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NBA 2K17: Breaking Down the Friction Trailer

With today's release of the NBA 2K17 Friction Trailer (watch it above), we gathered up some staff members for a chat on the trailer, what it means, and what we're looking for out of NBA 2K17. Check out our chat below:

Chris Sanner: Ok guys, first thing's first. Here's the format we're going to roll with on this one. I'll prompt you guys with a question and you'll answer in a few coherent sentences and we'll let the discussion roll onwards naturally like that with myself moderating.

Let's start off with the most obvious question one could ask: What did you think of the trailer?

Joel Smith: The trailer looked great graphically...I wish it showed a bit more of the changes to gameplay in terms of ball control and defense

Ryan Spencer: The game looks outstanding. 2K is years ahead of any other sports game when it comes to emotion, game atmosphere and signature animations. The only game that even comes close is FIFA.

Patrick Friday: Personally, I saw a lot of filler. Sort of like 2K16  with the Steph Curry mouthpiece that got everybody so hype online but how many times did you actually see that? It does it's job though. The big animation additions are the focus.

Ryan Spencer: This trailer is basically 2K "running up the score" in this category. The main beefs with the game are not in graphics and player emotion/personality.

Kevin Groves: There's a lot of focus on "new faces in new places" as opposed to gameplay additions, which is what the community wants. The intent of the video leads more towards showcasing the lighting and the new animations but I agree with Pat on that there's a lot of filler

Chris Sanner: @Patrick Friday: @Ryan Spencer: -- You guys both bring up great points. There's a lot of little touches in the trailer that people don't notice when playing the game as much. Do trailers like the Friction Trailer really ever represent a final end product since they never show a game actually how we experience it? Are they the best way to show a game coming soon?

Ryan Spencer: To me, I like it as a starting point. The finer details on improvements and additions are coming. This builds excitement by reminding everyone of what makes this game great: it oozes authenticity.

Patrick Friday: Like Ryan mentioned, the big issues with 2K are nowhere to be found in this trailer. As a consumer and a 2K generational I would love to see the franchise confront the bear with the issues so to speak in the first trailer but the marketing is spot on. Flexing their proverbial muscle isn't what I'd do but you have to respect it. It makes you want to check out the game.

Kevin Groves: I think trailers are good at building hype but the majority of us on OS would prefer to see live gameplay as opposed to hand-selected cut scenes. We already know 2K does a great job at capturing the "little things" but it's the legacy issues that cause the most consternation amongst sim fans.

Chris Sanner: The legacy issues are definitely a big deal that we'll hopefully hear more about in the coming few weeks from 2K. What stood out in the trailer to you guys as something that was just really good?

Kevin Groves:Attention to detail in player physiques and appearances look better than ever and by far the best in the sports gaming genre.

Joel Smith: For me it was the emotion, or expansion on it...the swag that the younger stars bring to the game

Chris Sanner: Honestly as an OKC guy I won't lie, seeing KD and Russ side by side in different jerseys cut a little deep.

But the emotional effect with the song choice and such was spot on at least.

Patrick Friday: The accuracy of something so small as the funkiness of Ben Simmons' jumper was dope to see

Joel Smith: Chris that was a good shot...a Westbrook signature sneer would have been a sick touch lol.

Chris Sanner: What about the benches and crowd reactions too? Those seemed a bit more spot on and had more emotion, maybe that translates into the full game?

Patrick Friday: The crowd wasn't really in tune with the flow of the game with 16. That'll be interesting to watch

Joel Smith: I would hope so. Benches are a lot more involved and animated nowadays in the real NBA...the young and old guys reacting to facials and game winning shots

Ryan Spencer: I think 2K puts small hints as to their focus items for this year in the first trailer. I saw a lot of player contact, bumping, jostling... this is an area that always needs work.

Chris Sanner: Yeah I think you are right about that @Ryan Spencer:

Patrick Friday: Fro Kobe made an appearance also

Kevin Groves: For me crowd reactions have to be in tune with what's going on during the game.

Chris Sanner: A lot of people were hyped about KD's body type looking more authentic in the Dream Team sequence. But looking at reactions (and seeing the trailer myself) it looks like players are lacking some definition and jerseys are a bit baggy too.  Like one community member pointed out Westbrook in one shot and he looks like he's got no muscle definition and his jersey is about 2 sizes too big. That's not something we notice as much in a game view though right? Is it that big of a deal?

Ryan Spencer: I put that in the "nice to have" category, but is that going to play a big part in whether I am enjoying the game 6 months after release? No.

Patrick Friday: It's definitely something that stood out to me as odd. However, if player likeness took a hit at the sake of gameplay, I'm all for it.

Ryan Spencer: Weren't they doing full body scans this year?

Joel Smith: I think it is, only from an "authenticity" standpoint. I won't notice it 95% of the time, and it won't change how the game itself plays

That was something 2K said was part of the process I believe


Chris Sanner: Ok let's wrap this up with one final question: Where is your NBA 2K17 hype meter at and what do you want to see from 2K in the next couple of weeks?

Kevin Groves:  2K trailers rarely  move the meter for me because I know the game will be solid. Much like any other sports game, in the weeks leading up to release I just want to see human vs CPU gameplay. That's the mode I frequent and those videos are a better indicator of what we're going to get come release day.

Joel Smith: If the meter is out of 10, i'm at a 5. Give me footage that shows teams running true to their real life counterpart...Steph Curry running off a screen, getting shut down by a quick moving Cleveland defense...more realism to the game itself, as an example

Patrick Friday: Over the years I've learned not to get too high or low because the game is consistent. Gameplay, game play, how does the game play? I'm sure they'll cover game modes for me too but I just want to see some hoopin' man!

Ryan Spencer: It's low right now. I still am playing and enjoying 2K16, and with so little information out yet there hasn't been much to get excited about for 2K17. My "Big Three" is improved player movement, rebounding enhancements and full-blown online franchise mode

Chris Sanner: Thanks guys. This was fun! We'll have to do it more this release season!

 

What did you think of the trailer?


Member Comments
# 1 Vni @ 08/22/16 02:12 PM
Quote:
Kevin Groves: There's a lot of focus on "new faces in new places" as opposed to gameplay additions, which is what the community wants.
say that again ?

Edit : maybe I'am understanding this the wrong way
 
# 2 Mauer4MVP @ 08/22/16 02:16 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vni
say that again ?

Edit : maybe I'am understanding this the wrong way
I think he means the community wants to see more gameplay footage.
 
# 3 nuckles2k2 @ 08/22/16 02:19 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vni
say that again ?

Edit : maybe I'am understanding this the wrong way
Yea, I didn't know about that statement either lol. Maybe he was being factious.

But Kevin made some good points later on in there, as did Ryan.

Gameplay, gameplay, and give me some gameplay. Especially user vs cpu. I need to see how the players move & interact on the court.

But sizzle trailers are always the start. So nothing left to do but wait.

(that crowd reaction looked pretty good tho. Unless it was in the first Q or something. MSG crowds wait until the last minute of the game to come alive lol)
 
# 4 robdilla @ 08/22/16 02:21 PM
Some of the shoe colors are off
 
# 5 Schiltzenberger @ 08/22/16 03:18 PM
Walking down the tunnel out into the the stadium looks cool.
With the footage of the warm up, I'm thinking after the tunnel walk it might let us go into like a warm up practice mode thing..... would be a nice addition if so.
 
# 6 BA2929 @ 08/22/16 03:50 PM
So. Much. Sweat.

Some of these guys look like they just stepped onto the court immediately after taking a shower.


Pretty cool trailer though! I like some of the new animations I saw. But, it's just a hype trailer so it's supposed to look flashy. I expect to see some actual gameplay this week.
 
# 7 tril @ 08/22/16 04:54 PM
how many hours of playing 2k does one have to play in order to notice legacy issues. I play alot of hours of 2k and never seem to notice any. Maybe I do notice them but dont find them to be annoying.
 
# 8 KG @ 08/22/16 06:22 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mauer4MVP
I think he means the community wants to see more gameplay footage.


Naaa..."new faces in new places" means they seemed to be really focus on players who made team changes.

KD to GSW
D12 to ATL
Etc...

They started the video off by showing Rondo, KD, and even Gasol in their new digs.

As I mentioned in the chat, trailers are good sizzle by but give me 5-on-5 gameplay everyday.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
# 9 hanzsomehanz @ 08/22/16 06:25 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vni
say that again ?

Edit : maybe I'am understanding this the wrong way
New faces in new places: Rondo with Bulls, KD with GSW, and the rookies.

The trailer is littered with emotional buzz and overall that just doesn't get me hype. I'm sitting at 5 out of 10 on my hype meter and I agree with essentially all the opinions of Patrick Friday.

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk
 
# 10 Mauer4MVP @ 08/22/16 06:27 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by KG
Naaa..."new faces in new places" means they seemed to be really focus on players who made team changes.

KD to GSW
D12 to ATL
Etc...

They started the video off by showing Rondo, KD, and even Gasol in their new digs.

As I mentioned in the chat, trailers are good sizzle by but give me 5-on-5 gameplay everyday.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yeah I get that, but I think he meant to say the community would rather see gameplay over that. I could be wrong, but I think he just phrased it wrong.
 
# 11 kd35okc @ 08/22/16 07:19 PM
Westbrook disappointed me again this years his face doesnt look to have been scanned I was looking to see him like in nba live .the lack of muscle, scars on his arms ..at least he got is hair and facial hair right
 
# 12 KG @ 08/22/16 07:44 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mauer4MVP
Yeah I get that, but I think he meant to say the community would rather see gameplay over that. I could be wrong, but I think he just phrased it wrong.


That's me and yeah I said both of those things lol. I always want see gameplay before cut scenes, crowd shots, etc...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
# 13 ProfessaPackMan @ 08/22/16 07:48 PM
You still on the edge for this game or you passing it up based on everything you've seen so far?
 
# 14 ibrampton @ 08/22/16 08:18 PM
NBA 2k17 Presentation? How to make the arena’s feeling and look real.
1) Better crowd reactions and Atmosphere
I think this is pretty self-explanatory, I know we can ALL agree on the following statement. NBA 2k15 and NBA 2k16 totally wet the bed when it came to having a crowd that was in-tune with what was happening on the court?

We need a much better crowd system, and not all fans should be doing the same thing when there isn't a celebration! Fans need to be louder, and the sound needs to be in sync with what is happening on the floor!
Add things like: OUU's, AHH's and anti-ref chants in the playoffs (See Toronto Raptors home games).
I can see NBA 2k did add some cool effects last year, example: Crowd leaves early if it’s a blowout. We need more though!

2) Team Bench
So every team in NBA 2k16 and prior has 13 NBA players and just 2 Coaches. That looks lonely and really feels whack to me. NBA 2k has brought me to a point where it is definitely one the best sports game ever, and every year! But it still is missing that final touch of appearance and fullness on the court presentation wise without having ESPN/TNT.

To help correct such issue’s NBA 2K should have 1 NBA Head Coach, 1 NBA Assistant Coach, 1 JR Assistant Coach with the NBA Players sitting at the bench. However they should also add the NBA Team trainer behind the bench (In a suit) alongside a couple more NBA team staff members (1 or two) wearing team related gear such as polo shirts and khaki’s (not in suits).

The bench right now looks empty; I am surprised that this hasn't been addressed yet, especially since we can sign and fire both coaches and trainers in GM/Franchise modes. Also, what about the players who aren't suited or are injured yet travelling with the team, they should also be on the bench or behind and involved.
3) Camera Crew(s)
Where did the Camera crew's go? NBA 2k15 HAD ZERO Camera's under the hoop. I understand it's a safety issue in the real NBA but come on 2k. As the games get bigger, NBA Arena’s should have more camera folks around the hoop and at midcourt on the sideline. NBA Finals always has more, especially from other countries! Maybe create a generic side line commentator behind videotaped in the back ground (from the local station) while players warm up and the NBA 2k broadcast crew are speaking? Also, why is the guy who wipes the NBA floor a 6'3 NBA Player look alike? Show some love for little kids!!!In NBA 2k14 and NBA 2k15 the floor wiper was wearing all black and a hoodie (That is kinda messed up, he was definitely one of the players I played against at the park!)
4) Some fans in the crowd should be moving up and around the isles.

This goes back to better crowds. Fans should be seen moving up and around the arena. Maybe have a system where NBA fans of the visiting team sit closer to that visiting teams bench? I know whenever I travel from Toronto to Detroit to watch a raptors game I tend to find seats closer to that teams bench and I see A LOT more fans doing that.

5) Security Guards around the floor?
Where are the security guards? Atleast have 1 in every corner. Just have them generically with their backs turned towards the floor, watching the fans.

A few more things I feel would help: The isles and rows in the arena seem to be too wide, specifically behind the hoop area. Now I might be asking for too much, and the tunnels are not full enough either. A team shouldn’t be just walking through the tunnel alone. Fans around the tunnel should be standing up and looking at them too and moving.
Post-game interviews are lonely! There needs to be more players on the floor and camera crews and team personnel around when that interview is being conducted after a game (And No, not a silly photo bomb) and the movement of the team players and personnel should increase especially after a big big playoff game or epic finish.

What else do you guys think could help make the NBA 2k Arena's look and feel more realistic?
 
# 15 Man2116 @ 08/22/16 10:15 PM
Mr. iBrampton, you just said everything I was thinking about the stadium and courts of 2K. Way too much empty space.
 
# 16 ibrampton @ 08/22/16 10:57 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Man2116
Mr. iBrampton, you just said everything I was thinking about the stadium and courts of 2K. Way too much empty space.
Glad someone see's it the way I do! I wrote this is a post as well check it out over there and add idea's! I am thinking of trying to reach folks at 2K so maybe they can write some idea's down for NBA 2k18.
 
# 17 lvnba @ 08/23/16 08:35 AM
Quote:
Ryan Spencer: It's low right now. I still am playing and enjoying 2K16, and with so little information out yet there hasn't been much to get excited about for 2K17. My "Big Three" is improved player movement, rebounding enhancements and full-blown online franchise mode
Ryan, you're my guy.
 
# 18 cmebfresh @ 08/23/16 11:26 AM
Yup i'm still playing to. in recent years 2k would of be in a shoe box some where. but when the gameplay comes out, i will probably put it to rest off of jealousy lol
 
# 19 pimp2k4 @ 08/23/16 11:49 AM
Trailer is an older build of 2k17. A lot player isn't as updated as the Jimmy Butler screen shoot.
 
# 20 hanzsomehanz @ 08/23/16 11:56 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mauer4MVP
Yeah I get that, but I think he meant to say the community would rather see gameplay over that. I could be wrong, but I think he just phrased it wrong.
He said exactly that in the quote you shared lol

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk
 

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