NBA Live 13 Getting back on the court

[22cedric]

http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Jour ... A-NBA.aspx

[JaoSming]

interesting, different, but still no new info other than the reaffirming of a new 3-year plan for Live

“[2K Sports] has a really good game, but there are things we can do better,” ... “We know this isn’t going to be the biggest thing right out of the box, but this is a big, important franchise for us.”

and are in the midst of an extensive process to compile highly precise laser scans of the interior of every NBA arena

“There’s no secret we were all disappointed by what happened,” said Vicky Picca, NBA senior vice president of licensing and business affairs. “But what would have been much worse is the release of a subpar game.
Frankly, this is a somewhat uncharted territory for all of us. But they’ve approached the situation in a very patient, methodical and humble way. They’ve been as engaged as ever — and then some. And I think that focus on authenticity and gameplay is going to be beneficial.”

as well as with “NBA Live” now, EA Sports executives viewed the reconstruction as at least a three-year effort

“We must have a long-term vision. You don’t solve these types of things in a year or even two years,” said Andrew Wilson, head of EA Sports. “It’s going to take time for consumers to adjust, just like it took time for them to adjust to what we did with ‘FIFA’ and ‘NHL.’ So the plan is to be patient and be very attuned to consumer feedback.”

“NBA Live 13” was alternately described as the biggest disappointment of the show (E3) or a significant step forward, depending on which media outlet one read.

“[‘NBA Live 13’] doesn’t affect plans on our side,” said Jason Argent, 2K Sports vice president of marketing. “Our biggest competition is always ourselves, and we are focused solely on making huge leaps ahead in innovation and game quality year after year. This year is no different.”

That multiyear road map almost certainly will include a new generation of gaming consoles, where EA Sports expects future versions of “NBA Live” to be a prominent entrant.

[Andrew]

Not a lot of new info but a good read nevertheless. Thanks for the heads up.

[22cedric]

I'm looking forward to the next gen versions of NBA Live & NBA 2K I bet those games will look amazing.

[22cedric]

I believe NBA Live will surpass NBA 2K in the future I just got that feeling lol

[Ermolli]

I believe NBA Live will surpass NBA 2K in the future I just got that feeling lol

The question then would be when because it wouldn't be good to wait for too long for Live to be competitive with 2K.

[Andrew]

I don't see it happening this year, at least in terms of being the better overall product; not for a lack of trying, it's just a lot to ask of the game. It may end up being the game I personally prefer playing and make up a lot of ground on 2K, but it's a tall order for it to become the dominant brand right away. It needs to make a strong comeback this year first.

[Sauru]

I am starting to think that my best bet will be to wait a week to buy either game. come here and read up on some reviews that the community writes then make up my mind. I do think it will be hard to beat 2k right out the gate but I have always stuck with live in the past so like Andrew I may end up playing that one anyway

[Andrew]

There should be a demo out, most likely in September, so you might be able to take some impressions from that. I'm sure there'll be plenty of impressions and write-ups around these parts too.

[Sauru]

There should be a demo out, most likely in September, so you might be able to take some impressions from that. I'm sure there'll be plenty of impressions and write-ups around these parts too.

hmm i did not even consider a demo for the games. if they have a demo before launch that will be what makes up my mind.

[Andrew]

Keep in mind that the demo isn't going to give you much of a glimpse of the game, but if the general feel of the controls and gameplay is mostly to your liking you'll probably want to look out for the impressions of the full version once we start posting them. And of course, you could always rent the game if you're still not sure; for the better demonstration of the game and all its features, it might be worth a couple of bucks to check it out on rental if you're on the fence.

NBA 2K's demos are usually a disappointment for me, they're so stripped down they never do the finished product justice. It'll be interesting to see if they put a better demo out this year with NBA Live coming back.

[mlp111]

Keep in mind that the demo isn't going to give you much of a glimpse of the game, but if the general feel of the controls and gameplay is mostly to your liking you'll probably want to look out for the impressions of the full version once we start posting them. And of course, you could always rent the game if you're still not sure; for the better demonstration of the game and all its features, it might be worth a couple of bucks to check it out on rental if you're on the fence.

NBA 2K's demos are usually a disappointment for me, they're so stripped down they never do the finished product justice. It'll be interesting to see if they put a better demo out this year with NBA Live coming back.

going to say i disagree, due to the fact that elite 11 demo was pretty much the retail game w/o the modes.... nba live demo will be pretty close to the retail product, if we get a demo that is

but i agree about 2k demo,

[Sauru]

when it comes to a demo the main thing i am looking for is the controls and how it feels. its amazing but i am so damn picky with controls for video game. i cant stand crap controls and i usually dont like having to learn new ones. also is other games i need full control over changing the key bindings or i wont buy the game

[Andrew]

going to say i disagree, due to the fact that elite 11 demo was pretty much the retail game w/o the modes

That's what I meant by not getting much of a glimpse of the game, since Sauru is interested in Dynasty and an NBA Live equivalent of My Player.

when it comes to a demo the main thing i am looking for is the controls and how it feels. its amazing but i am so damn picky with controls for video game. i cant stand crap controls and i usually dont like having to learn new ones. also is other games i need full control over changing the key bindings or i wont buy the game

In that case the demo should give you a fairly good look at what you're in for. Like I said, if you like what you see there we'll have you covered on game mode information and impressions, plus you could always rent first.

[Sauru]

In that case the demo should give you a fairly good look at what you're in for. Like I said, if you like what you see there we'll have you covered on game mode information and impressions, plus you could always rent first.

i have always thought the opinions here have been really good so i think the combo of a demo and the forum posts will be more than enough. my wife still insists i will buy both though lol. got to admit that 2k might have the edge being for pc

[vevima]

I'm buying Live 13 this year, I'm just not sure when. Either release date or Christmas, or I might skip 2K13.

[Andrew]

i have always thought the opinions here have been really good so i think the combo of a demo and the forum posts will be more than enough. my wife still insists i will buy both though lol. got to admit that 2k might have the edge being for pc

Sounds like she's giving you the green light to do so, making her a righteous lady.

[dfish]

I think 2K's time is up. The E3 demo looked like butt.

[Andrew]

They were showing an early build as well. I think 2K will deliver and will probably garner better Metacritic scores and sales, but I believe NBA Live can make a big comeback nevertheless. Then it's just a matter of building upon that success, instead of changing direction again.

[Sauru]

I remember when 2k started to take over madden and EA came back with some amazing madden games. I hope this goes like that did. 2k has slapped the shit outa nba live and I want to see them bounce back with the most amazing basketball game ever. Its all a matter of, do they want to be the best or just sell a few games each year. though the best way to get sales is to be the best

[Andrew]

Naturally. I think their reputation will precede them this year if nothing else, which means 2K will likely win out again. However, if NBA Live 13 makes a good impression and is something they can build upon, they should start seeing more success in the years to come.

2K may be miles ahead, but they're not doing everything perfectly and not everyone is happy with the product. If there's a viable alternative on the market, I think people will at least take a look and consider it. Competition is good for everyone as many of us have often said, and that's what I want to see: two strong titles that we can choose between based on personal preference (eg approach to controls), or indeed get both if they each have something unique to offer.

[Sauru]

do you know when the demo's tend to come out? is it before release?

[JaoSming]

mid-September. Sometimes we've gotten demos in early September, sometimes a week before the game comes out.

Sauru, you do know your 2K vs Live thread was moved to Virtual Hardwood right? - viewtopic.php?f=72&t=86884

[Sauru]

nope but then again i forgot i even made that thread lol. i almost never create thread on any forum so when i do i tend to forget about actually doing it. i will however go check it out now

as long as the demo is pre launch i am ok.

[Andrew]

Pretty sure it'll be pre-launch.