EA confirmed that the game would enable upgrades to mut coins madden 21 versions for people who own it on Xbox One or even PS4. However, EA placed certain restrictions set up, using a restricted time window for buying the sport and then for redeeming the upgrade for people who wanted to avail free next-gen updates. Following criticism to the conclusion, EA extended the window, saying that players could update to next-gen versions at any time before the launch of Madden NFL 22 a year later.

In late May, it was announced that Madden NFL 21 would be unveiled using a reveal trailer on June 1. However, shortly prior to that, EA pushed back the game's reveal as a result of the protests at the United States after the killing of George Floyd. The match was later revealed in full. Because of Washington Redskins it might be changing its name to fall the group's controversial moniker.

EA announced the team's current logo and title could be removed out of Madden NFL 21 too, and would be replaced by a generic team name and logo until new ones had been finalized, which could subsequently be inserted into the game later. EA confirmed that Madden NFL 21 wouldn't feature platform multiplayer gameplay across apparatus. Rather than a single skill button, skills are performed through the analog tick. Skills can be carried out in combos and strung together, including slides, jukes, spins, and hurdles. The skill rod is used with block-sheds and pass rush moves now being on the ideal analog stick for defending well.

Defending sees changes in some other areas too. Tackling animations have been revamped, and therefore are now triggered based on locations, so defenders adjust their body positions and tackle differently according to where they are on the area. Whilst dive tackling has been enhanced also breakdown handling has also been inserted. AI has also been enhanced, with plays being made smarter by opposition quarterbacks and reacting to cheap Madden 21 coins players' activities.