Microtransactions up 57% from 2016 - Take Two Interactive

[rwntrl]

https://venturebeat.com/2017/11/07/nba-2k-microtransaction-and-dlc-spending-jumped-57-from-2016/amp/

Take it for what it is, but I guess it's really safe to say that, for the foreseeable future, the priority that will be listened to and given more attention to are the online players. Just hoping sim guys don't get the short end of the stick moving forward.

Sent from my R7kf using Operation Sports mobile app

[Junior Moe]

Re: Microtransactions up 57% from 2016 - Take Two Interactive

I think that's great. I love seeing good companies get rewarded. This is ultimately what matters at the end of the day with these games. This is business, plain and simple. Now, hopefully 2K has learned a thing or two from this year and is more careful with how aggressively they push VC. If the game being so profitable as a whole allows them to continue to innovate offline as well I think we all win. There are other games out now that while profitable online, which is great, seem to not give the slightest damn about offline. This is the new gaming reality in 2017. So, keep it up 2K!

[rwntrl]

Re: Microtransactions up 57% from 2016 - Take Two Interactive

I think that's great. I love seeing good companies get rewarded. This is ultimately what matters at the end of the day with these games. This is business, plain and simple. Now, hopefully 2K has learned a thing or two from this year and is more careful with how aggressively they push VC. If the game being so profitable as a whole allows them to continue to innovate offline as well I think we all win. There are other games out now that while profitable online, which is great, seem to not give the slightest damn about offline. This is the new gaming reality in 2017. So, keep it up 2K!

I understand not everyone really has the time to grind and play, me included, but on a personal level, I think the sim community hasn't really seen much growth from the past couple of iterations of the game with the number of problems a lot of players have had, some of which should've already been implemented for a long time. Don't get me wrong: I think 2K18 is tons better, gameplay wise, than 17, but no significant upgrades to MyGM/MyLeague? Having to start custom rosters over once new things come out? The promise of player likeness updates for the past couple of years hasn't been brought around, too. If I'm not mistaken, those are pretty minimal fixes that they could do, but response from 2K has been inconsistent, at best.

Now, if the money they're making could be pumped into truly improving the experience for every player, both for online modes + sim guys, that would be great. Heck, I'd be happier if devs reached out just a little more to those of us here on OS who don't really whine and moan about things.

Sent from my R7kf using Operation Sports mobile app

[wisdom less13]

Re: Microtransactions up 57% from 2016 - Take Two Interactive

I've always been an anti-microtransaction guy, unless it's worth it to me. I've thoroughly enjoyed this game and have chipped in to make a 2nd guy. Not much of an online guy either, buuuut Pro-Am is a ton of fun when you get good teammates. I just don't like how long it would take someone who doesn't drop the money to catch up to guys that jump right to 85. The difference is night and day once you get to that 85.

[schnaidt1]

Re: Microtransactions up 57% from 2016 - Take Two Interactive

i wish they would use this money to go get the nfl license

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[Junior Moe]

Re: Microtransactions up 57% from 2016 - Take Two Interactive

I understand not everyone really has the time to grind and play, me included, but on a personal level, I think the sim community hasn't really seen much growth from the past couple of iterations of the game with the number of problems a lot of players have had, some of which should've already been implemented for a long time. Don't get me wrong: I think 2K18 is tons better, gameplay wise, than 17, but no significant upgrades to MyGM/MyLeague? Having to start custom rosters over once new things come out? The promise of player likeness updates for the past couple of years hasn't been brought around, too. If I'm not mistaken, those are pretty minimal fixes that they could do, but response from 2K has been inconsistent, at best.

Now, if the money they're making could be pumped into truly improving the experience for every player, both for online modes + sim guys, that would be great. Heck, I'd be happier if devs reached out just a little more to those of us here on OS who don't really whine and moan about things.

Sent from my R7kf using Operation Sports mobile app

I'd have to disagree there. 2Ks offline franchise is the deepest and best out there. And it has improved greatly in this online money centric era. That makes it even more impressive to me. Its not without its fair share of bugs, but id take a company being too ambitious with franchise any day. Honestly, they could probably remove ML/MGM and update MC and MT every year and still do the same numbers they are doing now. Madden has shown how me how little "offliners" are needed so 2K adding to it is an ode to us, I think.

The gameplay, for me, has ranged from good to great so I have no issues there. Each year there are things that bug me. This year, for instance, I hate how players seemed to bunch up around the paint and block my cutters and stuff. It bungled up my offense on too many plays. It seems to have been cleaned up some, though. These things happen and I just roll with them as each year brings new things, good and bad but the overall is always good. I love how varied the offenses for the different teams are and I'm not even an X's and Os guy but it notice it when I play. I played the Warriors after playing the Bucks in ML and its crazy how differnt the teams feel. It makes playing the lesser games interesting. That's Dzar and OG. That's replay value. But what percent of 2Ks consumer base do you think REALLY understand or appreciate that stuff? I'd say maybe 20% and that's bening generous. It's the little things.

I also think that the devs know that while many people have issues many are still enjoying the product. Angry people just tend to post more. And with the way some people around here act I don't blame the devs for chilling with the interactions. I really don't. They could post about an offensive sets and inevitably someone will come in b**** about VC, or this or that, so why bother.

In summation, I get the gripes. I get people want more. But I also feel like we get an amazing product year in and year that caters pretty well to such a diverse base. I feel that the extra money they're making is leading to a better more diverse product.

[Goffs]

Re: Microtransactions up 57% from 2016 - Take Two Interactive

20 bucks is all they will get from me for leveling up my player. The rest I grind....

[jeebs9]

Re: Microtransactions up 57% from 2016 - Take Two Interactive

20 bucks is all they will get from me for leveling up my player. The rest I grind....

I don't even play.... lol

[rwntrl]

Re: Microtransactions up 57% from 2016 - Take Two Interactive

I'd have to disagree there. 2Ks offline franchise is the deepest and best out there. And it has improved greatly in this online money centric era. That makes it even more impressive to me. Its not without its fair share of bugs, but id take a company being too ambitious with franchise any day. Honestly, they could probably remove ML/MGM and update MC and MT every year and still do the same numbers they are doing now. Madden has shown how me how little "offliners" are needed so 2K adding to it is an ode to us, I think.

The gameplay, for me, has ranged from good to great so I have no issues there. Each year there are things that bug me. This year, for instance, I hate how players seemed to bunch up around the paint and block my cutters and stuff. It bungled up my offense on too many plays. It seems to have been cleaned up some, though. These things happen and I just roll with them as each year brings new things, good and bad but the overall is always good. I love how varied the offenses for the different teams are and I'm not even an X's and Os guy but it notice it when I play. I played the Warriors after playing the Bucks in ML and its crazy how differnt the teams feel. It makes playing the lesser games interesting. That's Dzar and OG. That's replay value. But what percent of 2Ks consumer base do you think REALLY understand or appreciate that stuff? I'd say maybe 20% and that's bening generous. It's the little things.

I also think that the devs know that while many people have issues many are still enjoying the product. Angry people just tend to post more. And with the way some people around here act I don't blame the devs for chilling with the interactions. I really don't. They could post about an offensive sets and inevitably someone will come in b**** about VC, or this or that, so why bother.

In summation, I get the gripes. I get people want more. But I also feel like we get an amazing product year in and year that caters pretty well to such a diverse base. I feel that the extra money they're making is leading to a better more diverse product.

Great points, man, but I gotta say my last piece on this lol. I didn't say anything about the modes not being deep, but so much improvement could be done. There still is a decently sized sim community, as evidenced by the OS 2K forum. There still are very noticeable problems for some people, though. As far as I go, like I said, gameplay wise, this is the best NBA 2K that I've played. The diversity and difference between each team can really be felt. Hall of Fame finally doesn't feel like a cheese fest. There really is no doubt about that, IMO.

On the other hand, I just think that, with all things considered regarding the resources pouring into Take Two, it's due time offseason menus get a change for MyGM/ML. It's been too long where create a player just looks too generic. Contract/roster bugs are commonplace on an annual basis. The promise of updated player likenesses should definitely be followed. Players that appear on MyTeam who are part of some historic teams should finally be added to rosters. Little things such as those would be huge additions to a lot of players. Why not pay guys like Reggie and Barkley to finally lend their likenesses, right? Trade logic is still terribly twisted. Again, little things to some, but big things for other players.

I understand that it's a business, and having profits doesn't necessarily mean you should go and spend it all, but I think what a lot of us sim gamers would want and, most definitely, appreciate is if devs could reach out a little more. Really heed the players who've been there before VC related modes were even a thing. Now, I get how some people in here don't know how to offer constructive criticism, but I just think that, with the amount of available resources they now have, why not make a couple of hires from the community itself? Just people who are willing to take their time to really interact with the sim community, a dedicated MyGM/MyLeague player who understands what the sim community wants, while also being able to give the sim community feedback on what's possible and not doable because of specific circumstances.

Sent from my R7kf using Operation Sports mobile app

[Thunderhorse]

Re: Microtransactions up 57% from 2016 - Take Two Interactive

This is interesting because my spending in 2K has dropped dramatically. I wonder what the statistics are for 17 going into 18 (reasonably of course).

I preordered a special edition of 16 and dropped at least $100 for VC upgrades over 3 players.

in 17 I spent too much money, I don't even remember how much.

I've spent $50 to make a guy in 18, and I haven't spent a dime since.

[ksuttonjr76]

Re: Microtransactions up 57% from 2016 - Take Two Interactive

It's kinda a shame. Despite the overly aggressive pricing and "bad" reviews, they still made more money than last year while being on pace to be the best selling NBA 2K to date. Goes to show that Operation Sports is definitely a minority group of people.

Probably have to spend VC just to play a game in PNO next year.

Sent from my LG-US996 using Tapatalk

[Iasounis]

Re: Microtransactions up 57% from 2016 - Take Two Interactive

This is interesting because my spending in 2K has dropped dramatically. I wonder what the statistics are for 17 going into 18 (reasonably of course).

I preordered a special edition of 16 and dropped at least $100 for VC upgrades over 3 players.

in 17 I spent too much money, I don't even remember how much.

I've spent $50 to make a guy in 18, and I haven't spent a dime since.

Same boat. I didn't by any gold edition, but I dropped VC to level up 4 players last year. This year bought standard edition (always do) and bought VC for my one, and only, player.

[trekfan]

Re: Microtransactions up 57% from 2016 - Take Two Interactive

Though it should come as no surprise to any of us, micro transactions are here to stay. Expect more in the future from 2K and it's games.

http://m.ign.com/articles/2017/11/08/gta-publisher-plans-to-have-microtransactions-in-all-future-games

Despite the bad press from 2Ks rampant (and embarrassing IMO) opportunities for users to buy anything in the game, sales are strong. Consumers don't seem to mind and that message looks to embolden publishers like Take Two to further push VC and the like.

I should hope they'll use the extra money to better develop the game (particularly online Myleague, those guys have been left in the cold in recent years), but we've seen other publishers (EA) consistently cater more and more to the consumer willing to pay the micro transactions.

That could be 2Ks future. This is something to watch, especially considering Rockstar abandoned plans for single player DLC for GTAV because of how wildly successful the online mode (and transactions) were.

In an age with increased internet accessibility, increasing emphasis on open world community gaming, and increasing demand from publishers for "recurring opportunities for consumer engagement", this is not looking good for single player, offline costumers.

It very much appears that segment of gamer is shrinking fast. I'm in that segment and, let me tell you, I feel like a dinosaur some days. I don't know what the future holds, but trends are pointing strongly that online communities are where games are going, of all sorts, and that things like Myleague will go by the wayside.

I'd be surprised if 2K still has the level of Myleague it has now in five years... It might be much less.

My thoughts.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

[ksuttonjr76]

Re: Microtransactions up 57% from 2016 - Take Two Interactive

Though it should come as no surprise to any of us, micro transactions are here to stay. Expect more in the future from 2K and it's games.

http://m.ign.com/articles/2017/11/08/gta-publisher-plans-to-have-microtransactions-in-all-future-games

Despite the bad press from 2Ks rampant (and embarrassing IMO) opportunities for users to buy anything in the game, sales are strong. Consumers don't seem to mind and that message looks to embolden publishers like Take Two to further push VC and the like.

I should hope they'll use the extra money to better develop the game (particularly online Myleague, those guys have been left in the cold in recent years), but we've seen other publishers (EA) consistently cater more and more to the consumer willing to pay the micro transactions.

That could be 2Ks future. This is something to watch, especially considering Rockstar abandoned plans for single player DLC for GTAV because of how wildly successful the online mode (and transactions) were.

In an age with increased internet accessibility, increasing emphasis on open world community gaming, and increasing demand from publishers for "recurring opportunities for consumer engagement", this is not looking good for single player, offline costumers.

It very much appears that segment of gamer is shrinking fast. I'm in that segment and, let me tell you, I feel like a dinosaur some days. I don't know what the future holds, but trends are pointing strongly that online communities are where games are going, of all sorts, and that things like Myleague will go by the wayside.

I'd be surprised if 2K still has the level of Myleague it has now in five years... It might be much less.

My thoughts.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

Funny. I listened to a podcast last week that touched on the shrinking offline player base. Honestly, I truly hate participating in online video game communities. I just want to play my game and leave. This is one of the reasons why games like Destiny, Warfare, GTA5 Online, OverWatch, etc never appeal to me.

Plus, I just want to play the game at my own pace. It burns me up when I play online co-op, and my partners just want to rush through the levels and skip cut scenes. Do you know how hard it is find someone who wants to play "slow"? When I jump into other people's games, I play as a team with my partners and I NEVER skip the cutscenes. Honestly, I think it's stupid that the non-hosting gamer has the ability to do that in the first place.

Sent from my LG-US996 using Tapatalk

[Junior Moe]

Re: Microtransactions up 57% from 2016 - Take Two Interactive

Though it should come as no surprise to any of us, micro transactions are here to stay. Expect more in the future from 2K and it's games.

http://m.ign.com/articles/2017/11/08/gta-publisher-plans-to-have-microtransactions-in-all-future-games

Despite the bad press from 2Ks rampant (and embarrassing IMO) opportunities for users to buy anything in the game, sales are strong. Consumers don't seem to mind and that message looks to embolden publishers like Take Two to further push VC and the like.

I should hope they'll use the extra money to better develop the game (particularly online Myleague, those guys have been left in the cold in recent years), but we've seen other publishers (EA) consistently cater more and more to the consumer willing to pay the micro transactions.

That could be 2Ks future. This is something to watch, especially considering Rockstar abandoned plans for single player DLC for GTAV because of how wildly successful the online mode (and transactions) were.

In an age with increased internet accessibility, increasing emphasis on open world community gaming, and increasing demand from publishers for "recurring opportunities for consumer engagement", this is not looking good for single player, offline costumers.

It very much appears that segment of gamer is shrinking fast. I'm in that segment and, let me tell you, I feel like a dinosaur some days. I don't know what the future holds, but trends are pointing strongly that online communities are where games are going, of all sorts, and that things like Myleague will go by the wayside.

I'd be surprised if 2K still has the level of Myleague it has now in five years... It might be much less.

My thoughts.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

Micro transactions are the reality with gaming in 2017. I don't see it as inherently good or bad, though. Now how a company goes about pushing it is open for debate. Like you, I consider myself a dinosaur. My thing is offline single player. That's it.

I didn't even know what the heck a shark card was until my nephew asked me to buy him one for GTA online so that he could get a mobile lab or something. And I'm a gamer. Nevertheless, it was huge for him and his "crew" and extended the fun they were able to have with a what... 3 year old game now. Gaming has changed. For me, as long as its not excessive I'm cool. I bought and have been enjoying AC Origins. I've got more than 60$ value out of it in over 115 missions/quests. There will be DLC. I'll buy it as I love the universe they have crafted. It'll extend my enjoyment of the game. I think that's great for me and the Ubisoft.

At the same rate, I expect quality. I'm not gonna spend my money on just anything and I have no problem passing on a product that I don't feel is worth it. It's about balance. I see how micro transactions could trouble people (I think there was something with the new Star Wars Battlefront game) but given the fact that 2K is the standard, IMO, with franchise I see no reason to worry it'll be going anywhere anytime soon. It hasn't really been the focus this gen and it's still the most robust out there. My personal opinion is that the game being such a commercial success allows them to pump money into the non revenue generating modes.