My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

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My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby AMenace on Sat Feb 09, 2013 11:39 am

I've got an idea on how NBA Live can regain a fanbase.

What's the one thing that NBA Live can do better than 2K when they come back in order to gain fans again? Online play. How I think they should do it is by bringing something to basketball video games that has never been done before.

NBA Live should go in a different direction for at least 1 game mode online. A 5 on 5 game similar to crew mode, But with the following features:

Have a lobby system where people can join at any time in a game, like a game of Call of Duty. The reason why I play cod more than NBA 2K13, is because online is more accessible. You can play a couple of games and just leave. This is suited for a mode like Crew Mode which should be in NBA 2K14. You just have a 5 on 5 lobby, where if somebody leaves, another person can join at any time, similar to a pickup match at a local court. You could also team up as a party with your friends, and have a team name as your 'clan tag'.

They could also remake the ranking system, where you are rewarded with playing online games, similar to Call of Duty. They should have a level rank up system, where different signature skills, animations, clothes, and progressively better attribute increases can be purchased with points gained from say getting an assist, scoring a basket etc, and there are better things to unlock the higher level you go. There also should be an incentive to start the whole process again after reaching max rank, for example that you can't get a 99 overall player unless you have done the process a number of times and purchased the neccesary attribute unlocks. Just using black ops 2 as an example. There is always a reason to rank up in games like Halo, Cod, Battlefield, where in sports games there isn't, which takes half the reason to play online out of the game for some people.

Also challenges can be a big part of online play. For example, dish out 10 assists, then 25, then 50, then 100 etc, or 20 points in a game, 30 points in a game, the possibilities are limitless, where you get rewarded with further progress towards leveling up or vc or both.

There should be 5 different slots for each position, similar to custom classes, but 1 for pg, sg, sf, pf, c, and each 'prestige' you could get an extra slot, so if you had a 3 point specialist for the SG, you could also have a slasher without having to change mid game.

Also there should be different 'base' attributes to start off with with a primary and secondary focus, with different reasons why to pick them. Also progressively better base attributes should be accessible the further you level up.

Also design your own jersey/clothes for online

Also you should be able to check other people's 'playercards' to see what they are like, if they are a good passer, good shooter, w/l record etc.

If something like this was implemented, even on a separate disc, I'm sure a lot of people would play Live again just to try it out. It could even be big.
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby shadowgrin on Sat Feb 09, 2013 11:57 am

Hard to build a fan base when they can't even release a game.
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby StompTheCourt on Sat Feb 09, 2013 2:25 pm

If the graphics are not there like they haven't been no one will care about online play it has to look good
and feel real (Y)
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby Cpt(K) on Mon Feb 11, 2013 1:03 pm

I'd become a bigger fan if they ever release another Live on PC, even if it were a console port. However, that is not likely to happen.
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby Andrew on Fri Feb 22, 2013 10:33 am

In short, NBA Live has to "bring it" to win back the fanbase. I'd say that most people will at least give previews and/or a demo a look and if the game impresses, it will be given consideration and fans will return. And yes, a PC release certainly wouldn't hurt either.

Echoing what I said in another recent thread, given what most people want out of a sim-oriented title, NBA Live should be looking to hit upon the same areas as NBA 2K across the board. Of course, it will have its own approach, its own controls and execution of the different game modes, but it should be trying to do a lot of the same things while as well as providing something extra and/or different to establish itself as a viable and appealing alternative.

Online is definitely an area where they could do that. It's an area that they do better than 2K; NBA 2K13 saw some improvement there but it's still not quite up to par with downtime, connection issues and an "NBA Today" feature that doesn't update every day as it should. With the renewed partnership with Synergy Sports, they also have good footing to top the NBA 2K Insider as far as roster updates and an evolving experience is concerned.
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby Cpt(K) on Fri Feb 22, 2013 2:32 pm

I don't know, actually I do like Live as a more "arcade" style of a basketball game with some sense of realism. Well, since I started playing 2k regularly I often switch back to something like Live 03 just to get that extra fast pace feeling. Though I do value realism and what a true basketball sim has to offer, I haven't been able to get over the arcade style Live series games. They still maintain a high value of fun for me, despite the dated gameplay. The NBA Live games sit on a shelf for just fun, if I want a sim I'll move to my NBA 2k. I think if Live goes to the arcade route with a satisfying level of content and play, then they could rebound; perhaps making a unique game that isn't so focused on realism (something Live hasn't been good at lately) would prosper well. I think Live is easier to understand and play at a high level than 2k, which is a bit more difficult and not so first-time-ever-playing-the-series friendly (at least it wasn't for me). That's just me though. :?
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby Andrew on Fri Feb 22, 2013 9:27 pm

I'd have to disagree there. When it comes to arcade hoops, that's what games like NBA Jam and NBA Street are for. I would prefer that NBA Live continue to strive to become a quality sim, as it's always intended to be a sim-oriented game. Obviously, the results haven't always been up to par - especially in recent years - but it's never been meant to be an arcade game. I maintain that NBA Live 2004 through NBA Live 06 on PC did achieve some respectable results in terms of being a sim title (for the time at least), albeit requiring some slider tweaks (and even NBA 2K13 needs that). I would much rather they keep to that course, especially with some of the tech they have at their disposal, not to mention the Synergy Sports partnership.

Perhaps I'm biased in the assumption given my personal preference, but I also think that an openly arcade-oriented NBA Live game wouldn't win anyone over. 5-on-5 doesn't work out really well for the arcade atmosphere and EA Sports has already done an arcade game really, really well with NBA Jam: On Fire Edition. I don't think that would be the right direction for the series, though of course with the presence of sliders the gameplay can be adjusted according to personal preference.
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby Patr1ck on Fri Feb 22, 2013 10:33 pm

The problem with exaggerated sim like the old live's it's that certain players are overpowered to get those highlight reels.
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby Cpt(K) on Sat Feb 23, 2013 12:11 am

NBA 2k13 has become too high octane on the offensive side of the ball, at least for me anyway. I have pummeled the Trailblazers in my career mode 152-97. I personally scored over 40 points, and the threes kept raining in endlessly. The way the CPU can adjust shots all the time effectively is insane, from my experience it's been rather lopsided. I make very few shots I have adjusted, whereas the CPU with players like D.Blair have made some ridiculous plays; one of them being a reverse layup oop, which was very silly for a player like him. It's possible perhaps, but the frequency that the players make adjustments and convert has been astounding. I'm not sure whether you can adjust sliders in My Career mode or not (I assume you can't) but it's definitely in need of adjustment.

NBA Live may have always tried to get to the point of realism, but aside from maybe Live 10 they haven't been too successful. Recently, well, yesterday I had been playing 2k13 again after putting it down for awhile due to the VC money grab; I determined I wouldn't get anywhere fast without some um, "push" in the right direction. So I purchased some VC, bought some accessories (like a sleeve) and spent the remainder on attributes and signatures icons or whatever they're called (deadeye level 1, Gatorade).

Alls I can say, is that if Live returns I hope they don't take the "in-game-actually-real-life-money" route, I do seem to think that if Live took kind of a "RPG" mixed with their traditionally "fast-paced-accidently-more-arcade" then it would be more unique than 2ks series, after all most sims strive to obtain the most realistic presence. If Live could make another arcade on the side I wouldn't mind them trying to compete with 2k. NBA Jam has never been my thing, a newer street game would be cool though.
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby 22cedric on Sat Feb 23, 2013 1:49 am

NBA Live can build its fanbase by having great online stability & building a core game of simulation.NBA Live also needs more depth in animation variations. Scott O'Gallagher caught my attention on one of Da Czar podcasts by saying NBA Live needs to keep their mindset on sim basketball. He said NBA Live will prevail if they stick to one aspect and follow it through without changing direction. Scott also had some good ideas about Fatigue he said your fatigue needs to decline based on the defender you're going against. The NBA Live mocap team needs to focus on fundemental finishes with authority.
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby Ermolli on Sat Feb 23, 2013 6:37 am

Despite being far (really far) away from 2K, I still want Live to be a sim game. During these last years 2K has got the reputation of being a sim game but the last two games have got a little more casual (maybe because of its success and their new consumers), so it isn't like EA can't compete with a completely sim game. I hope EA could release a new NBA Street game as flashy and good as the second one or a bit more "sim" like the latest FIFA Street.

About the origianl post, wasn't EASBA going to have some of those ideas? There are nice ideas, I like the idea of finding a crew and begin with generic jerseys and a small gym and then by ranking up having the chance to get packs with jerseys (Nike, Adidas, UA; NBA jerseys and hardwood classics), better court and stadium, attribute boosts, etc. I'm not an online fan but it would interest me (if the gameplay is good).
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby Cpt(K) on Sat Feb 23, 2013 6:57 am

22cedric, I totally agree with the variations in animations. I have played many live games and can't help but notice recycled animations from the previous games. In the NBA live 13 trailer, it showed probably 3 or 4 I've seen before.
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby Andrew on Sat Feb 23, 2013 9:37 am

Cpt(K) wrote:Alls I can say, is that if Live returns I hope they don't take the "in-game-actually-real-life-money" route


Agreed, though it's commonplace these days so I wouldn't be surprised if it does have a component like that. Even though I'm playing NBA 2K13 on PC and couldn't buy extra stuff with real money even if I wanted to, the ripple effect is still there in that the Skill Points in MyCAREER are often disappointingly low, even after an impressive performance.
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby Cpt(K) on Sat Feb 23, 2013 10:24 am

Yes, the VC earnings are astoundingly low. The most I can gain in a single game without the 2x multiplier for key games is probably around 190-270 (not enough to even get a fraction of your overall up) and the highest I've earned was somewhere around 440 (key game with milestones accomplished). I sit at 74 overall right now, working on a mid-range game (Mid range shooting is 85) mostly; it seems the CPU tends to lay off and I can slowly dribble up for an open look. I am finally able to dunk, which is silly because my player is 6'7 (SF); I chose a point-forward play-style this time around (usually athletic) and couldn't because of that.

What really still frustrates me is whenever I poke the ball loose, I end up button mashing Square (so that the cpu can't recover it) and then sometimes launch a full-court shot, which results in a "you just earned a spot on the bench" comment from the coach. :lol: They should have fool proofed the button, so that when you're out of range of a normal shot you can't chuck it up there, annoying.

They certainly are trying to milk out the fans, I thought the All-star as dlc was ridiculous. Oh if I had learned about VC earlier.
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby Andrew on Sat Feb 23, 2013 11:13 am

Sounds about right. It's ridiculous to see great performances net such low SP payouts, but it's clearly geared towards VC (not available on the PC, of course) which can be purchased with real money as well as earned in-game. It's a little on the nose, but it seems everyone's doing it these days. The All-Star DLC definitely was the wrong approach though. I understand the need for incentives to bring in the pre-order sales, but that's something that should be a base feature.

Again, given that it's commonplace, I'm guessing there's a decent chance that we see some of that stuff in the next NBA Live in the form of booster packs or whatever. As long as the experience for gamers who don't wish to spend any extra money isn't too affected though, it's a fair enough practice and a show of good faith in that regard could help win back the fanbase as well.
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby Leftos on Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:02 pm

22cedric, AFAIK, "Scott OG" that's on Czar's Podcast isn't Tiburon's Scott O' Gallagher.
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Re: My thoughts on how NBA Live can rebuild it's fan base

Postby 22cedric on Sun Feb 24, 2013 1:30 am

Leftos wrote:22cedric, AFAIK, "Scott OG" that's on Czar's Podcast isn't Tiburon's Scott O' Gallagher.


Are you sure about that ?
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