A new documentary on Prime Video, "It's in the Game: Madden NFL", tells the story of one of the world's most popular video game franchises, Madden NFL. The four-part documentary takes viewers on a journey through the game's history, from its humble beginnings to its current dominance in the gaming industry. However, the documentary also inadvertently exposes the franchise's stagnation and lack of innovation in recent years.

The documentary tells the story of how a small group of coders with a big idea built something special, which became a smash hit. The team's relentless pursuit of detail and realism, driven by the vision of coach John Madden, helped the game to stand out from its competitors. The documentary highlights the cultural impact of the game, with many NFL players and coaches sharing their experiences with Madden.

However, the documentary also raises questions about what makes Madden a good game. Despite its focus on realism and fidelity, the game's most popular versions are often those that divert from reality. For example, Madden NFL 2004, which featured quarterback Mike Vick, is often cited as the most fun version of the game. This raises questions about whether the franchise's focus on realism is actually what fans are looking for.

The documentary also touches on the impact of EA's exclusive license with the NFL, which has given Madden a monopoly in the football gaming market. This lack of competition has led to stagnation, with the game failing to innovate and improve in recent years. Despite this, Madden remains a juggernaut in the gaming industry, with its latest installment, Madden NFL 25, receiving a score of 70 on Metacritic and a 2.8 user score.

The documentary ends with the release of Madden NFL 25, framing it as a moment of victory for the franchise. However, this feels disingenuous given the game's lackluster reception. The release of another EA game, EA Sports College Football 25, has also highlighted the stagnation of the Madden franchise. Many gamers and pros are eagerly waiting to see what happens next time there is competition in the football gaming market.

In conclusion, "It's in the Game: Madden NFL" is a fascinating documentary that tells the story of Madden's rise to dominance. However, it also inadvertently exposes the franchise's stagnation and lack of innovation in recent years. The documentary raises important questions about what makes a good game and whether the focus on realism is actually what fans are looking for. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Madden adapts to the changing landscape.