Madden 23 Playbooks: The Real Secret to Better Sim Stats (2024)

Cycloniac

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Join Date: May 2009

Location: Minneapolis, MN

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Maybe this has been said before, but Madden has an odd simulation engine, in the sense that the outputs are dictated in large part by the playbooks each team uses.

I was curious about the tendencies attached to each playbook, so I simmed a season, ran the numbers and did some quick analysis, which you can see here:
https://1drv.ms/x/s!AghAoHIeEMGMge4t...bYz5g?e=RkpjEh

Playbooks are so important because they can inflate stats for guys who shouldn't play so well e.g. Mariota/Ridder on Atlanta, or unfairly punish teams like the 49ers.

My thinking is that by using this data, we can assign new playbooks to teams based on their strengths. Wanna make sure Hockenson is the centerpiece of the offense? Playbooks ike Atlanta's or KC's are good options, for example.

This can be useful too if you're thinking about changing your own playbook and are curious about which one would be a better fit for your roster. Just drafted a franchise WR1? Maybe the Rams playbook is for you.

My next step is working on a system that can take inputs, say OVRs/Dev traits for your QBs/WRs/TEs and assign more realistc playbook suggestions.

It's late though, so just sharing what I have for now, let me know your thoughts.

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Mattanite

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Quote: Originally Posted by Cycloniac

Maybe this has been said before, but Madden has an odd simulation engine, in the sense that the outputs are dictated in large part by the playbooks each team uses. I was curious about the tendencies attached to each playbook, so I simmed a season, ran the numbers and did some quick analysis, which you can see here: https://1drv.ms/x/s!AghAoHIeEMGMge4t...bYz5g?e=RkpjEh Playbooks are so important because they can inflate stats for guys who shouldn't play so well e.g. Mariota/Ridder on Atlanta, or unfairly punish teams like the 49ers. My thinking is that by using this data, we can assign new playbooks to teams based on their strengths. Wanna make sure Hockenson is the centerpiece of the offense? Playbooks ike Atlanta's or KC's are good options, for example. This can be useful too if you're thinking about changing your own playbook and are curious about which one would be a better fit for your roster. Just drafted a franchise WR1? Maybe the Rams playbook is for you. My next step is working on a system that can take inputs, say OVRs/Dev traits for your QBs/WRs/TEs and assign more realistc playbook suggestions. It's late though, so just sharing what I have for now, let me know your thoughts.

There's a pretty well known YouTube video (is it Bengal?) that shows this. Set all playbooks to Chiefs and every QB had god level sim stats.

On a similar simulation playbook note: Credit to F17 and pushing this with EA, if you want better cpu play in game, use custom playbooks for the cpu team with expanded star ratings for plays. EA don't have situation stars assigned to all plays in a team playbook so the cpu picks from a limited sheet (player vs cpu or cpu vs cpu).

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Iteachpercussion

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Join Date: Jul 2012

Location: Troy, OH

This has been an issue for years now. For my classic rosters I have always tried to get the run/pass ratios close to correct. The only way to do that in both simmed and played games is by assignment the correct playbook. Scheme does seem to have a minor impact as well, but you are right, it is the playbook.

The generic playbooks (run heavy, pass balanced, etc) can not be set in the coaches screen, but you can change it with a second controller when you go to play a game. I normally do this and find the results are better than using the team playbooks.

If you are trying to get better stats, I do recommend controlling all 32 teams for the sole reason that you can "play" or "sim" any game. I have found that using the generic playbooks and fast simming games yields better stats that simply simming the week. Yes it takes more time, but I find it is much better.

Cycloniac

OVR: 13

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Quote: Originally Posted by Iteachpercussion

This has been an issue for years now. For my classic rosters I have always tried to get the run/pass ratios close to correct. The only way to do that in both simmed and played games is by assignment the correct playbook. Scheme does seem to have a minor impact as well, but you are right, it is the playbook. The generic playbooks (run heavy, pass balanced, etc) can not be set in the coaches screen, but you can change it with a second controller when you go to play a game. I normally do this and find the results are better than using the team playbooks. If you are trying to get better stats, I do recommend controlling all 32 teams for the sole reason that you can "play" or "sim" any game. I have found that using the generic playbooks and fast simming games yields better stats that simply simming the week. Yes it takes more time, but I find it is much better.

This is what I do, mainly because it helps a lot with injuries.

I will say though that it doesn't help with everything i.e. sacks can get a bit high, yards per carry still a bit low.

What quarter length do you use when you fast sim?

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500bloc

OVR: 14

Join Date: May 2003

Quote: Originally Posted by Cycloniac

Maybe this has been said before, but Madden has an odd simulation engine, in the sense that the outputs are dictated in large part by the playbooks each team uses. I was curious about the tendencies attached to each playbook, so I simmed a season, ran the numbers and did some quick analysis, which you can see here: https://1drv.ms/x/s!AghAoHIeEMGMge4t...bYz5g?e=RkpjEh

For whatever reason, the data isn't showing up for me. But I would love to see it.

Cycloniac

OVR: 13

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Quote: Originally Posted by 500bloc

For whatever reason, the data isn't showing up for me. But I would love to see it.

Hmm, refresh and try now

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500bloc

OVR: 14

Join Date: May 2003

Quote: Originally Posted by Cycloniac

Hmm, refresh and try now

I figured out the font and fill color were both white, that's why. It shows for me now. Question, are the simulations done with the default playbook? Or were stars added so the entire playbook had the option to be chosen by the cpu? I'm just curious to know how the cpu generates stats when the entire playbook is opened up

Cycloniac

OVR: 13

Join Date: May 2009

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Posts: 6,006

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Quote: Originally Posted by 500bloc

I figured out the font and fill color were both white, that's why. It shows for me now. Question, are the simulations done with the default playbook? Or were stars added so the entire playbook had the option to be chosen by the cpu? I'm just curious to know how the cpu generates stats when the entire playbook is opened up

Default playbooks were used

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