Or why it’s hard being a NBA2K addict
If you’re a non-sports game fan, then your only association withNBA2Kis probably the image above of my boy Jeffrey. Poor Jeffrey, he’s literally become the face of an entire franchise.
It doesn’t have to be this way. And it shouldn’t.NBA2Kis consistently one of the top-selling games each year (right up there with yourMaddens,FIFAsandCODs). You would think with all thestraight cashthat 2K collects from this franchise it would mean that each year we get a premium product built on the backs of previous generations of success.
For the most part, this is true. Bugs aside,NBA2Kis still a solid basketball game and really the only team in the league worth talking about. EA gave it a good effort this past year, butNBA Liveis still nowhere near as all-around good asNBA2K.
I love this game. I spend more time with it each year than any other game and consider it my favorite series of all time.
So what’s wrong? Why is this series failing in the eyes of so many of us who pour hours upon hours into this game?
The answer: Fucking VC (Virtual Currency).
When I think about everything wrong with the game, it usually comes back to VC. The very idea of it. The very idea that this game has been built around the motivation of a company that rakes in millions on game sales alone to continue to milk its fans for every dime and cent they can.
Nearly every mechanic in the game is based around VC or MT for MyTeam mode. It’s essentially a traditional experience progression system that is presented as something that you can buy in the most blatant way possible. Sure, you can earn VC or MT simply from playing, but you’ll be behind the others that can’t wait to waste their money on beating everyone.
The game shouldn’t be like that. It should be about basketball. Not who can buy the most with the most money. Granted, you still need skill for some aspects of the game, but as with most online games, you’ll be faced with various cheesers and the fact that some are just willing to spend money while you are tasked with grinding your way along.
It would be one thing if the money 2K made from VC actually contributed to the game’s well-being in a very visible manner, but really, I don’t think it does. Why? Because the game is still plagued with bad ideas, input lag online and those hilarious game bugs that provide hours of entertainment on YouTube.
You see that shit? Jrue Holiday has no arms! He’s an outstanding player and deserves arms!
And it’s not just visible glitches. It’s gameplay mechanic decisions. Here’s a rough breakdown of some annoyances you’ll find with2Kthat just shouldn’t be:
So what can we do as fans? Do we boycott the game? Well, I can’t do that. I love it too much and, as mentioned, it’s the only real basketball game that us b-ball junkies can call worth playing.
As usual, the best way to send a company a message is to vote with your wallets. Stop buying VC. Stop buying Day One. It’s that easy.
And really, gamers need to keep these things in mind for nearly all franchises that have seen their decline. Stop buying into the hype. Stop pre-ordering based on hyperbolic previews. Do the right thing, be a smart consumer that expects a quality product for the $60+ you happen to be plopping down.
Do this, and maybe, just maybe we can actually get the games we not only deserve, but the games we know the creators can make.
