NBA 2K16 2K Pro-Am Interview with Jeff Thomas

Feature Article

Submitted on: 08/04/2015 by Steve Noah

We recently had an opportunity to interview Jeff Thomas, vice president of sports development at Visual Concepts to discuss some more details about the new 2K Pro-Am mode in NBA 2K16. While we had many questions from the OS community, most of them could not be answered at this time, due to details on other modes yet to be announced. With that said, enjoy the quick interview and let us know what you think.

Operation Sports: The trailer showed both an arena environment (10 players)as well as a Rec Center environment (40 players). Can you choose which settings to play in? How is that coordinated?

Jeff Thomas: The Pro-Am Arena is the new four court arena. The custom arenas are for team play exclusively. Team play can happen both in the Pro-Am arena and In your Team’s custom arena. All Walk-On play takes place in the Pro-Am Arena.

OS: Can anyone on your Pro-Am team work on the colors and arena, or does the creator handle that? Can you assign people to assist?

JT: Only the team owner can manage the arena design and customization.

OS: Can we be a part of multiple teams/squads?

JT: Yes you can!

OS: If I only have 3 users in my team for Pro-Am, can I still play and have computer players as the other two players on our team, or do you need to make sure you have your team of 5 players?

JT: You can play with 3 players and 2 A.I. players.

OS: Will our MyPLAYERs have exclusive ratings and overalls to the Pro-Am that differ from MyPark?

JT: No.

OS: How do the leaderboard rankings work? Is it determined by win percentage, games played, record and/or region? Can you give us some more details on what the leaderboards track?

JT: Rankings are determined by an ELO rating system.

OS: If you decide to switch your crew, will you lose all your individual stats and will it affect your ranking on the leaderboard?

JT: No you will not.

OS: Can Pro-Am teams with the same nickname exist? Example: Chicago Wings and Seattle Wings

JT: No.

OS: Do you have to be in same Affiliation as everyone else to play together?

JT: No that isn’t necessary.

OS: Will teams be restricted by position? Example: Three 7-foot SFs and two centers? Or is it two guards, two forwards, one center?

JT: No there aren’t position restrictions.

OS: Will you have a website or app available to check your stats and other game results?

JT: Yes.

NBA 2K16 Videos

Member Comments

# 61 Chemthethriller @ 08/04/15 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sactown_13


	Well, since i was little i have enjoyed playing video games/sports with my actual friends. We are now grown up and rarely get to do these things in the same room. These types of modes let us play a few games a week together without having to deal with random people other than our opponents. Its just my preference

I got that, but you're the minority in this situation, the vast minority when you look online and almost everyone is ok with getting on the "got next" or inviting random strangers to a party chat.

So now I will be organizing my team to play against two shooters and 3 AI, to me that's boring, because playing a Center, which apparently is the least player position, I will be matched up against the boring computer in way too many games.

# 62 24ct @ 08/04/15 06:21 PM

Why didn't they ask if matchmaking would be cpu v human based?????

Like if I have 5 guys they shouldn't match me against 3humans & 2 computers.

Honestly I think it's dumb to have this option AND leaderboards. Completely pointless. Ppl will play with all cpu just to get averages up. They know where you're passing and it's just boring playing the cpu. Countless games I've had all 5 guys quit in a blowout and playing cpu is boring af.

It's like this. We don't log in and matchmake into a cpu v user quick game because we can do that in franchise mode. We log into park/rec to pplay users. There's a mode for user v cpu. I don't get getting online to run with the cpu.

But of courseit's 2k so it's 1 step forward 2 back every year

# 63 sactown_13 @ 08/04/15 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chemthethriller


	I got that, but you're the minority in this situation, the vast minority when you look online and almost everyone is ok with getting on the "got next" or inviting random strangers to a party chat. So now I will be organizing my team to play against two shooters and 3 AI, to me that's boring, because playing a Center, which apparently is the least player position, I will be matched up against the boring computer in way too many games.

Well lets not act like there was a choice last year. If you wanted to play you had to "got next". Oh, and i always play center so if ya run into us you be up against a human.

# 64 LD2k @ 08/04/15 06:32 PM

We'll be talking about 2K Pro-AM on our broadcast in 30 minutes.

# 65 Scramz718 @ 08/04/15 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KehliahoMauiFootball


	I did. It's a rarity that someone drops. 2K14 crew was flawless. Played 100's of games with a full 10 all humans. you're just mentioning one reason, I got a ton on the pro/cons list.

I agree playing vs all humans is more enjoyable. I would've rather 5 humans be a requirement but having the CPU isn't game breaking. Going up against the CPU is annoying specially when they're bigs. They deflect and intercept passes humans will never get. Not dumb passes, they can have their back turned and still deflect passes. It's anoying but, having the CPU players in this mode isn't killing my excitement to play. Everyone have their preference.

PLEASE STOP REFERRING TO 2K14 MODE AS CREW.

# 66 Jrocc23 @ 08/04/15 06:51 PM

The guys that wants strictly 5v5, I can see your point and I get where y'all are coming from. But y'all are overblowing the CPU now.

You guys are making it seem like the CPU is putting players over the edge and a 3 guy crew w/ 2 CPUs is better than a all 5 usered up squad. Any good 5 will usually smash a 3 guy crew because nobody and I mean nobody usually passes it to the CPU. Most of y'all barely want to pass it to your teammates lol but people will pass to the CPU? That will make defense a lot easier for the 5 users since it's either going to those 3.

I know it would be tough for me having to watch 5 users roaming around to steal the ball and as scoring threats than the CPU. Most people will figure out how to get past and score on the CPU easily. I get you'd prefer someone to actually guard you when you're on offense but that's all I can really give someone. But most of the time, the CPU players will be big men. I know that's how it usually was for my crew. So cut it out like the CPU was so good. They do even dumber things than humans a lot of times especially on offense. Yes, the CPU is better than 2K11 where they couldn't make a shot to save their life. But in 2K15, they are ok at best. And get torchered on defense. I doubt you'll here this complaining when the game comes out. It'll be just like it was in 2K10-2K11. Never heard anyone really complaining about players playing w/ 2-4 players.

# 67 24ct @ 08/04/15 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrocc23


	The guys that wants strictly 5v5, I can see your point and I get where y'all are coming from. But y'all are overblowing the CPU now. You guys are making it seem like the CPU is putting players over the edge and a 3 guy crew w/ 2 CPUs is better than a all 5 usered up squad. Any good 5 will usually smash a 3 guy crew because nobody and I mean nobody usually passes it to the CPU. Most of y'all barely want to pass it to your teammates lol but people will pass to the CPU? That will make defense a lot easier for the 5 users since it's either going to those 3. I know it would be tough for me having to watch 5 users roaming around to steal the ball and as scoring threats than the CPU. Most people will figure out how to get past and score on the CPU easily. I get you'd prefer someone to actually guard you when you're on offense but that's all I can really give someone. But most of the time, the CPU players will be big men. I know that's how it usually was for my crew. So cut it out like the CPU was so good. They do even dumber things than humans a lot of times especially on offense. Yes, the CPU is better than 2K11 where they couldn't make a shot to save their life. But in 2K15, they are ok at best. And get torchered on defense. I doubt you'll here this complaining when the game comes out. It'll be just like it was in 2K10-2K11. Never heard anyone really complaining about players playing w/ 2-4 players.

If you're talking playing randoms, they usually don't pass. But we're talking 5 guys you play with constantly enough to have a squad w/uniforms. Ppl pass. Not to mention I've played with plenty of randoms who actually pass the ball around.

My main point is I don't play rec to play cpu because I can do it offline in my gm or franchise or my career. Simply put. It's boring

# 68 Jrocc23 @ 08/04/15 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 24ct


	If you're talking playing randoms, they usually don't pass. But we're talking 5 guys you play with constantly enough to have a squad w/uniforms. Ppl pass. Not to mention I've played with plenty of randoms who actually pass the ball around. My main point is I don't play rec to play cpu because I can do it offline in my gm or franchise or my career. Simply put. It's boring

People don't usually pass to the CPU, period. In 10-11, they got passed to score very very rarely. Only if they were wide open in the paint or something. Nobody just have the CPU the ball and said get us some points. Won't be like that this year either. They'll get the ball for jumpers if they are wide open now, but won't just be getting the ball.

Y'all can't say people won't use the CPU and then the CPU will be like these gods. You can't have it both ways.

But I can understand your overall point. Only if you're saying you want a human guarding you. That's it. But I believe a lot more people would rather run 3 or 4 people. Same as teamups I see, they prefer 3v3 or 4v4.

# 69 24ct @ 08/04/15 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrocc23


	People don't usually pass to the CPU, period. In 10-11, they got passed to score very very rarely. Only if they were wide open in the paint or something. Nobody just have the CPU the ball and said get us some points. Won't be like that this year either. They'll get the ball for jumpers if they are wide open now, but won't just be getting the ball. Y'all can't say people won't use the CPU and then the CPU will be like these gods. You can't have it both ways. But I can understand your overall point. Only if you're saying you want a human guarding you. That's it. But I believe a lot more people would rather run 3 or 4 people. Same as teamups I see, they prefer 3v3 or 4v4.

I never said the CPU will be gods. And I actually played guys who scored 9 points with the CPU in the park.

None of that matters tho because my main point is getting online to play USER opponents not the CPU.

IF ppl prefer 3v3/4v4 that's what the park is actually for man.

TBH there's no way anybody is gonna get me to believe this is a good move. Only the fact that some ppl 'can't find friends' or prefer to play 3v3 or 4v4 which is a poor excuse.

IF they matchmake 5users against 5users cool. I'll probably stay away from this mode. But I guess it's fair to exclude guys who actually have 5 guys to run with vs include guys who don't have 5 to run with or because they just want to run with 2 CPUs while playing online user v user.

That's like COD or BF allowing CPU BOTS in 32 v 32 when you don't have guys to play with or they don't matchmake into a game with enough humans on your team. It's like Destiny adding a CPU to your 6 man raid team lol. It makes no sense IMO. It defeats the purpose of online gaming today. It might have made sense in 2k11 but that was 6 years ago. But it is what it is. They have it so I'm not interested. Have fun tho I guess.

# 70 Jrocc23 @ 08/04/15 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 24ct


	I never said the CPU will be gods. And I actually played guys who scored 9 points with the CPU in the park. None of that matters tho because my main point is getting online to play USER opponents not the CPU. IF ppl prefer 3v3/4v4 that's what the park is actually for man. TBH there's no way anybody is gonna get me to believe this is a good move. Only the fact that some ppl 'can't find friends' or prefer to play 3v3 or 4v4 which is a poor excuse. IF they matchmake 5users against 5users cool. I'll probably stay away from this mode. But I guess it's fair to exclude guys who actually have 5 guys to run with vs include guys who don't have 5 to run with or because they just want to run with 2 CPUs while playing online user v user. That's like COD or BF allowing CPU BOTS in 32 v 32 when you don't have guys to play with or they don't matchmake into a game with enough humans on your team. It's like Destiny adding a CPU to your 6 man raid team lol. It makes no sense IMO. It defeats the purpose of online gaming today. It might have made sense in 2k11 but that was 6 years ago. But it is what it is. They have it so I'm not interested. Have fun tho I guess.

I am talking about other people that see it your way. If they aren't super good, what's the problem? You're still playing against 3-4 other players.

Obviously it's not. You could start up w/ 2 players in 10 and 11. And it looks like it'll be the same now. So who is you to say that's what the park is for lol? The park doesn't use CPU players anyways. And some people don't want to play that, if they want 3 players and want the full crew experience, they should be able to. If you don't like it, then you can play rec from what I believe.

Nobody has to. And for me, it's not about not being able to find 5 users. That's other peoples reasons but mines is simply I like playing w/ 3 or 4 at the most. And that's all I have to say about it honestly. And yours is you like 5.

Too bad, you're not interested. All you can do is hope there's more to it or that we can see lineups before games like 2K11 and back out until you see 5v5. Which you'd rarely see because the majority seems to like playing w/ 3-4 players or 2 if you count what I seen from experience in 10 and 11.

# 71 24ct @ 08/04/15 07:50 PM

Like I said dog that was 6 years ago. They added a 3v3 MODE CALLED PARK. The rec is 5v5 for a reason. They want you to use USERS.

Same with PARK. Its 3v3 USERS. I get you could start the other 2k crew with only 2 guys but considering pretty much every game is online now, ppl expect it to be USER v USER.

But it is what it is man. Obviously you're a crew guy and I'm not knockin u bra. I just personally don't think I'm gonna enjoy this like I originally thought. Unless they matchmake you into whatever you have on your team.

# 72 Jrocc23 @ 08/04/15 07:53 PM

And like I said, it was 6 years ago and that's what people wanted and 2K delivered lol. More people wanted this and why it's in because you're in the minority. It's also rec so you can play 5 on 5, right? Yay!!!

# 73 GSW @ 08/04/15 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KehliahoMauiFootball


	THIS! Exactly. Defeats the purpose of online HUMAN multiplayer. Defeats and taints the purpose of the Leaderboard that every Human will be trying to climb. This game sells like 6 million or something. Plenty of people will have full rosters. Why is 2K pandering to people who can't find TWO more people to complete a team smh. Play offline if you're incapable of picking up 4 guys to run with.

Some people have wife/kids/other outside responsibilities and don't spend a bunch of time playing online multiplayer games but 2k is still their favorite game and they want to play occasionally or with a friend or two.

Try not to be so narrow minded.

# 74 Pokes404 @ 08/04/15 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KehliahoMauiFootball


	THIS! Exactly. Defeats the purpose of online HUMAN multiplayer. Defeats and taints the purpose of the Leaderboard that every Human will be trying to climb. This game sells like 6 million or something. Plenty of people will have full rosters. Why is 2K pandering to people who can't find TWO more people to complete a team smh. Play offline if you're incapable of picking up 4 guys to run with.

Well, you just said it. Plenty of people will have full rosters so it won't even be that big of a deal anyways. And for me personally, allowing people the ability to play is 100x more important than where someone is ranked on a leaderboard. I couldn't ever tell you where I was ranked on one of those things. Other than maybe my team's win/loss record, I really couldn't care less about stats/leaderboards. I just want to play.

# 75 HowDareI @ 08/04/15 09:59 PM

Idk why people DON'T want to play against the cpu more often.

Hell if I get my sf or c in the paint against a cpu I'm backing them down every chance and scoring on em.

Only "inflated" stats will come from the OTHER TEAM'S computers tryna guard me.

I for one am glad they're bringing back the old style where you only need 3 to play...we're all older now, tryna get 4 other of my friends online at once when we're all out of school working jobs is kinda hard.

I met a couple cool dudes who fit in my offense nicely, so I actually probably got 5 whenever now but still...if I only got 3 or 4 on the team at once it's nice to know I can still play.

And contrary to popular belief I don't actually like talking to 15 year old kids all day tryna find some that are cool enough and mature enough to run with me and talk to me...hard to find older guys these days.

# 76 UravenzownU @ 08/04/15 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrocc23


	And like I said, it was 6 years ago and that's what people wanted and 2K delivered lol. More people wanted this and why it's in because you're in the minority. It's also rec so you can play 5 on 5, right? Yay!!!

Jrocc my boy needa get on this ps4 lol, u gonna be putting out videos for 16?

# 77 Jrocc23 @ 08/04/15 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UravenzownU


	Jrocc my boy needa get on this ps4 lol, u gonna be putting out videos for 16?

I love the X1 too much, man and most of my crew is here lol. And I am not sure, I am 50-50. I didn't do it for views last time, just because me and my crew loved watching old games and basically breaking down film. That's why the vids is always raw gameplay. You need to hop on X1 though. We got a spot for you.

# 78 Kurupt_XxX @ 08/05/15 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrocc23


	That would be messed up lol. But I am not sure what our name will be this year. But I can't wait to run into y'all too. Still on Xbox?

nah man. I switched to ps4. All my boys on that. I was playin, u gotta stay wit that name. haha

# 79 Deeblock518 @ 08/05/15 08:07 AM

Check out Mgnsports

# 80 bjesus203 @ 08/05/15 12:54 PM

On ps3 nba 2k14 had the choice to either play 3 vs 3 or 5 vs 5 i preferred 3 vs 3 for the fact being the game only went up to 21 it didn't have 5 min quarters. Crew is Crew, therefore you shouldn't be allowed to play crew with 3 myplayers and 2ai's if you cant get 5 players together then your only option with 3 myplayers should be to play a pro-am game as a walk on and be matched up with 2 other players. quitting a game in pro-am mode should have a highly negative effect on your ranking

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