NHL 27 is putting more emphasis on the differences between the league’s 32 teams. EA Vancouver says the arenas have been rebuilt to better reflect their real-world atmosphere, while team-specific playbooks are intended to make opponents feel less interchangeable.
NHL 27 gives all 32 teams their own identity
EA Vancouver has rebuilt all 32 arenas, added team-specific playbooks and introduced a new broadcast package for NHL 27 on PS5.
The presentation is also changing. A new broadcast package will frame matches with updated visuals and arena details, giving players more recognizable home-ice experiences throughout the season.
For players deciding whether to return this year, the most important change is the focus on identity: teams should look, sound and play more like their real counterparts rather than sharing one generic style.