The tough question facing 2K very, very soon - RaychelSnr's Blog

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The tough question facing 2K very, very soon Stuck

Posted on October 6, 2010 at 09:23 PM.

(38)

The folks at 2K Sports are probably popping the champagne right now and partying like it's 1999 all over again.

As they should be.

Not only has the 2K Basketball team completed a masterpiece of a game, they've also managed to create perhaps the best sports game not only of this generation, but of all time. Time will tell whether that is a title NBA 2K11 can hold or not, but I can guarantee the game will at least be in the discussion.

And after the champagne is drank, the party over, and the office back to normal the folks at 2K have to answer what might be the most important question of all:

"What next?"

Because in the business of yearly sports game releases, there's not much time to celebrate or enjoy success. It's back to work, trying to one-up your previous effort, keeping the formula fresh, yet not too fresh.

Ask Kobe and the Lakers how hard it is to defend a title and stay on top of the mountain. It's tough business defending a championship.

Expectations are going to be very high for next year. The temptation to stray away from what got you to the top t in order to innovate your way to a new hit will be present...as will the temptation to not mess with things too much at all in order to protect what's already there.

Both would be gigantic mistakes.

There are some things which 2K is going to have to inevitably fix, things which come with their basic approach to basketball, like being stuck in an animation at points during the game. 2K is also going to have to figure out how to deliver a mode like the Jordan Modes in 2K11. Because unless 2K Sports is going to go with a perennial coverman, they're going to probably not be able to keep the Jordan modes in the game as is. Then there is the issue of expanding in depth and usability the other modes of the game such as Association mode.

2K finds itself inside of a trap of stellar expectations mixed with harsh realities. However, you can't go away from what got you to the point you are too much too fast but you can't also sit on your release and issue a title many would call stale next year.

The developers at 2K Sports are simply going to have to find the magic medium.

This year, 2K Sports went above and beyond what they've ever done in a yearly release, but that was after a year which the series possibly regressed slightly and at least was going nowhere by not pushing the envelope in any meaningful ways. Thus, they're one for two the previous two years.

My request is: don't stray too far from what got you here, but just know there are some fundamental issues with control which need to be fixed. However, also realize you have perhaps the best sports game ever, but also realize it's not perfect.

We could go round and round on this for hours you know?

2K should be very pleased with their title this year, it's nothing short of a bonafide all-time classic. However, in several months gamers will begin asking the question which will need a good answer. I hope you are ready for it 2K Sports:

"What next?"

Chris is the Executive Editor of Operation Sports and maintains this blog on the site. He is also a native Oklahoman and avid storm chaser. You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisSnr.

Comments

# 31 TombSong @ Oct 9

2K should not have much to worry about. After seeing how OS gave Madden 11 such a high score for practically doing nothing each year. Anything 2K does next year should get them a 9 rating based on how they judged Madden 2011.

All the stuff 2K did in this cycle and they don't get a rating much better than Madden 11, LOL. If I was on that team I would not worry about anything anyone from OS has to say about anything they come out with next year. After all it don't appear to matter much anyway.

# 32 T3B0W @ Oct 9

I hope the developers stick with this old saying, "if it ain't broken, don't fix it". I'd be content with seasonal updates and continued polishing off of the small things to be honest.