When progression is something we can happily take a shortcut on, it’s a sign that the experience isn’t actually all that fun. When the ability to enjoy a game and not feel disadvantaged in online play hinges on that choice between grinding and paying, our enjoyment is not being prioritised. I’d suggest that most of us are aware of this, as evidenced by our feelings towards VC, but we also know that it’s an uphill battle. Whether we like it or not, this is gaming in 2020.
You know, you made a really good point in the article. I have heard friends say that they play mobile games where there is an option for autoplay. I remember my initial thought was that if some players think that the best way or their favorite way of playing the game is not playing it then that can't be a good game.
I feel the same thought applies here. If leveling up your player in career mode and neighborhood was such a fun and great experience as they make it out to be, there wouldn't be as much of an incentive to skip it or hell, there wouldn't even be an option to do that.
If you can't even have fair or fun matches when you play, that's a sign they've prioritized profits over everything else.
For most games and series of games that I have played or still play to this day, I couldn't imagine wanting to skip any of it. I would want to explore every inch of it, every possibility, and in some cases replay it over and over happily. The fact that NBA 2k does not do that for me and many people who love basketball video games and who are just dying for a great game shows that it isn't as great as they say it is.