What's to Become of NBA Live?

[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.


Read More - What's to Become of NBA Live?

[BSchwartz07]

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.

[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)?

[scottyp180]

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

[juicey79]

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.

[Bolt957]

I'd really appreciate some new NBA Street iterations. We've gone too long without them as it is.

[KingTocco]

Re: What's to Become of NBA Live?

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)?

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.

[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.

[Black Bruce Wayne]

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

[Crunky]

Re: What's to Become of NBA Live?

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.

[Barbatrucco]

@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.

[Crunky]

Re: What's to Become of NBA Live?

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.

[Tomba]

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?

[Barbatrucco]

Re: What's to Become of NBA Live?

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

[Crunky]

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.