A Different Format

So I think there are a variety of problems that lead to what you're seeing. First, as you've pointed out its mid July, only the people who REALLY like hockey/ NHL are playing. Beyond that, it's EA NHL it is the only choice people have and it could use a lot of work the only people that really play the title are people who play every year, new players won't stay regardless as it is behind every other sports title by a sizable amount at this point. Until more resources, time, people, money are put into the game again we're going to see the same players/ a shrinking population. They have to pander to the people they do have and that's those that buy every year. At the end of the day a big company is only concerned with profit. They have people who analyze data and determine what will increase profits most. Personally I think theyre making poor moves (at least with this series) but they know they can invest almost nothing into the title and get roughly the same profit every year regardless. It would be good to see improvements and a bigger player base but they must feel the work/money wouldn't be worth the profits they project. Its why there is no online franchise or game on PC. Everything EA does is decided on by people who analyze data and potential profits and their opportunity costs. There are ways they could make UT and WoC FAR better, I personally think it would grow their player base and profits a lot.. but the truth is NHL will never be FIFA or CFL or Madden.. Its not a huge concern. 

I've made several posts about how to improve each part of the game, including gameplay. I think the gameplay is decent, and close to being really good but almost every part of it needs some polishing. They are a decade behind in adding online franchise. They are behind nearly every sports title in allowing your online player to improve. Their UT challenges are boring and unimaginative, I also think their formula needs to change as I feel the hockey community is different from the other sports but that's a separate argument altogether. Until EA sees it as advantageous we won't see much of a change. I'm not sure anything can convince them unless the sport itself blows up or the NHL gets involved in asking for a better product, or a competitor like 2K comes along. At this point of that happens then EA would likely just stop making it (my guess) just wouldn't be worth competing and most of their customers have no love for them. We are 4? Years into this new dev team.. still waiting on the discord. Just a bad look. If people are unhappy with your product, its when you should have the most open discussion. Nearly every game I play the devs talk to the community and improve their game.. NHL is completely silent until they want more of your money. UT posts to push packs and posts about the next game every year. That's it.