New 4v4 Hockey Game Breakaway Hockey League Announced by Savage Planet Dev

Ever felt like hockey games are either too sim-heavy or just not hitting that competitive multiplayer sweet spot? Well, Raccoon Logic—the studio behind The Savage Planet series—just dropped a surprise at Gamescom that might scratch that itch. It's called Breakaway Hockey League, and it's a 4v4 ice hockey game with a twist.

Instead of controlling the whole team like in EA's NHL series, you'll control just one skater from a third-person, over-the-shoulder camera. The goal? Make you "feel like an athlete" rather than a coach watching a broadcast. And with five-minute matches, ranked play, and what the devs call "larger-than-life spectacle," they're clearly aiming for that quick, intense, shareable experience.

Raccoon Logic isn't just making another hockey sim. They're blending realistic puck physics and physical checking with arcade-style skill moves like dekes and precision shooting. The result? "Highlight-reel moments"—dramatic breakaways, clutch saves, and bone-rattling hits—that you'll want to post online. It's hockey, but with the energy of a competitive shooter.

Why hockey now? Marketing boss Hugo Agostinho points to the sport's global growth, citing the Florida Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cups (he's salty about a US team winning, being from Montreal and all) and the expansion into markets like Japan, China, France, and Italy. Plus, the PWHL's first champion was Montreal, which is right in their backyard. And let's not forget the HBO show Heated Rivalry, which has brought in a whole new crowd—Agostinho jokes they call going to games a "hockey boy aquarium."

But here's the kicker: this game isn't just for hardcore hockey fans. Agostinho says they're targeting players who love Overwatch, Valorant, Rocket League, and Counter-Strike. In fact, their design inspirations come more from shooters than sports games. That's a fresh angle that could set it apart from the indie hockey titles already on Steam, like Bush League Hockey or Hoser Hockey.

Breakaway Hockey League is coming to PC via Steam Early Access, but before that, there'll be alpha and beta playtests with a focus on "rapid iteration" alongside the community. No gameplay footage yet, but they promise it's coming soon.

So, will you be lacing up your skates for this one? Or are you more of a traditional hockey sim fan? Let us know what you think!