Electronic Arts, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, has announced plans to discontinue online multiplayer services for two of its hockey simulation titles, NHL 22 and NHL 23. The shutdown is scheduled for August 31, 2025, marking the end of an era for players who have invested countless hours building teams and competing online. This decision follows closely on the heels of EA’s recent move to terminate support for the Nintendo Switch version of Apex Legends in early August, signaling a broader pattern of the company streamlining its online service portfolio.
The Reality of Sports Game Lifecycles
The closure of online services for sports simulation games is a familiar occurrence in the gaming industry, particularly for annual franchises like EA’s NHL, FIFA (now EA Sports FC), and Madden series. These games typically operate on a yearly release cycle, with each new installment featuring updated rosters, improved graphics, and refined gameplay mechanics. As a result, the publisher gradually phases out support for older titles to encourage players to migrate to newer versions and to reduce the operational costs associated with maintaining multiple server infrastructures simultaneously.
NHL 22 was released in October 2021, introducing significant improvements to the game’s physics engine and player animations. NHL 23, which launched in October 2022, brought additional features including women’s national teams and cross-platform multiplayer capabilities. Both titles received generally positive reviews from fans and critics alike, though the series has faced ongoing criticism for incremental yearly changes that some players feel don’t justify annual purchases at full price.
Impact on the Gaming Community
The shutdown will affect several popular game modes that require online connectivity, including Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT), World of Chel, Online Versus, and various competitive leagues. Players who have invested real money into microtransactions and card packs in these modes will lose access to their purchases once the servers go offline. This raises ongoing concerns about digital ownership and the long-term value proposition of live-service gaming, issues that have become increasingly contentious within the gaming community.
Industry analysts note that Electronic Arts typically maintains online services for sports titles for approximately two to three years after release, which aligns with the timeline for NHL 22 and NHL 23. However, consumer advocacy groups have long argued that publishers should be required to provide longer support windows or release server software that would allow community-run servers to continue operating after official support ends. Some countries, including those in the European Union, are beginning to explore legislation that would address these concerns.
EA’s Broader Strategy and Future Outlook
Electronic Arts has been actively restructuring its online services portfolio as part of a company-wide initiative to focus resources on its most profitable and popular titles. The discontinuation of the Switch version of Apex Legends and the NHL server closures are part of this optimization strategy. The company continues to invest heavily in its flagship franchises, with NHL 25, released in October 2024, representing the current iteration that EA hopes players will transition to following the older games’ shutdown.
For affected players, EA has recommended completing any remaining online objectives and spending accumulated in-game currency before the August 31 deadline. Single-player modes, including Franchise Mode and Be A Pro, will continue to function after the server shutdown, though any features requiring online connectivity will become permanently unavailable. Players seeking to continue their online hockey gaming experience are encouraged to consider upgrading to NHL 25 or waiting for the upcoming NHL 26, which is expected to launch later this year.
Expert Opinion: The shutdown of NHL 22 and NHL 23 online services reflects an unavoidable reality of the annual sports game business model, where maintaining legacy servers becomes economically unfeasible. However, the industry may soon face regulatory pressure to extend support windows or provide alternative solutions as consumer protection laws evolve. Companies that proactively address player ownership concerns could gain significant competitive advantages in an increasingly scrutinized marketplace.
