[SHAKYR]

Quote: Originally Posted by RogerBlack

I'm an Association guy.... but until 2K makes a 'crystal-clear' public announcement saying otherwise... I highly doubt we will ever see a 2K Association mode ever again. smh. Why??? Because 2K has changed direction completely with next-gen consoles. And it feels like a shift in their 'business model' that is reflected in their game. These days, they are more interested in micro-transactions & 'Casual Gamers'. So the game is becoming more & more of a 'glorified shopping cart’, built primarily for (impulsive) credit-card transactions. With gameplay as an afterthought. See, Casual Gamers would never play 'Association' mode. smh. They prefer ‘quick matches', or are usually ONLY interested in a 'single mode’ of the game. They Get in. Get Flashy. Get Buckets. Get Styles. Get out. Move on. Rinse & Repeat. So, How does a developer like 2K ensure they get more micro-transactions from Casuals? Answer - By adding RPG elements, built with mandatory 'stop points' to enable folks to spend/or buy VC. (Then call it a 'conversation engine') Hence, ‘Association' mode does not fit into this business strategy. Because ‘Association' mode is for 'sim ballers' and/or 'advanced gamers' who usually play ALOT, and like to see the fruits of their progress over multiple seasons (i.e. Sim Ballers think: "why should I buy VC if I will play enough games over the course of [x] seasons to purchase the stuff I want?")- which is NOT the same ‘mindset’ as a Casual Gamer. (i.e. Casuals think: "I really wanna get some new kicks before my next game. Lemme buy some VC so I can rock those new LBJs. I don't wanna wait to play [x] games to earn enough VC for it") Casual Gamers will spend 'real money' to buy VC for sneakers & clothes. They are the 'impulsive shoppers' that are now Priority #1 for 2K. Back when 2k11 came out... 'Sim Ballers' were Priority #1 that 2K was focused on, because 2K wanted to beat EA for the ‘realism' heavyweight belt. Since then, 2K won that title. Their 'street cred' has popped off. But nowadays, Casual Gamers are the 'impulsive shoppers' that 2K is focusing on. Sim Ballers don't need any more convincing, because there is no more NBA competition on the store shelves from EA, or anyone else. If EA's NBA Live were still a viable alternative, I would say 'yes'... I DEFINITELY expect to see the return of ‘Association' mode. Because certain gameplay modes & features like Crew, Association mode + deeply customizable CAP tools are the stuff needed to win the battle for 'street cred' amongst the Sim Baller audience. (i.e Having solid ‘on-court’ gameplay is not enough, because it is expected by Sim Ballers. It's all the OTHER stuff that makes a difference) With the limited time they have... my guess is that 2K will devote the majority of time they have left to upgrading their RPG 'conversation engine', that will in turn increase micro-transactions..... that captivate Casual Gamers & the impulsive shoppers.

I totally agree! This will be my last NBA 2K purchase if these modes don't come back.