EA_Aljo
Community Manager
Community ManagerNHL 25 Grudge Match Reveal
Here's a peek at the new Grudge Match feature coming to NHL 25.
Forum Discussion
Listen. I don't want to be a hater. I have played this game loyally for almost 30 years. I think what you do is hard. But why on earth was development time spent on this. This is beyond cringe. Can we not just have presentation representative of what we see in real hockey broadcast? Who is this for?
I don't know what's over the edge. The players standing in front of the screen are more of an inspiration than what the spectator in the stadium sees on the cube. But if there is no demonstration of the goalie on the ice after this intro, the community will be negative again, we simply need a presentation of the goalie like NHL 22.
- EA_Aljo
You're just seeing the intro animation. That's not all that's coming with Grudge Matches. Here are some more details from the blog:
"Hockey is at its best when the competition is fierce. The all-new Grudge Match System tracks the history of matchups between teams across online and offline modes, showing relevant stats from previous meetings to add more context and stakes to the action. Grudge Match also includes Impact Players, who earn special X-Factors related to their standout performance in the previous matchups, along with new contextually driven cinematics and commentary that turn up the heat of rivalry."
The intro animation is immersion breaking on several levels. Several payers in the team-up shot are not handed the correct orientation (Boeser is shooting left, Miller right). Why do the solo shots of the featured players not have sticks? Have you ever seen something like this intro pack on a hockey broadcast? I'm open minded to the new feature. But like... Why? Why this? Of all the things to with presentation and intros? Why can't we just have hockey as it is? Did this test well with some focus group?
Completely agree with hdce.
For years, fans have been asking for the return of a true broadcast-style presentation after it was removed, and this is what they deliver. No one wants the game to become more arcade-like; this isn’t Fortnite, it’s a hockey simulation. Sure, they can sell their money-grabbing packs—people can choose whether or not to buy them—but at least don’t make the game look like Fortnite, for goodness’ sake. Whoever came up with this idea should be let go, not because it lacks visual appeal, but because they clearly aren’t listening to the fan base. Take a moment to see what your fanbase is saying on X and Reddit. Check out the comments on this post on X.
It's alright, but I honestly just don't really care. I'd much rather we had back a realistic hockey telecast presentation.
Maybe start outside the arena with some aerial footage, follow some fans as they're getting their tickets accepted, maybe cut away to the tunnels as the players are waiting to take the ice with their captain hyping them up. Then, the teams could hit the ice, skate a bit, the broadcast could highlight a few players and talk about their season and stats, etc.
But, sure, I guess the game looking like Fortnite is also a direction to go. Mmhmm.
I like the concept of tracking who you've played before and providing some match-up history before a game. But the execution of that idea on display here is obviously not geared towards me. I get that EA wants to bring in new players and grow the game, but I'm not sure this style of presentation is the way to go. But I'm old, and this is obviously something designed to appeal to a younger audience.
I'm curious about what game modes this applies to. The blog is vague. Does this apply to WOC modes? If so, does it track only clubs or does it track match-ups at a player level? At a club level does it differentiate between game modes?
- EA_Aljo
I wouldn't agree that only the younger players are going to enjoy this. I'm certainly not one of those and the first time I saw it I didn't mind it. Kinda got me excited for the upcoming rematch. Regardless, appreciate the feedback. We'll have more news on the Grudge Match system as we get closer to release.
Why is the entire fan base requesting a broadcast presentation style, yet this idea is the one that made it to the forefront?
where is the actual deep dive trailer and blog that really describes what these things are in more detail. It says something is coming on September 13th on the NHL 25 website. Fans including myself have asked for full presentation to return... which includes the tunnel runout, goalie stats, three stars of the game, etc... The fact that EA has not done anything to make both parties happy by having it allowed to be on or off for people is unbelievable for the last few years since it was removed. This is a huge opportunity to take advantage of presentation now only being on next gen like seeing the golden knights intro would be sick in a video game. You guys all say the devs are hearing us and I will be honest the grudge match is sick and i am glad it will be for "all offline modes" but I feel like the devs are still not hearing us... removing full presentation from a sports game is the dumbest thing this company has done for these games. I truly hope that tomorrow and friday we get something that will wow us and get more people to preorder because a huge opportunity is missed right now. I also have a feeling that all players besides the superstars of the sport will somehow still not look correct but we will see.
- EA_Aljo
We are listening to the community. That is most often reflected in the gameplay as that is always the primary focus. We definitely appreciate the input and want to include as much of it as possible while also maintaining our own vision for the game.
Vision?? Perhaps ya'll need glasses then. Can we get some normal presentation back? Tunnel walk out, typical broadcast package, full presentation, etc. You know, stuff that used to be in these games. Strange concept, I know... If you guys really don't add this stuff after the last two games and the outcry they caused, then you are all truly lost.
I think we all have to just learn to accept that they want a more "flashy" presentation to coincide with online play (which is where the main focus is outside of "gameplay", which has been their focus for years and we still have so many inconsistencies). We should commend them for trying something new. Sadly, when it comes to full presentation, I'd say that is gone forever as it doesn't fit their image of what hockey is and how they couldn't seem to resolve or fix the dsync issue in NHL 22, which made them remove it fully in NHL 23 and then rework a small part of it to make it look more "arcade/flashy" to fit their image in NHL 24 and now NHL 25. Its not about a thorough experience more one that gets in you and out of the action as fast as possible and dumping as much information as they can about how amazing x-factors are.
It's a refreshing broadcast package and I can only hope this expands to all broadcast elements. My pet peeve of the series has always been unrealistic camera angles during replays which take you right out of the 'broadcast' immersion. I mean, some angles look as if there's a cameraman on the ice, which is somewhat jarring after you notice it.
Pretty barebones for being one of the "notable" additions this year. As others have said, why can't we just have a normal hockey intro and just throw in h2h stats?
I like the look of it and I'm 49 😁
Should add a bit more edge to competitive online games.
So the 'hero' that wins it for their team and someone who stands out gets an added bonus? What happens when you completely blow out another team and they don't learn their lession and decide to play again?
I'm not at all bothered with any of the broadcast additions/subtractions over the years as I believe gameplay sjould reign king, but I do like the aesthetic of having both teams square up
