NBA 2K17 - Do you find the atmosphere lacking?

[Dee4Three]

Hi all,

I have all NBA 2K games dating back to NBA 2K11 on my PC, and I often go back and play the games prior to NBA 2K15. One of the biggest things I notice going from last gen to next gen, is the atmosphere. NBA 2K11 through NBA 2k14 had amazing crowd atmosphere, good court chatter, etc. The Crowd reacted to things more realistically. I find myself immersed in the game, with the crowd actually pumping me up as the home team, and when playing against the CPU, wanting to score so it would shut them up.

In NBA 2K17 for example, the crowd just seems completely dead with the exception of the last couple minutes of a close game. In fact, often times if you are playing, and you look into the crowd, you will basically see no movement whatsoever. The player chatter is barely noticeable, the crowd doesn't support it's home team unless its the last 2 minutes of a close game. The "DEFENSE" chants are off, half the time they sound like high school boys with a ton of testosterone chanting loudly with no other noise around them, or the "Defense Chants" will continue even when the possession changes, and it will go on for awhile.

I believe this deserves it's own discussion thread. Because the atmosphere is a major part of the game, have you guys noticed this? NBA 2k9 was an amazing experience, and had great atmosphere. So again, we are talking about 2k going backwards in this regard. I hope to get this discussion going, so maybe the 2K devs can see our frustration with the atmosphere, and do something about it.

Look at the atmosphere is this 2k9 video

phpBB [video]

And my 2k12 highlight video

phpBB [video]

[bluejaybrandon]

To be fair, I think those videos are over the top. If you're at a real NBA game there's very few people constantly standing and waving their hands/some sort of towel around for the entirety of the game. In reality there's a lot of older fans sitting and cheering. The place only gets crazy when there's a massive dunk, huge block, or big time shot. Don't get me wrong, I certainly think 2k17 is lacking but it''s not necessarily always a rowdy crowd. I think they would do good to add more of an in-arena announcer. Each stadium has one and he's usually starting the "DEFENSE" chants or telling fans to get on their feet. A more dynamic in-arena announcer and reactionary crowd would go a long way for immersion.

Edit: I didn't listen to the videos and only watched. After listening, there are certainly some audible reactions to dunks that would be nice to have in the next-gen. Crowds actually get noticably louder and excited for massive dunks. That being said the constant murmur of the crowd is too loud, in my opinion. There needs to be a healhty balance between that level and the non-existent levels in 2k17.

[Dee4Three]

To be fair, I think those videos are over the top. If you're at a real NBA game there's very few people constantly standing and waving their hands/some sort of towel around for the entirety of the game. In reality there's a lot of older fans sitting and cheering. The place only gets crazy when there's a massive dunk, huge block, or big time shot. Don't get me wrong, I certainly think 2k17 is lacking but it''s not necessarily always a rowdy crowd. I think they would do good to add more of an in-arena announcer. Each stadium has one and he's usually starting the "DEFENSE" chants or telling fans to get on their feet. A more dynamic in-arena announcer and reactionary crowd would go a long way for immersion.

Totally agree, it's a bit over the top. But I prefer that over the atmosphere of today's games. But, I will say, many Arenas are pretty loud throughout the game, I also think the PA Announcer could be a bit louder, as well as the crowd when a basket is scored or a play does happen.

[TGsoGood]

The first thing I noticed in 2K9 is that almost the entire stadium is on their feet and the score is 0 to 0.
I remember it being in 2K10. I even remember some people complained about this specific thing.

The 2K12 video seems a little better but it still seems a little exaggerated for the opening minutes of a game that has nothing on the line.

I can't really compare these to 2K17 because honestly I've never listened to the crowd. Almost always I turn the sound off for 2K17 and just play youtube, podcasts,and music in the background.
One thing I can say is it would be nice see a fans jaw drop because of a crazy poster slam or something. But no big deal for me. I remember growing up playing NBA Live and just hating how ugly the crowd was, I'm just glad we are at the point were the crowd actually looks like people and not 2d cutouts.

[Dee4Three]

The first thing I noticed in 2K9 is that almost the entire stadium is on their feet and the score is 0 to 0.
I remember it being in 2K10. I even remember some people complained about this specific thing.

The 2K12 video seems a little better but it still seems a little exaggerated for the opening minutes of a game that has nothing on the line.

I can't really compare these to 2K17 because honestly I've never listened to the crowd. Almost always I turn the sound off for 2K17 and just play youtube, podcasts,and music in the background.
One thing I can say is it would be nice see a fans jaw drop because of a crazy poster slam or something. But no big deal for me. I remember growing up playing NBA Live and just hating how ugly the crowd was, I'm just glad we are at the point were the crowd actually looks like people and not 2d cutouts.

I agree.

I would like to see a middle ground for the atmosphere. Something in between what they have now, and what they had before.

Like I said, they don't seem to be in the game at all until the final couple minutes.

[timmyd]

Well, I agree with you on the points. The NBA 2k15 - NBA 2k17 games have some issue's with their in-game arena sounds. Sometimes after clutch baskets, you have the crowd not cheer at all. I've seen the crowd get up and physically cheer, but no sound to match.

Also, 2K has lost it's common sense when it comes to the actual crowd. I find their crowd to be really unrealistic. They used to have amazing crowds in NHL 2k and old NBA 2k's. You would see people walking up and down the isle as well as walking in their rows. Not everyone is always Seated. Also, you used to see a mix between casual dressed, professional dressed and team merchandised dressed fans.

One other point that NBA 2k has lacked, even on full/high settings on PC or even just slapping the game on xbox1. The around the court stuff is lacking. You don't see many Camera guys under the hoop. You don't see team staff members sitting behind the bench. I feel that NBA 2k should have generic looking guys rocking the team polo shirts sitting behind the bench as well as additional assistant coaches. Guy's that you can't fire or sign during MyLeague but are just placed there to give you that FULLNESS. The Arena's now feel way too empty, the teams seem lonely lol.

Also the tunnel, there isn't any additional characters or arena staff members there. You just see two coaches and 12-13 players walking into the tunnel etc.

Pre - Game, you don't see camera crews on the court, instead you see like 10 players in total just doing a shoot around.

[Dee4Three]

I agree with all of that.

Another thing I noticed playing the other night, I would listen to the crowd (at points where they were cheering), getting louder, and I would looking into the crowd and there was no movement, none at all. So we have cheering crowd sound effects, but no movement?

Just doesn't make sense.

[timmyd]

I agree with all of that.

Another thing I noticed playing the other night, I would listen to the crowd (at points where they were cheering), getting louder, and I would looking into the crowd and there was no movement, none at all. So we have cheering crowd sound effects, but no movement?

Just doesn't make sense.

haha that one is the worst! I'd rather have them get up and cheer but with no sound, at least it looks more pleasant hahaha

[timmyd]

Also Dee.

Do you remember the atmoshpere NBA Live 2010 had? When Mike Wang left 2k and went over to EA? The crowd at the ACC in Toronto would literally BOO each time Vince Carter on the Magic would touch the ball. Just like in real life. Those guy's also gave you an option to select the atmosphere + court you want in just a simple play now mode.

[Dee4Three]

Yeah, that's amazing authenticity. The atmosphere is so important... in my opinion, thats where Live is still pretty solid. I feel 2k really needs to enhance that part of the game for 2k18.

[Dee4Three]

Good atmosphere here in 2k10 as well.

phpBB [video]

[StyxTx]

When do you all have time to even notice that stuff. Usually, I am too busy paying attention to what's going on on the court to notice any of that other stuff. lol

[Dee4Three]

You notice it a lot on broadcast view, and even on 2k view, because of the sound effects.

I think atmosphere is one of the most important elements of any sports game.

For example, If I am the home team: Lets say I am bringing up the ball, and the crowd is chanting "defense!".... I can hear that and it sticks out like a sore thumb.

[CT4]

The other day I was playing with my Celtics MyLeague in year 3. Im in 2nd round going up against Bulls. I was down 3-1 and in the end won the series (Bulls blew 3-1 lead ) . It was game 5 on home court. I was down 15 at the start of 4th quarter. I came back and was leading by 1 with 30 seconds left. Butler draws to basket and Whiteside makes a big time block. I run up the court and quickly shot a trey with IT4 and hit it. It was the dagger......but crowd didnt make any noise. They like ......MEH. Has happened alot of times for me.

Also when crowd makes clapping chants (like- DEFENSE clap clap DEFENSE) fans clap on their thighs. Like who does that

[StyxTx]

You notice it a lot on broadcast view, and even on 2k view, because of the sound effects.

I think atmosphere is one of the most important elements of any sports game.

For example, If I am the home team: Lets say I am bringing up the ball, and the crowd is chanting "defense!".... I can hear that and it sticks out like a sore thumb.

If you say so. I really never paid attention to it so what you all are saying about it is news to me.

Sometimes I have the sound off cuz I' m listening to music.

I'm just one of those people who wants to play a game of basketball and doesn't care about all the extra stuff. Granted, I am in the tiny minority.

[Dee4Three]

You notice it a lot on broadcast view, and even on 2k view, because of the sound effects.

I think atmosphere is one of the most important elements of any sports game.

For example, If I am the home team: Lets say I am bringing up the ball, and the crowd is chanting "defense!".... I can hear that and it sticks out like a sore thumb.

If you say so. I really never paid attention to it so what you all are saying about it is news to me.

Sometimes I have the sound off cuz I' m listening to music.

I'm just one of those people who wants to play a game of basketball and doesn't care about all the extra stuff. Granted, I am in the tiny minority.

I totally get that. In fact, I believe Manni Live also plays with the sound off, but I could be wrong. It was either him or TGsogood I think.

But, I like to be completely immersed in the game, and I like the crowd reacting to a play/call realistically.

[Dee4Three]

Here is another example of better atmosphere. I received NBA 2K10 for the PC in the mail end of last week.

I posted this highlight video of a game between the 02-03 Wizards (me) at the 02-03 Dallas Mavericks (CPU). Listen to the arena sounds/music, Harlan as well is more animated when a big play happens. 2K also took away the "Gatorade Moments" highlights, the "Game Reel", and the game screenshots (At the end of the the video below). The presentation/atmosphere was so exciting 7 years ago in 2K10, why would they take that stuff out?

phpBB [video]

[StyxTx]

Here is another example of better atmosphere. I received NBA 2K10 for the PC in the mail end of last week.

I posted this highlight video of a game between the 02-03 Wizards (me) at the 02-03 Dallas Mavericks (CPU). Listen to the arena sounds/music, Harlan as well is more animated when a big play happens. 2K also took away the "Gatorade Moments" highlights, the "Game Reel", and the game screenshots (At the end of the the video below). The presentation/atmosphere was so exciting 7 years ago in 2K10, why would they take that stuff out?

phpBB [video]

I'd like to get my hands on the pre-next gen versions of the game. I'd play them in a heartbeat.

[Dee4Three]

Here is another example of better atmosphere. I received NBA 2K10 for the PC in the mail end of last week.

I posted this highlight video of a game between the 02-03 Wizards (me) at the 02-03 Dallas Mavericks (CPU). Listen to the arena sounds/music, Harlan as well is more animated when a big play happens. 2K also took away the "Gatorade Moments" highlights, the "Game Reel", and the game screenshots (At the end of the the video below). The presentation/atmosphere was so exciting 7 years ago in 2K10, why would they take that stuff out?

phpBB [video]

I'd like to get my hands on the pre-next gen versions of the game. I'd play them in a heartbeat.

They are a blast, you can really get immersed in them. I was lucky with NBA 2K11 awhile back, because I was able to purchase it off of Amazon (Download link), and install it right away. I just got 2K10 and 2K9 in the mail end of last week. Now I have every PC 2k game (2K9 to 2K17). I find myself going back and playing the last gen 2k's more because of the better presentation and atmosphere.

And, NBA 2K10's graphics were the best in the last gen series, they went backwards from 2K11 to 2K14. The going backwards thing has to be a business decision, because that is not consumer wants or needs. There has to be a reason. Just like NBA 2K14 next gen graphics were the best out of the next gen games, they have gone backwards since.

Again, not trying to beat a dead horse with this atmosphere thing, but you have to be seeing what I am talking about. Also, why some of the animations were taken out from 2K10 and never brought back... i'll never know. Like that Stackhouse layup on the first highlight, that is something of beauty. The dunks also feel and look more realistic to me, both the big man dunks and the guard dunks. I also don't feel myself being forced into to many animations, and my mistakes feel like my mistakes.

[StyxTx]

They are a blast, you can really get immersed in them. I was lucky with NBA 2K11 awhile back, because I was able to purchase it off of Amazon (Download link), and install it right away. I just got 2K10 and 2K9 in the mail end of last week. Now I have every PC 2k game (2K9 to 2K17). I find myself going back and playing the last gen 2k's more because of the better presentation and atmosphere.

And, NBA 2K10's graphics were the best in the last gen series, they went backwards from 2K11 to 2K14. The going backwards thing has to be a business decision, because that is not consumer wants or needs. There has to be a reason. Just like NBA 2K14 next gen graphics were the best out of the next gen games, they have gone backwards since.

Again, not trying to beat a dead horse with this atmosphere thing, but you have to be seeing what I am talking about. Also, why some of the animations were taken out from 2K10 and never brought back... i'll never know. Like that Stackhouse layup on the first highlight, that is something of beauty. The dunks also feel and look more realistic to me, both the big man dunks and the guard dunks. I also don't feel myself being forced into to many animations, and my mistakes feel like my mistakes.

You noticed that about the graphics too? I thought I was just imagining it.

I see the atmosphere, yeah. I was sitting back watching. While playing the game, I honestly don't notice it so much since I'm concentrating on whats going on on the court. But I do understand how it adds to the game.

[Dee4Three]

Yeah, the graphics thing is a shame. Sometimes I wish I could just speak to someone in that department/art department, and just show them pictures of real life, a picture of the game (body type, or face, or just no definition at all), and ask them what they were thinking (first), maybe have a little laugh over it, and improve it for the next game. You don't create professional athletes in a sport like basketball with no muscle definition. I'd also like to know why you go from the NBA 2K10 textures, to the 2K12-2K14 textures, without going "Wait... wait wait wait... didn't we just go backwards?". I'm just a regular dude, just like many of the others seeing it, how does someone involved in the making of the game not correct it or atleast address it?

No, I am not saying it's easy to address, I'm not saying the programming is easy. But, when you stay on the same platform, with the same graphics engine, and the graphics get worse, or don't show any improvement, it's head scratching. Like the body type issue, that was a calculated effort to include that skinny body type, and get rid of some of the better body types that were in 2K15 and 2K16, someone physically did that, and they were okay with it.

So yeah, sometimes I wish I could be involved in the making of a basketball game (visionary, help with decision making)....

2K puts out a good product, but so many head scratching things.

[StyxTx]

Yeah, the graphics thing is a shame. Sometimes I wish I could just speak to someone in that department/art department, and just show them pictures of real life, a picture of the game (body type, or face, or just no definition at all), and ask them what they were thinking (first), maybe have a little laugh over it, and improve it for the next game. You don't create professional athletes in a sport like basketball with no muscle definition. I'd also like to know why you go from the NBA 2K10 textures, to the 2K12-2K14 textures, without going "Wait... wait wait wait... didn't we just go backwards?". I'm just a regular dude, just like many of the others seeing it, how does someone involved in the making of the game not correct it or atleast address it?

No, I am not saying it's easy to address, I'm not saying the programming is easy. But, when you stay on the same platform, with the same graphics engine, and the graphics get worse, or don't show any improvement, it's head scratching. Like the body type issue, that was a calculated effort to include that skinny body type, and get rid of some of the better body types that were in 2K15 and 2K16, someone physically did that, and they were okay with it.

So yeah, sometimes I wish I could be involved in the making of a basketball game (visionary, help with decision making)....

2K puts out a good product, but so many head scratching things.

Didn't they say that for NBA 2k16 they had done body scans on all the players to make their bodies realistic? Well, if they actually did it, I wonder what changed between 16 & 17.

[Dee4Three]

They didn't, modders pointed out that both NBA 2K16 and NBA 2K17 had body types that are given to different players, not "scanned" body types. In 2K17, they lowered the number of body types, to just 4 I believe (Going back to NBA 2K14 PC version I believe). So in 2K16, they had more "preset" body types, and in NBA 2K17 they lowered that number of "preset" body types.

I'm not even asking for scanned body types, I'm just asking for players to look like athletes.

[StyxTx]

They didn't, modders pointed out that both NBA 2K16 and NBA 2K17 had body types that are given to different players, not "scanned" body types. In 2K17, they lowered the number of body types, to just 4 I believe (Going back to NBA 2K14 PC version I believe). So in 2K16, they had more "preset" body types, and in NBA 2K17 they lowered that number of "preset".

I'm not even asking for scanned body types, I'm just asking for players to look like athletes.

Hm. They even had some videos of players getting their bodies scanned. Maybe it was 15. Not that it matters now. If they did do it they decided not to keep the scans.

[Dee4Three]

They didn't, modders pointed out that both NBA 2K16 and NBA 2K17 had body types that are given to different players, not "scanned" body types. In 2K17, they lowered the number of body types, to just 4 I believe (Going back to NBA 2K14 PC version I believe). So in 2K16, they had more "preset" body types, and in NBA 2K17 they lowered that number of "preset".

I'm not even asking for scanned body types, I'm just asking for players to look like athletes.

Hm. They even had some videos of players getting their bodies scanned. Maybe it was 15.

It was never implemented on any 2k game, people have videos calling out 2k on it on youtube. They advertised it and it never happened.