Visual Concepts’ passion for basketball is evident, yet its monetary demands are overly burdensome for its players.
By Mark Delaney on September 10, 2024 at 3:28PM PDT
In my experience reviewing NBA 2K games, it’s clear that the game consistently embodies a genuine homage to basketball, extending well beyond a decade. NBA 2K not only captures the essence of basketball culture but actively contributes to its evolution. Unlike any other game, including Madden with its inherent focus on American football, NBA 2K offers a fully immersive and satisfying experience. This is why, in addition to my NBA 2K25 review, I find it necessary to discuss the persistent and troubling pay-to-win model that tarnishes what is otherwise regularly acclaimed as the sports game of the year.
If you’re not familiar with NBA 2K, you might not be aware of these issues, or if you are a player, perhaps you’ve grown so accustomed to them that they no longer seem problematic. Unlike other sports games that focus on team-based franchise modes or collectible card games, Visual Concepts has developed its MyCareer mode and The City, its social MMO hub. Together, they continue to provide a unique and unmatched dual appeal in the sports gaming landscape.
Players start by creating and customizing their character’s abilities, much like in a role-playing game, which then affects their performance in basketball matches. They can embark on a story-driven journey, sign with an NBA team to progress through multiple seasons, or immerse themselves in a bustling social hub known as The City. This dynamic area facilitates various activities including temporary events, streetball games, competitive team matches, and the new addition of go-kart racing.
The combination of The City and MyCareer modes forms the most comprehensive sports gaming experience available, yet it suffers from the perennial issue of encouraging players to spend real money. The starting point for custom players is a lowly 60 overall rating, and to become competitive, players are nudged towards purchasing Virtual Currency (VC) which is intended not only for personalizing appearances but also for essential skill enhancements. The norm of upgrading via expenditure is so ingrained that even on day one, it’s unusual to spot a player who hasn’t already escalated their stats.
The pervasive culture of spending might lead one to believe that everyone is shelling out extra cash to boost their player’s performance to a level that’s competitive online. I’ve observed firsthand the scarcity of players who resist this trend, as they often seem to be stationary, presumably considering a quick purchase of VC to catch up. Without investing in VC, players start with a 60 overall rating and must progress slowly, risking exclusion from games with higher-rated and more expenditure-friendly teammates, which could lead to a subpar experience for everyone involved.
A gamer refraining from spending on VC faces a tough time, especially noticeable during multiplayer games at launch when most players flaunt ratings of 80 or above. A player sticking to the initial $70 NBA 2K game without extra spending might not only struggle personally but also detrimentally affect the team’s performance. As of 2024, the community appears to have acknowledged and adapted to this reality by consistently investing in their characters to maintain a competitive edge.
During my annual game review this year, I attempted a new approach by not using any of the provided 100,000 VC, equivalent to around $30, from my review copy. I aimed to mimic the experience of a beginner player with an OVR of 60, striving to enhance my player through various types of training and gameplay. Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that the gaming experience was far from enjoyable. In PvP scenarios, I became a liability to my team due to my inability to effectively compete against more upgraded players, whether AI or real opponents. In game modes that disclosed player OVR ratings, competitors often deserted the matches prematurely to avoid the anticipated difficulties my presence would pose.
Modes that did not show the OVR still led to similar outcomes, as opponents quickly deduced my player’s limitations. Feeling similar to being the last selected in school sports, the temptation to invest an additional $30 to enhance my player’s skills was intense. This pressure culminated eventually, and within just two days, I succumbed, purchasing upgrades with my VC just to bring some significance to my game participation.
The journey from a 60 OVR upwards could be enjoyable if all players were in the same situation; however, as soon as the servers activate, numerous players promptly invest in massive amounts of in-game currency, reminiscent of filling a treasury a la Scrooge McDuck. Notably, this year’s All-Star Edition of the game starts players off at about an 80 OVR for $100, and yet many opt to spend even more. This scenario illustrates why NBA 2K might just be the first sports game effectively priced over $100, challenging players who opt for the standard edition and wish to engage meaningfully with the game’s core content.
This connects to an observation I made last year regarding how sports games are treated differently in their economic strategies compared to other game genres. While games like Overwatch 2 and Star Wars Battlefront 2 faced backlash for gameplay-affecting microtransactions, sports games like NBA 2K have consistently integrated significant gameplay impacts through in-game purchases. Despite my personal comfort with purchasing cosmetic items in games like Fortnite and Sea of Thieves, the influence of virtual currency in NBA 2K has arguably gone too far, transforming major gameplay elements.
I often feel that the economic challenges present in the gaming industry aren’t necessarily a choice made by the developers like Visual Concepts, but more likely imposed by the publishers. The team at Visual Concepts is clearly passionate about basketball, which is evident in their enthusiasm for each annual release of the NBA 2K series. The latest installment, NBA 2K25, is no exception and you can find out more about its unique features in my comprehensive NBA 2K25 review. The game is exceptional in many ways, arguably presenting itself as a perennial favorite that could capture players’ attention indefinitely with its myriad enjoyable aspects. Unfortunately, it also presents a significant financial barrier each year for many players before they can even access the game.
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