NHL 15 News Post

No EASHL, GM Connected, OTP, or Live The Life in NHL 15 on XB1/PS4 (Interview)

06:57 PM - August 19, 2014 by RaychelSnr

It’s official: EASHL, GM Connected, OTP, and Live the Life will not be in NHL 15.

The modes which will be in the game, will include play now, Be A Pro, Be a GM, Online Vs, Hockey Ultimate Team, and NHL Moments Live. The plan, as of right now, is to deliver Online Team Play via a patch after launch.

We sat down with Producer Sean Ramjagsingh to discuss why those modes were not included and to talk about the modes which are in the game. The discussion also turns to how to the team deals with community reactions and plans for the future of the franchise, which admittedly are quite exciting. See for yourself after the jump!

Read More - No EASHL, GM Connected, OTP, or Live The Life in NHL 15 (Interview with Sean Ramjagsingh)

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Member Comments

# 181 juice2142 @ 08/20/14 01:45 PM

also, what the guys said above. make them walk the walk and put in OTP before purchasing. This will be a $40 game by Xmas if sales are as down as I am expecting.

# 182 Madwolf @ 08/20/14 01:55 PM

I definitely think the game should have a price reduction given the lack of important features.

For me I'm going to buy the game, because I've always gotten the most enjoyment out of BaGM Offline and Connected.

It is however, incredibly disappointing to see that BaGM connected isn't in, because I was really looking forward to playing the game with my friends this year, and now that's obviously not going to happen, which makes me incredibly sad. I hope we can have multiple teams in Offline BaGM so I can play when my buddy comes over.

Losing EASHL REALLY hurts. I was stoked to play it this year, and it's probably the biggest disappointment for me in this whole process.

It all hurts worse knowing that HUT is in. It's hard to convince myself that HUT didn't get in just because it makes money post release.

# 183 Inhocmark @ 08/20/14 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madwolf


	I definitely think the game should have a price reduction given the lack of important features. For me I'm going to buy the game, because I've always gotten the most enjoyment out of BaGM Offline and Connected. It is however, incredibly disappointing to see that BaGM connected isn't in, because I was really looking forward to playing the game with my friends this year, and now that's obviously not going to happen, which makes me incredibly sad. I hope we can have multiple teams in Offline BaGM so I can play when my buddy comes over. Losing EASHL REALLY hurts. I was stoked to play it this year, and it's probably the biggest disappointment for me in this whole process. It all hurts worse knowing that HUT is in. It's hard to convince myself that HUT didn't get in just because it makes money post release.

I actually find the reasoning on HUT credible. It's really a skin of a default mode whereas OTP/EASHL is a different experience. What I don't get is that FIFA was able to incorporate their version directly into 14. Both games are built on the same campus. So why was the experience that the FIFA team had last season not shared with the NHL team? I get that ultimately the NHL team is going to have a lot less resources than the FIFA team but still...For a generation of console whose main raison d'etre is social gaming and online play, this seems like a cardinal sin.

# 184 kerosene31 @ 08/20/14 02:07 PM

I've bought every NHL game at launch since 07. Actually other than a few of the years before 7 I've bought the game since it existed.

I am definitely skipping this year. I only played a little EASHL and online GM, but I'm still not buying.

The NHL series went downhill as soon as the competition was gone. That's just the sad truth. Fifa still ends up getting improvements every year. Funny how that is the only game that has competition.

Sadly I will still buy Fifa this year most likely.

What offends me most is the lousy excuses for cutting these features. I love how "nobody played online GM"... year because it was horribly buggy. Fix it and people might play more. That was a great mode as you know who your online opponents will be and don't have to deal with the masses.

Also I wouldn't buy the game just so they don't cut down on the hockey dev team for next year. When Tiger Woods golf started going south they took a year off and hopefully will come back with a much improved game.

The whole push for Ultimate Team in games is terrible. Pay to win schemes are horrible. You either have to play hundreds of hours or pay through the nose to be good.

# 185 thejudicata @ 08/20/14 02:22 PM

Pre-Order cancelled.

I can't believe it. NHL 14 wasn't on next gen so that they allegedly could have more time to prepare NHL 15, and now 20 days before release they announce EASHL isn't in it?

I honestly can't remember a more BS move of any game I've been eagerly waiting for. Its one thing to not have it, but its a different animal when you basically take an extra year for next-gen development, and hold back the announcement 20 days before release.

I still want NHL 15, but **** if they aren't going to listen to their fan base I feel a point of pride to refuse to buy the game.

Disgusting on EA's part.....

# 186 Sip_16 @ 08/20/14 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thejudicata


	Pre-Order cancelled. I can't believe it. NHL 14 wasn't on next gen so that they allegedly could have more time to prepare NHL 15, and now 20 days before release they announce EASHL isn't in it? I honestly can't remember a more BS move of any game I've been eagerly waiting for. Its one thing to not have it, but its a different animal when you basically take an extra year for next-gen development, and hold back the announcement 20 days before release. I still want NHL 15, but **** if they aren't going to listen to their fan base I feel a point of pride to refuse to buy the game. Disgusting on EA's part.....

This is what I don't understand with all the complaining of EASHL not being included. I get they took the extra year, I get other games have brought over all modes to next gen, but unless people have actually worked to create a video game (which I haven't) how do you know it was that easy to put into the game? People seem to think EA is leaving it out on purpose? Clearly that would be a dumb move considering the out rage.

I agree it is frustrating and only have a PS4 now, I can't play EASHL this year (casual player, lots of OTP) but to just point out how it should be in or they had so much time or spent it doing something else, all I have to say is How do you know?

# 187 bigwill33 @ 08/20/14 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sip_16


	This is what I don't understand with all the complaining of EASHL not being included. I get they took the extra year, I get other games have brought over all modes to next gen, but unless people have actually worked to create a video game (which I haven't) how do you know it was that easy to put into the game? People seem to think EA is leaving it out on purpose? Clearly that would be a dumb move considering the out rage. I agree it is frustrating and only have a PS4 now, I can't play EASHL this year (casual player, lots of OTP) but to just point out how it should be in or they had so much time or spent it doing something else, all I have to say is How do you know?

I don't think that any of us are saying it is easy. And we also wouldn't want it to be in the game and be buggy. But I think the major issue you are seeing is that EA didn't release 14 on the next gen consoles and their stance was because they wanted to deliver a complete experience and take their time to do it correctly. Here we are a year later and the game is finally coming out and we hear that we are getting a stripped down version.

On top of all of that we have this dropped in our laps just a mere two weeks before the game is available. The lack of communication and info about a video game title release in this day and age is unsettling and if you have been on top of everything going on then you know how messy this all has been handled. Where are the gameplay videos? Look how weirdly this game has been marketed. This is a first attempt on a new gen console and we have been left in the dark so much. That is why people feel hurt or betrayed.

I think we believe them, or most of us do for the most part, when they state that they didn't have enough time. But why? We don't know their inner workings, timelines, and develop cycle plans. All we know is that most sports games are entering year 2 and are fully featured when NHL is entering year 1 and is half featured. You can see the disconnect there, I would hope.

Some of us are speaking from the heart and not the brain, sure. Some of us are still seeing red and posting which is always dangerous and runs the risk of speaking in generality and rhetoric. But the majority of us just want answers. We just want to know why. Why does this game fail to deliver what so many others do? Why does this development team seem to keep coming up short of what is expected or planned? When will we finally have what we have come to know and when can we finally expect improvements to those modes.

Sure, in the grand scheme of things this is all very unimportant and should be kept in perspective, but accountability and professionalism is a standard in business today and at the end of the day that is all that people are seeking here. Some just don't go about it in a great way and unfortunately those are often the ones that get heard the most just because they made the most noise. But in this instance, the masses are upset for a change. And where there is smoke there is fire and asking questions and demanding answers is actually getting results.

# 188 ricky24 @ 08/20/14 04:01 PM

It was in the game the last 6 years. Are we supposed to believe it was impossible to include on a more powerful system?

# 189 Sip_16 @ 08/20/14 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigwill33


	I don't think that any of us are saying it is easy. And we also wouldn't want it to be in the game and be buggy. But I think the major issue you are seeing is that EA didn't release 14 on the next gen consoles and their stance was because they wanted to deliver a complete experience and take their time to do it correctly. Here we are a year later and the game is finally coming out and we hear that we are getting a stripped down version. Sure, in the grand scheme of things this is all very unimportant and should be kept in perspective, but accountability and professionalism is a standard in business today and at the end of the day that is all that people are seeking here. Some just don't go about it in a great way and unfortunately those are often the ones that get heard the most just because they made the most noise. But in this instance, the masses are upset for a change. And where there is smoke there is fire and asking questions and demanding answers is actually getting results.

I don't disagree with you because we don't know the inner workings and a lot of people seem to understand that. My only guess is their team is because their team is that much smaller compared to say FIFA or Madden that even with the extra time, it wasn't able to be completed.

You are right when just the angrier or ones who don't think it through much just put those feelings on the forum, and I get that. It sucks it isn't there, it sucks when certain things aren't improved or added on. I am just pumped for it regardless since I haven't played NHL since i sold my PS3 months ago and need my fix.

# 190 PJStock42 @ 08/20/14 04:49 PM

Who else is excited for next year's marketing blitz:

EA Sports NHL 16 with new EASHL mode!

# 191 PJStock42 @ 08/20/14 04:51 PM

This is like Toyota removing airbags from the Camry then releasing the 'All new 2016 Camry, now with airbags!'.

# 192 ricky24 @ 08/20/14 04:51 PM

You ask for it now you got it! And we built it from the bottom up. Eashl in NHL 16.

# 193 Shaffer26 @ 08/20/14 05:11 PM

This news has caused me to just stay away from this year's game(with exception to the occasional rent) as I was a most definite buy before news broke.

# 194 ricky24 @ 08/20/14 05:13 PM

I'll pick this up when it's 20 bucks on amazon. I'm guessing I'll have it around the holidays.

# 195 TDKing @ 08/20/14 05:15 PM

Seems to me they weren't prepared for next gen and bad decisions were made by the project manager. Deadlines were not met and he needs to be replaced! Sorry but that's just business. Fail

# 196 jbd345 @ 08/20/14 05:23 PM

They waited a year for this??? I'll be buying regardless since I've skipped out on '12 '13 and '14, but they could have just released this last year and the backlash probably wouldn't be as bad because of the shortened development period for sports games last year. It's honestly looking like they just took the year off and focused on presentation. I'll admit looks good, but that's not even half the game.

# 197 thejudicata @ 08/20/14 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sip_16


	This is what I don't understand with all the complaining of EASHL not being included. I get they took the extra year, I get other games have brought over all modes to next gen, but unless people have actually worked to create a video game (which I haven't) how do you know it was that easy to put into the game? People seem to think EA is leaving it out on purpose? Clearly that would be a dumb move considering the out rage. I agree it is frustrating and only have a PS4 now, I can't play EASHL this year (casual player, lots of OTP) but to just point out how it should be in or they had so much time or spent it doing something else, all I have to say is How do you know?

No I've never made a video game, but to think one has to make a video game in order to have credibility criticizing the video game is IMO crazy.

As has been pointed out, other EA sports games ported to next gen systems LAST YEAR without loss of games modes. NHL had an extra year and dropped the game mode I spend 90% of my time in.

Further, if you don't think EA had a manipulative and deceptive action in holding back this news until 20 days before release, I think its the equivalent of sticking your head in the sand. They only made an announcement after quite a bit of fan complaints. Without fan complaints, I doubt they would have even the common courtesy to inform fans prior to release EASHL mode is dropped.

As has been pointed out by one of the authors on this website, the problem isn't just the dropping of EASHL, but its how EA treats a very loyal and hardcore fan base, and handles their release of information.

I play EASHL and pre-order every year, and they just lost my business along with a lot of other loyal customers.

Yes EA is a business, and it probably was a business decision to not spend money on a larger development team to get EASHL into the game. Well then I'm not spending my money on your product. Just because its a business doesn't mean every penny saving move is a good and sound decision.

If I order a BLT sandwich and I'm given it without the bacon to save the Deli money, am I going to be a happy customer? Nope.

# 198 JimmyDeicide @ 08/20/14 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sip_16


	This is what I don't understand with all the complaining of EASHL not being included. I get they took the extra year, I get other games have brought over all modes to next gen, but unless people have actually worked to create a video game (which I haven't) how do you know it was that easy to put into the game? People seem to think EA is leaving it out on purpose? Clearly that would be a dumb move considering the out rage. I agree it is frustrating and only have a PS4 now, I can't play EASHL this year (casual player, lots of OTP) but to just point out how it should be in or they had so much time or spent it doing something else, all I have to say is How do you know?

But they have had 2 years to figure it out no? When did they figure out hey this is tougher than we thought? When the Fifa guys gave them the heads up?
Someone has dropped the ball over there clearly as Eashl is the 2nd biggest earner next to hut.

# 199 kerosene31 @ 08/20/14 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sip_16


	This is what I don't understand with all the complaining of EASHL not being included. I get they took the extra year, I get other games have brought over all modes to next gen, but unless people have actually worked to create a video game (which I haven't) how do you know it was that easy to put into the game? People seem to think EA is leaving it out on purpose? Clearly that would be a dumb move considering the out rage. I agree it is frustrating and only have a PS4 now, I can't play EASHL this year (casual player, lots of OTP) but to just point out how it should be in or they had so much time or spent it doing something else, all I have to say is How do you know?

Obviously part of it must have been EA not giving the dev team enough resources.

The problem is their excuses don't add up. If they can patch in OTP, why not EASHL?

As a few others have said, this will be a highly touted feature in NHL 16.

They claim that they re-did much of the game. I'll believe it when people actually get their hands on the game. Every year they claim to re-do the AI system and it barely changes.

They could prove me wrong and the gameplay could be completely new, but obviously people get where much of the cynicism comes from.

# 200 13whitebread @ 08/20/14 07:21 PM

Plus rammer picks and chooses what questions he wants on the other thread what a debacle of epic proportions. Shameful a company that was voted worst company last year can actually top itself. No competition means what we are getting........ A lot of less!

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No EASHL, GM Connected, OTP, or Live The Life in NHL 15 on XB1/PS4 (Interview)