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What's To Become of NBA Live?
  Submitted on: 05/23/2016 by Ben Vollmer


Last week EA announced there would be no version of NBA Live released on consoles in 2016. For fans of the series, or perhaps even fans of the sport, this is the latest in a series of heartbreaks.

The last time NBA Live went on hiatus, there was hardly a whisper in the wind as to its whereabouts. This time around, the announcement of a mobile version of the game (which, if EA is to be believed, is intended to expand the franchise to a "global" market) is most likely a move to keep the name alive and in circulation. Given the mostly sour efforts from NBA Live in the recent past, it's hard to believe the game sold copies on anything but name recognition. With that in mind, it would certainly behoove EA, if they ever intend on bringing the series back, to keep the name alive.

"The most logical answer would probably be that EA will feel out the mobile market and then wait for an opportune time to strike."

So will it come back? It's hard to say. EA's sports production is an enigma. Madden and FIFA are two of the biggest sellers. NBA Live has been squashed by the 2K franchise, and many of EA's other franchises (MVP Baseball and both of the NCAA franchises) have been canceled. It's hard to say whether they are phasing things out or preparing for a total revamp of their sports division. Given just how much potential money there is in sports video games, you'd have to assume that it's the latter.

But where does that leave Live, a series that has already undergone a fresh reboot? The most logical answer would probably be that EA will feel out the mobile market and then wait for an opportune time to strike.

But in what form would the series come back, or feel like there is a market to come back to? Well, there are a couple of possibilities. One, the game comes back with a totally revamped style of play that matches 2K in terms of quality and realism. Since that would require another refresh of any development, this seems unlikely. Another option would be that the game releases on PC and challenges 2K there. 2K is in a solid position on PC, but it's not as dominant there as it is on console -- given somewhat lackluster ports and difficulty at times to mod. So might EA see an opportunity in that emerging market? Probably not, as outside of FIFA, EA hasn't dabbled with the PC much either.

So the last, and perhaps most likely, option would be for EA to return the series as a free-to-play game that focuses on online play and micro-transactions. It may seem unorthodox, given that EA hasn't really tried anything similar with its major sports titles, but that doesn't mean that they won't try it. EA has had tremendous success with their Ultimate Team mode, so it's not unreasonable to think they might build an entire game around it.

"It's hard to say whether they are phasing things out or preparing for a total revamp of their sports division."

For now, basketball fans are going to have to be content with the NBA 2K franchise. The scare is that a lack of competition may place a hold on the incredible progress the series has made over the last decade, but with such a saturated market of video games, 2K is still competing for sales. If the NBA Live series does come back, it may be in a way we haven't seen before. Perhaps even packaged with a customized NCAA franchise?

The bad news is we don't know if there's a future for the Live series on consoles. The good news is that just about anything moving forward would be a welcomed surprise.


Member Comments
# 1 BSchwartz07 @ 05/23/16 09:52 AM
I don't think that EA can compete with 2K any time in the near future. Even with their signature franchises they do not put the most detail/features in the game each year. It seems like they are mostly concerned with "ultimate team modes" that can generate more revenue as opposed to a good career mode or franchise mode. Their best bet would be to go full arcade with the franchise. Make it more NBA Street than NBA Live.
 
# 2 scottyp180 @ 05/23/16 12:27 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by misterkrabz
If I remember correctly, EA said it's not releasing a game in 2016 but they are releasing it in Q1 of 2017. Oh yeah, I did remember correctly (quick goggle search):

http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/10/11652962/nba-live-17-release-date-early-2017

Is OS deliberately trying to mislead people into believing the franchise is dead? Could this guy have some inside knowledge that the rest of of don't or is EA flat out lying (which wouldn't surprise me)?
@misterkrabz I think this is more speculation and pessimism due to what happened the last time EA took time off from NBA Live. Hopefully the development team is utilizing the extra time wisely to further progress the game.

Live 16 was definitely an improvement and the best release since Live 10, for whatever it's worth. Some extra time could turn the game into a quality purchase.

Although I do agree with BSCHWARTZ07. I'd love to see a return to the NBA Street series. It would definitely be a popular title for the company. Old fans would love it and I think newer fans, gamers that never experienced the Street series before, would find it fun. Sports games in general could benefit from more arcade style games
 
# 3 juicey79 @ 05/23/16 02:22 PM
It's sad to see Live go from best option during my generation to laughable in the present. I don't understand how the developers can make a game look so good but play so clunky and robotic.
 
# 4 Bolt957 @ 05/23/16 02:25 PM
I'd really appreciate some new NBA Street iterations. We've gone too long without them as it is.
 
# 5 KingTocco @ 05/23/16 06:37 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by misterkrabz
If I remember correctly, EA said it's not releasing a game in 2016 but they are releasing it in Q1 of 2017. Oh yeah, I did remember correctly (quick goggle search):

http://www.polygon.com/2016/5/10/116...ate-early-2017

Is OS deliberately trying to mislead people into believing the franchise is dead? Could this guy have some inside knowledge that the rest of of don't or is EA flat out lying (which wouldn't surprise me)?
Lol no...it's an article on a widely shared opinion that NBA Live is really struggling (to put it lightly) and a discussion on what's to come of the Franchise.

Last time they delayed a release they ended up canceling that year so the same could easily happen with this release.

I think you went way too far to the defensive on this one. I truly think they should just cancel the franchise though and move to more Ultimate Team/NBA Street type stuff. The last relevant and good live was in 2010 and that was 6 years ago. 6 years is more than enough time to turn it around and it hasn't even come close to happening.
 
# 6 Barbatrucco @ 05/24/16 06:03 AM
I think Nba Live, right now, to mark a turning point, should initially focus on a single game. Faithfully reproduced. And, I repeat, faithfully, in all its forms.
Take a match, for example 1993 Ncaa Final Michigan vs Norh Carolina. Scan every single movement of every single player in the field through a program that manages to capture the movements of the players from a video.
Then commit to play these exact movements. And, with respect, accurate. In 3D models. And then offer your product online on Steam, about 10 dollars.
But must be reproduced all faithfully. From the interviews before the game, players ' warming. Television shots. Focus only on a single game and play it to perfection.
Personally I'd play the final of the 1993 among the Fab Four and North Carolina if it were reproduced exactly as we see it in the video. And I repeat: exactly.
 
# 7 Black Bruce Wayne @ 05/24/16 08:46 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbatrucco
I think Nba Live, right now, to mark a turning point, should initially focus on a single game. Faithfully reproduced. And, I repeat, faithfully, in all its forms.
Take a match, for example 1993 Ncaa Final Michigan vs Norh Carolina. Scan every single movement of every single player in the field through a program that manages to capture the movements of the players from a video.
Then commit to play these exact movements. And, with respect, accurate. In 3D models. And then offer your product online on Steam, about 10 dollars.
But must be reproduced all faithfully. From the interviews before the game, players ' warming. Television shots. Focus only on a single game and play it to perfection.
Personally I'd play the final of the 1993 among the Fab Four and North Carolina if it were reproduced exactly as we see it in the video. And I repeat: exactly.
You might be on to something. Like Bulls Vs Lakers back in the day? I'd be down for that. Or what if they made a NBA game full of Classic Teams, full rosters , and that was it? Maybe that is a little wild but I would definitely buy that and what you are proposing as well
 
# 8 Crunky @ 05/24/16 10:34 AM
That's such a cool idea, you made me think what if they scrapped the rest the game just to focus on a Kobe story mode where you can relive each and every one of his moments and that was the reason for the delay because they want to do it right.

They could recreate the Bos vs Lakers finals matchup rivalry they had back in 2008 and 2010. They could still scan each and every player since it only happened 6yrs ago. They could still bring in every player for mo-cap like their signature shots, layups/dunks and dribbling moves. Focus on the finite details of the game, include the announcers that commentated those game aswell. For NBA live to regain the market share they have to risks such as this and think outside of the box. For this game give us the same exact presentation from the interviews pregame and postgame to the announcers breaking down the game pregame.

Can you imagine the graphics to the detail of the arenas of the game since their resources won't be tied to other parts of the game just these games recreated to perfection. If they feel one game isn't enough they could include other class Kobe games like the one he scored 81pts and focus on that game. Other Kobe Lakers rivalry games like the Lakers vs Suns match ups Steve Nash and amare stoudamire. Lakers vs Spurs Tim Duncan vs shaq rivalry. I'm sure you guys can think of many other great classic Kobe games to add to this list. But seriously it wouldn't surprise me at all if this is the reason for the delay.
 
# 9 Barbatrucco @ 05/24/16 11:38 AM
@Black @Crunky

My idea is Nba Live have to focus only on ONE Classical game.
Take this game https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfrbeVH_YnA 1992 game 7 playoff battle between Bulls and Knicks, for example.
EA have to focus all his space for the game only in this game, recreate E V E R Y T H I N G. EA Engeneers have only to focus to 24 players movements and have to reproduce their movements, fluid, ecetera like in the video posted.
All energy in O N E game. The Only One Game reproduced perfectly will be superior to any only 2K game. Only in this way EA Sports can do one thing only, that exceeds 2 k, albeit in a single game.
The engineers at Nba Live would have one year to reproduce perfectly this game and sell it on Steam.
 
# 10 Crunky @ 05/24/16 12:13 PM
That idea you wrote is the best idea they can do,can you imagine the level of detail, graphics, presentation and graphics the game would have. It would become a true alternative to the competition and would sell like hotcakes. Since all their focus and energy would be on one or a couple of games. It would be a day one purchase for me and so many people I am surprised they haven't thought about that idea. Why go toe to toe with a beast like 2k when you can try other methods to make money. What makes this idea perfect is the competition is slacking when it comes to the focus of classic players because they spend most of their resources on the current NBA part of the game. NBA live wouldn't have to do that all their focus would be on one or a couple of games only. I hope they read your idea man, even though it won't have replay value the level of detail in the game would be crazy.
 
# 11 Tomba @ 05/24/16 12:14 PM
ill say this.

playing nba live and an playing nba 2k16 feels like watching espn or tnt

jalen rose etc etc vs. shaq barkley

which one keeps you more entertained?
 
# 12 Barbatrucco @ 05/24/16 12:39 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crunky
That idea you wrote is the best idea they can do,can you imagine the level of detail, graphics, presentation and graphics the game would have. It would become a true alternative to the competition and would sell like hotcakes. Since all their focus and energy would be on one or a couple of games. It would be a day one purchase for me and so many people I am surprised they haven't thought about that idea. Why go toe to toe with a beast like 2k when you can try other methods to make money. What makes this idea perfect is the competition is slacking when it comes to the focus of classic players because they spend most of their resources on the current NBA part of the game. NBA live wouldn't have to do that all their focus would be on one or a couple of games only. I hope they read your idea man, even though it won't have replay value the level of detail in the game would be crazy.
I write to Sean O'Brien via Twitter linking my idea
 
# 13 Crunky @ 05/24/16 12:59 PM
That's cool to know it would be what's best for this game to survive. The animations in NBA live suffer because they have so many other things on their plate current NBA related. With your idea all they have to do is study tape of all the players signature moves they did the day of the game from their jumpshot, layup/dunk,dribble moves and freethrow shot. The level of detail in the competition game and the little things kill NBA live but with your idea the live devs can focus all their energy, time and focus on one or a couple of games. People would by this because we love great games with great graphics and plenty of details. The competition has the current NBA on lock people want an alternate with a classic team with great graphics, presentation and animations.
 
# 14 Junior Moe @ 05/24/16 01:04 PM
I think the series moves on to mobile in the immediate future. All the while slowly working to rebuild the console game from the ground up. And that'll take years. But that's the only way Live will ever catch up to 2K; they're just soooo far behind at this point and it's not like 2K is resting on their laurels. They going in with or without Live which only makes Lives return that much harder.
 
# 15 seanhazz1 @ 05/24/16 01:07 PM
I think if LIVE team keeps to their word and actually makes Connected Franchise a focus, integrating the Pro-Am players, and it turns out even remotely like Madden's Connected mode, with the ability to use multiple personas, they have a winner.

A huge part Madden's success also lies in it's addictive Connected Franchise play, not to be forgotten with all of the Ultimate Team stuff being thrown around.

IMO, League Stat tracking and playing MEANINGFUL and competitive games against friends and strangers while building team and communities should be their focus, not some gimmick solo-player endeavor, IMO. Both basketball games have failed us here repeatedly, when its such an obvious solution to the "replay value" question. We, the community, didn't join the internet to play alone, or offline.

Combine that idea that with the Full-editing that the community has more than asked for, and we probably have a real race between the two basketball games, even if nothing changed graphically in the next version.

Solo content keeps you playing alone, multiplayer content will build the NBA LIVE community and the hype, like 2K did during multi-year Live's hiatus. 2K didn't see their online leagues as community building and skimped out and removed features from them the last few years, and Live could carve a serious niche there with full console, web and mobile app integration.

The ground I think NBA Live can make up to encourage fans going forward?, Just keep your word.

Also, I would keep a sharp eye out for their (EA's) competitive "cross-platform play" efforts, an endeavor that would surely payoff well should they succeed going forward. I also hope they would seek to combine their EA access and their Origin Access into one "All-Access" if they go this route, and it seems the direction they are currently heading, shortly before the rest of the gaming industry takes it in full stride, since they have deals with MS who is already doing it (Rocket League?), and as they look to replicate and improve upon the STEAM model.

I hope some people with EA Access pick up NBA LIVE to give devs new POSITIVE feedback, and encouragement. Keep Hope Alive!
 
# 16 riichiieriich @ 05/24/16 01:59 PM
They need to go an arcade/street route. If they did NBA Street again it would sell like hot cakes.
 
# 17 seanhazz1 @ 05/24/16 02:09 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by riichiieriich
They need to go an arcade/street route. If they did NBA Street again it would sell like hot cakes.
Isn't the way people play Pro-Am already that, minus the absurd moves?
 
# 18 Crunky @ 05/24/16 02:44 PM
I like Barbatrucco point they have to scrap the current NBA idea and focus on one or a couple of games. Competing against the competition is a huge hill to climb because their so far behind. Their 2yrs away from being 2yrs away and 2k is not resting because their competing indirectly against madden, mlb the show and fifa. NBA live to compete would need to hire more devs but I don't see that happening because they would lose money in a project their already losing money in. Even if they hired more devs they would need to train these guys, keep them up to date on the coding and engine of the game which cost time and time equals money so at the end of the day their still losing money.

The higher ups at NBA live see the dollar signs 2k is making and they want a piece of the pie but really they don't have to compete directly against 2k in order to make money. With Kobe retiring this is the moment to cash in, just focus your time, energy, resources on one game of Kobe the Box vs Lakers 10 finals game would do it. If you focused your time, energy and resources on that one game the level of detail, graphics and animations(mo-cap) would surpass anything 2k has done. It push the current Gen consoles to their limit to the point non sport gamers want to purchase the game. For the higher ups of NBA live it would be huge risk to scrap the current NBA but a huge risk worth taking.
 
# 19 PopcornJones77 @ 05/24/16 05:25 PM
This chart depicts how many units worldwide were sold by NBA Live vs NBA 2K since 2008: https://twitter.com/PopcornJones77/s...77770096852994

Data is drawn from vgchartz.com.

To add context for how EA may financially see NBA Live today, EA's Star Wars: Battlefront sold 14 million units as of May 2016: http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/05/...top-14-million
 
# 20 dubbduces @ 05/24/16 05:43 PM
Honestly, if they made a fleshed out mobile game next year (stat tracking, franchise, etc) it would corner the mobile market. NBA Live Mobile(Soft launched in Canada right now) is fun and while i'm playing it all I ever think is "Man this would be awesome if they had a full complement of modes rather than just ultimate team modes"
 

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