Earlier today we announced an important step in the ongoing transformation of EA SPORTS with the launch of Madden NFL Superstars on Facebook.  I’ve been enjoying a closed beta version of the game for several weeks, and now it’s available for everyone to play by clicking here.

Like FIFA Superstars, which launched earlier this year and quickly became the most popular sports game on Facebook, Madden NFL Superstars is a dynamic team management experience with new game modes and features, as well as more than 1,500 players from all 32 NFL team rosters.  It’s fun, accessible and it’s the only fully-licensed and authentic NFL social game.

I’m particularly excited about today’s launch because it comes at a time when fans are showing such a strong appetite for new online experiences and new platforms.  We continue to reach new milestones in online play - we’re hosting more than two million online game sessions each day for Madden NFL 11 on consoles - and we hit the top of Apple’s App store charts right out of the gate with Madden NFL 11.  These are great trends, and I’m proud of the work by our development teams to keep delivering innovative new experiences in a changing marketplace.

Madden NFL Superstars adds a new dimension to a franchise that has become synonymous with quality and innovation.  And it’s coming at exactly the right time….just in time for the return of the Patriots to the top of the AFC. Bring on Ochocinco, TO and the Bengals.  See you a week from Sunday in Foxboro.