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hasmatas's avatar
hasmatas
Seasoned Newcomer
2 days ago

Scoring Consistency Regression After Recent Gameplay Tuning

TL;DR: Scoring consistency appears reduced, with standard shot types being far less effective than chaotic or transitional situations.


After the latest gameplay tuning update, scoring consistency appears to be severely skewed toward chaotic events, while standard hockey scoring mechanics have become largely ineffective across multiple matches.

Observed Issues

1) Over-Effectiveness of Set Goalies

Goalies are nearly unbeatable when squared to the puck. Wrist shots, snap shots, and controlled slot shots from most angles now result in routine saves the vast majority of the time.

2) Deflections and Screens No Longer Provide Value

Net-front presence, tips, and deflections rarely result in goals or rebounds. Goalies consistently secure the puck cleanly, even with heavy traffic.

3) One-Timers Over-Corrected by Goalie Tracking

One-timers appear significantly nerfed due to aggressive lateral tracking. Goalies often reposition almost instantly, creating a “teleporting” effect that eliminates scoring opportunities from well-executed cross-ice plays.

4) Goals Heavily Biased Toward Chaos

Most goals now occur primarily during unstructured situations such as:

- AI collisions
- Scramble scenarios
- Failed clearances or unintended turnovers

Structured offensive zone pressure and controlled playstyles produce disproportionately low scoring results.

Expected Behavior

Standard scoring mechanics (slot shots, tips, screens, and one-timers) should provide reliable scoring probability when executed correctly. Chaos-based goals should complement—not replace—these mechanics.

Actual Behavior

Scoring success is almost entirely dependent on chaotic events, while normal hockey scoring actions have near-zero effectiveness.

Impact

This disproportionately penalizes structured, possession-based playstyles and reduces gameplay clarity, fairness, and consistency in Ranked.

Regards
hasmatas

6 Replies

  • EA_Aljo's avatar
    EA_Aljo
    Icon for Community Manager rankCommunity Manager
    1 day ago

    Hi there. There were no tuning changes in the last update. The only gameplay change was to fix an obstructed view in the Utah arena.

  • hasmatas's avatar
    hasmatas
    Seasoned Newcomer
    1 day ago

    Thanks for the clarification.

    To clarify my question: if there were no intentional tuning changes in the last update, what systems could explain the observed shift in scoring outcomes? Specifically, are there known interactions related to goalie animation states, tracking behavior, AI positioning, or server-side timing that could reduce the effectiveness of standard scoring mechanics (slot shots, tips, screens, one-timers) without formal tuning changes?

  • EA_Aljo's avatar
    EA_Aljo
    Icon for Community Manager rankCommunity Manager
    1 day ago

    You're welcome.

    We're not aware of anything that would cause score outcomes to drastically change and we're not getting other reports of this. We'll keep an eye out for them though. Thanks!

  • Modulater83's avatar
    Modulater83
    Rising Hotshot
    1 day ago

    I know there is some variability to everyone's experience due to sheer randomness.  However, my experience has been nearly the opposite.  Still see plenty of times when a squared up goalie lets a muffin in.  I'd actually welcome goalies being tougher to score on when they are set.

  • EA_Aljo's avatar
    EA_Aljo
    Icon for Community Manager rankCommunity Manager
    1 day ago

    Those shots happen int he real world too. I definitely agree goalies need to be better. Especially with loose pucks in front of the net. There are times they're not covering the puck when it's at their feet, for example. Or the occasional time a puck is cleared from the other end, but manages to slowly squeak past the goalie. Normal shots though, most of the time those are saved. Just like real goalies, muffins and partial saves are going to happen. We of course all want goalies to behave as authentically as possible and the team is always striving for that.

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