The latest version of the NBA2K franchise, NBA2k21, was released in May this year and is already a huge hit among niche gamers. The product was even made available for free for the first few weeks. However, it did not lose popularity when the version became paid. Despite the competition with the giant EA, the 2K franchise has shown that it is here to stay. What is the tactic behind its success?
New Players
2K is a game developer and distributor, founded in San Francisco, California in 2005. It’s a much younger company than the traditional EA, which has been with us since the early days of video games in 1982. But experience is no guarantee of success, and 2K has been gaining ground. However, it is important to note that both games deliver different experiences.
The NBA2K franchise is more like a simulator than conventional titles of the genre. While EA’s franchise has a more immediate gameplay, 2K’s is much more realistic. So realistic, in fact, that the moves are far more complex and take longer to learn.
On the other hand, such complexity results in a much more realistic game. Such realism extends to the level of competition, and fans can take their chances in the virtual tournaments at this online casino.
Same Court, Different Games
What makes NBA2K so instigating for the most passionate fans is the care taken with the physics of the movements, combined with the richness of the graphics and the possibility of setting up truly multiplayer matches. Here, up to ten players can play at the same time, each controlling a player.
This feature, combined with the other graphic, gameplay and physics qualities, make this game perfect for esports tournaments, and is already drawing the attention of technology giants, accelerating the inclusion of this franchise in professional tournaments.
Google Pixel Joins the Game
Last October, Google Pixel confirmed that it would be the official search engine of the NBA. The partnership doesn’t stop there: the company will also be monitoring online trends with fans. This partnership extends to the NBA G League and the NBA2K franchise.
Google’s purpose with this partnership is to “bring the game closer to the fans”, using all its expertise in search, trend monitoring, and more. The partnership between Google Pixel and the NBA also provides for the application of 3D and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies.
Although the multiplayer format explored by NBA2K is not revolutionary in itself, few developers seem to have paid attention to this modality. FIFA, by EA Sports, for example, has a mode called Pro Clubs, in which up to 22 players can participate in the match. However, this mode does not seem to draw EA’s attention enough to invest in tournaments and improvements in this regard.
Win-Win Competition
In comparison to other sports, basketball and in particular, the NBA, take a considerable advantage. While on consoles, football is represented by the FIFA franchise and American football by Madden, the NBA has two major games to represent. It doesn’t matter if one title is more casual and the other, more for competitions. The federation is gaining more and more audience in real life, thanks to its virtual versions.
Conclusion
The esports market has moved over USD 1 billion worldwide this year alone. While EA’s titles appeal more to the casual gamer who just wants to have fun, 2K’s titles attract the more aficionados and seem to be the passport of this sport to international esports competitions. Google’s logistical and technological support will certainly speed up this process.
