Erick Boenisch has posted a deep-dive developer blog on MyLEAGUE, MyLEAGUE Online, and MyGM in NBA 2K17. Needless to say, it’s a must-read for franchise gamers! If you missed his earlier blog on league expansion, you should also check that out here.
In the newest blog, Erick talks about building on the foundation they established with MyLEAGUE Online in NBA 2K16. This year’s mode takes more of fantasy league approach, rather than utilising contracts and salaries. Players instead have a number of “Keeper years”, and GMs are able to keep a set number of players, as long as the players have one Keeper year left. The Draft allows GMs to either choose incoming rookies, or free agent players. Admins also have more control over the league, from unretiring players and customising Keeper settings to importing Draft Classes.
Erick also runs down the different mode options, including returning features such as Playoffs, Season, and Start Today, and the new option of redoing the 2016 offseason. Any uniform updates that are pushed through will also be available in existing MyLEAGUE and MyGM saves, so there’ll be no need to start over to make use of those assets.
In regards to the rule changes between seasons, few are likely to get approved, and it is possible to override and disable them. Examples of rule changes include the number of players selected for the All-Star Game, shot clock length, number of seconds the offense has to advance past halfcourt, and foul limits. Draft pick protections and the ability to swap picks in Draft Day trades are also confirmed, along with jersey retirements.
Trades can now happen throughout the offseason, though the rule that newly signed players can’t be traded before December 15th is in effect. Improvements have also been made to the offseason trade logic, with more factors going into whether or not a trade is accepted. It’s now also easier to swap or assume control of multiple teams, even after starting a MyLEAGUE game. However, MyGM is still restricted to one team. Roster editing is easier, with the ability to edit all player ratings from a single screen, rather than having to edit players individually. Staff editing is also available outside of MyLEAGUE and MyGM.
Team Rivals have been implemented, tracking overall win-loss records and affecting atmosphere during gameplay. Record tracking has been expanded, and Draft Classes can be imported while a season is on-going. Scouting logic and trade rumours have been improved, and several new rules and free agency clauses have been added, such as the veteran’s minimum, “Derrick Rose Rule”, re-trading rule, and so on. A lot of additions have been made and tweaking done in the name of, as Erick puts it, “Innovation. Authenticity. Engagement.”, which is great news.
Be sure to check out the blog for the full scoop. Got any thoughts, franchise gamers? Have your say in the comments section below, and join in the discussion here in the NBA 2K17 section of the Forum.