NHL, NHLPA extend multi-year contract with Electronic Arts

The National Hockey League, and the Players Association have agreed to continue their partnership with Electronic Arts by coming to an agreement on a multi-year contract. The exact number of years has not been disclosed. Electronic Arts has been making their NHL series since 1991 with the release of "NHL Hockey". Since then, they have grabbed the attention of millions of hockey fans around the world who have been playing their games for many, many years.

The EA NHL series has included some very entertaining content over the last nearly thirty years. In NHL 05, they released the World Cup of Hockey game mode, which featured all eight nations, with full licensing, which was big for Electronic Arts because they rarely have been able to get the licensing for international teams. The World Cup of Hockey game mode also returned in NHL 17. Since NHL 18, EA and Hockey Canada have had an agreement that includes the use of Canada's official uniforms in the game.

In 2011 with the release of NHL 12, EA added a Winter Classic mode to the game, allowing fans to play both the 2011 Winter Classic from Pittsburgh, and 2012 Winter Classic from Philadelphia.

NHL 21, which was released worldwide on October 16th, added a major update to the Be a Pro series. Players will now engage in conversations with other players, coaches, their agent, and the media. They added many cutscenes, and many options to choose your own career path. Also, for the first time since the Be a Pro series was added in NHL 09, you can now begin your career in Europe, in the Champions Hockey League. Although you only play in the CHL playoffs, rather than a full season in Europe as most people were wanting, it is still a refreshing add to the series.

While Electronic Arts have added, updated and done quite a lot with the series over the last decade or so, some fans have not been pleased with the last few games. In 2012 with the release of NHL 13, EA added a new game mode called "GM Connected" which allowed a group of players to take control of a team online and run it as if they were the general manager. The game mode only lasted two years, it wasn't brought back for NHL 15, and fans have been calling for it's return ever since.

Updates have been made to nearly every game mode over the last several years, including Franchise mode, the gameplay in general, Hockey Ultimate Team, etc. They also added a new fast-paced three on three game mode called "NHL threes" which allows you to play a three on three game with any team, in any league and you can set the time limit, goal limit, etc.

“We are thrilled to accelerate fun hockey experiences for years to come pushing the industry forward with our long-time NHL and NHLPA partners,” said Cam Weber, Executive Vice President & Group GM, EA SPORTS. “The EA SPORTS NHL franchise these past 30 years has become synonymous with hockey culture, and this extension will ensure it remains at the forefront of connecting millions of fans around the world to the sport through interactive entertainment.”

“EA SPORTS NHL continues to introduce new fans to the sport through its realistic and entertaining approach to the game,” said Brian Jennings, NHL Chief Brand Officer & Senior Executive Vice President. “The past eight months illustrates how EA is a critical extension to real-world sports, as fans turned to EA SPORTS NHL to play and watch hockey while we temporarily paused during the pandemic. Our shared approach for competitive gaming has enabled the league to create a touchpoint to younger fans who may experience the NHL for the first time through EA SPORTS NHL. Sustained connection that enhances fandom is what EA delivers and we look forward to continuing the incredible partnership.”

“The NHLPA is proud to renew our long-standing partnership with EA SPORTS, ensuring their exceptional NHL hockey franchise will continue showcasing the Players to fans around the world for the coming years,” said Mathieu Schneider, NHLPA Special Assistant to the Executive Director. “The simulated experience of hitting the ice behind the console with EA SPORTS NHL continues to be an incredible way for fans to connect with the Players and the game.”

Electronic Arts, NHL and NHLPA extend multi-year deal: https://t.co/pYrMRqHzcV pic.twitter.com/SSHSUHVwkZ— NHLPA (@NHLPA) November 5, 2020

Source: NHLPA

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