NHL 20 is getting a big new update this week that introduces a significant change surrounding player physics. Specifically, the "pivot" system is being updated in what could be a big way.
In the game as it stands today, players can pivot while controlling the puck as a means to slip around defenders, confuse them, and control the puck. However, players have discovered that the pivoting system can be abused to take it to a level that compromises the integrity of the game.
Those with advanced pivoting skills can, in essence, game the system to give themselves an advantage beyond what should be possible in a simulation game. In a blog post, EA acknowledged that the steps its taking to address the matter are "a fine line" because some of the NHL's best players can in fact perform advanced-level pivots while retaining control of the puck.
With that in mind, the December 5 update to NHL 20 will slow down the skating animation when players are using a pivot move. You can see examples of the the pivot-spamming and changes in action in the videos posted on EA's website and below.
NHL 20 Pivot-Spamming
NHL 20 Pivot Speed Changes
If these changes aren't enough, EA said it might consider creating scenarios where players lose the puck completely while performing a pivot at high speeds. This makes sense practically, as any hockey player will tell you it is very difficult to perform advanced moves at high speeds.
NHL 20 Pivot Puck Loss
"We believe these are agreed upon, community friendly changes that will benefit gameplay without shaking things up too drastically," EA said.
You can see the full December 5 patch notes below.
Restricted directional toe drags to when a skater is moving forwards
Improved player switching cases when a teammate has been injured
Fixed a rare issue where tall players were unable to receive passes consistently (This would have been seen the most on D to D passes to stationary players pivoting to face the net)
Fixed physics updates with goaltenders.
AI
Improved ability for Weakside defender to stay with their check on the rush
Skating
If players continually pivot, their skating will be impacted more realistically
Puck carriers pivot speeds will be impacted by trying to pivot at high speeds to simulate what they would need to do to keep control of the puck
Presentation
Added additional celebrations
Various overlay fixes
Fix for the Zone camera not working as intended
Various environment camera clipping fixes
Tournaments
Added 2019 Spengler Cup tournament
HUT
General
HUT Team Abbreviation no longer displays in Pause Menu prior to puck drop
HUT Rivals
Implemented a matchmaking cap for very high and very low Skill Ratings to improve the likelihood of these players finding games
Fixed multiple display issues in the Ranks and Division screens
Fixed an issue where Coin Items could not be redeemed if a player had 2,000 HUT Champions Points
Squad Battles
Fixed an issue where expired Loan items displayed an incorrect contract length when viewing Opponent Squad
World of CHEL
Content
Customize Club – The 2019-20 Canucks logo has been added, and the 2018-19 Canucks Logo has been moved to the vintage section
New content added to World of CHEL which is to be revealed through the Chel Challenge card. Tune in regularly to see what exciting new stuff you can earn
Fixes
Fixed an MTU exploit in online modes
Fixed an issue with the Instant Replay timeline not functioning prior to puck drop
Fixed an issue where EASHL overlays show the player position as C
