Madden NFL 23

 Xbox Series X
User Score
2.0

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 105 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 105
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 105
  3. Negative: 85 out of 105
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  1. Supernaught
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    If you're one of the characters that can't resist buying a new Madden every year, because EA is coercing you somehow, I guess? Then this Madden will seem like a marginal improvement over recent years entries. If you haven't bought it in a few years, and got it for a current gen system like I did, you're likely to be wowed by the insane amount of realistic animations, super smooth gameplay,If you're one of the characters that can't resist buying a new Madden every year, because EA is coercing you somehow, I guess? Then this Madden will seem like a marginal improvement over recent years entries. If you haven't bought it in a few years, and got it for a current gen system like I did, you're likely to be wowed by the insane amount of realistic animations, super smooth gameplay, and EA Tiburon's attention to hyper detailed environments and the overall NFL experience. Franchise mode is all you could expect, bugs are as few as any game that isn't under the scrutiny of a legion of zealots with expectations beyond the reality of the situation with game development in 2022. I do wish they had time to incorporate more of John Madden's personality, commentary and style into the game, but what's here is good. Buy it on current gen, The XSX version is the real deal.… Expand
  2. iandizion713
    Aug 19, 2022
    10
    Let’s go Jaguars! The best team to ever live in the history of our eternal universe. Can you dig it?
  3. MinePlay512
    Aug 23, 2022
    9
    I believe Madden 23 is a very good step forward but there's more room for improvement. While I like the new features for Franchise and Gameplay, but I feel bitter that X-Factors returned.
  4. Shanebligheg
    Aug 18, 2022
    9
    Crisper. Faster. Running the ball is actually fun. The only complaint I have is that play selection on Offense is more complicated and therefore more time consuming. You really have to watch the play clock. Especially in a tight game. Otherwise, I'm enjoying it.
  5. Jeff2432
    Aug 22, 2022
    9
    You can tell the majority of peele in here have never played the game and have no intention of doing so. The whole "same game, no changes," I'd old and simply isn't true this year. Madden 23 is a great game and the gameplay is crazy good. Sure it still has problems that's played the game for a while now but EA is definitely making strides to making a better football game.
  6. SergyTert28
    Aug 17, 2022
    8
    Personally I think this plays like the best madden in at least 3 years which, in all honesty, is a pretty low bar. That being said, I didn’t get the same level of disappointment I usually get when playing a new madden. I feel like the defensive coverages react better to the ball and actually play the receiver rather than just cover grass. The tackling animations seem much improved as well.Personally I think this plays like the best madden in at least 3 years which, in all honesty, is a pretty low bar. That being said, I didn’t get the same level of disappointment I usually get when playing a new madden. I feel like the defensive coverages react better to the ball and actually play the receiver rather than just cover grass. The tackling animations seem much improved as well. In previous maddens, the running back would routinely fall forward for 5-6 yards when getting tackled or a 2nd defender would come in and trigger a new tackle animation. I have not seen these animations present in this madden. All in all I think it’s a good step in the right direction and while it is still far from a perfect game and there are dozens of features that should be added, (features that were available in previous maddens none the less) I think this madden is a decent game this year. This may be subject to change as I play the game more but these are my initial thoughts.… Expand
  7. Blyman1989
    Aug 18, 2022
    8
    I feel like this madden is a great next step towards what we are all hoping for. As someone who has played every Madden since 2005, I have definitely ridden the highs and lows. While modern madden doesn’t yet quite compare, the addition of some physics based influence and reduction in animations is promising. With enough tweaking of franchise sliders I can get the game to feel fairlyI feel like this madden is a great next step towards what we are all hoping for. As someone who has played every Madden since 2005, I have definitely ridden the highs and lows. While modern madden doesn’t yet quite compare, the addition of some physics based influence and reduction in animations is promising. With enough tweaking of franchise sliders I can get the game to feel fairly realistic compared to my skill, and franchise mode (especially changes to scouting implemented last years, salary negotiations, and trades) feels pretty dang good! I have no problems with the money I payed this year to buy, and will be looking forward to playing / next years madden as well.… Expand
  8. Brakestopo
    Aug 24, 2022
    8
    This by far the best madden franchise mode I’ve played in over 20 years. The animations are good I have experienced any glitches. I don’t know it it’s the XBSX hardware or what but if the opposing quarterback is staring down a Receiver you’ve a a great shot of picking it off or breaking it up. Tackling looks way better than previous games. If there is one thing I wish they would do is fixThis by far the best madden franchise mode I’ve played in over 20 years. The animations are good I have experienced any glitches. I don’t know it it’s the XBSX hardware or what but if the opposing quarterback is staring down a Receiver you’ve a a great shot of picking it off or breaking it up. Tackling looks way better than previous games. If there is one thing I wish they would do is fix the AI for the simmed games for one there’s no way in hell the dolphins would start 0-8 with all the talent they have with no injuries. Also Watson should be but isn’t suspended in the game but Calvin Ridley is. Oh and for the love of god updated the halftime and announcers. Hell madden 95 on the snes had a better halftime show. I would say it’s a buy for me and could be for you.… Expand
  9. JoshTheBot121
    May 6, 2023
    7
    A better game with improved features. Bugs hurt it a lot. couldn't live up to hype
  10. Jhagman
    Aug 16, 2023
    7
    This game isn't too bad. I had a good time playing it and the gameplay is much improved compared to recent Madden entries. Offense is actually playable for once in this game and is semi realistic.
  11. james388
    Aug 19, 2022
    6
    Updated controls provide a fresh feel, and skill based passing is definitely an upgrade. Players feel like they actually interact with each other physically rather than through animations, however this does lead to players occasionally getting caught on each other leading to big plays by the other team, due to breakdowns in coverage. Hopefully this is patched soon, and my rating willUpdated controls provide a fresh feel, and skill based passing is definitely an upgrade. Players feel like they actually interact with each other physically rather than through animations, however this does lead to players occasionally getting caught on each other leading to big plays by the other team, due to breakdowns in coverage. Hopefully this is patched soon, and my rating will adjust accordingly. This is the first Madden in a while that feels new.… Expand
  12. Treybeast234
    Aug 20, 2022
    5
    Madden 23 is an average game. Madden isn’t a bad game, neither is it good. It’s average. There’s good and bad. Some of the bad is edge rushers are OP, offensive line can’t block, and franchise is still bare. in face of the franchise you start in the nfl so no colledge. The presentation is the same it’s been for a while. Some of the good is the skill based passing. It makes you feel likeMadden 23 is an average game. Madden isn’t a bad game, neither is it good. It’s average. There’s good and bad. Some of the bad is edge rushers are OP, offensive line can’t block, and franchise is still bare. in face of the franchise you start in the nfl so no colledge. The presentation is the same it’s been for a while. Some of the good is the skill based passing. It makes you feel like you have more control over how good of a pass it will be. The madden legacy game let’s you play with classic players and modern legends together. Also gameplay doesn’t feel perfect but it feels average and better than madden 22. My experience with madden hasn’t been buggy. This is an average game.… Expand
  13. Ruziska
    Sep 12, 2022
    5
    Gameplay this year is fun, exciting and engaging. It's not a big update from 22 though, so don't expect much more than a fresh paintjob and one or two new "features." While the gameplay is smooth and released much better than the past couple years, the introduction of the field pass can be summed up as HORRID to this point. Since release Madden 23 has had issues with proper tracking onGameplay this year is fun, exciting and engaging. It's not a big update from 22 though, so don't expect much more than a fresh paintjob and one or two new "features." While the gameplay is smooth and released much better than the past couple years, the introduction of the field pass can be summed up as HORRID to this point. Since release Madden 23 has had issues with proper tracking on most field passes, but the glaring issues with the Competitive field pass stands out above the others. As of 9/12/2022 there has been a total of three competitive field passes, the original and two resets for new goals. So far the first two had MAJOR tracking issues and are STILL UNRESOLVED for the vast majority of players. Many customers have missed out on rewards, yet they just plug along and release new field passes. They continually apologize on their three twitch streams each week, but it is clear that if they are working on a correction, they aren't forthcoming with real information.

    If you're here just to play the game and not care about in game rewards, you won't be disappointed, but it might eventually get very difficult to advance unless you are ready to sink more money into the game. They have to fix the game crippling field pass bugs before I would recommend this game to anyone.    … Expand
  14. Nickzzz
    Sep 20, 2022
    4
    Well, it's better than Madden 23. There's a lot about this game that can be critiqued, same issues and complaints are still to go unignored by EA. With new animations added and the new "field sense" advertised as "hit everything" we are yet met again with mostly a re-skin of a game with outdated code. The new animations are seen repeated only after a few games of playing with the "hitWell, it's better than Madden 23. There's a lot about this game that can be critiqued, same issues and complaints are still to go unignored by EA. With new animations added and the new "field sense" advertised as "hit everything" we are yet met again with mostly a re-skin of a game with outdated code. The new animations are seen repeated only after a few games of playing with the "hit everything" feature seeming to be more and more animated based tackling that just includes a more variables to which the animation triggers. Franchise mode is the same lick every year, the new Off-Season being a slight improvement. I do like that roster building is somewhat harder and more logical than in the past, and the implement of player tags are good for the user and as far as I have seen the CPU. Gameplay difficulty has always been a big critique of mine. All-Madden is so inconsistent that it is almost mind numbing at times. You can get absolutely crushed by the worst team in the league one week, and blowout the best team in the league the next. Game by game the difficulty does not translate, understandably it should never be so concrete however it is drastically inconsistent that it doesn't hold any realism. The new passing system has made a good improvement but once again doesn't seem to overwhelmingly change the overall Madden gameplay we've come to hate. Lastly, somehow the presentation has gotten worse. A basic non-copyright generic song that bears no resemblance to real TV anthems or reflect the nature of the game are ear bleeding. The generic music mixed with some shots of players warming up to next-gen stats is all we see. Apart from a quick cut of a flyover and an American flag the presentation has no immersion nor passion put into it like always. Overall, it's just better than last years edition.… Expand
  15. hellagnarly
    Aug 29, 2022
    4
    I let myself fall for EA's BS. I ignored my gut and bought this on 8/25/22...I just got a refund on XboxLive 4 days later.

    In terms of the game itself, it's not the worst thing I've ever played. The problem is that it's literally the same exact thing as the last couple of games. GRAPHICS In terms of quality, it does look a little better compared to the last few seasons. The problem    I let myself fall for EA's BS. I ignored my gut and bought this on 8/25/22...I just got a refund on XboxLive 4 days later.

    In terms of the game itself, it's not the worst thing I've ever played. The problem is that it's literally the same exact thing as the last couple of games.

    GRAPHICS
    In terms of quality, it does look a little better compared to the last few seasons. The problem is that a lot of the player models (especially linemen) look very bad. Outside of a few players, most of them look like short-armed / pear-shaped mutants.

    Coaches look like weird hunchbacks. Crowds are generic. Some of the more prolific players look pretty good but the dropoff to the next tier of notable players is hilarious. Sidelines are still PS3 level. No refs on the field during gameplay, they only show up on screen to call a penalty.

    SOUND

    The commentary is still atrocious and hilariously out of place. First play from scrimmage I run the ball and they talk about how successful I've been all game long. Stadium atmosphere is average and stale.

    Certain sounds are just spammed over and over again and are tied to certain catches etc. This is especially noticeable in practice modes

    GAMEPLAY

    It's still quite evident that all EA cares about is feeding the cash pigs splashing $ for MUT. Fieldsense literally has minimal effect on gameplay so much so that it feels exactly the same as the last few games. If anything, the new "mechanic" lends itself to more weird player interactions and collisions since the engine is still bugged out.

    Franchise is still ignored and disgracefully bare bones. I'm sure the ridiculous amounts of interceptions and terrible blocking can be addressed with custom sliders/patches but that putting lipstick on this pig of an engine. Madden will never be good until EA spends the time and money on developing a new one.

    Bottom line: if you go into this not expecting anything, you should enjoy it. If you let yourself fall for EA's marketing (the most polished version/Fieldsense etc) then you...like me, will be disappointed. You're essentially paying for a roster update that looks a little better.

    MUT cash pigs and Youtubers continue to destroy Madden for the rest of us. I personally only devoted about 2 hours into Franchise before I requested the refund. I'm sure my gripes would be way more if I played more.

    I will personally never give another cent to an EA-backed football game.    … Expand
  16. weefops
    Aug 23, 2022
    3
    Not well built, log me out after a couple of games. I have to quit the game on the home screen and start it up again. The linemen just jam on the short yardage run. No power running. Just an arcade-like passing game with a linebacker running 40 yards covering receivers. If you want a realistic game this ain't it. Gameplay was better about 15 years ago, this is just something that aNot well built, log me out after a couple of games. I have to quit the game on the home screen and start it up again. The linemen just jam on the short yardage run. No power running. Just an arcade-like passing game with a linebacker running 40 yards covering receivers. If you want a realistic game this ain't it. Gameplay was better about 15 years ago, this is just something that a 12-year-old would play with a joystick.Had enough interceptions with linebackers 30 yards downfield on a third wide receiver.… Expand
  17. Mattyice
    Aug 18, 2022
    2
    Madden 23 is an improvement over Madden 22, although that's not really saying much. Gameplay is slightly better, although it still doesn't play quite like real football should and bugs are still aplenty. Franchise Mode's new features (namely the overhauled FA system and CPU requested trades) are solid, but there are still major aspects missing (any form of customizability, contractMadden 23 is an improvement over Madden 22, although that's not really saying much. Gameplay is slightly better, although it still doesn't play quite like real football should and bugs are still aplenty. Franchise Mode's new features (namely the overhauled FA system and CPU requested trades) are solid, but there are still major aspects missing (any form of customizability, contract holdouts, etc.). Presentation is a bit better, but still absolutely sucks relative to other sports titles and still features the drab and groan-inducing Brandon Gauden and Charles Davis. For the love of god EA needs to dump them for a real commentary crew and also dump that vomit green color wave that they're plastering all over the presentation package. However, there is still the embarrassment that is Face of the Franchise, which needs to be completely destroyed in favor of a true career mode that's half competent. Madden 23 is an improvement over the games that came before and a step in the right direction, but not all that much of one.… Expand
  18. roland265
    Aug 21, 2022
    2
    If you like ultimate football this is the game for you, if you search for a different experience from last year probably not, tha game itself nowadays seems more oriented to get peoples int ultimate football mode than any other modes, you will find probably tons of pack worth 500 dollars or more in the store any time, the other mode are more or less the same as last year, the new controlIf you like ultimate football this is the game for you, if you search for a different experience from last year probably not, tha game itself nowadays seems more oriented to get peoples int ultimate football mode than any other modes, you will find probably tons of pack worth 500 dollars or more in the store any time, the other mode are more or less the same as last year, the new control mode probably improve a little the experience but at the same time it's not certain that you will like it, it's the only football game official so here is the problem, if you want to play a football game you are stuck with this, willing or not willing, your choice.… Expand
  19. zeroice007
    Aug 29, 2022
    2
    Yes you have skill based passing however there are alot of issues in this polished game , Yes it's polished lol but if you polish a turd you have a cleaner turd. Even with sliders it's a glitchy mess at times, yes there going in the quote the right direction but in over ten years how long will it take to catch up with other sports games lol . This game meds a major update and not just forYes you have skill based passing however there are alot of issues in this polished game , Yes it's polished lol but if you polish a turd you have a cleaner turd. Even with sliders it's a glitchy mess at times, yes there going in the quote the right direction but in over ten years how long will it take to catch up with other sports games lol . This game meds a major update and not just for the loop. Franchise is in need of help seriously. Was this even tested… Expand
  20. snewby
    Sep 22, 2022
    2
    EA has found a way to insert a whole new set of bugs into the game that didn't exist for years. I'm highly impressed. The core mode is bugged over a month into the game and cannot progress past the draft before saves automatically corrupt. Connected Franchise is unusable past a single season and worse if you started with a fantasy draft. Spending four weeks with your friends to get thisEA has found a way to insert a whole new set of bugs into the game that didn't exist for years. I'm highly impressed. The core mode is bugged over a month into the game and cannot progress past the draft before saves automatically corrupt. Connected Franchise is unusable past a single season and worse if you started with a fantasy draft. Spending four weeks with your friends to get this mode going only to have it corrupt after deep investment is so depressing. All the emotional connections are severed as we wait for the game mode to be repaired. The gameplay is better, though, so that's nice.… Expand
  21. hyliansidekick
    Oct 28, 2022
    2
    It's hard to review this game, because it's so broken. The only mode I haven't encountered a game-breaking bug in so far is the "Play Now" exhibition games. I've had the city background that's supposed to be in the background of the stadiums appear in the middle of the field of play (obscuring everything), I've had my Face of the Franchise mode avatars suddenly only be able to learn QBIt's hard to review this game, because it's so broken. The only mode I haven't encountered a game-breaking bug in so far is the "Play Now" exhibition games. I've had the city background that's supposed to be in the background of the stadiums appear in the middle of the field of play (obscuring everything), I've had my Face of the Franchise mode avatars suddenly only be able to learn QB abilities (even if they're WR's or LB's), the name "Parker" is flagged as offensive (but a name with "poop" in it isn't), Ultimate Team challenges that I've completed (starting with the intro) are not marking as complete or giving me rewards, and there are so many physics issues, I can't even believe it. Seriously, just search Madden 23 on YouTube, and the majority of videos you'll find are of crazy physics.

    Even if you love American Football and the Madden franchise, don't buy this game. You won't be able to play it.

    DO. NOT. BUY. THIS. GAME.    … Expand
  22. CrimsonEagle124
    May 17, 2023
    2
    I'm a huge fan of the NFL. I've been watching the Eagles ever since I was a little kid and they are my favorite sports team. That's why I am so disappointed that Madden is the only option to choose from to play as my favorite team. If Madden was an arcade style game, this game would be decent enough. As a football simulation game however, it is completely soulless. I used to love Madden asI'm a huge fan of the NFL. I've been watching the Eagles ever since I was a little kid and they are my favorite sports team. That's why I am so disappointed that Madden is the only option to choose from to play as my favorite team. If Madden was an arcade style game, this game would be decent enough. As a football simulation game however, it is completely soulless. I used to love Madden as a kid and my favorite mode was always franchise. The 2000s Maddens had so much content in franchise mode from radio broadcasts, create-a-team, super-star mode, etc. Madden 23, and the previous ten maddens for that matter, just seem so lifeless with no care put into the game. Franchise mode, while an improvement over Madden 22, is still very bland and boring. While I appreciate the return of assistant coaches and the updated scouting mechanics, it is still lacking in so many other departments. The same relocation teams have been kept with no new additions, the same generic player faces have barely been touched in the past five years, Chris Davis and Brandon Gaudin have been the same broadcast team since Madden 17, etc. Face of the Franchise mode is boring and is lacking in content that the previous superstar modes had in earlier maddens. As a simulation game, football can't perform well on the Frostbite engine and the game will constantly bug out with glitches in every game I play. The animations are scripted and the game just feels extremely unrealistic. Even if EA fixed all the issues I have with franchise mode and Face of the Franchise, I still would not buy this game because the Frostbite engine makes this experience unbearable for me. Now if you enjoy modes such as Ultimate Team and The Yard, I am genuinely happy that you were able to find entertainment in this game where I couldn't. However, I do not want to play those modes because I want to play simulation football and those modes don't offer that and neither does the rest of the game for that matter. The NFL should strip EA of its exclusive licence to make simulation NFL games and allow competition. Maybe that would motivate EA to add more depth to Franchise mode, Face of the Franchise, and create a new physics based engine for Madden. If not, we could at least have other options to choose from.… Expand
  23. RYASNILVIA
    Aug 26, 2022
    1
    I bought this hoping EA would do coach Madden justice and make a good game this year. NOPE. This is the worst Madden I have ever played. Game still isn't compatible with the resume feature on the series x. You have to quit the game every time or it won't connect to EA's servers.
    Franchise mode is a buggy joke. Half the time I play a game the kick meter disappears or the commentators don't    I bought this hoping EA would do coach Madden justice and make a good game this year. NOPE. This is the worst Madden I have ever played. Game still isn't compatible with the resume feature on the series x. You have to quit the game every time or it won't connect to EA's servers.
    Franchise mode is a buggy joke. Half the time I play a game the kick meter disappears or the commentators don't talk and half the game audio is gone. Franchise missions in each game either don't work or don't explain what you need to do. The goal is to keep them under 20 pts and despite the ai only scoring 7 I don't get the defensive goal. This game has added a couple new passing features that barely work but otherwise this game is just another MUT reset and cash grab. Coach Madden would be sorely disappointed to see how EA is using his name. I'm disappointed in myself for buying this piece of crap. Please don't buy it. This horrible game.    … Expand
  24. Gowron
    Aug 27, 2022
    1
    Same garbage game released every year ... We as gamers should not purchase this ****
    I cant belive people seriously will spend money every year to buy the same damn game ...
    The gaming industry really needs to bee shaken up
  25. ImLivid
    Aug 23, 2022
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Still the same retextured game with slightly more animations, and offensive line blocking is TERRIBLE!… Expand
  26. jacobcouch95
    Aug 30, 2022
    1
    I purchased next gen just for madden 23. Started out NOT receiving any pre order bonuses. Then as I grind every single day living to play the game to compete it’s not giving me any coins or credits towards leveling up. They hate the game to fix the bugs and issues and I come back to be banned and unable to even play the game now. EA is terrible. It’s about time a new company takes over.I purchased next gen just for madden 23. Started out NOT receiving any pre order bonuses. Then as I grind every single day living to play the game to compete it’s not giving me any coins or credits towards leveling up. They hate the game to fix the bugs and issues and I come back to be banned and unable to even play the game now. EA is terrible. It’s about time a new company takes over. What a horrific experience… Expand
  27. Mgibbs04
    Sep 5, 2022
    1
    Was thinking this game was a step in the right direction, but the franchise is broken to the point I can't get past the draft. All they care about is MUT and I can't wait till 2K gets involved and hopefully gives us a better football game.
  28. Youaremyclarity
    Sep 30, 2022
    1
    Sad to see that this game takes zero steps forward…again. It feels clunky and unsatisfying controlling these players and giving users competent AI help remains an unsolvable task. MUT, once again, is the only mode that sees any attention and even it feels sparse. Frustrating to see and worse to play.
  29. Darth585
    Oct 13, 2022
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Game plays like every other madden that has the frost bite engine! It’s time for the NFL to give 2k the license so football fans can have a great game for a change. We haven’t had a good madden in at least ten years… Expand
  30. seanpdlc
    Nov 15, 2022
    1
    I gave this a 1 instead of a zero since I did play the trial for over an hour. Beyond that, nothing to see here. Until EA has to compete and we have more than one simulation football game on the market we are stuck with trash…
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Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Best Xbox Series X Game of 2022
21
#21 Most Discussed Xbox Series X Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
  1. Xbox Tavern
    Sep 26, 2022
    30
    Madden 23 is a rehash of all the previous Madden‘s in the series. Bits and pieces were taken from those games and labelled as new. Even though FieldSENSE was refurbished I still strongly believe that it gave Madden 23 its shine. What good is that shine however when the game is covered with bugs and laziness? I’m not saying this game had to be perfect. Other sports simulation titles have their own share of problems. What separates Madden from them however is EA decides to mix the old problems with the new ones. Instead of fixing it, they go and do the same thing next year.
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  2. Telegraph
    Sep 23, 2022
    60
    It feels that EA Tiburon have a conundrum here as there is both too much and not enough when it comes to Madden’s modes. Persevering with stuff like The Yard and Face of the Franchise to keep the options broad is all very well, but when no aspect of the game is given full attention, everything feels undercooked.
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  3. TheSixthAxis
    Sep 20, 2022
    70
    Madden 23 is still Madden, but little more. If you’ve been wanting an NFL game that offers something wholly new, or one that can match the NBA 2K series for production values, then this isn’t the place to find it. However, there’s some key incremental improvements happening here which make Madden 23 a tighter, more engaging experience for fans, and one which will happily see you through this year’s NFL season.
    Read full review
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