NBA Developer Insight: NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, Part I

[HeavenlyTouch]

Re: First 2k Developer Insight: NBA2k10 Draft Combine

You completely overrestimate the buying public. Most people dont watch videos or screenshots. They dont come to OS or IGN or the 2k forums and chat about backdoor screens, tattoos and the D league. They treat video games the same way as they do movies. They see a trailer or commercial and decide to buy the game or not. Or they wait for reviews and then decide to buy the game. Or they go strictly off of name recognition.

They dont care about the game until we get closer to release. But you guys know that already because we do this every year. You guys complain about the lack of videos until September and then 2k releases it and sends Steve a beta copy. Then you complain about the lack of a demo, until 2k releases it. Every year its the same dance and for the past 4 yrs 2k has outsold the competition with this approach.

They seem to be the only ones who realize that advertising in August doesnt equal sales.

You are suggesting there is a correlation between lack of advertising in August and increased game sales, there is no truth to the matter.

One can argue that Live advertising in August has also helped them capture a market share which they may not have had otherwise if they tried to compete head to head in September.

[aholbert32]

Re: First 2k Developer Insight: NBA2k10 Draft Combine

You are suggesting there is a correlation between lack of advertising in August and increased game sales, there is no truth to the matter.

One can argue that Live advertising in August has also helped them capture a market share which they may not have had otherwise if they tried to compete head to head in September.

I never suggested any of that. I stated that 2k has an advertising budget and marketing plan and that its worked the last 4 yrs. Its basic common sense. Only the hardcore fans care about videos/screenshots in August and what do you guys do when you get them. You overanalyze them and nitpick them to death.

Look at the Live threads. They post a video, 10-15 people say they like it and then the next 200 posts are people complaining about hunched over backs, animations occurring too much, the speed of the game etc. Thats not good press. So if I'm 2k why would I waste money and man power creating videos and shots for people who will probably buy the game anyway. I would release the vids in September giving you less time to nitpick everything.

You can argue that advertising in August leads to better market share but you dont have any proof to back that up. Live advertised in August for Live 08 and 09. 2k didnt start until September for their games that year. 2k outsold them both years and increased its share. My point is the average consumer isnt even thinking basketball right now....they are playing Madden and NCAA. Or NHL. Or Tiger Woods.

[HeavenlyTouch]

Re: First 2k Developer Insight: NBA2k10 Draft Combine

I never suggested any of that. I stated that 2k has an advertising budget and marketing plan and that its worked the last 4 yrs. Its basic common sense. Only the hardcore fans care about videos/screenshots in August and what do you guys do when you get them. You overanalyze them and nitpick them to death.

Look at the Live threads. They post a video, 10-15 people say they like it and then the next 200 posts are people complaining about hunched over backs, animations occurring too much, the speed of the game etc. Thats not good press. So if I'm 2k why would I waste money and man power creating videos and shots for people who will probably buy the game anyway. I would release the vids in September giving you less time to nitpick everything.

You can argue that advertising in August leads to better market share but you dont have any proof to back that up. Live advertised in August for Live 08 and 09. 2k didnt start until September for their games that year. 2k outsold them both years and increased its share. My point is the average consumer isnt even thinking basketball right now....they are playing Madden and NCAA. Or NHL. Or Tiger Woods.

Did you ever try to think that they outsold them because of superior gameplay?

You did suggest it in the final statement in your post.

"They seem to be the only ones who realize that advertising in August doesnt equal sales."

And again in your second rebuttal:

My point is the average consumer isnt even thinking basketball right now....they are playing Madden and NCAA. Or NHL. Or Tiger Woods.

People will likely try both demos before making a decision anyhow on which to buy, that's the real hands on experience prior to buying a video game.

I love how people's comeback on this board are "you cant prove otherwise, so that means I'm right!", this is an appeal to ignorance.

People have become accustomed to presenting their opinions as facts online.

[aholbert32]

Re: First 2k Developer Insight: NBA2k10 Draft Combine

Did you ever try to think that they outsold them because of superior gameplay?

You did suggest it in the final statement in your post.

"They seem to be the only ones who realize that advertising in August doesnt equal sales."

And again in your second rebuttal:

My point is the average consumer isnt even thinking basketball right now....they are playing Madden and NCAA. Or NHL. Or Tiger Woods.

People will likely try both demos before making a decision anyhow on which to buy, that's the real hands on experience prior to buying a video game.

I love how people's comeback on this board are "you cant prove otherwise, so that means I'm right!", this is an appeal to ignorance.

People have become accustomed to presenting their opinions as facts online.

LOL. Its really simple. Your argument is that August advertising can effect sales. I asked you to show it by statistics or game sales and you cant. My counter is that Live has been doing this for the past 3 yrs and its had no effect on market share or sales. Thats it. Dont try to complicate it.

People (like you) complain about the lack of info in August when there is no business reason why 2k should release info this early.

[kcxiv]

Re: First 2k Developer Insight: NBA2k10 Draft Combine

LOL. Its really simple. Your argument is that August advertising can effect sales. I asked you to show it by statistics or game sales and you cant. My counter is that Live has been doing this for the past 3 yrs and its had no effect on market share or sales. Thats it. Dont try to complicate it.

People (like you) complain about the lack of info in August when there is no business reason why 2k should release info this early.

They are just impatient, thats the ONLY reason.

As long as you build a good game, people will buy it. Word of mouth is the best advertising. Ask Bioshock. 2K this year has given us more and will give us more then they ever have in regards to whats being worked on and whats coming up.

EA gives you everything now. Thats great and dandy until you get the game. 2K likes to let anticipation build. Then, they drop all the info at once, so you is fresh in your memory. As long as the info comes a week before the game comes out, its all good.

Instill the its fresh into their mind and hopefully thats what they will go too. You also have to have the product to be worth it.

Imagine if we have football competition? threads like this would be wonderful and we would have great debates. lol 2K football was so far ahead and building steam. Damn, it would have been a great great time to be into how close and how much better both companies would be able to push one another on multiple 3-4 sports.

But nope

[KaptnKirk12]

Re: First 2k Developer Insight: NBA2k10 Draft Combine

Did you ever try to think that they outsold them because of superior gameplay?

You did suggest it in the final statement in your post.

"They seem to be the only ones who realize that advertising in August doesnt equal sales."

And again in your second rebuttal:

My point is the average consumer isnt even thinking basketball right now....they are playing Madden and NCAA. Or NHL. Or Tiger Woods.

People will likely try both demos before making a decision anyhow on which to buy, that's the real hands on experience prior to buying a video game.

I love how people's comeback on this board are "you cant prove otherwise, so that means I'm right!", this is an appeal to ignorance.

People have become accustomed to presenting their opinions as facts online.

Irony. You don't have any stats to back up your opinions either.

Nobody has said they were 100% right, it's just what they believe to be true based off their experiences and common knowledge of how advertising and marketing works.

[A.Statuto]

I would like to say I'm excited about both the draft combine and 2k10. Draft Combine seems like an interesting feature, and if it has been created right, will really gives people a whole 'nother dimension in sports gaming. Since I love basketball, the feature has me excited and I'm interested to know more. I have no doubt 2K will be every bit as good, if not better than NBA Live. As every year, expect even more fluid gameplay, even better animations, even better presentations, even more signature shots, even better commentary and even more options to enhance your overall gaming experience. This isn't about market share, or advertising. You guys sound very knowledgeable; but forget all of that because (and of course I don't know this for sure) none of you work for 2K or EA Sports. Stop worrying about profit sharing and market sharing and sharing is caring..... Just get ready for probably the game that might surpass The Show and Madden as THE Best Sports game period. We all ready know Live won't be any good. If any real person has watched those EA vids, tell me what about that looks good. OK maybe it looks a lil good, I'll give it that. But I know what it's not: Original. EA's claim to fame will always be gimmicks instead of gameplay. Thats why 2k sports has made great games. No gimmicks, no BS. Just solid gaming (sans MLB 2K). EA has Mike Wang as lead game producer. I'm sure it was a decent pay raise for him, but he alone cannot help the Live franchise. So is there anyone else excited about the upcoming virtual season?

[gluck24]

i have an important question im not really an xbox live guy but iwent out bought 1600 microsoft points... now if i create a new xbox live account and get a free month gold membership will i be able to download this demo? i need help please answer!!

[Pared]

Re: NBA Developer Insight: NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, Part I

The Draft Combine is not a demo. It's a stand alone game.

It will cost 400 points, so you're good. Just add the points to your account and download it when it is released the last week in August.

You would only need XBL Gold for online play or the NBA 2k10 demo, which a date has not been finalized as of yet.

[gluck24]

Pared thanks man thats all i needed to know

[gluck24]

Very excited about the upcoming nba 2k... look into tryin to make it in the nba but with my previous experiance with nba 2k7 2k8 and 2k9 probably will be sent down to the D-League..

[Pared]

Re: NBA Developer Insight: NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, Part I

Oh, forgot to mention... with the NBA 2k10 Demo, you'd only need XBL Gold to get it the first week. After a week Silver members can download demos as well. One of the perks of being an XBL Gold member. All PSN members can DL the demo as soon as it is available.

Just wanted to clarify.

Oh, Gluck... you're already starting out in the D-League. No place to go but up.

[LastEncore]

Re: NBA Developer Insight: NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, Part I

What about the fact they're releasing a playable demo of the game practically in August! If that isn't good marketing what is!? You get to play 2K before live. But continue complaining and moaning about their lack of videos when they're working hard to give you a playable version of the game a month ahead of time.

[gluck24]

pared what if i get a free month of gold would that work??

[Nephilim]

Re: NBA Developer Insight: NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, Part I

It will. I did that last year to get my 2k fix.