERA, ensuring all players, whether they enjoy simulation gameplay, team storytelling, FreePlay, or sandbox modes have something new to look forward to.
The goal is to avoid splitting the player base by offering all previous players access to the new base game for free. The base game will include the following:
- FreePlay
- Full Season Mode
- Exhibition Mode with any team
- Updated rosters and uniforms
To access the full version of the new game there will be a fee, $19.99 for owners of the previous two games and $39.99 for new players. People who pay for the upgrade will receive the following:
- New Modes: Access to new gameplay modes, including the ability to play defense.
- Future Multiplayer: Access to full head-to-head multiplayer, including both offense and defense, in a future update.
- Updated Content: Updated rosters for the 2024 season and updated uniforms.
- Simulation Content: Access to additional simulation content beyond what is available in the base game.
New Social Features
NFL PRO ERA is introducing a new Social Sports Complex, which serves as a central hub area within the game.
This hub is inspired by real NFL facilities, aiming to create a more authentic and immersive VR environment.
- Multiplayer Lounge: A space where players can interact and meet others before entering sandbox FreePlay mode.
- Locker Rooms and Personal Areas: Players will have access to locker rooms and personal spaces within the complex, adding to the immersive experience.
The Social Sports Complex is designed to blend gameplay with world exploration, offering a deeper and richer virtual environment that you can explore outside of matches.
In the future, players will be able to challenge others to games directly within the Sports Complex, enhancing the social aspect without relying on traditional menus.
The Social Sports Complex will be a foundation for ongoing updates, with plans to add more personality and interactive elements to the game world over time.
There is no exact release date confirmed for the new version of the game, however it is expected to launch during the 24-25 NFL Season for the Meta Quest, PSVR and PC.
