NHL 16 developer EA Canada brought in die-hard fans of the series for feedback on the EA Sports Hockey League mode, and a new trailer from publisher Electronic Arts showcases that development process.
EA Canada has been hosting community events since this past spring for NHL 16, looking for critical input from playtesters on EASHL and other pieces of the game. EASHL was a fan-favorite mode that didn't make the transition to NHL 15 last year, but is returning in NHL 16 and is being shaped by fan feedback.
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NHL 16 developers told Polygon last week that notes from those playtesters influenced the new direction of EASHL — in particular, the elimination of player progression from the mode. For more details, check out our in-depth report on EASHL.
Interested parties who own NHL 15 will be able to try EASHL for themselves starting July 30, when EA launches a playable beta for the mode that will run through Aug. 6. The beta download is available through the main menu of NHL 15 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Beta access will also be available to all EA Access subscribers.
EA Canada will be running a livestream of the EASHL beta starting at 4 p.m. EDT tomorrow, July 29, on the series' Twitch channel. NHL 16 will be released Sept. 15 on PS4 and Xbox One.
