Summary
The annual release ofNBA 2K25has been met with less optimism each year in recent years by many basketball fans. Another offseason seesNBA 2K25less than two months away from release, so the lack of information beyond the cover athletes is disheartening. One common fan complaint is that the game is the same every year and offers minimal new features.
Rookies entering the league and players changing teams are commonly the main upgrades, while other aspects of the annual game stay stagnant. However, it is the early pre-order date and a lack of information that is leading to more anger this year.NBA 2K25must start to correct course on fan service or risk more negative reactions.
What We Know About NBA 2K25 So Far
NBA 2K25made news by revealing the three cover athletesof the various cover options. NBA star Jayson Tatum, WNBA star A’ja Wilson, and NBA legend Vince Carter are the names that will market the game this year. All three are deserving of the honor due to recent accomplishments like winning an NBA Championship, winning a WNBA Championship, or getting inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
However, not much else was announced with the cover stars beyond a pre-order listing.NBA 2Kfrequently gets criticized for offering little updates on what buyers can expect before making the game available for purchase. The reception is even worse this year, with no game footage, trailer, or teaser information about anything beyond the usual perks.
WNBA, All-Star
Vince Carter
Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks
Hall Of Fame
Video game content creators have called outNBA 2Kfor not even hiding that the game will likely be very similar toNBA 2K24and the other recent games before that.The typicalNBA 2Kmodes of My Team, My Player, Play Now, and the other standard options will likely continue with the same elements unless new information is released before the release date.
Most video games try to tempt fans with enticing perks and new features before announcing the pre-sale.NBA 2Kdecided to make the game available for sale as soon as possible, and it has upset many already frustrated fans within the community. Anew game likeCollege Football 25finding successwill put pressure on games likeMaddenandNBA 2Kover the next few months.
Weak NBA 2K25 Pre-Order Perks Upsetting Fans
Virtual currency and microtransactions continue to be polarizing topics within the video game community.Games likeFortniteandFall Guysrequire spending on cosmetics or other perks, but users can purchase those games for free or cheap to play before paying for extras.NBA 2Kis drastically different as a high-priced game that warrants more spending to get the most out of the game modes.
The pre-order bonuses forNBA 2K25play into the microtransaction world, but the perks aren’t strong enough. Virtual currency is the first thing mentioned in each tier of pre-order, with the amount of game funds depending on which edition one purchases.NBA 2K’s in-game pricing for items in various modes makes it a harder sell since most high-priority items are beyond any pre-order bonus.
5,000 VC
$70 ($60 for Switch)
$70
100,000 VC
$100
$150
MyCareer is a popularNBA 2Kmodethat will see multiple pre-order bonuses looking to tempt fans, but many of the items feel pointless. Cosmetic items like skateboard skins, player t-shirts, and jerseys offer little to make one excited about pre-ordering the game. The most valuable Hall of Fame edition offers skill boosts and Gatorade boosts, but that’s a fraction of what’s needed to get the best value out of a MyCareer player inNBA 2K.
Another popular mode that is present in the pre-order isMyTeam, forNBA 2Kplayers who love the fantasyteam element of putting together a dream roster. The biggest pre-order bonuses are an Amethyst coach card and a Jayson Tatum card with an 89 overall. Given how many great cards ranked in the 90s come out for this mode, Tatum’s pre-order card will be outdated rather quickly.
NBA Fans Want More From NBA 2K25 Before Release
The First Major NBA 2K25 Trailer Must Excite Fans Into Buying Game
NBA 2K25will eventually release a trailer and give more information before the game is released, but the lack of updates after the pre-order news so far has soured many fans. Fans deserve some upgrades to the actual gameplay; nothing about an individual challenge mode for a player or new game features has been teased at all.
NBA 2K24had Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Momentsas a side option to at least offer some variety in the smaller modes. A lack of updates concerns customers about how many changes will be made when trying this year’s game or if the developers want to make changes. Some believe thatNBA 2Kis recycling the same game each year with mostly roster updates as the big changes, which ultimately risks losing some of the customer base.
Fans deserve a trailer or news advertising all the new features and upgrades coming to NBA 2K25!
However, basketball is hotter than it’s been in many years, thanks to the WNBA and the Olympics adding some major stories outside the NBA season.NBA 2Kcan improve the WNBA representationand utilize Team USA rosters like in past games. MyCareer and MyGM would be more appealing with much better pre-order bonuses. Even the overlooked play now mode of online head-to-head games with current teams has not been upgraded in over five years.
Every aspect ofNBA 2Kcould be improved or tinkered with to at least provide something new. The fast pre-order announcement and no other news outside the cover names set up a negative combination to worry about the future of the game.Sports video games are getting stagnant, which often spelled doom for past franchises.NBA 2K25must address the fan concern and deliver a strong trailer with some new features or risk more negative momentum.
NBA 2K25
WHERE TO PLAY
Command every court with authenticity and realism Powered by ProPLAY™, giving you ultimate control over how you play in NBA 2K25. Define your legacy in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, and The W. Express yourself with an array of customization options and explore an all-new City rich with opportunity.POWERED BY ProPLAY™: Bring your game to life with ProPLAY™, immersive technology that directly translates NBA footage into engaging gameplay. Get up close and personal with your favorite NBA superstars and immerse yourself in clutch moments, as ProPLAY™ powers the most authentic NBA experience to date.COMPETE IN THE CITY: The City is the ultimate proving ground; hit the park for some streetball fun and compete at various new venues. Pay homage to legends of the game in MyCAREER as you eclipse their records and usher in the greatest dynasty of all-time. Let your talents shine in a bustling City and etch your name among the greats.BUILD YOUR DYNASTY: Build a dynasty that transcends eras, and redefine what it means to be the best as a General Manager in MyNBA. Explore the unique challenges that come with overseeing an NBA front office and cherish the ultimate reward of winning a championship, or multiple. Choose from six Eras, including an all-new Era, and become the next mastermind to change the game forever.
