How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

[Sundown]

Re: How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

I disagree. First of all, I don't think it's community disappointment rather than community polarization on the topic of next gen. It seems people are either in love with the game and acknowledge that 2k needs time to revamp features for next gen, or are completely outraged that 2k is taking out features. Honestly, I hate how people are saying they took out features because they really haven't. This is a completely new game on a completely new generation of gaming consoles with completely new graphics, new engine, new gameplay.

I actually like the gameplay a ton but they did take out features. They actually patched out Defensive Settings in the first update and removed depth and control from half of the game.

[LorenzoDC]

Re: How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

Well, going back to what I was trying to ask and say in the beginning, how do people think 2k should respond by way of communications?

I get that there are people happy with the game and unhappy with it. I'm not even interested in taking sides on that directly myself as I have not even played it, I'm waiting for Xbox One.

But in the situation as it is now, 2k has done a lot and earned a lot of respect for making a sim friendly game, and they have done outreach to the community and have pretty good relations overall with the hard core sim crowd. But now, a lot of features have been implemented with less depth, and it's upset a lot of people they've had good relations with.

That's a fact, whether people agree with those who are upset or not.

So, my questions is, how should 2k respond? Should they answer questions next week? Next month? Never? What questions should be answered? For example, are the reductions in user control due to first year start up, or are they part of a new strategic plan for the game? Where is the game going? Should gamers who have grown accustomed to these features and customization options accept the new reality or will there be change, either with a patch or in 2k15? Etc.

My opinion is the longer they wait, the more good will they lose with the gamers. I don't want the NBA 2k forum to turn into the Madden forum, after all. Now there's a company who has not earned good will!

I'm hoping 2k won't go that route.

[Knux-Future]

Re: How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

All 2k has to do is explain why stuff is out and if they can fix it then do so.

That's all. It will suck but all we have right now is heresay and paranoid thoughts about why things are the way they are. This radio silence only serves to make it seem like they tried to pull a fast one on us.

Come out and say something and it dies down.

I hate the excuse but if they came out with "Due to the new engine we weren't able to put in certain features...sorry", I'd feel slightly better because that tells me that it will be back next year...that still may be the case but as is, one could think that 2k15 would be even worse because **** you thats why type stuff from 2k.

[Saturnis]

Re: How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

It might not be what you want to hear, but how do you know you're the one being objective?

there are features missing, its common sense if you compare them. Content is missing period.

Honestly, looking at the game I wouldn't mind if 2k14 was exibithion mode only because a new console brings a new life cycle for a sports franchise. They need to build everything from the ground up and you can't knock VC for not having everything on board day 1.

Yes, some missing features seem frustrating but it's the first game for the new systems. Y'all just have to accept that.

BUT I will not endorse what 2k is trying to do with NEW aspects of the game like focusing so much on online for example. Just why do you have to save rosters online again?
And I swear to God, those VC points...remove them asap! They are RUINING the MyGM experience.

VC is just looking like any other videogame company trying to milk their customers by forcing them to pay extra money for shady virtual currency.

all they want to do is take features out and bring them little by little to make you buy it year after year, thats all it is. Crew was the same thing take it out and reintroduce a half *** version again later, rinse and repeat.

Well, going back to what I was trying to ask and say in the beginning, how do people think 2k should respond by way of communications?

I get that there are people happy with the game and unhappy with it. I'm not even interested in taking sides on that directly myself as I have not even played it, I'm waiting for Xbox One.

But in the situation as it is now, 2k has done a lot and earned a lot of respect for making a sim friendly game, and they have done outreach to the community and have pretty good relations overall with the hard core sim crowd. But now, a lot of features have been implemented with less depth, and it's upset a lot of people they've had good relations with.

That's a fact, whether people agree with those who are upset or not.

So, my questions is, how should 2k respond? Should they answer questions next week? Next month? Never? What questions should be answered? For example, are the reductions in user control due to first year start up, or are they part of a new strategic plan for the game? Where is the game going? Should gamers who have grown accustomed to these features and customization options accept the new reality or will there be change, either with a patch or in 2k15? Etc.

My opinion is the longer they wait, the more good will they lose with the gamers. I don't want the NBA 2k forum to turn into the Madden forum, after all. Now there's a company who has not earned good will!

I'm hoping 2k won't go that route.

they wont respond because
1. they dont care.
2. you all will just buy it anyway.

just like someone above said, we all have to deal with it. which is completely nonsense because you really dont have to and when you don't you might get a better product out of it. Imagine if everyone just had to deal with that microsoft was trying to implement. Granted its a console but im trying to stress how important it is for a large group of people to stress their frustrations. unfortunately the group is not large enough and 2k keeping getting their pockets full so their is nothing to discuss.

[Leftos]

Re: How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

There's no conspiracy theory. There are only time restrictions and a huge rebuild that was needed to lay the foundation for the next generation of NBA 2K games. I can't go into specifics, but now that the foundation is laid out, things can only get better. At some points the base you have to work on just won't cut it moving forward, and you have to take a leap of faith to make sure you have the ability to easily innovate in the future. And that's what NBA 2K14 next-gen is. A bold step. Sure, I understand that it isn't a perfect product and that some things that were in old-gen are not in, but they weren't taken out because of a conspiracy to spite the userbase for a few years and then bring them back to be bathed in praise.

The amount of discussions I and others have been having around the office based on the feedback we've gotten since the release is astounding. Take that for what it's worth.

[VDusen04]

Re: How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

There's no conspiracy theory. There are only time restrictions and a huge rebuild that was needed to lay the foundation for the next generation of NBA 2K games. I can't go into specifics, but now that the foundation is laid out, things can only get better. At some points the base you have to work on just won't cut it moving forward, and you have to take a leap of faith to make sure you have the ability to easily innovate in the future. And that's what NBA 2K14 next-gen is. A bold step. Sure, I understand that it isn't a perfect product and that some things that were in old-gen are not in, but they weren't taken out because of a conspiracy to spite the userbase for a few years and then bring them back to be bathed in praise.

The amount of discussions I and others have been having around the office based on the feedback we've gotten since the release is astounding. Take that for what it's worth.

I am attempting to figure out the correct way to word this so I apologize ahead of time if it comes out sounding funny but, is the base you guys put together something you put together to allow gamers to create a more personally customized experience in the future? Like, is this a base upon which an incredible create-a-player shall appear in future 2K's alongside a crazy-upgraded create-a-team that will allow us to freely share and customize rosters on 2KShare while saving locally and taking those created teams into Association?

Or, to put it more succinctly, was it a matter of tearing everything completely down so it could all be re-built in a much, much better form? Or is the bold move in reference to steering away from customization and more toward the MyModes?

Also, I'm always curious about the conversations held by game employees regarding their project's feedback. When you say "astounding", do you mean that in a way like you guys are just excited how you'll be able to make MyGM, MyCareer, and VC even better or do you mean some of the critical feedback may have created some active discourse regarding the game's direction?

[LorenzoDC]

Re: How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

There's no conspiracy theory. There are only time restrictions and a huge rebuild that was needed to lay the foundation for the next generation of NBA 2K games. I can't go into specifics, but now that the foundation is laid out, things can only get better. At some points the base you have to work on just won't cut it moving forward, and you have to take a leap of faith to make sure you have the ability to easily innovate in the future. And that's what NBA 2K14 next-gen is. A bold step. Sure, I understand that it isn't a perfect product and that some things that were in old-gen are not in, but they weren't taken out because of a conspiracy to spite the userbase for a few years and then bring them back to be bathed in praise.

The amount of discussions I and others have been having around the office based on the feedback we've gotten since the release is astounding. Take that for what it's worth.

First, foremost, and overall: thanks for posting this response. I know there's not a ton you can say substantively on your own at this point, but I certainly appreciate that you took the time to jump in to try to offer what you can by way of information.

I'm hopeful that the conversations you and others are having internally will lead to some process where 2k can come to the community to engage a little more directly and completely on all the questions out there. Sure there are some that are conspiracy minded but there are a ton more that are coming from a place of disappointment, bewilderment, fear and confusion about what you guys are trying to do, where the game is headed and what if anything can be addressed in this year's title through patches and fixes.

Hopefully that process of getting 2k's message together won't take too long, because silence only makes things worse and breeds more conspiracy thinking.

Thanks again. It's a start!

[Leftos]

Re: How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

I can't speak of our direction, it's not my place to do so. I'm really, really, REALLY excited about the future of NBA 2K though, and I'm happy the hardest part is over. It's not easy building a new foundation and delivering a great game in a yearly cycle, especially while also making sure your current-gen product provides a great experience. And with that out of the way, every design meeting we have puts a huge smile on my face. I wish I could tell you more guys. I really wish I could.

[TeeDogg]

Re: How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

There's no conspiracy theory. There are only time restrictions and a huge rebuild that was needed to lay the foundation for the next generation of NBA 2K games. I can't go into specifics, but now that the foundation is laid out, things can only get better. At some points the base you have to work on just won't cut it moving forward, and you have to take a leap of faith to make sure you have the ability to easily innovate in the future. And that's what NBA 2K14 next-gen is. A bold step. Sure, I understand that it isn't a perfect product and that some things that were in old-gen are not in, but they weren't taken out because of a conspiracy to spite the userbase for a few years and then bring them back to be bathed in praise.

The amount of discussions I and others have been having around the office based on the feedback we've gotten since the release is astounding. Take that for what it's worth.

most of us understand this completely. what you guys did to kick off next gen while keeping the game from being completely stripped down was awesome. looking forward to this generation of sports gaming. it looks to be a VERY good one.

[King_B_Mack]

Re: How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

There's no conspiracy theory. There are only time restrictions and a huge rebuild that was needed to lay the foundation for the next generation of NBA 2K games. I can't go into specifics, but now that the foundation is laid out, things can only get better. At some points the base you have to work on just won't cut it moving forward, and you have to take a leap of faith to make sure you have the ability to easily innovate in the future. And that's what NBA 2K14 next-gen is. A bold step. Sure, I understand that it isn't a perfect product and that some things that were in old-gen are not in, but they weren't taken out because of a conspiracy to spite the userbase for a few years and then bring them back to be bathed in praise.

The amount of discussions I and others have been having around the office based on the feedback we've gotten since the release is astounding. Take that for what it's worth.

Thank you for this response Leftos. You guys have done a great job with the game and laying the foundation for this generation of consoles. I look forward to seeing what's in store in the coming years. I have faith in the team to continue delivering an excellent product on the court and getting back to the features/custom options that helped make 2K what it is today.

[vannwolfhawk]

Re: How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

There's no conspiracy theory. There are only time restrictions and a huge rebuild that was needed to lay the foundation for the next generation of NBA 2K games. I can't go into specifics, but now that the foundation is laid out, things can only get better. At some points the base you have to work on just won't cut it moving forward, and you have to take a leap of faith to make sure you have the ability to easily innovate in the future. And that's what NBA 2K14 next-gen is. A bold step. Sure, I understand that it isn't a perfect product and that some things that were in old-gen are not in, but they weren't taken out because of a conspiracy to spite the userbase for a few years and then bring them back to be bathed in praise.

The amount of discussions I and others have been having around the office based on the feedback we've gotten since the release is astounding. Take that for what it's worth.

Leftos, I appreciate you chiming in. I think it gos a long way here. I personally never thought it was a conspiracy theory. I do hope the future allows more customization and you of all people just being 1 of us a few short months ago and a frequent visitor in the roster forums here understand this and what the hardcore want in a 2k game. Sometimes taking 1 step back to move 2 steps forward is necessary. Although I'm passing on this years game I'm looking forward to 15 and hopefully the return of modes and customization of toons for the community.

[shegotgame]

Re: How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

There's no conspiracy theory. There are only time restrictions and a huge rebuild that was needed to lay the foundation for the next generation of NBA 2K games. I can't go into specifics, but now that the foundation is laid out, things can only get better. At some points the base you have to work on just won't cut it moving forward, and you have to take a leap of faith to make sure you have the ability to easily innovate in the future. And that's what NBA 2K14 next-gen is. A bold step. Sure, I understand that it isn't a perfect product and that some things that were in old-gen are not in, but they weren't taken out because of a conspiracy to spite the userbase for a few years and then bring them back to be bathed in praise.

The amount of discussions I and others have been having around the office based on the feedback we've gotten since the release is astounding. Take that for what it's worth.

Thanks for posting Leftos. No, the game is not perfect but it's a valiant effort. Anyone who can't see that (acknowledging flaws is fair, I mean overall) is being disingenuous. I don't understand how people appear to take perceived flaws in the game so personally, as If 2K Sports is a comic book villain out to destroy the town. I have no idea about coding--my degree is in something else--but I imagine that it is a layered process. Not everything can be patched and sometimes mistakes are made.

I say this to say, I respect your efforts.

I'm looking forward to 2K15; in the meantime, I'm enjoying 2K14.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JBaker1225]

Re: How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

I can't speak of our direction, it's not my place to do so. I'm really, really, REALLY excited about the future of NBA 2K though, and I'm happy the hardest part is over. It's not easy building a new foundation and delivering a great game in a yearly cycle, especially while also making sure your current-gen product provides a great experience. And with that out of the way, every design meeting we have puts a huge smile on my face. I wish I could tell you more guys. I really wish I could.

Leftos, is there any way you can speak to the decision to remove multi-controller cooperative play from MyGM mode in a day-one patch?

Was there a bug that needed to be addressed so it was temporarily removed? Was it accidentally removed as part of the patch? Will it be patched back in? Or was it some odd creative decision to restrict people from playing coop?

In terms of things that actually affect the core playing of the basketball game, I think this might be the biggest head scratcher in the community so far.

[Slooty2k]

Re: How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

There's no conspiracy theory. There are only time restrictions and a huge rebuild that was needed to lay the foundation for the next generation of NBA 2K games. I can't go into specifics, but now that the foundation is laid out, things can only get better. At some points the base you have to work on just won't cut it moving forward, and you have to take a leap of faith to make sure you have the ability to easily innovate in the future. And that's what NBA 2K14 next-gen is. A bold step. Sure, I understand that it isn't a perfect product and that some things that were in old-gen are not in, but they weren't taken out because of a conspiracy to spite the userbase for a few years and then bring them back to be bathed in praise.

The amount of discussions I and others have been having around the office based on the feedback we've gotten since the release is astounding. Take that for what it's worth.

Damn, I told you guys so. Building anew man, thats exactly what I expected to hear. Shiz, some of y'all needed a chill pill with some of this crazy 2k corporate conspiracy stuff. Appreciate the response Leftos, you guys definitely delivered on an amazing game, in my opinion the best basketball sim ever made and the best next gen title out there, of all the next gen games, I feel 2k14 is the one game that exemplifies what next generation gaming should look, feel and play like. Great job and looking forward to whatever you guys are cooking up next.

[Sundown]

Re: How Should 2k Respond to Community Disappointment over Features Cuts?

Thanks for chiming in Leftos. I can tell there's great foundational work in next-gen 2K. There were so many ways that 2K could have rested on its laurels but I love that they're reimagining how different systems should fit together and incorporate the intangibles of the NBA in Ecomotion.


I can also totally understand that customization in certain areas had to take a hit-- implementing a CAP system that allows custom faces to be created that rival the quality of headscans is not a small task. It's unfortunate that we have to settle for 20 something premade heads, but it's a stop-gap technology some of us can live with for the time being, and it doesn't look half bad. I was half expecting MyPlayer to be cut because of a lack of a next-gen worthy CAP system.

Now what some of us are concerned about are the removal of customization options that existed before the patch (leg length and torso length being condensed into body length that allows for less variety), and things like the inability to change arm sizes-- something that 2K obviously has access to, as well as the plethora of things present in current-gen in the customization department, some of which is understandable.

We're also very concerned with removal of Defensive Settings and strategic depth in the patch to seemingly feature more casual friendly and simplistic Points of Emphasis. This has kind of been my pet issue but honestly, there are few ways I can think of to remove depth from defensive play than the removal of these settings wholesale.

I was honestly shocked at this removal-- I've given 2K a lot of slack and defended the game against accusations of going in a fantasy/inauthentic/MyWhatever/unsim direction because 2K has always added depth to the core game year to year. I'm now unable to honestly do so, as a decision was made to gut most of the depth that used to exist from half of the game. What's even more baffling is that it actually existed in a fashion but was intentionally patched out. I think it may be the single BIGGEST regression in an area of the game from 2K I have ever seen.

I'm sure 2K has great things planned-- they have always managed to shock us with "Are you serious?" features that we only vaguely dreamed, but we do hope that 2K continues to build that on top of its simulation engine and simulation identity going forward, and missteps like removing Defensive Settings will be a baffling and quickly recitified aberration rather than an ongoing trend to simplify NBA basketball from how it's actually played to how a casual fan thinks it's played.