NBA Live 17 News Post

What's to Become of NBA Live?

10:20 AM - May 23, 2016 by RaychelSnr

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.

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Member Comments

# 21 kadzier @ 05/24/16 08:31 PM

Gotta be frank.

If EA ever wants to put out a game to compete with 2K in the basketball simulation genre, they're going to have to suck it up and pour full resources into multiple (2-3) years of development on a new game. None of this try and play catchup one year at a time stuff. 2K is already too far ahead for someone to seriously build a contender in the space of one year

# 22 Crunky @ 05/24/16 10:49 PM

I've done the math NBA live is really 4yrs behind 2k I messed up when I said their 2yrs away. Remember they canceled elite 11, 12, 13 and they started from scratch with 14. That's really a whole lot of ground to make up even with a delay it won't be possible to catch up to 2k. I don't see the competition letting up anytime soon since their competing indirectly with madden, mlb the show and fifa. Now I can see why they switched focus to mobile is to salvage the NBA live brand. For all these years we finally see where NBA live heart truly lies and that is the casual gamer everyone's Sim wishes were for not basically ignored each and every year. They might as well abandon an NBA game and just come out with an alternate to 2k, make it a street game. Delaying it for 1yr won't really make a difference unless it was 2 to 3yrs I could see the point. But even that doesn't make any sense because you wouldn't be making any money for those yrs.

# 23 Junior Moe @ 05/24/16 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PopcornJones77


	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

Looking at that it's clear that the better team just won. Outright. At one point it was neck and neck, then 2K just took off and keep going. They didn't just capture the NBA console game market, they expanded it. Live has no one to blame but themselves. What's really sobering is that EA approached the NBA about an exclusive license back when they were gobbling up the NFL, Arena Football and NCAA. Could you imagine Live as the only NBA game option knowing what we know now?

# 24 Mike Lowe @ 05/25/16 01:24 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.

This sounds like a sports game for Sega CD. I say that in all honesty-it truly does, some football game w actual video you just watched that I forget the name of.

In my opinion, it'd be far too repetitive.

# 25 Barbatrucco @ 05/25/16 08:02 AM

Look at this

These are merciless numbers. Devastating. NBA Live Street is something already seen. It something old. Also, it can't minimally compete with Nba 2K MyPark. No. For EA Sports it takes a real revolution. And the only way, for me, I already said in other post, is to propose, via Steam, a single match. All forces, and the space of game that EA focuses on an entire game, now we must concentrate on a single match. Where everything is faithfully reproduced as we see in every Youtube video of every Nba Classic Game. Every single player movement. Every single reaction. Every single facial expression. All the engineers at EA, rather than reproduce hundreds of movements of players and play thirty arenas, must concentrate all their efforts on only 24 players and one single arena. But everything has to be reproduced down to the smallest detail. Choose a game, reproduce it faithfully, and sell it via Steam. Only in this way, focusing on a single game, will surpass every Nba game 2 k. Take, for example, game six of 1998 Nba Finals and reproduce it. In minimal detail. Perfectly. In M I N I M A L details. EA, i want to see something like this in that game. http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploa...NBA-Finals.gif You have one year and all your engeneers to reproduce perfectly, in graphics, fluidity, movements and everything, this game. If all of your engeneers cant do this working one year to do only one single match, they cant do anything to overcome Nba2K.

# 26 Crunky @ 05/25/16 11:12 AM

I agree with Barbatrucco this is the only way with this way they will surpass 2k in the level of detail they have in their game. This idea will push the current gen consoles to their very limit graphically due to focus, time and resources put to use on one or couple of games. All they would have to do is focus on gameplay and animations since their won't be any features to the game. If the NBA live devs can't deliver something that surpasses 2k in the level of detail, graphics and animations by focusing on one part of the game then they were never good to begin with. They would have all the time in the world to mo-cap the animations so there'll be no excuses their. It will be a bug/glitch free game too since there'll have alot of time to fine tune the game with game testers. This is the only way for them to WOW us at this point, gamers love a good game even when they lack features and replay value.

# 27 seanhazz1 @ 05/25/16 02:17 PM

It's more and more apparent that LIVE team's biggest obstacle is the disgruntled fans. People who had jumped ship 4 years ago, or are planning to jump, and won't jump back for just a name or a promise, They require specific, likenesses to their current game of choice, and won't be happy until Live produces a virtual clone or a NBA street child.

I don't think that will happen in the near future.

In steps Frostbite 3. If this didn't excite fans of NBA Live series then nothing ever will, as it is also already seen in the graphical quality and detail of Star Wars Battlefront, Rory McIlroy's PGA Tour, Need for Speed, Battlefield 1, Mass Effect Andromeda, Dragon Age, etc., some amazing, highly rated, and highly acclaimed EA distributed games, some of which are already out. THAT is where my hope lies, that adaptation to "Frostbite 3" with improved physics and graphical detail will be a more than present surprise. Go look at those EA games released Last year using it, and compare it to any other game in its genre. Frostbite 3. In contrast 2K has been using the SAME engine and its definitely showing its age, so maybe they saw a window of opportunity to improve their backbone, a year before 2k is forced to support a new console (PSNEO or new Xbone). With the history of Frostbite I'm positive the graphical changes will be a definite, and noticeable improvement.

Some just won't accept Live as a worthy alternative behind 2k (and it is) for any reason. If 2k Studios suddenly went hiatus (for whatever reason)and Live was the only game released, people would definitely buy it and enjoy it, and bash 2k.

Let the mobile plan develop along with the cross platform stuff, Frostbite improvements, and wait and see. Too much negative feedback, but understandably so based on a few years ago, but that's the past to a rapidly growing gaming future. To contrast, Live has been constantly supported and improved with roster updates and patches like it never was in the past, even if they weren't vocal about it, and that should also encourage fans.

I just can't see them (EA) ever willingly giving 2K the monopoly some people here seem to be asking for in the Basketball genre, by saying they should them to bow out of the NBA sim market. They have supported Live 16 continuously, even if they don't tell us what they are doing, we are seeing it in the many improvements already set in front of us all, especially from 14 to now.

If this "inconvenient"(?) delay leads to a much better release, and more revenue for future NBA Live development, then I am all for it 200%, and will remain so until its officially cancelled, as I will be patient. Two game companies competing means two better games just about every time, and the improvement from 14 to 16 is night and day, literally.

No, I'm not a fanboy per say, I do own both games on both consoles, but I also enjoy a freedom to choose. I pay attention to details within the tech industry as a whole(part of my job). The industry we knew is rapidly changing, and if EA is choosing to change with it now, something they aren't known for here with all the forum bashing, then that's a good thing right?...especially if they can gain significant ground on a 3yr lead they gave to 2k.

Keep Hope Alive!

# 28 noshun @ 05/25/16 02:49 PM

You guys/gals can sure post some of the most well thought-out excuses...

# 29 Crunky @ 05/25/16 03:26 PM

Seanhazz1 I have to disagree the community relationship with NBa live is broken and will never be repaired. The reason why I say this is because gamers wishes were constantly ignored through the cycles of ps3/360. That built a lack of trust between gamers and EA/live devs, the live devs decided to implement ideas that catered mainly to a broader audience the casual gamer. The EA reps haven't adapted very well to the current gen consoles, their sticking to what got them here through thick and thin which was catchy features easy to pick up and play. That formula is so outdated its not even a joke, people want to see what they see on TV from very little details so they can feel immersed in the world of blurring reality to a video game.

Little things like poor animation quality they got away with on ps2/xbox won't cut it anymore there were low expectations due the consoles power back then. When you have games like Uncharted, Battlefield, GTA that consistently push the consoles to their highest limitations we expect the same from our basketball games. Few people have the luxury to spend $200 on video games per year so if your game isn't up to standards its tough luck. 2k gets this message that's why it doesn't matter if NBA live doesn't release another game 2k will still be driven to release the best product possible because they know their competing indirectly to games like madden, mlb the show and FIFA for gamers yearly purchase.

This is the reason why I say they need to scrap the current NBA and focus only solely on one match. Blur the lines of reality and video game with graphics, animation unseen unreal. Gamers from all over the world can appreciate and marvel at the great product produced. Gamers would purchase based on the expierence alone, all it would take is to focus your time, energy, resources on one match. Just imagine the level of detail because of no time spent on features or customization they wouldn't have to worry about anything else. People would buy just based on the expierence and reality of it all. On top of that it would be bug/glitch free due to all the extra time they would have.

# 30 Nemesis Enforcer @ 05/25/16 03:57 PM

Please no nba street or cater to what 2k fans want other than a franchise mode with customization if indeed it will be a full release.

Live fans can take a punch. We aren't going anywhere!

# 31 KingTocco @ 05/25/16 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemesis Enforcer


	Please no nba street or cater to what 2k fans want other than a franchise mode with customization if indeed it will be a full release. Live fans can take a punch. We aren't going anywhere!

Except for the fact that there is like 20 of you...

You're left with only delusional and completely die-hard Live fans at this point, which from the sales numbers and feedback...isn't many at all.

Live needs to seriously overhaul everything and I still don't understand why so many of you are opposed to a new NBA Street, people LOVED that game.

# 32 Crunky @ 05/25/16 06:56 PM

Kingtocco isnt NBA live pro am just another version of NBA street just without the glitz. How would it sell well now compared to back then without people feeling cheated in someway knowing they had a NBA street game in pro am already included with the NBA product and now without just a NBA street game with more glitz. Excuse me for my ignorance because I never played NBA street.

# 33 KingTocco @ 05/25/16 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crunky


	Kingtocco isnt NBA live pro am just another version of NBA street just without the glitz. How would it sell well now compared to back then without people feeling cheated in someway knowing they had a NBA street game in pro am already included with the NBA product and now without just a NBA street game with more glitz. Excuse me for my ignorance because I never played NBA street.

No, they are honestly completely different. The only thing that would be close to being the same is the customization and venues that this year's Pro-Am had.

They don't even have to just focus on NBA Street but I think they should get back to it, it would sell well for them if done right and is a very fun casual/arcade option of the NBA games.

# 34 vtcrb @ 05/25/16 07:06 PM

I think NBA 2K took huge step forward when they started listening to what the community wanted in a basketball game. They also brought in people from the Community like Leftos, Vlad, Beds, etc. Live never seemed interested in doing either one, and lack of communication with their fan base hurts as well.

# 35 Crunky @ 05/25/16 07:23 PM

I maybe crazy and delusional but all NBA live has to do is get back to the basics gameplay and animation quality. Forget everything, forget Dynasty, forget customization, forget all of that. Just focus your time, energy, resources to gameplay and animation quality. With Kobe retiring just focus on his career, begin with fro Kobe, kobe/shaq, kobe/gasol, kobe/russel. This is your perfect excuse NBA live devs just forget about everything else the features, the modes, just focus on gameplay/animations. Mo-cap all of Kobe signature moves including his teammates throughout his career in finest detail possible. This game will sell like crazy based on Kobe alone don't even need the current NBA product included.

# 36 Ermolli @ 05/25/16 07:54 PM

Why do you guys think replicating a single game or person's career would help them? By that you're just alienating even more people since not many people would be interested in playing with whichever two teams they decide. Plus Kobe is already 2K's coverstar so there's no chance to do his career plus having to get each of his teammates and opponent's likenesses would implicate higher costs.

In my opinion, next year they should release a free to play version with Ultimate Team and Pro-Am. It would attract people since it wouldn't cost a thing and could get enough people attracted to those modes to buy packs on LUT and gear on Pro-Am. That way it could help them generate some income to invest in a full game like Live 18.

# 37 Crunky @ 05/25/16 09:29 PM

For me personally a standalone Kobe career mode would sell well all by itself. With the player likenesses costly it won't matter since they wouldn't need alot of teams for the story mode and for the players that are costly just use fictional players in their place, let us create players to replace the fictional players. If there ever was an excuse to skip 2yrs of the current nba product and release a game in 2018 this would be the perfect opportunity to do it with Kobe just now retiring. Just because 2k has Kobe on their special edition cover doesn't mean NBA live can't use Kobe, even better there'll have him on their main cover, the casual gamer would barely even know Kobe is on 2k cover unless they researched it. With the thought that this idea would alienate non kobe/lakers fans so what NBA live is in the business of making money not friends.

# 38 Ermolli @ 05/25/16 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crunky


	For me personally a standalone Kobe career mode would sell well all by itself. With the player likenesses costly it won't matter since they wouldn't need alot of teams for the story mode and for the players that are costly just use fictional players in their place, let us create players to replace the fictional players. If there ever was an excuse to skip 2yrs of the current nba product and release a game in 2018 this would be the perfect opportunity to do it with Kobe just now retiring. Just because 2k has Kobe on their special edition cover doesn't mean NBA live can't use Kobe, even better there'll have him on their main cover, the casual gamer would barely even know Kobe is on 2k cover unless they researched it. With the thought that this idea would alienate non kobe/lakers fans so what NBA live is in the business of making money not friends.

NBA Live 16 sold extremely poor at launch which was a "fully featured" game and you think a game around a certain player's career would get better sales? Just by people knowing it's an NBA Live game people would pass just by lackluster previous games. 2K17 might even have a mode just like that and it still would be integrated into a deep game with modes for everyone's tastes.

Also, who is saying that Live is in the business of making friends? They need to reach as many people as possible, not go to a certain group. I don't think EA is reaching for 2K's youtubers to ask for something like the one game /one player's career thing suggested here. They are trying to get as many people interested in the game, not a few to appease with such a narrow game.

# 39 Junior Moe @ 05/25/16 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crunky


	For me personally a standalone Kobe career mode would sell well all by itself. With the player likenesses costly it won't matter since they wouldn't need alot of teams for the story mode and for the players that are costly just use fictional players in their place, let us create players to replace the fictional players. If there ever was an excuse to skip 2yrs of the current nba product and release a game in 2018 this would be the perfect opportunity to do it with Kobe just now retiring. Just because 2k has Kobe on their special edition cover doesn't mean NBA live can't use Kobe, even better there'll have him on their main cover, the casual gamer would barely even know Kobe is on 2k cover unless they researched it. With the thought that this idea would alienate non kobe/lakers fans so what NBA live is in the business of making money not friends.

That's cool and all but there is virtually no replay value here. Sure, the first play through would be awesome. I enjoyed the Jordan Challenge and Replaying legendary games. That on steroids would be even better. But then what? And how does it grow the brand or Live? Live doesn't need to reinvent the wheel here. Just put out a compelling and deep NBA sim. That's all 2k is doing. They are different dev teams so the games will be different enough. But if it's quality people will buy; certainly more than what they have now. Lives problem isn't just 2K; it's Live too. The quality just hasn't been there since 10. And there clearly aren't enough people around willing to overlook the issues with the game and keep "waiting til next year".

# 40 Crunky @ 05/26/16 01:07 AM

Sometimes you need to take a backseat by picking quality over quantity. Yes the Kobe career mode lacks replay value but what it lacks in replay value it makes up for it in detail, graphics and animation quality due to all the focus, time, resources NBA live devs will put in this mode. They don't have to worry about an NBA fully featured current product, so you can just imagine the level of detail this one mode would have it would surpass 2k in anything they have done. Basically to put it in simpler terms this is what I call getting down to basics building a foundation, than you could eventually work on fully featured NBA game with the current product.

Let me answer your questions Junior Moe as fair and balanced as I possibly can, for building the NBA live brand this method would show what NBA live is capable of, when devs are spending their time on one mode just think of the level of detail. They can sell it based on the expierence alone if it does a good job of blurring the line between reality and just a game. For the replay value there's a reason why I recommend this method only for one year while they work on the side the current NBA product and release that in 2018. If this Kobe career mode pans out it will regain the lack of trust between the community and NBA live rebuilding up the brand for the following years. To answer to you Ermolli if me and you set up a poll and gamers had to pick between a Kobe career mode and a pro am mode they would laugh at your pro am.

Its like those tech demos that make you go WOW is that real or fake. With NBA live devs focusing solely on one mode this is the effect their capable of to gamers. Current Gen gamers want to feel immersed in their sport games needing the product to blur the lines between video game and reality. With a whole development team working on one mode it would be possible. NBA live past sins will be forgiven by gamers because they will produce an expierence like no other. Pushing these current gen consoles to their limit that should be ultimate goal.

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