As the anticipation for NHL 25 builds, one question has been on the minds of many fans: Will the game finally make its debut on PC? Unfortunately, the answer, once again, is no. Despite the hopes of PC gaming enthusiasts, NHL 25 will not be launching on PC, continuing a long-standing trend that has left many hockey fans feeling frustrated and sidelined.
The Platform Announcement
In a recent press release from Electronic Arts (EA), the list of platforms for NHL 25 was finally unveiled. The game will be available on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, with no mention of a PC release. This news, though expected by many, still stings for a significant portion of the gaming community that has been eager to see the NHL franchise expand to their preferred platform.
According to EA, NHL 25 is set for release on October 4, 2024. Developed by EA Vancouver and EA Bucharest, the game will showcase the Hughes brothers as the cover athletes, a nod to their rising stardom in the NHL. However, for PC gamers, this announcement is overshadowed by the continuing absence of a PC version.
A Missed Opportunity
The omission of NHL 25 from the PC gaming market is not just a disappointment for fans but also a missed opportunity for EA. The success of other EA Sports franchises like Madden and FC on PC demonstrates that there is a viable market for sports games on this platform. While the NHL franchise may not have the same level of global popularity as football or soccer, there is still a dedicated and eager player base that would welcome the game on PC.
Every year, the absence of an NHL title on PC results in missed sales and alienated fans. Many potential players who would otherwise purchase the game are left out, simply because they don’t own a console. This has led to a growing sentiment of frustration within the community, with some feeling that EA is neglecting a portion of its audience.
Read also: NHL 25: Release Date, Cover Stars, and Exciting New Features
The Future of NHL on PC
Given the current landscape, it seems unlikely that EA will change its stance on bringing the NHL series to PC anytime soon. The company has shown little interest in expanding the franchise to new platforms, focusing instead on maintaining its presence on consoles. This approach may make sense from a business perspective, considering the smaller market size of NHL compared to other sports titles. However, it also means that EA is missing out on the chance to grow the NHL franchise and tap into a potentially lucrative market.
For now, PC gamers who are passionate about hockey will have to continue waiting—and hoping—that someday, EA will recognize the demand for NHL on their platform. Until then, they will remain on the sidelines, watching as console players enjoy the latest iteration of the game.
The release of NHL 25 marks yet another year of disappointment for PC gamers who have been eagerly waiting for the franchise to make its debut on their platform. While the game promises new features and an exciting experience for console players, the lack of a PC version leaves many fans feeling left out. As the NHL franchise continues to evolve, one can only hope that EA will eventually see the value in expanding its reach to include PC gamers. Until then, the wait continues.
