Electronic Arts Inc. is bringing authentic hockey expertise to fans around the world with EA SPORTS™ NHL 25, coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on October 4, 2024. Powered by ICE-Q, NHL 25 is built differently, focused on giving players the time and space to control every inch of the ice, delivering an authentic experience that mirrors the talent of the NHL’s elite. In honor of NHL 25, Quinn brothers Jack and Luke Hughes will be the first brothers to appear together on an EA SPORTS cover, as their on-ice play perfectly symbolizes the significant evolution in gameplay intelligence that NHL 25 takes.
Built on an all-new logic-based animation system, ICE-Q responds to contextual events with unprecedented realism and is the foundation of Chel’s gameplay overhaul. Next-Gen Vision Control skating allows players to run the blue line, close in on the puck advancer, lock onto the net and more. Enhanced AI helps players execute authentic plays with a new playbook that refines power plays and forces the ice for better overall positioning and offensive opportunities. Reactive Actions also utilize a suite of new animations to make skaters more efficient in tight situations, increasing speed, collision avoidance and consistency.
“The new ICE-Q gameplay system represents a fundamental shift in how players will experience the game, with deep intelligence that gives them complete control on the ice,” said Mike Inglehart, Senior Game Design Director at EA Vancouver. “Hockey is built differently, with NHL 25 delivering greater authenticity, deeper team rivalries and taking inspiration from the sport’s next-generation superstars who continue to redefine the game.”
NHL 25’s dedication to hockey expertise is personified by this year’s cover athletes. While Quinn, Jack and Luke Hughes have carved out impressive careers with their unique skills, they are known as a family for their exceptional skating and hockey IQ. As the first brothers to appear on the cover of an EA SPORTS title, their ability to anticipate the play is a perfect fit for how ICE-Q forces the ice in NHL 25 and gives players the time and space to execute their plays.
“We feel incredibly honored to be on the cover of NHL 25,” said Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks. “To be on the cover with my brothers is the kind of thing you dream about as a kid, but you never imagine would happen in real life.”
“It was a proud moment for all of us when we saw the Deluxe cover,” said Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils. “It reminded us that on the ice we are competitors, and we are always learning from each other, but off the ice we are brothers who love to play hockey.”
“Being on the cover with my brothers is incredibly exciting,” said Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils. “We have a unique hockey story that has been growing with us, and now we have a unique cover. We can’t wait for fans to experience NHL 25.”
NHL 25 features gameplay changes, unique time-based skills, a new WOC Live Events structure, HUT Wildcard mode, and a streamlined, single-path XP progression shared across HUT. Unique skill-based times enhance gameplay authenticity and create unique moments. By studying the attacking zone and finding an open teammate, players are rewarded with the impact of a deadly one-timer, leading to the chance to score a thrilling goal. The all-new Grudge Match System tracks matchup history between teams across all major online and offline modes and brings special X-Factors to the series earned in previous matches against rival teams. Additionally, the introduction of Sapien technology and the power of our Frostbite Engine on next-gen consoles delivers a visual upgrade in character likeness.
The fan-favorite Franchise mode is also getting a makeover, starting with the Franchise Hub, which features simplified navigation that allows players to access new, relevant, and easy-to-use information. This improved Franchise experience is just one of many updates coming to the mode, with more announcements to come in the weeks leading up to the global launch. More details on each of these features will be provided in deep dive videos ahead of launch.
