SIM v ARCADE

The world of modern sports video games can be broadly categorized into two distinct, yet sometimes overlapping, styles of gameplay: simulation and arcade. While both genres aim to capture the essence of a sport, they do so with vastly different philosophies regarding realism, accessibility, and the overall player experience.

To fully understand the scope of developing a roadmap for a fully immersive hockey simulation, we must first thoroughly define where the line is drawn between a full sim and an arcade style video game as there are some universal similarities between the two.

For example, in terms of player movement, the user sends an input and that signal registers an animation. This is the same basic concept in all movement-based video games. However, the length of that animation, which is a moment in gameplay where the user has zero control over the character until that animation plays out, is a determining factor as to whether the gameplay is considered simulation or arcade. If the animation is relatively short or the user remains in control and can cancel the animation or make modifications to it as it plays out, that is considered more simulation as it is akin to a real-world action. If the animation is long, forcing the user to wait until it is completed without the ability to cancel or modify the action it is widely considered to be more arcade-like.

And player movement is just the tip of the iceberg.

Simulation Gameplay : The Pursuit of Authenticity

Simulation-style sports games are designed to replicate the real-world sport as accurately as possible. The primary goal is to provide a deep, authentic, and challenging experience that rewards strategic thinking, technical skill, and a deep understanding of the sport's rules and nuances.

Key Characteristics of Simulation Gameplay

Realistic Physics and Controls

Simulation games meticulously model real-world physics. The puck's trajectory, the impact of a hit, and a skater's speed and mobility are all governed by complex, true-to-life physics engines. Controls are often intricate, requiring precise timing and multiple button combinations to execute moves that would be difficult in real life, such as a specific type of pass, a nuanced shot, or a complex defensive maneuver.

Adherence to Rules and Statistics

The rules of the real-life sport are strictly enforced. Fouls, penalties, and injuries are common occurrences that impact gameplay. Player ratings and statistics are a crucial element, influencing every aspect of their performance, from speed and strength to accuracy and endurance. A goaltender will be able to anticipate a play and make more saves more often, and a star forward will be a better shooter than a defender.

Strategic Depth

Success in a simulation game depends heavily on strategy and tactics. Players must manage their team, plan their plays, and make in-game adjustments based on factors like player fatigue, momentum, and the opponent's strategy. This often includes complex menus for managing player rosters, drafting new talent, and handling salary caps or budgets. Custom playbooks and in-game formations based on real-life data are core components.

Emphasis on Realism and Presentation

The visual and audio presentation of simulation games are designed to mirror a real-life sports broadcast. This includes photorealistic player models, accurately rendered stadiums, and dynamic camera angles. Play-by-play commentary and expert analysis are typically standard, often featuring the voices of real-life sportscasters to enhance the immersive experience.

Steep Learning Curve

The complexity and realism of simulation games mean they have a steep learning curve.Mastering the game's mechanics, controls, and strategic elements can take a significant investment of time and practice. This can be a barrier for casual players but is highly rewarding for dedicated fans who enjoy the depth and challenge.

Arcade Gameplay: The Focus on Fun and Accessibility

Arcade-style sports games prioritize immediate fun, exaggerated action, and accessibility over realism. The rules are simplified, the physics are often over-the-top, and the focus is on creating a fast-paced, entertaining experience that anyone can pick up and play.

Key Characteristics of Arcade Gameplay

Simplified Controls and Exaggerated Physics

Controls are simple and intuitive, often using a small number of buttons to perform a wide range of actions. The physics are unrealistic, allowing for spectacular, gravity-defying moves that would be impossible in real life, such as a player's ability to leap across the entire basketball court for a dunk or to hit a baseball so hard it catches fire.

Loose or Non-existent Rules

The game's rules are often ignored or altered for the sake of entertainment. Fouls and penalties may not exist, or they may be rare and have little impact. This allows for a more chaotic and action-packed gameplay loop where players can focus on creating big plays without worrying about the consequences.

Over-the-Top and Stylized Presentation

Arcade games often feature a distinct, stylized aesthetic that breaks from realism. Character models may be caricatures, and the visual effects are often flashy and explosive. The presentation is less about replicating a broadcast and more about creating a high-energy, bombastic atmosphere.

Emphasis on Instant Gratification

The core loop of an arcade sports game is built around instant fun. The learning curve is minimal, allowing new players to jump right in and feel like they are contributing to the action. Power-ups, special abilities, and "clutch" moments are often included to reward exciting plays and provide a constant stream of excitement.

Shorter, Faster Sessions

Games are typically much shorter and faster-paced than their simulation counterparts. This makes them ideal for quick pick-up games with friends or a casual session.

The Modern Blurring of Lines

While the two styles are distinct, many modern sports video games exist on a spectrum between simulation and arcade. For example, some simulation games include "arcade" modes that strip away the complexity for a more casual experience. Conversely, some games considered arcade-style, like Rocket League, have a surprising amount of strategic depth and a competitive scene that rewards mastery of its unique physics.

Despite what they might lead you to believe with fancy marketing and unintelligible word soup, EA has not made a simulation hockey game in a very long time. While some aspects of their game are backed by physics simulations, their core gameplay leans more towards an arcade experience. This is not inherently bad, but when you do not commit in either direction with certain game modes you can very easily alienate the end user and cheapen the brand you represent.

The EASHL Club engine should be a full simulation but in recent years it has been watered down with poorly implemented X-Factors and abilities, pre-made builds, Fortnite inspired cosmetics, and green screen effects. A recently added Battle Pass demonstrates just how far from the pulse of the community EA has become in recent years. This coupled with a presentation package that has been almost unchanged in over a decade with each update getting farther from what the community actually wants.

The NBA2K series suffers the same fate with “The City” inclusion, a massive hub where the player can move around and access different game modes. This fictitious map not only breaks immersion by being wildly unrealistic, it aggressively eats up valuable resources forcing the development team to downgrade the in-game graphics previously dedicated to player models and stadium details.