It’s no secret that gaming is a hobby enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. While some may prefer first-person shooter titles, and others strategic simulation games, one genre has benefitted from broad mainstream popularity throughout the history of gaming. We are of course referring to sports games. As 2022 looks set to be another great year for sports titles, we want to share here our definitive list for the top four sports gaming franchises of all time.

FIFA

Football fans can be found across the globe. From Europe to Asia, South America and beyond, practically every continent is home to huge and loyal communities of soccer aficionados. The famous FIFA series has served gamers and football supporters alike since it was first developed in 1993 under the EA sports label. Its very first release, FIFA International Soccer, marked the beginning of a legendary run of games that is still turning out new titles each year.

FIFA’s success can be attributed to the fact that the franchise managed to create captivating games for both casual users and devoted players alike. Its virtual tournaments perfectly recreate the heart-pumping live stadium look and feel, featuring football’s most talented players across leagues. It’s no wonder FIFA is an icon in the sports gaming world.

Madden

Moving away from one football and on to another, Madden is the standalone best NFL gaming franchise out there today, with over 40 different installments to its name. This exemplary franchise is the only officially licensed NFL series and has consistently portrayed the most realistic, high-energy gridiron action imaginable for PlayStation and Xbox console users. There are several reasons why Madden is still selling out titles even after more than 30 years in the business.

To start, the game’s namesake derives from the legendary football star and commentator, John Madden, who lent his expertise to make the game thrive. Additionally, the series features simple, fun and engaging gameplay that appeals to everyone. Of course, it should be noted that a large portion of its success is because of the popularity of American football. The sport is not only the most followed in the U.S. but also the most wagered on, especially during huge championship competitions like the annual Super Bowl. In fact, as this year’s game looms near, sportsbook deals like a FanDuel promo code are making it easier for fans to interact with their favorite picks through betting. To match this, an up-and-coming Madden title (Madden 23) is slated for release in August 2022. Understandably, the series leverages the league’s growing fan base to attract new gamers. Therefore, it’s clear the lucrative franchise will not stop producing quality games anytime soon.

NBA 2K

Of course you already knew that basketball, the third of the ‘Big 4’ sports, would not be left off this list. NBA 2K is professional b-ball’s pride and joy in the gaming sphere, with outstanding gameplay, excellent management features, a wide variety of gaming modes. The series represents all the league’s major organizations and their top playmakers, from Lebron and the Lakers to Curry and the Warriors. 

The franchises’ latest installment, NBA 2K22 has been called a true ‘game changer’ in terms of next-generation basketball action, featuring an immersive virtual experience that prioritizes excellent motion control, offensive flow, and premium graphics. With NBA 2k23 on the horizon, gamers are looking forward to the next best thing the series has in store.

MLB the Show

We can’t leave out MLB The Show, the popular video game series devoted to baseball that hit the scene back in 2006. Baseball fans that want to get a good gaming session in on their PlayStation need look nowhere else. Nowadays, technological advancements have not only helped us greatly in our everyday lives but have also enhanced every entertainment experience for the better. This series is living proof of that as it now features faster, high-definition animations and more intricate game modes than ever before.