How NHL 25 uses ICE-Q intelligence to make on-ice gameplay more realistic

EA has pulled back the curtains on NHL 25, highlighting its new ICE-Q technology. With the tagline “Hockey like no other,” EA aims to provide players with a more refined experience on current-gen systems. NHL 25’s ICE-Q technology covers three major pillars that will improve core gameplay this year, including next-gen vision control, enhanced AI, and highly reactive actions.

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NHL’s Next-Gen Vision Control Improves Skating Mobility

Fans should find the ICE-Q more mobility and expression on the ice.

According to EA, next-gen vision control will allow players to walk the much-anticipated blue line and execute precise turns. This feature set for ICE-Q will also allow players to face the puck carrier head-on on the ice, and we can expect some goal-scoring capabilities on offense. Enhanced agility should also allow for more expression on the ice while playing.

“The new ICE-Q gameplay system delivers a fundamental change to how players experience the game, with its deep intelligence giving players complete control over the ice,” said Mike Englehart, Senior Game Design Director, EA Vancouver. “Hockey has never been more different, and in NHL 25 we’re taking inspiration from more realistic experiences, greater team rivalries and the sport’s next generation of superstars who continue to redefine the game.”

ICE-Q also focuses on attention to detail, such as backhand and forehand skills during gameplay, using performance capture technology to further enhance and modernize the look and feel of skating while playing NHL 25. With each new installment building on the foundations of its predecessor, it seems like EA is really focusing on the details of this title.

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NHL 25 gives CPU players advanced intelligence

AI improvements will allow CPU players to better understand their position on the ice.

EA

The newly improved AI will also be able to take advantage of new on-ice features provided by ICE-Q. This year’s entry will allow CPU players to execute authentic plays using updated playbooks designed by EA, which are said to improve power play and overall positioning and offensive play on the ice. Some of the feedback players have provided to EA in the past has been a desire to give CPU players better awareness of the positions of real players on the ice, and it looks like EA is listening.

EA is using the new AI foundation to overhaul the CPU player experience and iron out bugs. For example, CPU players now know where they need to be to execute offensive plays more effectively. Additionally, they have been given improved ability to spread the ice and get closer to weak spots, allowing players to help their CPU teammates score.

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Reactive actions and skill-based one-time actions make gameplay interesting

NHL 25 is expected to feature a high degree of realism with reactive actions while skating

EA

Reactive actions are sure to excite many players this year. Those looking to take to the ice in NHL 25 should take note of the new animation set this year. EA says that 250 new animations have been created to make skaters more responsive. With lifelike visual responses, players can benefit from panic turns and the ability to quickly change direction in pressure moments. The focus has shifted to dodging, allowing players to better understand their position on the ice.

Additionally, players can read the offensive zone to find open teammates and take one-time shots with unique visual and audio cues. These skill-based one-time shots bring a fun new dimension to offensive and defensive strategies. Players are judged on their skills by the chances they score during pressure plays. If players deliver the puck at just the right time, they have the chance to score an unexpected goal that will thrill the crowd and bring opponents to their knees and defeat them.

This is just a taste of what’s coming in NHL 25. EA says we’ll know more about shared progression in World of Chel (WOC) and HUT as the October 4 launch draws closer.

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