Feature Suggestion for NHL 27 Advanced Custom Gear System

Question

I would like to propose a new feature for NHL 27 that could significantly improve player creativity, personalization, and long-term engagement. The idea is to introduce an advanced custom gear system inspired by the customization tools seen in the Forza Horizon series. This system would allow players to fully customize their equipment, including helmets, gloves, pads, and other protective gear. Instead of being limited to preset designs, players would have access to a very large library of stickers, decals, and visual elements that can be freely applied to their gear. A key part of this feature is complete creative freedom, where players can place stickers anywhere, resize them, rotate them, and layer multiple elements to create unique designs. There should also be a massive variety of stickers available, including simple shapes, patterns, textures, and more detailed graphics. It would be especially important to include official team logos from different leagues so players can represent their favorite clubs or create more authentic-looking equipment. This system would make customization much deeper and give players a stronger sense of identity in the game. Game modes like Be A Pro and World of Chel would benefit greatly since every player could stand out with completely unique gear. To expand the feature even further, it would be great if players could share and download designs from the community and explore popular creations. Seasonal or event-based sticker packs could also help keep the system fresh over time. Overall, this feature would bring a new level of creativity and personalization to the NHL series and make the experience more immersive and engaging for players.

ea_aljo · Answer

Hey there. I really don't know if these features will be added. We'll have to wait and see what the future holds.

bigtimetimjim · Answer

This is a great concept, especially the creative freedom with decals, layering, and being able to actually design your own gear instead of being stuck with presets. The idea of sharing designs with the community is huge too. That alone would add a ton of replay value.

One thing I think needs to be part of this is real gear variation, not just visual decals. In real life, players are not all using the same stock equipment the game gives us.

For example, stick and skate options are way too limited. Bauer and CCM already sell multiple colorways and different builds within the same line, and NHL players actually use them. In the game, you might get one version of a Vapor skate or one stick color, when in reality a large portion of the league is using different variations of that same model. Being able to choose different colorways, finishes, and slight model variations would go a long way toward making players look authentic.

On top of that, player customization needs to evolve alongside this system. Right now, if a player does not have a proper scan, they are stuck with generic faces and hairstyles that often look nothing like them. For anyone focused on realism, that turns into hours of recreating players from scratch.

The generic system itself also needs a major update. A lot of the faces feel outdated, there is a clear lack of younger player models, and overall variety is limited. Either let us fully edit generic players like in other sports titles, or significantly expand the pool with more modern faces and hairstyles.

There should be a system that lets us edit those generic models directly. EA already does something similar in Madden where you can swap or edit a generic face for a licensed player, and it updates the player image to match. That keeps everything within licensing rules while giving users more control.

To really match what you are describing, customization across the board should go deeper. Hairstyles and head shape adjustments should be available even on scanned players. Real equipment options like stick color variants, skate variations, and modern gear styles should be included. Gear fit control like helmet size, pad profiles, jersey style, and tape jobs should also be part of it.

If you combine your idea with true equipment variety and deeper player customization, it would completely change how authentic the game feels.

bigtimetimjim · Answer

EA_Aljo​Customizing equipment should be a priority for NHL 27. Right now we’re locked into one stick and skate color, but in real life players switch colors based on team and personal preference. Brands like Bauer already offer multiple color options at retail, so the licensing should support that in game.&nbsp;For example, we’re limited to one Bauer Vapor skate color with white on the back, while most of the league uses the black version. Then you have players like Jack Hughes and Cole Caufield who use more white. Sticks are the same issue. Jack Hughes uses a red Bauer Flylite, but in game it’s only available in blue. Most players match their stick color to their team, so when it doesn’t match in game it looks off and unrealistic.&nbsp;There should also be a stick length setting. A lot of players cut their sticks shorter, and it noticeably affects how they look and play. Adding this would go a long way for realism.&nbsp;Spray painted sticks should be included as well. You’re seeing this more and more across the league, with players like William Nylander and top prospects like James Hagens and Porter Martone using them. It’s a clear visual detail that’s missing right now.&nbsp;