NLSC Your source for basketball video games.
We’re at midcourt, and the ball is about to go up…it’s Monday Tip-Off! Join me as I begin the week here at the NLSC with my opinions and commentary on basketball gaming topics, as well as tales of the fun I’ve been having on the virtual hardwood. This week, I’m tipping things off with some thoughts on how we can improve the discourse around NBA 2K in 2023 (and beyond).
I realise there’s a certain futility in articles such as this. The people who read them are likely already in agreement with the message, while those who really need to heed such suggestions are unlikely to do so. In other words, I’m preaching to the choir while simultaneously yelling into the wind. Still, it never hurts to try! I don’t pretend that I have the reach or the words to eliminate toxicity from the discourse surrounding the NBA 2K series. Nevertheless, if it makes a few people think, or encourages a more positive example, it’s a worthwhile endeavour.
And yes, the word “toxic” gets thrown around a lot these days, but it’s not inaccurate. Mind you, because it’s so ubiquitous, it’s undoubtedly an uphill battle to change the culture of online discourse, whether it’s NBA 2K, real hoops, or basically anything else that we care to discuss with each other. As I said though, if it gets a few people thinking differently about NBA 2K discourse and critique, then in my view it’s worth a try. These are things that I believe we should keep in mind when we’re discussing the issues with NBA 2K and their possible solutions, and pretty much all discourse regarding the series. I promise that they’re not all phrased as stuffy “Do Nots”!
Yes, we understand “it’s a business”.
You’ll see this argument smugly and condescendingly trotted out whenever someone criticises microtransactions, or some other practice that’s anti-gamer. Yes, we know that video game development is a business. We know that 2K wants to (and to stay in business, needs to) make money. We’re very much aware that it’s commonplace; the way things are in games now. It doesn’t mean we have to like it! It doesn’t mean we can’t criticise recurrent revenue mechanics when they impact our enjoyment. Above all, it doesn’t absolve 2K from criticism regarding fairness and value for money. It’s a business…and businesses are judged by the quality of their products and services.
No, not everyone “wants to be 99 Overall after one week”.
Speaking of ways to deflect criticism about game design and microtransactions, here’s a popular one: suggest that people want to be 99 Overall immediately, with minimal effort. No, no they don’t. What people want is for the starting ratings in MyCAREER and its connected modes to be fair, and a springboard to an enjoyable journey rather than a grind where the gamer has to work to have fun. It’s not about having the most overpowered and dominant avatar without going through some trials and tribulations that last longer than a week of regular gameplay. It’s about not being forced to treat a video game like a job, or pay to skip the grind. And hey, while we’re on that subject…
We shouldn’t want (let alone need) to spend real money to upgrade.
I’ll echo an analogy I used in Episode #455 of the NLSC Podcast, when Dee and I gave our definitive review and ranking of NBA 2K23. Imagine going to the movies to see a film that’s more than 50% boring filler. However, by paying a little extra on top of the ticket price, you’ll be shown a special “good cut” of the movie without all of the boring bits. You’d think that was a pretty lousy movie and practice, right? That we put up with it in video games is mind-boggling! You’re not “broke” if you don’t want to spend real money on VC. It’s not just about giving people short on time a shortcut. It’s admitting the game isn’t designed to be fun, because who would pay to skip it then?
“It’s optional” is a pedantic technicality.
Still on the matter of microtransactions – because it is such a problem and too many people are shills who defend them – while they are optional, they’re unavoidably impactful. As noted above, the choice comes down to an experience that’s less fun than it should be by design, or paying more to lessen the inconvenience. On top of that, people who do pay for a shortcut end up setting the competitive balance in the online arena, whether it’s MyCAREER or MyTEAM. This is where matchmaking is vital, and why recurrent revenue mechanics are such an issue. The pursuit of profits too often stands in the way of the quality of the experience, which is not a fun option.
“Inflation” is a ridiculous defense for in-game prices.
When my article about the rising cost of MyCAREER gained some traction back in 2021, a few people fired back on Twitter to tell me it was merely “inflation”. This isn’t the gotcha they seem to think it is. If nothing else, it’s very one-sided inflation, since the earnings haven’t increased in proportion to the costs. More to the point though, it’s an in-game economy; something that the developers have complete control over! I mean, if you want to make the argument that it’s realistically representing a real world problem of overpriced items and inadequate wages, I guess it is. It’s not really true to an NBA player’s salary though, nor is such commentary beneficial to the experience.
If a majority doesn’t find it enjoyable, it’s not a good idea.
I know that everyone’s obsessed with this idea of a “skill gap“, and sure, rewarding skilful play is important. However, video games are supposed to be fun as well as competitive. Basketball games in particular are not only for the most hardcore of hardcore gamers either, and have other goals aside from eSports and the online arena. If a gameplay mechanic or design choice is widely unpopular compared to a previous game, it’s not a case of people needing to “get good”. It’s a sign that a change is a step in the wrong direction when it impedes the goal of a game being fun for a majority of its target audience. Just because you master a mechanic doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
Sometimes, something really is broken.
Obviously, there are times when people blame the game instead of mastering controls and strategies. As much as I despise the “get good” rhetoric, there are times when it does apply. However, all too often we’ve seen valid criticism and observations that an aspect of the game isn’t working properly shot down with the snide suggestion to “get good”, only for the developer blogs for the next game to reveal yes, that was actually a problem! How many people – especially influencers – do you think will admit to being wrong, and that the people they were telling to “get good” were in fact right? I won’t say that it’s zero, but not many line up for a slice of much-deserved humble pie.
Every mode in the game appeals to someone, and that’s great!
If one was to completely trust all of the discourse around NBA 2K, apparently no one ever plays any mode in the game! “Who plays MyCAREER?” “Who plays MyNBA?” “Who plays MyTEAM?” Lots of people, every year! I get that the question probably isn’t supposed to be taken literally in all cases. Rather, it’s just a snobby way to dump on modes you don’t like, and hold up your mode of choice as the “right” way to play. This myopic and selfish line of thinking has turned into a zero-sum game. NBA 2K should cater to different preferences with quality and depth across the board. Your mode of choice isn’t less special just because all the other modes are getting love, too.
Support your fellow gamers before companies.
Again, we should want every mode to be strong for the people who enjoy them. Even if I never touch MyCAREER or the online modes again, I want them to be the best they can be for the people who will be playing them. It’s fair to discuss ideas and point out any flaws and inaccuracies in each other’s criticism, but we shouldn’t shout each other down, or dismiss concerns simply because they don’t affect us. Also, when an issue with VC or MT is brought up, responding “Heh, doesn’t bother me, I don’t play those modes”, you’re not helping; you’re just smugly patting yourself on the back. Support your fellow gamers, and definitely don’t shill for companies and their profits.
Feasible is not the same as preferable or ideal.
I’ve covered this sentiment in articles before, but it bears repeating. It’s worth pointing out what’s feasible, but also important to recognise that it’s not the same as preferable or ideal. Imagine it cost 500 VC every time you loaded into MyCAREER, framed as a “travel fee”. It would be feasible to budget your VC so that you always had that much on hand, or to play some Play Now games to earn it. Would it be preferable or ideal, though? Would it be a good design choice? Absolutely not! It’s an extreme example and highly unlikely, but the point is that a feasible solution or workaround doesn’t negate valid criticism of poor design choices, or for that matter, greedy practices.
We’re not “spoiled” if we criticise, but do be civil.
Despite what shills and apologists claim, basketball gamers are not spoiled brats just because the discourse around NBA 2K can be critical. Sometimes that criticism is harsh, but not unwarranted. With that being said, there’s still a right way and a wrong way to go about things. I’ve been advocating for constructive feedback for years now, and I stick by that. You can get your point across, and be honest and detailed, without resorting to personal attacks, threats, unnecessary snark, or anything else that detracts from important feedback and suggestions. It doesn’t mean sucking up; it just means not going out of your way to be insulting and rude when making any suggestions.
Starting off a sentence with “Psst” is horrendously obnoxious.
Alright, so this one isn’t exclusive to NBA 2K discourse, but I feel like throwing it out there anyway because it’s a pet peeve. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a post start out with “psst” that didn’t go on to be extremely condescending and obnoxious, no matter how valid the overall point. Needless to say, the whole “condescending whisper” is even worse if you don’t have a good point to share! It’s a clear sign that you’re talking down to someone, and there are only a few specific circumstances where that makes you the good person in that exchange. If you want a better standard of discourse around NBA 2K, don’t display a toxic attitude that makes you come off as a monumental tool.
Once again, I’m not under the delusion that I’ll stamp out toxicity and improve NBA 2K discourse simply by writing an article. As I acknowledged, the people who really need to take these suggestions on board aren’t reading articles like this one, or if they have happened to stumble across it, they’ve checked out with a “tl;dr” paragraphs ago. So be it. It’s worth trying to cultivate better discourse, and discourage toxicity within the NBA 2K community. This isn’t about dictating opinions or shutting down freedom of speech. It’s about improving the discourse by addressing a handful of tired points so that we don’t get bogged down by them, facilitating more constructive discussions.
