Monday Tip-Off: Video Game Teams

Talk about the NLSC Podcast, Monday Tip-Off, Wayback Wednesday, The Friday Five, Top 10 Plays of the Week, and our Parsec Tournaments! This is also a section for NLSC and community announcements, and other site-related topics.

Re: Monday Tip-Off: Current Gen Rec vs Next Gen Rec

Postby Andrew on Mon Mar 29, 2021 6:49 pm

Monday Tip-Off: Current Gen Rec vs Next Gen Rec

Back in December last year, I declared that The Rec in NBA 2K21 was garbage. I stand by that opinion, and the conclusions I drew about who we should blame for the current state of the mode. In short, blame can be attributed to toxic attitudes within the basketball gaming community, but Visual Concepts themselves share responsibility given how the online scene panders to elitism and focuses on pushy recurrent revenue mechanics. The Rec went from being a hit-and-miss experience that could be quite fun at the best of times, to an absolute nightmare.

And so, I gave up on it. It was a healthy decision, especially since I wanted to move away from MyCAREER and its connected experiences. As unfortunate as it was that it took all the fun being sucked out of the mode to break my habit, it did at least prove to be adequate incentive. Of course, I did still dabble with MyCAREER in NBA 2K21 Next Gen in order to play through the story and earn a Trophy, with a view to playing the occasional online game. If nothing else, I was curious to see if anything would change, and wanted to keep tabs on the scene in order to advocate for improvements. With that being said, what is The Rec like on Next Gen compared to Current Gen?
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: Ready (To Not Be) Player One

Postby Andrew on Mon Apr 05, 2021 2:57 pm

Monday Tip-Off: Ready (To Not Be) Player One

I'm fortunate in that I'm not completely reliant on the online scene to enjoy basketball video games. I grew up gaming in a time before online play was common - or for that matter, possible - on the virtual hardwood. Dynasty was my mode of choice in NBA Live, and I've also racked up many hours playing single player MyCAREER in NBA 2K. I'm therefore able to enjoy the offline experience, which is vital given that the online scene in NBA 2K has a myriad of problems, ranging from technical issues and design flaws to toxic attitudes and a sloppy style of play.

At the same time, while I find it easy to eschew the online scene, I would prefer it to be better than it is. Obviously I'd like to jump in on occasion, having developed an appreciation for it over the past generation. Even if I'm not partaking in it myself, I'd still like to see the scene thrive and be the best possible experience for those who are playing it; especially gamers who play exclusively online. I've previously discussed vital changes that the developers need to implement, such as proper matchmaking. Today however, I want to focus on the problem of how so many gamers aren't ready to drop their Player One mentality online, and how that could possibly be remedied.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: The Case of the Mysterious Screenshot

Postby Andrew on Mon Apr 12, 2021 10:24 pm

Monday Tip-Off: The Case of the Mysterious Screenshot

For a long time - far too long, in fact - I left my weekly articles until the last minute. Not just writing them, but coming up with the topic, too. Even after I devised lists of ideas for future articles, I didn't always have anything prepared by the time Monday, Wednesday, and Friday rolled around. In recent years, I've made a point of building up a buffer of articles based on my list of topic ideas. It's meant that I've always got something ready to go, and if I've set aside the time, I'm able to schedule features a week or two in advance.

This prep work has been important for time management, consistency, and quality. Even though I've been pleased with certain articles that were actually written at the last minute, I'm far more satisfied with features that I haven't had to rush. Part of preparing articles in advance is ensuring that I have appropriate screenshots to use, which means taking the time to fire up the necessary games to capture them, and set up any specific scenarios as required. It's usually obvious why I have a particular screenshot in my archives, but recently I discovered one that left me stumped. This mysterious screenshot was for an article idea that I've completely forgotten about.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: Thoughts on MyTEAM Seasons

Postby Andrew on Mon Apr 19, 2021 3:35 pm

Monday Tip-Off: Thoughts on MyTEAM Seasons

One of the major changes in NBA 2K21's MyTEAM was the adoption of Seasons. For those unfamiliar with the concept, MyTEAM Seasons run for about six weeks, with each Season featuring its own theme, content, and Challenges. While modes of play such as Domination remain unaffected by Seasons, and Triple Threat Offline simply gains new rewards as each new Season begins, Season-based content such as The Agenda has a time limit. If you have any unfinished business on The Agenda by the time a new Season begins, too bad; it's a new day in MyTEAM.

The Seasons approach is not unique to MyTEAM and NBA 2K, of course. It's a form of the "games as a service" model that mobile and Triple-A games alike are using with ever-increasing frequency, which invites cynicism because of the way those mechanics utilise FOMO to push microtransactions, season passes, and so on. Less cynically, however, it's a way to keep content fresh and not overwhelm late adopters with an overabundance of content. I'm generally in favour of Seasons in MyTEAM, but I do have a few criticisms and concerns that I'd like to discuss. Along with a few other aspects of the mode, the approach could be even better in NBA 2K22.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: Playoffs Mode Is Underrated

Postby Andrew on Mon Apr 26, 2021 2:06 pm

Monday Tip-Off: Playoffs Mode Is Underrated

Underrated and overrated are relative terms. In online discourse, their usage often boils down to not liking something that's popular, or wanting the things you like to be more popular than they are, with little regard for consensus or objectivity. Since I'm talking about a mode that I believe is underrated, perhaps it would help to mention a few synonyms, such as undervalued, underappreciated, and overlooked. With that in mind, when we're talking about underrated modes in basketball gaming, what are some of the examples that you immediately think of?

You could argue that the rise in online gaming has made franchise modes underrated, but they're still fairly widely enjoyed by basketball gamers of all ages. The W and The W Online are underappreciated examples of how a career mode without recurrent revenue mechanics is still viable, but the WNBA's popularity relative to the NBA is a factor. Staunch MyCAREER and MyTEAM gamers tend to underrate the opposing mode despite both ranking among the most popular experiences in NBA 2K, and boasting impressive depth. When it comes down to it though, the most underrated mode is one that we've had for decades now: the humble standalone Playoffs mode.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: Broadcast Views; As Good As It Gets?

Postby Andrew on Mon May 03, 2021 7:38 pm

Monday Tip-Off: Broadcast Views; As Good As It Gets?

Fans are fanatical; it's in the name! It's fun to passionately enjoy things, but it doesn't take much for those strong feelings to turn to tribalism and toxicity. That attitude isn't just directed at people outside the fandom, either. There are all kinds of schisms in just about every fanbase you can imagine. Just because you like the same things, it doesn't mean you have the same opinions, and we're all convinced that our point of view is correct. When it comes to basketball video games, we can be really snobby about our preferences, from gameplay settings to the modes that we choose to play.

That's why we see absurd statements like "Who even plays MyTEAM?", when in fact it's one of the most popular modes in NBA 2K. It's why we see exclusively online gamers sneering at people who prefer single player experiences. "What difficulty are you playing on?" is a valid question if someone is bragging about their abilities on the virtual hardwood, but can easily turn into gatekeeping when someone is just talking about having fun with the game, which is the point of it after all. And then, there's the mocking of choice in camera angles, particularly the broadcast cameras. I'll just say it: it's one of the weirdest, dumbest forms of gatekeeping I've seen in basketball gaming.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: Rookieville Was A Terrible Idea

Postby Andrew on Mon May 10, 2021 2:26 pm

Monday Tip-Off: Rookieville Was A Terrible Idea

I don't want to say I told you so, but my track record with predictions is hit and miss, so I'll take the opportunity to say: I told you so. Well, maybe not you, specifically. Perhaps like me, you saw the concept of Rookieville in NBA 2K21 Next Gen's MyCAREER, and realised it was terrible idea. Perhaps you saw it for the gatekeeping measure that it is, instantly giving The City an air of elitism. If so, you looked past all the bells and whistles, and the admittedly impressive loading times, to see the issues with the approach. As such, you won't be surprised that it's drawing criticism.

Of course, fanboys and shills couldn't see the drawbacks; or at the very least, didn't want to acknowledge them. To actually take a deep dive into the problems with The City, and Rookieville in particular, is to be a spoilsport in their eyes. Why are we daring to hate on such a cool idea? Don't we like fun? Aren't we good enough to get past Rookieville and into The City? As I pointed out in my previous article, it's not that getting past Rookieville is difficult; it's that it's unnecessary and problematic. It's not surprising that fanboys and shills are ignoring the issue and bleating defensively, but it's concerning that no one at Visual Concepts was thinking ahead here.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: Rookieville Was A Terrible Idea

Postby TGsoGood on Fri May 14, 2021 10:53 pm

hoping Rookieville does not come back but I am sure it will be back.
Follow me on PATREON https://www.patreon.com/TGsoGood
Consider donating: http://cash.me/$TheJohnsonFamily or http://paypal.me/4TheGoods
Follow me on twitter @TGsoGood
Check me out on youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPydhZ ... PeRSmEVynQ

NBA 2K21 TGsoGood Mods and releases - viewtopic.php?f=267&t=110608
NBA 2K17 TGsoGood Mods and releases - viewtopic.php?f=225&t=102251#p1860681
NBA 2K14 TGsoGood Mods and releases - viewtopic.php?f=153&t=96056
User avatar
TGsoGood
Contributor
Contributor
 
Posts: 6379
Joined: Thu Jul 28, 2011 4:03 am
Location: Nashville, TN

Re: Monday Tip-Off: Rookieville Was A Terrible Idea

Postby Andrew on Sat May 15, 2021 3:10 pm

That's my feeling as well. It's been how many releases, and we still can't snooze the "Updated Required" message until the end of the current game? The concept could work if it were against CPU opponents as some kind of initial grading system, but even then, I don't care for the literal gatekeeping aspect of it.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: Canned Moments & The Myth of the Skill Gap

Postby Andrew on Mon May 17, 2021 8:06 pm

Monday Tip-Off: Canned Moments & The Myth of the Skill Gap

There's been a lot of talk in recent years about NBA 2K implementing a "skill gap". It seems that every year, we get a gameplay blog in which a new or tweaked mechanic is touted as bringing a proper skill gap to the forthcoming game. By and large, this is a promise that games have failed to deliver upon. That's not to say that the changes aren't improvements in their own right, or that there isn't any skill involved in playing NBA 2K. Furthermore, gamers definitely do demonstrate different levels of skill - such as it is - especially in the online arena.

However, it isn't a true skill gap as such, because the way one wins and loses in NBA 2K doesn't necessarily come down to skill; or at least, not pure stick skills. There are factors such as meta-gaming in MyCAREER and its connected modes, and pay-for-advantage mechanics in terms of quick MyPLAYER upgrades and pack openings in MyTEAM. I've discussed those issues at length before, so I won't be going into them today. Instead, I want to talk about core mechanics that stand in the way of NBA 2K truly having a skill gap. One of the most pressing issues in that regard, as I'm sure many NBA 2K gamers are all too aware, is the prominence of canned moments.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: Why I Love Basketball & Basketball Gaming

Postby Andrew on Tue May 25, 2021 2:06 pm

Monday Tip-Off: Why I Love Basketball & Basketball Gaming

It's important to be critical, even about the hobbies and interests that we love. We don't need to pretend to enjoy something that isn't to our tastes. As consumers, it doesn't benefit us to keep quiet when there are problems, or we aren't getting value for money. New isn't always better, just as nostalgia can make us overlook issues of the past. There are plenty of valid reasons to speak out, or express a negative opinion. Of course, it isn't healthy to be constantly mired in negativity, and it's all too easy to forget that it's OK to enjoy and celebrate our passions.

I am critical of certain aspects of basketball gaming, even though I love the hobby. I've got forthcoming articles where I examine problems and consider solutions, but today, I want to talk about why I love basketball, and video games based on it. The reason I'm taking time to do this is that last week, I encountered a miserable, mean-spirited article about film that was pure bait for rage clicks. It was snobby and snarky, essentially bashing a popular old film under the guise of "I'm smart enough to see that it sucks". I never want to be that kind of sad sack in my basketball gaming coverage, so today I'm talking about why I love the sport of basketball, both real and virtual.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: The Economics of MyTEAM

Postby Andrew on Mon May 31, 2021 2:23 pm

Monday Tip-Off: The Economics of MyTEAM

Although I've spent a lot of time with MyCAREER over the past generation, I've also dabbled with MyTEAM. After making MyTEAM my mode of choice in NBA 2K21, I've had more firsthand experience with its troubling economics. For once, I'm not talking about microtransactions and Virtual Currency. While there is pushiness to the recurrent revenue mechanics in MyTEAM and I remain critical of those practices, I've covered that issue in previous articles. Besides, I can attest to the viability of sticking to a "No Money Spent" philosophy, and still greatly enjoying MyTEAM.

Ironically, the more pressing issue with MyTEAM's economics concerns MT: an in-game currency that can't be purchased (at least, not from 2K). It does tie into issues with VC to a certain extent - they're ultimately part of the same economy, after all - but even if you eliminate microtransactions from the discussion, there are still some major problems with MT. These issues affect everything from budgeting for packs and contracts, to the Auction House and the handling of pulling cards you already own. Some of these issues are unfortunately by design, but I believe that 2K should address problems affecting the mode's economics, as soon as in NBA 2K22.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: Basketball Gaming Habits vs General Gaming Habits

Postby Andrew on Mon Jun 07, 2021 2:23 pm

Monday Tip-Off: Basketball Gaming Habits vs General Gaming Habits

In many ways, basketball gaming is notably unique compared to other genres of gaming. For example, in a basketball game, you participate in the sport of basketball. In other genres – outside of mini-games – you don’t. I know that these are the thought-provoking insights that you all come to the NLSC and read my articles for! In all seriousness, basketball gaming naturally involves different expectations, activities, and habits compared to other video game genres. One generally approaches sports titles with different ideas and methods than, say, an RPG or First Person Shooter.

And yet, some gaming habits cross the boundaries of genre, and habits in general are difficult to break. To put it another way, we each have our own gaming philosophies that influence how we play all our favourite games. I’ve stuck with a certain type of MyPLAYER build for years for the same reasons many of my Fallout playthroughs ended up being remarkably similar. That’s just one example of how my basketball gaming habits resemble the way that I play other games that I enjoy, even when those games have very little to do with the virtual hardwood. It hardly gets in the way of my enjoyment, but it does make it difficult to change things up when I feel so inclined.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: Don't Fall Victim to FOMO

Postby Andrew on Mon Jun 14, 2021 3:00 pm

Monday Tip-Off: Don't Fall Victim to FOMO

Modern games prey on FOMO: the Fear Of Missing Out. From daily bonuses to content that is only available for a limited time, game modes are designed to get us jumping on as often as possible to boost engagement numbers, and in the best case scenario for the publisher, spend money on their recurrent revenue mechanics. It's the same approach that mobile games have pioneered, and it's become commonplace with Triple-A releases as well. From cosmetic items to content with a more tangible effect on gameplay, developers want us to dread missing out on acquiring goodies.

It's effective, too. Every time they release a great Michael Jordan card in MyTEAM, I can't help thinking "I want that". However, the Auction House economy is broken due to MT resellers, and I refuse to pay real money to rip open pack after pack with lousy odds. Not everyone can resist the lure of appealing digital content though, and to that end, I can understand falling victim to FOMO. It's harder to get games online - or at least be competitive - if you don't have the best cards, quick MyPLAYER upgrades, or even the right clothing. As premium skins in Fortnite have proven, it can even lead to bullying! That's why I'm offering up some tips to stand strong against FOMO.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: The Complacency of the Basketball Gamer

Postby Andrew on Mon Jun 21, 2021 2:29 pm

Monday Tip-Off: The Complacency of the Basketball Gamer

There's a well-travelled fable about a boiling frog. The story goes that if you place a frog in boiling water, it will immediately jump out. However, if you place it in tepid water and slowly bring it to boil, the frog will not react to the danger and be boiled alive. Experiments have proven the premise to be false, but the imagery is still used as a metaphor for an unwillingness to react to threats that arise gradually, compared to those that arise suddenly. While the metaphor is based on a disproven principle, its imagery aptly illustrates the process of creeping normality.

Complacency is a major factor here, and it's certainly an issue in basketball gaming. The attitude of "well, that's just the way it is" shrugs off valid criticism and concerns. It can be shocking to look back at some of the fantastic games from years ago, and compare them to recent releases that are riddled with recurrent revenue mechanics, gatekeeping, and other aspects that are lacking in goodwill. How did we get from there to here? As in the boiling frog metaphor, had these changes come suddenly, there'd have been a revolt. By shrewdly introducing these elements and then turning up the heat, 2K has taken advantage of the complacency of the basketball gamer.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: Completion Is What You Make It

Postby Andrew on Mon Jun 28, 2021 2:08 pm

Monday Tip-Off: Completion Is What You Make It

Achieving completion in most video games is fairly straightforward. Any game with an ultimate win condition such as a final boss or mission/quest can clearly be finished. There may be postscript content in games that can be played after their ending, even if it’s just an opportunity to finish side quests/missions and achieve 100% completion. These objectives are usually listed somewhere in the game, allowing you to keep track of them. To that end, I can tell you which Grand Theft Auto games I’ve finished, what I’ve done in Fallout games, and how successful I’ve been in various other titles I own.

Basketball gaming is different, particularly when we’re talking about the sim titles. There are goals that you can aim for, such as winning an NBA Championship in the various season, franchise, and career modes. Simply playing every game on twelve minute quarters could be considered a form of completion, having experienced the ups and downs of an NBA campaign…then again, games can be simulated. More to the point, the depth of modern basketball games make it extremely difficult to clearly achieve completion compared to other genres. With that in mind, we have to set our own definitions of completion to achieve satisfaction before a release is outdated.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: A Legends of the NBA Game

Postby Andrew on Mon Jul 05, 2021 5:43 pm

Monday Tip-Off: A Legends of the NBA Game

NBA 2K has done a phenomenal job with historical content over the past decade or so, at least in terms of quantity and innovation. The Jordan Challenge and NBA's Greatest brought actual retro squads to the virtual hardwood in an official capacity, when for many years it appeared as though such teams would only ever be added through modding. MyTEAM has also made extensive use of historical players as both collectibles and challenges in its various modes of play. All-Decade teams have even returned. The only thing missing is a Legends Pool for historical roster projects.

Of course, while there's no arguing with the quantity of historical content in NBA 2K - give or take a missing player here and there - there are issues with the quality. A number of NBA Legends and other retro players have inappropriate ratings, Badges, tendencies, and animations. As attention has turned to facilitating overpowered cards in MyTEAM, there's been less focus on player accuracy, quite frankly to the point of sloppiness. Since there are gamers who are more interested in historical content than current rosters - and as it might allow for greater attention to detail - I'm intrigued by the idea of a standalone game that focuses solely on the Legends of the NBA.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: AI Players in Online Modes

Postby Andrew on Mon Jul 12, 2021 2:18 pm

Monday Tip-Off: AI Players in Online Modes

I've covered several topics related to online modes in NBA 2K, from gatekeeping and elitism to forced grinding and a lack of matchmaking. One issue that I haven't touched upon all that much is the use of AI Players in the online arena. As you know if you've played MyCAREER's connected online modes, AI Players are utilised in one of two ways. Either they make up the numbers when there aren't enough users to completely fill both squads, or they take the place of a user when they quit or foul out of a game so that everyone else can keep playing.

The use of AI Players in online team play modes is particularly controversial, though. It ties into the aforementioned issues of matchmaking and elitism, but there are some legitimate complaints regarding the practice. The presence of AI Players in the online modes runs contrary to their very concept, yet at the same time, it facilitates them. It's an issue where it's impossible to cater to two very different preferences, at least with the current options and mechanics. Moving forward, it's an issue that NBA 2K will have to resolve, but in the meantime, let's take a look at both the drawbacks and the benefits of AI Players in online modes, and why the matter evokes strong opinions.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: Commercials on the Virtual Hardwood

Postby Andrew on Mon Jul 19, 2021 2:53 pm

Monday Tip-Off: Commercials on the Virtual Hardwood

It's fair to say that we have mixed feelings about advertising. While we do understand that it's a necessary part of running a business and that commercials support things we like, we find them annoying. The appeal of recording TV - either through DVR now or VCR back in the day - and watching it later instead of live, is that we can skip the ads. We consider ads intrusive, yet memorable ones become part of pop culture. One only has to look at the Super Bowl commercials and their popularity. And of course, product placement also draws scorn, as does sponsored content.

Like it or not, advertising is everywhere, and it looks like it's coming to video games, too. Well, that's not entirely accurate. While various developers including EA have recently signed deals with an in-game advertising platform named playerWON that will allow them to place ads in their games and incentivise gamers to watch them by offering rewards, it's not the first time we've seen this mobile gaming model in Triple-A titles. That's not to say that I approve. Like most gamers I'm sure, I rolled my eyes and grumbled at the news. It did get me thinking about the history of commercials in basketball gaming though, and previous attempts to advertise on the virtual hardwood.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: The NBA Live Series Deserved Better

Postby Andrew on Mon Jul 26, 2021 4:25 pm

Monday Tip-Off: The NBA Live Series Deserved Better

Maybe it's too early to be eulogising the NBA Live series, though others might argue that it's too late. It's been almost two years since the official Twitter posted an update on the future of the series, announcing that EA Sports would be skipping NBA Live 20. Since then, the account has only Re-Tweeted a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant. While the silence is deafening and does little to convince fans that the door hasn't been slammed shut on the NBA Live series, the lack of an official announcement and the occasional interesting leak or rumour has maintained a glimmer of hope.

However, after another EA Play without any word on the future of the series, many of the fans who have continued to fly the flag for NBA Live are beginning to give up on it ever returning. If nothing else, supporters of the brand are resigning themselves to the fact that until they actually hear concrete news, there's no point in speculation and getting their hopes up. I'd count myself in the second group, though I've never been less optimistic about NBA Live. You may ask why we wanted NBA Live to return, and why we care about its current state. To be blunt, the NBA Live series deserved much better than it received over the past fifteen years, and so did hoops gamers.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: What We Don't Know About Game Design

Postby Andrew on Mon Aug 02, 2021 2:54 pm

Monday Tip-Off: What We Don't Know About Game Design

Although I gained some experience with programming way back in high school, I'm not a programmer or software engineer. I'm not fluent in code, nor do I have any experience in developing or designing video games. Like a majority of people that play video games, I'm just a consumer; an outsider when it comes to the industry. I say this because I don't want to present myself as an infallible expert or come off as though I see myself as superior to anyone else. After all, I disdain a content creator with a massive ego and foolhardy overconfidence in their knowledge and expertise.

With that being said, and at the risk of sounding egotistical or pretentious, I do know a thing or two. Aside from dabbling with programming at school and messing around with computers both professionally and recreationally, I've spoken to people who do know what they're talking about. Running the NLSC for the past twenty years has granted me opportunities to gain insights into the development of basketball video games, and some of the technical aspects of game design. A recent Forum post asking about Next Gen features in the Current Gen version of NBA 2K reminded me of some misunderstandings about game design, and inspired me to provide some explanations.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: The Joys of Exhibition Games

Postby Andrew on Mon Aug 09, 2021 2:49 pm

Monday Tip-Off: The Joys of Exhibition Games

If you're familiar with my stance on the importance of deep modes in basketball games, then this week's topic might be understandably confusing. After all, I'm on record saying that a game cannot sustain interest if it doesn't have at least one mode that can keep its audience hooked. I do stand by that, and one only needs to look at how NBA Live's shallow modes over the past generation have failed to maintain the same engagement and enthusiasm as the experiences on offer in NBA 2K. In 2021, a basketball game needs to have both variety and depth in its modes.

However, there's obviously still a use for exhibition play, or Play Now as it's usually called in NBA Live and NBA 2K alike. More than that though, there's a lot of fun to be had in exhibition games. The irony here is that while I advocate for deep modes because of their longevity, goals, and consequences, it's the lack of stakes and long-term ramifications that I find so appealing about jumping into Play Now. As much as I enjoy progressing through a mode and achieving some sense of completion, I can also find great satisfaction in playing a game that doesn't count towards anything. In fact, it could be argued that exhibition games are where we can be the most creative.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

Re: Monday Tip-Off: The NBA Live Series Deserved Better

Postby Ermolli on Fri Aug 13, 2021 2:57 am

Andrew wrote:Monday Tip-Off: The NBA Live Series Deserved Better

Maybe it's too early to be eulogising the NBA Live series, though others might argue that it's too late. It's been almost two years since the official Twitter posted an update on the future of the series, announcing that EA Sports would be skipping NBA Live 20. Since then, the account has only Re-Tweeted a tribute to the late Kobe Bryant. While the silence is deafening and does little to convince fans that the door hasn't been slammed shut on the NBA Live series, the lack of an official announcement and the occasional interesting leak or rumour has maintained a glimmer of hope.

However, after another EA Play without any word on the future of the series, many of the fans who have continued to fly the flag for NBA Live are beginning to give up on it ever returning. If nothing else, supporters of the brand are resigning themselves to the fact that until they actually hear concrete news, there's no point in speculation and getting their hopes up. I'd count myself in the second group, though I've never been less optimistic about NBA Live. You may ask why we wanted NBA Live to return, and why we care about its current state. To be blunt, the NBA Live series deserved much better than it received over the past fifteen years, and so did hoops gamers.


It's a frustrating situation to follow as someone who has so much passion for the series like you, to see how EA fumbled the franchise, neglect you and then simply disappear just like that. It really shows how it bothers you and I can't blame you.

Over the last few years I felt like there's some parallelism between NBA Live and PES. They began strong in early consoles (PS1 era), gave what many/most consider their golden era when they released game for PS2 (NBA Live 2005/06 and PES 5/6), botched the following console generation but had one generally praised release (NBA Live 10 and PES 2013) and then couldn't really recover well (NBA Live had cancellations, PES had mediocre games). Now both seem to approach the younger generation/mobile crowd which alienates they hardcore/old-school fans.

It's a shame but what can one do? You could hope and wish one day that magically EA announces an releases a fantastic game, a proper experience for the generation it's in, and all that but it feels more like a dream than a possibility. It doesn't seem like EA cares enough of the series to release a top-notch game (not only a viable alternative because it isn't enough nowadays, people have expectations) by making a huge investment for it.
User avatar
Ermolli
 
Posts: 255
Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2006 8:40 am
Location: Montevideo, Uruguay

Re: Monday Tip-Off: The Joys of Exhibition Games

Postby Ermolli on Fri Aug 13, 2021 3:19 am

Andrew wrote:Monday Tip-Off: The Joys of Exhibition Games

If you're familiar with my stance on the importance of deep modes in basketball games, then this week's topic might be understandably confusing. After all, I'm on record saying that a game cannot sustain interest if it doesn't have at least one mode that can keep its audience hooked. I do stand by that, and one only needs to look at how NBA Live's shallow modes over the past generation have failed to maintain the same engagement and enthusiasm as the experiences on offer in NBA 2K. In 2021, a basketball game needs to have both variety and depth in its modes.

However, there's obviously still a use for exhibition play, or Play Now as it's usually called in NBA Live and NBA 2K alike. More than that though, there's a lot of fun to be had in exhibition games. The irony here is that while I advocate for deep modes because of their longevity, goals, and consequences, it's the lack of stakes and long-term ramifications that I find so appealing about jumping into Play Now. As much as I enjoy progressing through a mode and achieving some sense of completion, I can also find great satisfaction in playing a game that doesn't count towards anything. In fact, it could be argued that exhibition games are where we can be the most creative.


What I enjoy about playing exhibition games is the freedom to play with whoever team I want, current or retro teams, all-star or even ones created by mods, without feeling restricted.
One of the reasons I haven't played franchise, MyPlayer or team collecting modes is because of the need to play with the same team over and over again, I get bored after a while. Sure, I can make trades or sign players in franchise, or sell and buy players/packs but it isn't the same. Sometimes I like playing a game with top-tier teams, other times I enjoy being the underdog against one of the best in the league, and sometimes with two mediocre or bad clubs just to take advantage of their best player and see how he can impact the game.

As you said, the lack of "stress" of having to win because it impacts go gives me an ease that I've been wanting lately, one has enough things to deal with in their day-to-day life to get worked up if my team loses or deal with negativity during online play. I sure don't have enough time as before to invest heavily with modes, I tried lately but ended up quitting after a few days/weeks. Perhaps I could try again and try to take the same approach so I could take it lightly instead of burning out soon.
User avatar
Ermolli
 
Posts: 255
Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2006 8:40 am
Location: Montevideo, Uruguay

Re: Monday Tip-Off: The Joys of Exhibition Games

Postby Andrew on Fri Aug 13, 2021 4:03 pm

That's an interesting parallel with PES. I think it also bothers us because we know how good NBA Live was at one point, and while it's a bit fanboyish of me to say, it does bug me when someone says that NBA Live was never good. I know that isn't true - although there's always some subjectivity there - and I know how good it could've been, if not for some bad choices and that rough start on Xbox 360. As you said, it's frustrating, and just a bit sad given our fond memories with the series.

Great point about the different teams being such a difference maker in exhibition play. I do love franchise and career modes and have spent countless hours in them, but you do feel that repetition. It's perhaps more gratifying in the long run, but it obviously takes a while to get there.
User avatar
Andrew
Assist Enthusiast
Administrator
 
Posts: 113902
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2002 8:51 pm
Location: Australia

PreviousNext

Return to Featured Content & Community Noticeboard

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 14 guests