World of Chel: Buying attributes for ranked matches crosses a line.

EA, I’m absolutely furious about the direction you’re taking World of Chel in NHL 27.

Players can directly purchase Season Pass tiers to unlock Skill Points, Ability Points for X-Factors, and attribute cap increases faster. Those advantages carry over into ranked matches.                                  To me, that is pay-to-win.

Calling the pass “free” does not solve anything. Yes, other players can eventually earn the same rewards through gameplay. But until they do, the person who pays already has access to additional attributes and build options. Being able to catch up later does not make today’s matches fair.

The argument that you’re “only paying to save time” falls apart when that saved time lets you improve your player before competing against other people. You are monetizing a competitive advantage. It does not guarantee a win, but it lets someone buy an edg and that is the problem.

I already pay for the game. I should not then have to choose between spending more money or grinding to access the same capabilities as an opponent who pulled out their credit card. My gaming time should be about enjoying hockey with friends and improving my skills, without that additional pressure.

What makes me so angry is seeing this model introduced into a mode where competition should come down to skill, decision-making, and teamwork. Losing should make me want to play better, not wonder what my opponent purchased.

Here is what I want you to do:

• Remove paid progression that provides gameplay advantages in World of Chel.
• Give everyone access to the same point budgets and attribute caps from the start in ranked matches, with the same player-building trade-offs.
• Keep monetization focused on cosmetics.
• Publicly address this change and explain your commitment to competitive fairness.

Please do not respond by simply repeating that “everything can be earned through gameplay.” The issue is that money buys faster access to power that can be used against other players.

I love hockey, and I want to love World of Chel. But this direction seriously damages my trust in the game. Your wallet should never be part of building a competitive team.