ESPN

Imagine for a moment that sports coverage on the Internet is an endless ocean populated by an assortment of odd marine life. Tweets from beat writers constantly swim by, as do photos from your friends at the ballpark on Instagram and the official Facebook pages of pro teams.

Think of SportStream as a gargantuan fishing net that catches all information related to your favorite team. The app, available on Apple devices and on the Web, curates tweets and posts from reliable sources and bloggers as well as posts by the teams themselves during games and while they’re idle. Some are tagged with real-time information to give context.

“We have these real-time content platforms where the velocity is increasing, the volume is increasing,” CEO Bob Morgan said. “So when Twitter says 24 million tweets for the Super Bowl, it kind of tells you it would be useful to have ways to shape that, to tune it, to get a signal from it.”

SportStream isn’t just for the fans. The company has been hired by teams and pros looking for a way to capture social media buzz about themselves: the Seattle Seahawks (owner Paul Allen was a SportStream investor), the University of Michigan hoops squad and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry all partnered with the app. As Morgan pointed out, his company can customize the stream -- he said the NCAA doesn’t allow schools to talk about recruiting, so Michigan’s stream filters out tweets and mentions about the subject.

There are plenty of benefits for die-hards who use the app. Morgan discussed exactly how it helped during this year’s NCAA tournament: “You didn’t have a Twitter list for Florida Gulf Coast ready to go, but for every matchup, all you had to do was to click into the app and you were getting a filtered stream of quality content. If you’re trying to follow a hashtag for a big event like the Super Bowl or World Cup, there’s just a flood of stuff. Then it becomes unwieldy.”

SportStream is also versatile enough to incorporate fan-speak, and not just the typical hashtags that indicate a tweeter is referring to, say, the Cincinnati #Reds. SportStream knows, for example, that tweets about the Seahawks with words like “Skittles” or “Beast Mode” usually refer to Marshawn Lynch. Morgan explains there’s an additional filtration process the system goes through to double-check that a post is about a specific team or game. If a Raiders blogger happens to talk about how amazing the San Jose Sharks’ game-winning goal was, it won’t post to Oakland’s stream; tweets about the Detroit Tigers won’t end up on LSU’s timeline either.

Going forward, Morgan says his team will focus on curating more photo content and the idea of a “pulse” -- it’s what he calls a “social activity map” during games, in which users can click on an exact time of a contest and find out what was being said at that moment. You might be surprised to find out that the two biggest spikes during Super Bowl XLVII weren’t Jacoby Jones’ kickoff return or Colin Kaepernick’s fourth-quarter touchdown run. No, the pulse map indicated there were two nonsports moments in which the world took to social media in droves: Beyonce’s halftime show and the blackout.

“People have their tastes,” Morgan said. “We may be missing one of your favorite writers. Or a tweet fell on the ground that should have been filtered in. But by and large, our argument is: We’re catching a good chunk of the good stuff.”

Are you a football fan on the fence about whether or not to buy the latest version of “Madden” when it hits stores on Aug. 27?

Might be time to jump off that fence.

EA Sports will be selling “Madden NFL 25: Anniversary Edition” exclusively through Amazon.com for $99.99, and not only will it include a special 17-week subscription of rare cards for those who play Madden Ultimate Team, but it will also include a full season of NFL Sunday Ticket Max.

That’s right, buy this version of “Madden 25,” and you get to watch every game of the 2013 season on your tablet, or mobile device thanks to DirecTV.

There will only be 50,000 copies of the anniversary edition available for purchase per platform (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3), and with the inclusion of Sunday Ticket, EA Sports expects to quickly sell out.

Fans with DirecTV won’t get a code to simply watch Sunday Ticket on their current dish. Instead, they can use the code to watch it on their tablet, computer, or mobile device.

If you don’t have DirecTV, you have two options: Sign up for DirecTV and get $10 off your monthly bill for a year plus Sunday Ticket for free on your mobile devices, or access the Sunday Ticket content for free through your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Add it all up -- the video game ($60), Sunday Ticket ($299.95) and 17 weeks of Ultimate Team (about $100) -- and that’s over $400 worth of content.

“We wanted to thank our fans by giving them a way to celebrate all season long,” says Anthony Stevenson, the senior director of marketing for EA Sports who specializes in the “Madden” brand. “When you think about the value, this is a no brainer.”

Here is a more detailed look at everything you get when you purchase the game, courtesy of EA Sports:

• Fans who are not currently DirecTV subscribers but are able to receive DirecTV service will receive a promo code entitling them to $10 off per month for their first year of service and one year of NFL Sunday Ticket Max at no additional charge.

• Fans who are already DirecTV and NFL Sunday Ticket Max subscribers can access NFL Sunday Ticket on computer and mobile devices using their current DirecTV username and password.

• For fans unable to receive DirecTV service, each Madden NFL 25 Anniversary Edition will include a unique code to access the 2013 regular season (17 weeks) trial of NFL Sunday Ticket on computers, tablets, and mobile devices- including access to the award-winning Red Zone Channel.

• Owners of the Anniversary Edition will also receive an exclusive pack of Madden Ultimate Team cards each week of the NFL season, starting Week 1 through Week 17. These special anniversary packs will include two rare players, four silver players and four bronze players.

Aside from the “Madden NFL 25: Anniversary Edition” announcement, I asked Stevenson a variety of questions on the current and future state of the franchise. Here’s what he had to say about everything from the next generation systems, to the exclusive deal between EA Sports and the NFL.

Stevenson on the upcoming game and what’s to come down the road for the series:

“Madden 25 on Xbox 360 and PS3 really represents the culmination of eight years of innovation. This is the pinnacle, and this will be the best version of ‘Madden’ on this hardware. We’re really red-lining everything that this hardware can deliver. This is an exciting time because when you think of what’s to come down the road with some of these announcements, with Microsoft having their announcement coming up in the next couple of days, this is an exciting time, and we look forward to the new school of gaming platforms of experiences.

“We’ve double-downed on gameplay the last few years, and I think it’s fair to say that what we’ve done the last couple of years is make sure that anything we invest in is not a throw-away. It’s not a mode that we do and then take out. Everything we’ve done the last two to three years has been through the lens of preparing ourselves for the future and what’s to come so we can truly hit the ground running. In the end, what you’re going to end up with is the best ‘Madden’ on Gen-3, while we look forward to the future where we’re going to be able to do so much more, so much earlier on in the next console cycle because of the work we put in place.”

Stevenson on the current contract negotiations between EA Sports and the NFL to extend the exclusive license beyond 2013:

“We’re not able to comment on negotiations, but the NFL continues to be an amazing partner for us. When you think about some of the things we’ve brought to light together in the last couple of years, from the Pigskin Pro Am on NBC to the cover vote, and then we also have some new programs that we’re working on that you’ll hear about later. Our relationship is stronger than it has ever been, I’ll say that, but I can’t comment on contracts or rights.”

Stevenson on what EA Sports will call the “Madden” game in 2024, since “Madden 25” has already been taken:

“I’ll say this, this was a unique year, so just because we’re ‘Madden NFL 25’ this year doesn’t mean that we have to be ‘Madden NFL 26’ next year or even ‘Madden NFL 15.’ Who knows? This is a special year. This is the 25th anniversary, and we wanted to signal that right from the beginning, so whether it’s the cover vote or the ‘Anniversary Edition,’ for us, it’s a way of not only recognizing the innovation and the history, but more importantly, recognizing the passion of our fan base, because without them, we’d have nothing.”

If you’re a football gamer already addicted to Ultimate Team mode in “Madden,” time to bury your wallet. The highly addictive card collecting and team building mode is finally making its way to the “NCAA Football” franchise, introducing new cards, new ways to play, and of course, new ways to spend your money to upgrade your team.

EA Sports has signed over 1,400 former college football players, enabling you to build your own all-time dream team, with Peyton Manning handing the ball off to Arian Foster or throwing across the middle to Jason Witten.

Players will be able to earn coins to pay for new packs of cards, but to speed the game along, they will also be able to buy packs in the online store, as well as sell any unwanted cards or place bids on rare cards on the auction block.

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It’s a Busch brothers battle in “NASCAR The Game: Inside Line’s” latest DLC (available for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 later this week), as gamers get to relive and re-create some of the biggest moments of the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at the Darlington Raceway.

Download the latest race pack to receive the following challenges:

Highlight 1: Brotherly Love
Who: Kyle Busch
Type: Relive
Description: Help Kyle take over the lead from his brother Kurt and lead at the end of Lap 74.

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I’ve messed this up countless times throughout the years: I’m blitzing my “Madden” linebacker, and just as I flick the Hit Stick for the sack, the virtual quarterback throws the ball. I quickly hit the button to switch defenders, but I do it so fast that it sends the cornerback I just switched to into the turf because the game is still calculating the Hit Stick I triggered a fraction of a second earlier when I was going for the sack.

Instead of a monster shot on the quarterback that forces third-and-long, I give up a long touchdown as the wide receiver high-steps down the field because my corner dove on a move originally meant for another defender.

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Mike Vick is the single most dominant video game character of the past decade, and to millions of gamers growing up Xbox, the Eagles quarterback is like playing with a cheat code behind center.

These days, though, Vick is dominating a different genre; his new mobile franchise, “Mike Vick: GameTime,” is one of the top-selling sports titles for iOS.

Here’s what the greatest video game athlete since Bo Jackson had to say about his polygonal legacy, jumping into the mobile market and his recent footrace against teammate LeSean McCoy.

ESPN Playbook: Do you realize how devastating your “Madden” character has been throughout the years? You might just be the best video game athlete ever created.

Michael Vick: I realize that and acknowledge that, and I really appreciate it because it comes from the fans. It’s also a credit to everything that goes into the “Madden” game because they make it realistic. When you don’t play so good, they drop your ratings, but for the most part with me, it’s been pretty consistent with the way I’ve played and the way I’ve been in the NFL.

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It’s funny how the video game versions of these players are remembered as fondly as the real athletes themselves. Here are the five most dominant players ever to put on a helmet in "Tecmo Super Bowl."

Bo Jackson: Bo knows video games, and how to run circles around defenders on the field -- literally.

Lawrence Taylor: Sack machine was almost unstoppable blocking field goals.

Christian Okoye: First in a long line of dominant Chiefs running backs in video games (Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, Jamaal Charles).

QB Eagles (Randall Cunningham): Not only can the man scramble, but he is deadly accurate with the long bomb.

Derrick Thomas: Disrupted digital offenses like few others of his generation.

Each day this week, Jon Robinson is releasing his list of the Top 25 Sports Video Games Ever. Check it out here.

If only the Giants could sign John Dowd today. They could use another bat in the outfield.

John Dowd: Replaced Barry Bonds in “MVP Baseball” due to licensing, and was every bit as lethal with the bat.

Little Mac: The “Mike Tyson's Punch Out!!” king packed a mean punch, especially for a 17-year-old kid who stands 4-foot-8.

Player 99: Who needed the real Michael Jordan when Player 99 took to the air for the “NBA Live” Bulls?

Fat Guy: The bad boy of NES “Ice Hockey,” a team of three fat guys on the ice could scuffle and slap shot their way to victory, even if they were slower than the Zamboni.

QB Eagles: The Eagles were banned from my house because of how unfair it was to play as this virtual replacement for Philadelphia quarterback Randall Cunningham in "Tecmo Super Bowl."

Each day this week, Jon Robinson is releasing his list of the Top 25 Sports Video Games Ever. Check it out here.

Tired of the same old sports on your gaming consoles? Here are some alternative games we’d love to see.

Beach volleyball: “Super Spike V’Ball” was a classic back on the NES, and I’ve been dying to play something as fun for years.

Water polo: I never knew how violent the sport was until my son started playing. It’s like rugby in the water, and I think it would make for a fun game.

College basketball: How can we go from two college hoops games to none?

College baseball: EA Sports tried it for a couple of years, and I thought it was great. I wish someone else would jump back in the sport.

Friday Night Lights: With so much hype around high school football, how about a customizable game that enables you to create your school and friends?

Each day this week, Jon Robinson is releasing his list of the Top 25 Sports Video Games Ever. Check it out here.

From big heads to evil clowns, sports games back in the day offered some crazy cheats. Here are our favorites.

Play as the president: “NBA Jam” broke new ground with codes to play as politicians such as President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore.

Finish Him!: “NFL Blitz” featured the ability to play as Raiden and Shinnok from “Mortal Kombat.” Wonder what the NFL would think about that now?

Be Like Mike: Back when Michael Jordan took himself out of NBA-licensed video games, Konami and EA Sports both featured secret codes to unlock MJ in “NBA in the Zone” and “Live.”

Evil Clowns: “MLB SlugFest” included codes to unlock teams of evil clowns, horses, and bobbleheads.

Big Heads: What’s better than seeing Shawn Kemp helicopter through the air for a dunk in "NBA Jam"? Shawn Kemp with a big head dunking, that’s what.

Each day this week, Jon Robinson is releasing his list of the Top 25 Sports Video Games Ever. Check it out here.

It's no secret around here that we love sports video games. But which ones do we love the most?

This week, Jon Robinson will take us through his picks for the 25 best video games ever, beginning Monday with Nos. 21 through 25. Accompanied with behind-the-scenes stories, developer insight and quotes from athletes, we'll release five games each day this week, with the list finishing up on Friday.

Once the list is complete, it's your turn, as SportsNation is inviting readers to vote for their favorite games on Friday.

Check out the feature's homepage here!

Do today’s sports games feel stale to you? If only we had some of these titles to help spice things back up.

NFL 2K: EA’s exclusive NFL license is about to run out. Competition fuels innovation. Bring back NFL 2K!

MVP Baseball: “The Show” remains brilliant on PS3, but Xbox gamers desperately need an upgrade.

TNA Wrestling: You’re telling me a game with Hulk Hogan, Sting, Jeff Hardy, and the Aces and Eights wouldn’t sell?

NBA Ballers: One-on-one hoops complete with combos and yachts.

Mutant League Football: Watching your running back blow up or fall through a hole in the field never gets old.

Each day this week, Jon Robinson is releasing his list of the Top 25 Sports Video Games Ever. Check it out here.

In a recent Wall Street Journal column, Brian Costa covered the surprisingly quick home-run trot of Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, who dashes around the bases in 18.5 seconds. But more surprising than that was the fact someone actually tracks those trots.

Larry Granillo, the coordinator of systems and data at Marquette University in Milwaukee, has been timing every big league home-run trot since 2010. His motive to start the Tater Trot Tracker is one most of us can relate to.

“Do you know how fans of other teams complain about something your team’s players do and seem to ignore the fact that their own players do it, too?” Granillo asks. “Cardinals fans were complaining how Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder were slow on the bases. They weren’t bothered by Albert Pujols being slow.”

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The new physics engine in "NHL 14" takes into account everything from size and speed to momentum and body position as players collide, check and fight for position on the ice.

Check out the video EA Sports released today detailing the technology while showing off what the ragdoll physics will look like when things get physical in the upcoming game.

For more on “NHL 14,” peep ESPN’s extensive first-look preview.

Activision and Eutechnyx continue to deliver fresh “NASCAR The Game: Inside Line” challenges via DLC, this week taking virtual drivers back to the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway.

Using the actual telemetry data from last weekend’s race, gamers will have the opportunity to relive four of the biggest highlights from the event.

Here’s what’s in store for gamers who download the pack when it goes live later this week:

Highlight 1: Not Breaking Brad
Type: Relive
Who: Brad Keselowski
Description: Jimmie Johnson has spun out and hit Kyle Busch. Can you keep Brad's ride in one piece as you dodge the wrecking cars on Lap 327?

Highlight 2: Green-White-Checker
Type: Relive
Who: Kevin Harvick
Description: After taking fresh tires for the green-white-checker finish, Kevin Harvick restarted on the inside in seventh place. Take advantage of the grip and go for the win.

Highlight 3: Target Acquired
Type: Relive
Who: Kurt Busch
Description: Kurt Busch and Juan Pablo Montoya are battling hard for second place. Can you relive history by crossing the line coming into Lap 171 in second place?

Highlight 4: Holding the Lead
Type: Relive
Who: Juan Pablo Montoya
Description: Montoya had a strong race at Richmond and looked at one point like he would take his first Sprint Cup oval victory. Relive the restart on Lap 350 and hold the lead over five laps.