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We now know the reason for the delay of NBA Playgrounds 2. Saber Interactive SEO Matthew Karch has revealed via Forbes that Take-Two will be publishing the game, which has been rebranded as NBA 2K Playgrounds 2. The game itself will still be developed by Saber.
In a recent Monday Tip-Off article, I speculated about the future of Playgrounds 2, and suggested that the silence was damaging the brand. Glancing at social media, the reception to the news appears to be mixed. While there is excitement about the possibility of seeing players like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant in NBA 2K Playgrounds 2, there is also concern given the prevalence of microtransactions in recent NBA 2K titles, in particular NBA 2K18.
It remains to be seen what changes (if any) will be made with 2K publishing Saber’s forthcoming arcade basketball game, but more news is apparently forthcoming. While no release date has been set, the game will be coming out in the Fall, alongside NBA 2K19 and NBA Live 19. In a comment posted in the official NBA Playgrounds Facebook group, Matthew Karch hinted at an increase in content, as well as a slight increase in price. We’ll be sure to post any details as they’re made available.
We’ll also have more to say about NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 in Episode #258 of the NLSC Podcast, but in the meantime, what’s your take on the news? Will it ultimately benefit the franchise, or will it set it on the wrong path? Was the partnership worth delaying the game back in May? Have your say in the comments section below, and join in the discussion here in the NLSC Forum.
Juegaco!!!
Thank you, Andrew, for summarizing that. Personally, I don’t care, but I predict juggling with several types cards of one player (silver, gold, platinum etc.) to push towards additional spending( Boasted with presumably more filled NBA roster spots and legends, this game has to be promoted widely in its mother juggernaut) This may result even in 4 games on the market if EA will decide to rival with new NBA Jam. 😉
I’d love to see NBA Jam return. On Fire Edition was fantastic, and one of my candidates for best arcade basketball games to date.
The partnership with 2K certainly has the potential for great benefits in terms of marketing and content, with the possible inclusion of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant if nothing else. However, there is also potential for troubling, anti-consumer practices like the ones you suggested there. It could be great for the game, but I have my concerns as well.