EA SPORTS NHL 25 Grudge Match Deep Dive Blog

Grudge Match Deep Dive Blog

By Mike Inglehart and David Pritchett - EA SPORTS NHL 25 Development Team

Now that you’ve gotten a peek at the brand-new Grudge Match system coming to Chel, we wanted to discuss this exciting new feature in detail as we approach puck drop with NHL 25.

With Grudge Match, you can establish new rivalries throughout a season in Franchise mode, EASHL, and HUT. Grudge Match also introduces dynamic new presentation elements that come to life before and during a rivalry matchup. On top of that, the results of those games can earn players in Grudge Match games X-Factors that turn up the heat on the action.

Alright, let’s get into it.

Grudge Match Inspiration

The inspiration for Grudge Match came from the history of rivalries that are a distinct part of the fabric of NHL history and how, on some nights, depending on your opponent, it’s not “just another game.” 

Those matchups are circled on the calendar because the history between teams means the emotion and stakes on the line ramp up the intensity and anticipation. Those are the emotional peaks and storylines we wanted to highlight in Chel to change the pace of how games play out over time.

Leveraging NHL Rivalries in Franchise, Season and BAP

Within our core offline modes, each NHL team will have a list of locked-in rivals that feed into the Grudge Match system throughout the season. From the Battle of Alberta (Oilers & Flames) to the Battle of the Hudson (Rangers & Devils), these rivalries will exist in the schedules from season to season, building on the relevant relationships between the teams from the modern-day NHL. Each NHL team will have at least one of these rivalries, with some of the more storied franchises having a wider collection based on their extensive history in the league.

Additionally, there is the ability to create new rivalries between teams based on how games play out throughout the season. Games receive a Grudge score based on a series of criteria to determine whether a new Grudge is warranted when a game between non-rivals is played. Aspects like the final score carry heavy weight as we wanted to ensure that the core logic of the system can translate between online and offline modes effectively, so don’t expect a 10-0 blowout resulting in a new Grudge. These new Grudges can also crumble over time, creating a dynamic and ever-changing state within modes where Grudge Match is featured. 

So expect to see new Grudge Match games pop up in your schedule throughout the Season or Franchise modes on top of the relative historical ones that will always be in play.

Building Grudges in EASHL & HUT RivalsWhile we have a distinct focus on bringing real-world known rivalries between NHL teams to life, we also wanted to expand the possibilities into our online connected modes with EASHL Clubs and HUT Rivals.

This means that players engaging in these competitive online modes will begin creating rivalries throughout the NHL 25 cycle. Relationships between teams that battle it out in close games will take shape, and when a Grudge Match surfaces against a known rival, you’ll have the chance to settle the score or pull ahead, altering the history and future of the matchup. As clubs and players come back year after year, history comes with you, so a Grudge 2-3 years from now will have more history, substance, and emotion.

Grudge Match Impact Players

Each Grudge Match will feature an Impact Player from each team. These players will receive Impact X-Factors based on their performances from the previous match-up, with their statistics playing a role in how the Impact Player designation is applied. Major events such as goals, assists, hits, takeaways, and blocks can all influence who will be the Impact Player. Goaltenders can also become Impact Players based on their relative performance. 

Impact X-Factors range between Offensive, Defensive, and Goaltending to create a variety of gameplay effects. It will be key to use your Impact Player effectively and be aware of the Impact Player on the other side as they can and will affect the game outcome.

Grudge Match Presentation

The Grudge Match presentation intro is designed to build up the intensity and emotion leading up to the game, establishing the history between the two teams in the pre-game experience. 

Once the action starts, a collection of supporting presentation components feeds the rivalry between the teams.

New coach reactions help bring life to peak moments of success and heartbreak as the game plays out. From seeing your bench boss celebrate a late go-ahead goal to disputing a bad penalty call in overtime, the coaches add a new level of emotion to every Grudge Match. 

Throughout the broadcast, collections of in-game Grudge Match player-specific insights will be presented, outlining key stories and statistics related to the history of the teams' matchups. 

The crowd plays a part as well. On home ice, fans in the stands will cheer notable hometown players or jeer when an opposing team villain touches the puck throughout a Grudge Match game. 

We can’t wait for everyone to get a chance to live out historical rivalries and build new ones in NHL 25. Grudge Match will be featured in Season, Franchise, Be a Pro, HUT Rivals, and EASHL Clubs. 

EA SPORTS NHL 25 will be available worldwide on Oct. 4, for PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. Get seven days early access starting on September 27 with the pre-order of the Deluxe Edition. Stay in the conversation by following NHL 25 on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.