Raccoon Logic, the studio behind the Savage Planet series, has announced Breakaway Hockey League, a new 4v4 ice hockey game coming to PC. The title was revealed at Gamescom and is described as a high-skill, fast-paced experience with five-minute matches and ranked play, emphasizing what the studio calls "larger-than-life spectacle."
Unlike traditional hockey simulations such as EA's NHL series, Breakaway Hockey League allows players to control only one skater at a time. The game will feature realistic puck physics, "physical checking," dekes, and precision shooting, all designed to create "highlight-reel moments" and encourage online sharing. The developers are aiming for a blend of "skill, speed, and violence."
Game director Steve Masters stated the team aims to "keep the soul of hockey while adding the purity of modern competitive action games." Raccoon Logic's marketing boss Hugo Agostinho elaborated that the game is being developed with players of modern competitive titles like Overwatch, Valorant, Rocket League, and Counter-Strike in mind, with design inspirations drawn from shooter games rather than traditional sports titles.
Agostinho also noted a perceived gap in the PC market for hockey games, though numerous titles exist on platforms like Steam. Breakaway Hockey League intends to stand out with its specific focus on arcade-style action combined with competitive elements.
The studio believes the game's release coincides with a growing global interest in ice hockey, citing the success of teams like the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup and expanding hockey scenes in regions such as Japan, China, and France. The recent HBO series "Heated Rivalry" has also been credited with introducing ice hockey to a broader audience beyond traditional fans.
Breakaway Hockey League is planned for release via Steam Early Access. Raccoon Logic will host alpha and beta playtests to facilitate "rapid iteration" and community involvement during development. The game will adopt a third-person, over-the-shoulder camera perspective to make players "feel like an athlete" and enhance immersion, a departure from the broadcast-style presentation found in some other hockey games.