With the playtest ending on NHL 24, EA has been able to gather lots of feedback on how the game feels, looks, and plays in anticipation of the launch of NHL 24 on October 6th. Hopefully you were one of the lucky ones who participated in the playtest and provided EA with your feedback on how the game can improve. If you missed out there's no need to worry, as EASPORTSNHL has announced some post-playtest feedback news that surprised gamers.
EASPORTSNHL tweeted out yesterday that there are certain changes they are officially announcing will occur in a post-launch update. They go on to say that these are just some of the improvements they're working towards with the feedback playtest participants have provided. This was a move that wasn't common in previous NHL playtests, as many of the replies are praising EA for actually taking the time to communicate with their fans. Now lets briefly talk about the two changes they're implementing.
Hybrid Controls Are Back
EA has officially announced that they will be adding Hybrid Control as an additional controller layout option, alongside the traditional Skill Stick and the new Total Control layouts. Now players will have the option to choose from one of the three controller layouts, allowing for more options for gamers. This was something many people had asked for as well, as having Hybrid Controls is a crucial aspect in making the game more accessible to everyone. This was a major thing that needed to be added back in, and we're glad to see EA bringing this back.
More Than 1 Goalie Controller Layout?
EA also announced that they're adding the option to use the standard Goalie Control system as well as the Goalie Tether control system in NHL 24. The Tether System was a system that a lot of goalie gamers we're struggling to adapt to, as many goalies complained that the stamina recovery was almost non existent, as well as how the system made them feel like they were "fighting themselves in net". This was another much needed fix, as giving goalies another way to play in net as they tweak the new system will give them much needed relief when playing one of the hardest positions in sports.
Overall, these changes are very well received by the community, as well as this new approach by EASPORTSNHL to be more open, more transparent, and a better communicator with its community. While we need to still wait and see on both if this new approach lasts, as well as how NHL 24 plays when launched, it's safe to say fans are happy that EA is actually trying to change things for the better.