2k14-2k spends all their time on Animations & Microtransactions(My TEAM)

[kingpnp3]

i finally realized why 2k doesnt really update the crap out of their game year in and year out. its because for one. they spend 80% of their time on animations. how many animations did they add this year? something insane right?


how long do you think that takes to pull off and tweek? exactly. forever.

now we all like the fact that 2k has very good animations. but doing this means everything else will be neglected. EXCEPT for one mode.. and thats MY TEAM. you know why? thats an extra money maker for 2k. all those Microtransactions add up.

This is the same reason Crew mode looks like a blacktop 2.0 instead of even the crew mode we had in 2k11. which is crazy. how on earth do you bring a mode back you had 2 years prior. but the mode isnt even as solid as the mode was 2 years ago? crazy right?

again they didnt have time to work on that mode.

lastly, since we're on the topic of crew mode. there's a legit reason they dont really put effort into my player and crew modes. even though my player is the mode most played(thats a statistical FACT). and crew was the most requested mode(thats a statistical fact). so how on earth do you not make these two modes the greatest thing since sliced bread?

You cant make the game about MY player when its called NBA 2k14. its about NBA players, its about LEBRON(a NBA player). you cant have this game turn into MY PLAYER 14. because thats here it was heading. they have licenses with the NBA. part of the reason the nba is quick to give these games the ok is because its Advertisment to the young and old generation of kids and adults who play these games.

if its all about your my player because that mode is so good and crew is so good(so you're working extra hard on your my player). then the advertising for the NBA is shot. they cant do that. So now you know.

if you think i'm wrong about this. ask yourself this question. if in next gen. they gave you the option of purchasing 2 games.

one game called, NBA 2k14 with no crew mode, no my player mode. the same stale association mode, the same online stuff.

vs

a game called, MY player 14, enhanced my player mode(all kinds of fixes, all kinds of new stuff added), a new crew mode thats played on the GYM floor but much better then 2k11. they could have leagues, into the point of a championship game every month.

if both games were $59.99 and you could only buy one. which one do you think would sell more? I'm telling you right now. the My player game would outsell the nba 2k game. and thats an issue that 2k doesnt want to have.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQe5eLs9Zuo

More proof^^black top was questionable at best and its still #3 above old faithfuls, association and online ranked matches.

[buickbeast]

Re: 2k14-2k spends all their time on Animations & Microtransactions(My TEAM)

May I suggest enrolling in a English class since you don't like microtransactions?

[apollooff320]

Re: 2k14-2k spends all their time on Animations & Microtransactions(My TEAM)

May I suggest enrolling in a English class since you don't like microtransactions?

first thing ppl do when someone criticizes 2K is insult them.

[Boilerbuzz]

Re: 2k14-2k spends all their time on Animations & Microtransactions(My TEAM)

first thing ppl do when someone criticizes 2K is insult them.

And the first thing critics do is assume that Feature A steals directly from Feature B. So many assumptions, speculation, and over-simplification. If you're going to criticize decisions made by devs, at least try to recognize reasons why those decisions are made. Some level of respect is called for for all the devs that view these boards, right? I'm sure guys like Simballer and Beluba enjoy being reminded how crappy a job they do from people that don't know anything about what they do.

[Hadlowe]

Re: 2k14-2k spends all their time on Animations & Microtransactions(My TEAM)

And the first thing critics do is assume that Feature A steals directly from Feature B. So many assumptions, speculation, and over-simplification. If you're going to criticize decisions made by devs, at least try to recognize reasons why those decisions are made. Some level of respect is called for for all the devs that view these boards, right? I'm sure guys like Simballer and Beluba enjoy being reminded how crappy a job they do from people that don't know anything about what they do.

I get your point. No need to rail on the work the devs do, but we do kind of praise these guys with our wallets, right? If there are recurring bugs over several years with favorite game modes (association, my player, etc.) it is going to result in fewer sales. That's part of our job on these boards is to bring developer attention to things that could use a tune-up.

[Optik]

Re: 2k14-2k spends all their time on Animations & Microtransactions(My TEAM)

MyPlayer is fluff. Gameplay comes first, and gameplay is improved by adding new and better animations. You could have kept your essay to two lines. Currently, it's just a bloated, incoherent rant.

[kingpnp3]

Re: 2k14-2k spends all their time on Animations & Microtransactions(My TEAM)

MyPlayer is fluff. Gameplay comes first, and gameplay is improved by adding new and better animations. You could have kept your essay to two lines. Currently, it's just a bloated, incoherent rant.

its so incoherent you knew exactly what i said. and so did the first poster. which made him run to jokes instead of a legit response. i applaud you for a real response at least.

Now i never once said game play should take a back seat. i'm just putting it out there why things are the way they are. there have been reviewers of 2k14, that like the game play improvements. but also call the DEVS lazy for not improving on a lot of other game modes(real improvements) as well as not fixing issues we've complained about for say.... 3 years now.some major some very minor that could be fixed very easily.

my response was. the devs are not LAZY. see yall missed that part. they are not lazy at all. and yes they are working their tails off. but doing what? adding 1000's of more animations.

of course this wasnt their decision. this comes from the top down. my point is 2k is so caught up in the animation race to 1 million animations they forget everything else. UNLESSSSS, its something that can make more money like "MICROTRANSACTIONS" chaaa ching... notice how they had all the time in the world to add to that mode? but you have other modes that get no love. now you know why.

its animations or micros thats it. So now you have a choice as a consumer. stop complaining and just realize it is what it is(and make darn sure you dont pay for anything(micro transactions). or you get suckered into your own downfall. by acting as if all things are great since some of the game play looks better. while you get suckered into the micro transactions game. the more money we spend there. the more they will focus on that mode and not much else.

[kingpnp3]

Re: 2k14-2k spends all their time on Animations & Microtransactions(My TEAM)

And the first thing critics do is assume that Feature A steals directly from Feature B. So many assumptions, speculation, and over-simplification. If you're going to criticize decisions made by devs, at least try to recognize reasons why those decisions are made. Some level of respect is called for for all the devs that view these boards, right? I'm sure guys like Simballer and Beluba enjoy being reminded how crappy a job they do from people that don't know anything about what they do.

how do you know i dont know anything about what they do? oh thats right you dont know. you're making a bigger assumption then i am. see i have something called examples to prove my point. you have zero examples to prove that i know zero about what they do.

and yes there are only so many hours in a day even in a day thats 14 hours long working on a game like crazy. if you're putting all that time into animations cause you keep adding so many. how much time is left for other modes? its simple math. if you use up 80% of your time on this one thing. you only have 20% left. if the big bosses say hey we made X amt of dollars off of myteam last year we need to do it bigger and better. guess what? the becomes PRIORITY over something else a dev may have wanted to actually work on /fix.

dont be so quit to go into protection mode. these guys are fully grown men. they can take some criticism. especially when i wasnt aiming it directly at the devs. i let them off the hook. its their bosses.

lastly, $60.00 gives me the right to complain, cry about it, etc. as long as i'm not being completely disrespectful. you go into a burger place. order a burger, fries and a shake. if the burger is what made your company great, you will focus on having enough burgers ready to go for everyone so people wont have to wait to long. and now that you recently start selling shakes. you realized people are buying shakes like crazy. now you're focused on making a bunch of shakes and making the best shake in the business. so when i get my fries i'm thinking. wow these dont have any seasoning, salt, or anything on them. come on burger joint you can do better then this.

[Boilerbuzz]

Deieted. Just going to keep the peace. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

[masta1591]

Re: 2k14-2k spends all their time on Animations & Microtransactions(My TEAM)

its so incoherent you knew exactly what i said. and so did the first poster. which made him run to jokes instead of a legit response. i applaud you for a real response at least.

Now i never once said game play should take a back seat. i'm just putting it out there why things are the way they are. there have been reviewers of 2k14, that like the game play improvements. but also call the DEVS lazy for not improving on a lot of other game modes(real improvements) as well as not fixing issues we've complained about for say.... 3 years now.some major some very minor that could be fixed very easily.

my response was. the devs are not LAZY. see yall missed that part. they are not lazy at all. and yes they are working their tails off. but doing what? adding 1000's of more animations.

of course this wasnt their decision. this comes from the top down. my point is 2k is so caught up in the animation race to 1 million animations they forget everything else. UNLESSSSS, its something that can make more money like "MICROTRANSACTIONS" chaaa ching... notice how they had all the time in the world to add to that mode? but you have other modes that get no love. now you know why.

its animations or micros thats it. So now you have a choice as a consumer. stop complaining and just realize it is what it is(and make darn sure you dont pay for anything(micro transactions). or you get suckered into your own downfall. by acting as if all things are great since some of the game play looks better. while you get suckered into the micro transactions game. the more money we spend there. the more they will focus on that mode and not much else.

I understand where you were going. Rather than just criticizing the Devs, you actually offered a reason why you believe they do what they do. And honestly, none of us really knows what constraints and conditions the devs are working in. If they want a better game, don't play it. Plain and simple. This is what we have. Next gen is on the horizon. Patience is key.

[Jhawkfootball06]

Re: 2k14-2k spends all their time on Animations & Microtransactions(My TEAM)

I believe 2k, as with every if not most game developers do is they have groups split, all working to create a project. One group of talented and experienced programmers work on just the pure gameplay, adding animations and what not. The other group works on the actual modes, menu navigation, etc. So to say that 2k used all their time adding animations is false. The real reason this year for the lack of upgrades/minimal upgrades is because the development team had to work hand in hand developing the current gen version and the next gen version.

[kingpnp3]

Re: 2k14-2k spends all their time on Animations & Microtransactions(My TEAM)

I believe 2k, as with every if not most game developers do is they have groups split, all working to create a project. One group of talented and experienced programmers work on just the pure gameplay, adding animations and what not. The other group works on the actual modes, menu navigation, etc. So to say that 2k used all their time adding animations is false. The real reason this year for the lack of upgrades/minimal upgrades is because the development team had to work hand in hand developing the current gen version and the next gen version.

now under normal circumstances i would agree with you and say hey let them slide this time they were working on 2 games at once.

and thats true. but ask yourself this question. some how, some way they made darn sure they carved out time to improve my team. and we know why that is. thats the $$$ maker. over and beyond us buying the regular game.

so here's my next question. if i'm to give them that pass for making 2 games. am i to believe that 2k14 on ps4/or xb1 will be more developed then the ps3/xbox 360 version? meaning did they fixed and add things to other modes? will crew be legit, not blacktop 2.0? did they add the little things that shouldnt take much time. like players accessories and the color of said accessories(now i personally dont care, but a lot of other people do).

i gotta ask these questions. cause if we dont ask, we will run the risk of turning into 2k fan boys. the same way a lot of us use to be EA fanboys and we let that nba live thing slip and slip and slip until it turned into hot garbage. that starts happening when you start off with ZERO competition and you know for a fact everyone will buy your game cause they dont have any other options. and then some no namer comes along and snatches the crown away. why? because they are hungry. they are willing to give the people what they want. 2k is walking a tightrope right now. like some of you have said. this could all be based on 2 games being developed at the same time and not enough resources to put out a great game for both new and old gen consoles. OR it could be a sign that 2k is reallllly slipping because they are to fat in the belly all from our wallets.

[Saturnis]

Re: 2k14-2k spends all their time on Animations & Microtransactions(My TEAM)

dont bother you're wasting your time. Unfortunately lots of people here slurp whatever 2k spits out its tip and then tell you shut up and deal with it god bless the devs. They don't see this inferior product they are getting fed and understand they can change it by voting with their wallets. 2k14 is the biggest slap in the face/joke if there ever was one. i would have rather respected more a simple paid update to 2k13 at a reasonable price and would have supported that, but to stuff in my face basically the same product with new animations, a game mode that is cheese city, and new blocking system for $60 is pathetic. 2k14 is the first 2k game in such a long time that i will not be buying and really its a shame to basketball fans everywhere.

ok now let me shut up because you're not allowed to "cry" Criticize, or say an opinion that doesn't positively affect this franchise.

[Taer]

Re: 2k14-2k spends all their time on Animations & Microtransactions(My TEAM)

now under normal circumstances i would agree with you and say hey let them slide this time they were working on 2 games at once.

and thats true. but ask yourself this question. some how, some way they made darn sure they carved out time to improve my team. and we know why that is. thats the $$$ maker. over and beyond us buying the regular game.
...

Every game project I've worked on has had various team members working on different aspects of the project. There are usually project leads who are put in charge of each of these aspects and they are all directed by one guy who is in charge of putting it all together.

If you read this years interviews and listened to the various podcasts and live-streams, you'd have learned some interesting tidbits here and there about 2k's internal team structure. Now, granted, these were not meant to be the focus of these, but these tidbits do provide a window into 2k's approach each year.

The first tidbit that is relevant to this thread's rant is that 2k wanted to focus on the current NBA game and move away from the historical aspects that were stressed in the years past. Given this focus, them not addressing major overhauls into legends, MyPlayer and Association is understandable.

I (and others) don't like that the focus was to shift the franchise improvements back on to quick-play and exhibition game-play but it is what it is.

There is no denying that there were a lot of things that needed to be addressed via-a-vie the gameplay systems and mechanics within the scope of their focus. The shot/dribble controls, the play-books, the ai logic for plays (on both offense and defense) and much more were addressed in detail the past couple of cycles.

Each developmental cycle is laid out in advance and the schedule for changes within the cycle is limited - the VC system has been something 2k has been working on implementing for several cycles now and my guess is that it still has 2 or 3 years before it is completely done. Do I like it? No, I think the system itself has some very large legacy flaws in it and it will most likely need a major overhaul at least once in the next generation.

Nevertheless, art assets, sound, presentation and many other things are all going to get their turn at being updates - it is just a matter of time.

Aspects that were emphasized before but are not now (ie association/MyCareer and legends) are starting to show their age - many on OS (including myself) are doing their part to give warning to 2k that they will need to address these things soon but to expect 2k to respond immediately is not realistic.

I've been trying to tell 2k about things that have been needing attention related to association and MyCareer for 3 years. They are finalizing some of the things brought up 3 years ago (this year MyCareer players can start in all-star games ) and that is about the time-frame I'd expect.

Association needs do have a specific team member assigned to it (Eric) and this year he worked on free agency - maybe Chris Paul won't end up on the Cavs this year :wink:. So this should tell us 2k is going to be responding to its issues as expressed by all of us. It is just a matter of time - the question is: will 2k do it soon enough to keep me and others purchasing their title every year upon release.

2k15 will be my litmus test - if there are not serious and tangible improvements to both the offline Association mode and the MyCareer mode, then I will most likely hold off further purchases until Seattle gets their new team or I see those said improvements.

The only factor that is threatening to override this is if 2k ignores the PC version like they did last year. If the PC version is totally ignored this year I will honestly debate about waiting next year instead of the year after.

Micro-transactions are going to be a part of the gaming world for the foreseeable future (look at GTA online) and so far 2k has not been as stupid as Blizzard (in Diablo 3) or EA. It will take about a decade before most companies realize that the US/European markets are not like the Far East markets and unless they come up with schemes that fit into these markets ethos and values they will end up failing.

Forcing Association and MyCareer into the VC system was stupid. Hopefully 2k has learned from their experiences in 2k13 and will learn from 2k14. We'll see.

[Melbournelad]

Re: 2k14-2k spends all their time on Animations & Microtransactions(My TEAM)

Every game project I've worked on has had various team members working on different aspects of the project. There are usually project leads who are put in charge of each of these aspects and they are all directed by one guy who is in charge of putting it all together.

If you read this years interviews and listened to the various podcasts and live-streams, you'd have learned some interesting tidbits here and there about 2k's internal team structure. Now, granted, these were not meant to be the focus of these, but these tidbits do provide a window into 2k's approach each year.

The first tidbit that is relevant to this thread's rant is that 2k wanted to focus on the current NBA game and move away from the historical aspects that were stressed in the years past. Given this focus, them not addressing major overhauls into legends, MyPlayer and Association is understandable.

I (and others) don't like that the focus was to shift the franchise improvements back on to quick-play and exhibition game-play but it is what it is.

There is no denying that there were a lot of things that needed to be addressed via-a-vie the gameplay systems and mechanics within the scope of their focus. The shot/dribble controls, the play-books, the ai logic for plays (on both offense and defense) and much more were addressed in detail the past couple of cycles.

Each developmental cycle is laid out in advance and the schedule for changes within the cycle is limited - the VC system has been something 2k has been working on implementing for several cycles now and my guess is that it still has 2 or 3 years before it is completely done. Do I like it? No, I think the system itself has some very large legacy flaws in it and it will most likely need a major overhaul at least once in the next generation.

Nevertheless, art assets, sound, presentation and many other things are all going to get their turn at being updates - it is just a matter of time.

Aspects that were emphasized before but are not now (ie association/MyCareer and legends) are starting to show their age - many on OS (including myself) are doing their part to give warning to 2k that they will need to address these things soon but to expect 2k to respond immediately is not realistic.

I've been trying to tell 2k about things that have been needing attention related to association and MyCareer for 3 years. They are finalizing some of the things brought up 3 years ago (this year MyCareer players can start in all-star games ) and that is about the time-frame I'd expect.

Association needs do have a specific team member assigned to it (Eric) and this year he worked on free agency - maybe Chris Paul won't end up on the Cavs this year :wink:. So this should tell us 2k is going to be responding to its issues as expressed by all of us. It is just a matter of time - the question is: will 2k do it soon enough to keep me and others purchasing their title every year upon release.

2k15 will be my litmus test - if there are not serious and tangible improvements to both the offline Association mode and the MyCareer mode, then I will most likely hold off further purchases until Seattle gets their new team or I see those said improvements.

The only factor that is threatening to override this is if 2k ignores the PC version like they did last year. If the PC version is totally ignored this year I will honestly debate about waiting next year instead of the year after.

Micro-transactions are going to be a part of the gaming world for the foreseeable future (look at GTA online) and so far 2k has not been as stupid as Blizzard (in Diablo 3) or EA. It will take about a decade before most companies realize that the US/European markets are not like the Far East markets and unless they come up with schemes that fit into these markets ethos and values they will end up failing.

Forcing Association and MyCareer into the VC system was stupid. Hopefully 2k has learned from their experiences in 2k13 and will learn from 2k14. We'll see.

2k really needs to have more employees for Association and MyCareer. Having one or two for what should be their two major modes isn't going to cut it and imprvements year to year will be minimal otherwise.