The year was 2010. The first iPad was released, Instagram was launched, and Justin Bieber was setting teenagers' hearts on fire with his hot single "Baby" and his iconic hairstyle.
The 2000s were over, and the 2010s began with a bang. Smartphones and tablets were becoming more popular, and console gaming was in its golden age.
Online gaming was becoming more popular, especially on the big three consoles: the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii. These consoles dominated the gaming landscape, with games like Wii Sports, Halo Reach, and Call of Duty: Black Ops.
Madden 2011 was still king, but NBA 2K11 was extremely popular due to the G.O.A.T. Michael Jordan gracing the cover and your ability to play his most iconic moments as part of the "Jordan Moments."
The reason for the trip down memory lane is EA Sports' announcement that it is bringing back an iconic game last made in 2010.
Bring the Madness. Let’s run it back. #CBB #ItsInTheGame pic.twitter.com/iBNhGxn2yj
— EA SPORTS (@EASPORTS) June 30, 2025
The announcement shocked the gaming community and sports fans alike, as the popular video game company posted a simple but powerful message on X.
EA Sports created the NCAA March Madness video games from 1998 to 2008 and then produced the popular NCAA 09 and NCAA 2010 before ceasing to make the game.
Matt Brown, founder of the "Extra Points" newsletter, released some details about the game's release.
He reported that the College Licensing Company (CLC) issued a request for proposals to create a college basketball video game in November 2024.
In the memo, five companies expressed formal interest and three submitted formal bids for the game.
The CLC recommended that the conferences accept EA's proposal to release the game as "EA Sports College Basketball."
The game is reportedly set to release in 2028, and college basketball fans everywhere eagerly await the new game.