NHL Video Game Series
A series of ice hockey simulators based on the license of the largest American hockey league. The brand is owned by Electronic Arts, and the development is handled by EA Canada studio.
NHL is among the oldest and longest-developed sports series in the video games history. Its origins date back to 1991 and NHL Hockey released for the Sega Mega Drive console. Since then, subsequent installments of the series have been released at regular one-year intervals in versions available on the most popular platforms. There are also sporadically released spin-offs (e.g. 3 on 3 NHL Arcade and NHL Slapshot).
Since its beginning, the series has been officially licensed by the National Hockey League. This allows developers from EA Canada to use authentic team names and symbols, as well as player names and likenesses. For many years, being featured on the cover of a game has been considered a very prestigious honor.
Following the example of other sports series developed by EA Canada studio (e.g. FIFA), gameplay in the NHL games is a combination of simulation, arcade and strategic elements. Players can not only control the actions of the athletes on the ice, but also set the team's strategy and even take care of the players' career development. Newer games also feature an expanded multiplayer mode, community features and an extensive statistical database.
The NHL games are generally characterized by good audiovisuals. The presentation of events on virtual rinks resembles television broadcasts, with real-life commentators (such as Craig Simpson, Don Taylor and Bill Clement). The developers have adopted an evolutionary model for the development of the series, which means that its successive installments are not significantly different from each other, although each contains at least a few new elements or technical improvements.
NHL Series Evolution
2025
NHL 26
2024
NHL 25
2023
NHL 24
2022
NHL 23
2021
NHL 22
2020
NHL 21
2019
NHL 20
2018
NHL 19
2017
NHL 18
2016
NHL 17
2015
NHL 16
2014
NHL 15
2013
NHL 14
2012
NHL 13
2011
NHL 12
2010
NHL 11
2009
NHL 10
2008
NHL 09
2007
NHL 08
2006
NHL 07
2005
NHL 06
2004
NHL 2005
2003
NHL 2004
2002
NHL 2003
2001
NHL 2002
2000
NHL 2001
1996
NHL Hockey 96
NHL 26
September 12, 2025
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
The thirty-fifth installment of the hockey sports series, published by Electronic Arts. NHL 26 offers various innovations, including an ICE-Q 2.0 system, an improved Be a Pro mode, a HUT Season mode and the X-Factors feature with 28 different skills.
OpenCritic
NHL 25
October 4, 2024
Sports, EA Play, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
Another entry in the popular hockey game series, developed by EA Sports. NHL 25 offers a number of changes, including much better animations of the players and a greatly improved artifical intelligence, making them more skilled on the hockey field.
OpenCritic
NHL 24
October 6, 2023
Sports, EA Play, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
The thirty-third installment in a series of hockey sports games. NHL 24 features improved physics, animations, cross-platform functionality and the new Exhaust Engine, which makes gameplay feel more fresh.
Users
NHL 23
October 14, 2022
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
Another installment of the popular series about ice hockey, developed by EA Sports. NHL 23 focuses on developing elements familiar to players rather than revolutionizing gameplay relative to previous installments.
Users
NHL 22
October 15, 2021
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Singleplayer, EA Play.
The sequel to the popular sports game series about hockey from EA Sports studio. Developed on the Frostbite engine, NHL 22 delivers improved gameplay quality with new eye animation and refined images of real National Hockey League players.
Gamepressure
Users
NHL 21
October 16, 2020
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
NHL 21 is the next installment of the popular sports cycle from the EA Sports studio, associated with the discipline of ice hockey. Traditionally, we receive a large dose of realism and the opportunity to lead players and teams known from the real world.
Users
NHL 20
September 13, 2019
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
The next installment of the popular hockey simulator series. In this production we lead licensed and realistic teams and players, known from the American NHL league. Like all previous editions, the title was created by EA Sports studio.
Users
NHL 19
September 14, 2018
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
Another part of the popular series of hockey simulators, in which we manage licensed and realistic teams and players. Like all previous parts, NHL 19 was created by EA Sports studio.
Users
NHL 18
September 15, 2017
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
NHL 18 is another installment in the sports game series developed by EA Sports – a division of Electronic Arts. The gameplay revolves around the same mechanics as the previous installments, trying to faithfully represent ice hockey games; however, the developers implemented some major changes. One of them is the Defensive Skill Stick system, ensuring better control over a player and the hockey stick during defensive maneuvers. Opponents have a wider range of available moves making the game smoother. Also, the AI poses a bigger challenge – from now on, our teammates are better at taking positions and defensive actions, while the AI players are more difficult to defeat. Moreover, NHL 18 introduces the 3 vs 3 mode with slightly different rules – with fewer players on the field, one has more space to execute maneuvers on the ice. The game also allows us to play more conventional modes, such as PvP and both local and online co-op.
Users
NHL 17
September 13, 2016
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
Another installment in a series of popular sports games devoted to ice hockey and developed by EA Sports since the middle 90s. In terms of the mechanics, NHL 17 does not bring any significant changes to what the players have experienced before. However, the game brings several novelties and upgrades as usual. The creators mainly enhanced the AI of the goalkeepers, improved the physics affecting the hockey players during close encounters, modified the systems of passes and spins, as well as added several new celebrations. For the first time in the series, the player can take part in world competitions with national teams competing for the victory (International Tournament Mode). The list of gameplay variants available is complemented by modes the fans are already familiar with, such as Draft Champions or Franchise Mode - the latter features an extensive "Be a GM" component. Interestingly, NHL 17 features Arena Creator as well, which allows us to create the ice hockey rink of our dreams.
Users
NHL 16
September 15, 2015
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
The next full-fledged installment in one of the most popular sports franchises devoted to ice-hockey. Released for the eight-gen consoles, the game as usual offers the full license of the American-Canadian, National Hockey League, as well as a wide set of different game modes. Above all, one will find here the "Be a GM" mode, in which, the player is required to gather hockey players for the team in such a way that the relations between the players do not affect their performance negatively. Apart from that, the game brings the traditional "Be a Pro" career mode, which now has a different system of progression, the multiplayer EA SPORTS Hockey League mode, as well as Hockey Ultimate Team - a mode modeled after an equivalent from the FIFA series. In terms of mechanics, NHL 16 does not bring any significant differences to the gameplay formula developed by the previous titles. However, one has more control over their hockey players now. Additionally, new kinds of training sessions were added and the visuals were improved.
Users
NHL Legacy Edition
September 15, 2015
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
A special edition of a popular hockey series from EA Sports. NHL Legacy Edition offers the most popular single and multiplayer modes, as well as interesting additions from the past nine years. As a result, the players can start a developed career mode called Be a Pro, or try different additions such as Be a GM, EA SPORTS Hockey League, Online Team Play, or a special NHL 94 Anniversary Mode. As always, the gameplay follows your chosen team, not only during matches, but also on a management level or while setting up tactics and customizing them along the way. The squads are up to date for the 2015-16 season, while the game boasts the official license of NHL, but that didn’t stop the developers from introducing seven additional hockey leagues.
Users
NHL 15
September 9, 2014
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
Another annual edition of the popular sports series based on the license of the American-Canadian Professional Hockey League. The new installment of one of the flagship brands of the Canadian giant EA Sports, allows you once again to taste the real hockey excitement, choosing one of a number of game modes designed to play alone or in multiplayer. The biggest changes were introduced this time mainly at the technical level, thanks to the use of a new, realistic physics engine that controls the behavior of players and the puck.
Users
NHL 14
September 10, 2013
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
The next installment of a sport game about ice hockey. The creators decided to increase production realism once again, using solutions used in other Electronic Arts games - FIFA and Fight Night. Among other things, the collision and combat system has been improved.
Users
NHL 13
September 11, 2012
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, Singleplayer, Winter Sports.
The next installment of the popular series of ice hockey simulators by EA Sports studio. This time, celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the cycle on the market, the creators focused on improving the realism of the physical engine, expanding the tactical aspects and enriching multiplayer gameplay.
NHL 12
September 9, 2011
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, LAN, Multiplayer, Singleplayer.
The NHL 12 is another game from the sports series based on the licence of the world's most famous hockey league. Developers tried to make the clashes on the ice rinks more spectacular and visually attractive this time.
Users
NHL 11
September 7, 2010
Sports, Ice Hockey, Multiplayer, Singleplayer.
The next installment of the series simulating hockey games. Thanks to the use of the official NHL license we get familiar from reality clubs and ice rinks, which are used by famous players. More than 200 improvements in gameplay mechanics have been made, including improvements in body play. This makes the course of the matches much more realistic.
Users
NHL 10
September 15, 2009
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, LAN, Multiplayer, Singleplayer.
The NHL 10 is another part of one of the most popular hockey series. Apart from the updated teams of NHL and AHL, the authors have also introduced a lot of changes to the gameplay mechanisms. The most important is the FPP mode when fighting with other players. The new physical engine provides increased realism in the matches.
Users
NHL 09
September 9, 2008
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, LAN, Multiplayer, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
NHL 09 is the next installment of one of Electronic Arts' series of sports games, in this case, as the name suggests, dedicated to ice hockey, namely the North American professional NHL.
Users
NHL 08
September 11, 2007
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, Multiplayer, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
NHL 08 is the next edition of an extensive hockey simulator, treating the most professional league of this sport, i.e. North American NHL. Subsequent editions of the series appear every year, and their development is handled by EA Sports, a branch of Electronic Arts, which also has such positions as FIFA or Madden NFL 07.
Users
NHL 07
September 12, 2006
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, LAN, Multiplayer, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
The NHL 07 is a hockey simulator, which deals with the most professional and best hockey league in the world - the North American NHL. All subsequent parts of the series underwent a more or less serious renovation every year, offering a number of new features and an updated database of teams and players. It is no different this time, either.
Users
NHL 06
September 6, 2005
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, LAN, Multiplayer, Singleplayer.
NHL 06 is a sports game prepared by EA Canada development studio, in which players have the opportunity to take part in the matches of the American ice hockey league played in the season 2004/2005. Compared to previous editions of the series, the developers introduced a number of new games and player movements, as well as improved the quality of the visual setting.
Users
NHL 2005
September 14, 2004
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, LAN, Multiplayer, Singleplayer.
NHL 2005 is the next installment of by far the most popular series of realistic ice hockey games, officially licensed by the professional American-Canadian NHL (National Hockey League).
Users
NHL 2004
September 22, 2003
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, LAN, Multiplayer, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
Another developmental version of the famous hockey series was launched by Electronic Arts Inc. in 1994. Traditionally, the authors made every effort to make the game as close to reality as possible.
Users
NHL 2003
October 1, 2002
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, Basketball, LAN, Multiplayer, Singleplayer.
NHL 2003 is another edition of EA Sports hockey simulation. Again, we can participate in the NHL, the most elite hockey league in the world. This time all clubs from the 2003 season were included in the game.
Users
NHL 2002
September 19, 2001
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, LAN, Multiplayer, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
The new adaptation of the well-known NHL sports series includes all licensed NHL league teams in the 2002 season and an increased number of game modes with the ability to view post-match shortcuts with a professional comet player.
Users
NHL 2001
September 27, 2000
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, LAN, Multiplayer, Splitscreen, Singleplayer.
Edition of the 2001 edition of one series simulating hockey games. Thanks to the use of an official license, the game boasts a representation of all real teams and NHL players. Compared to previous releases, the gameplay realism and network options have been enhanced.
Users
Expansion Packs:
- Elitserien 2001 March 8, 2001
NHL 2000
September 15, 1999
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, LAN, Multiplayer, Singleplayer.
Updated version of the great NHL hockey league sport game. Take care of the whole team and win the league championship in subsequent matches.
Users
NHL 99
October 21, 1998
Sports, Ice Hockey, Internet, LAN, Multiplayer, Singleplayer.
This is another version of the flagship sport game Electronic Arts with the American hockey league NHL, giving us a unique opportunity to confront the best players in this sport on the cold surface.
Users
NHL Hockey 96
July 9, 1996
Sports, Ice Hockey, Singleplayer.
Another representative of EA Sports hockey game series, which was launched in 1993. Compared to the original, this edition of NHL Hockey is characterized by a completely innovative approach to simulating one of the most spectacular winter sports.
Users
NHL Hockey 95
August 13, 1994
Sports, Ice Hockey, Multiplayer, Singleplayer.
A representative of a popular series of sports games dealing with ice hockey. The most serious improvement of the 95 edition concerns the addition of a full season.
Users
NHL Series News
NHL 26 has a release date. Electronic Arts sees the game's success in 4 new features
On the occasion of the announcement of NHL 26, we learned about the game's release date, target platforms, and key new features.
video games
August 7, 2025
NHL 24 Release Date and First Gameplay Trailer
EA Sports has revealed the first details about NHL 24, including the game's release date. A gameplay trailer was also shown.
video games
August 17, 2023
EA Removes Russian Teams From FIFA 22 and NHL 22
EA has announced that the Russian national team and all teams originating from that country will be removed from FIFA 22, FIFA Mobile, FIFA Online and NHL 22.
video games
March 2, 2022
Ultimate Team Modes Bring EA $3k Per Minute
Ultimate Team packs continue to bring Electronic Arts huge money. According to the company's financial report, last year alone the revenue from lootboxes in sports series like FIFA amounted to more than one and a half billion dollars.
video games
May 28, 2021
EA Sued Again, This Time Concerning Changes in FUT's Difficulty
There have been reports of another suit against Electronic Arts in connection with the Ultimate Team mode. This time the company has been accused of not informing players about the Dynamic Difficulty Level Adjustment system, which is supposed to encourage the use of microtransactions in FIFA, Madden NFL and NHL games.
video games
November 12, 2020