Even when non-hoop fans come across the term basketball gaming, the NBA 2K franchise is the first thing that pops up in their minds. It’s a tradition at this point; the dominance 2K games has achieved is so powerful that no other competitor has managed to break it yet.
The concept is hammered among the audience. Whether you visit a game shop yourself or look for the digital games online, the latest NBA 2K release almost always sits in the front row. The rest is done by cool advertisements and clever marketing campaigns. So, even if you don’t buy the game immediately, chances are that you might give it a shot in the near future.
But once you do, there’s no way back. From gameplay to the overall arena environment, the games are so immersive that 2K’s marketing efforts finally start to make sense. Despite annual complaints and “same game every year” allegations, people still buy and enjoy NBA 2K games. This begs the question: are they really that good? Or does the audience simply have no real alternative? Let’s discuss.
Why 2K Has A Monopoly On Basketball Gaming
I think almost everyone is aware that NBA 2K didn’t just drop yesterday. The franchise has been in the market for decades and has gradually achieved a strong presence. But for those who don’t know, NBA 2K (1999) on the Sega Dreamcast was the first entry that started it all.
Its launch fueled an annual tradition that continues to this day. Every installment is based on a couple of things: a basketball legend on the cover, along with authentic rosters, player animations, commentaries, and atmosphere. Due to this, each game is a treat to any person who lives for the sport.
Over the past two decades, 2K’s formula has been so successful that it has established a monopoly in basketball gaming. It’s not like there weren’t any worthy competitors; sports masterminds such as EA did try to compete by introducing the NBA Live series. However, it too went sideways due to licensing issues, lack of innovation, and loyal fans committed to the NBA 2K franchise.
Why Is NBA 2K Loved?
Despite issues, day one fans are still loyal to the franchise. This is because there’s more to NBA 2K than basketball — it’s a fantasy coming to life. The games have evolved quite a lot, not just with technology but also with 2K’s out-of-the-box creativity.
Players are never limited to the latest rosters and teams; they can always relive the past and participate in various NBA eras. Hooping with Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and other historical icons is possible. This not only appeals to new and old fans but even basketball players themselves.
Additionally, showcasing signature player moves, animations, and physical attributes with official commentary running in the background further takes the cake. Honestly, a modern-day NBA 2K game plays like an actual match.
Why Has The Franchise Become Controversial?
If the series was strong, in fact, so strong that nobody dared to compete. Why did it end up in a controversy? Well, it didn’t happen all by itself.
The biggest reason is, of course, the microtransactions. While it’s a universally disliked addition to the gaming industry, in NBA 2K, it has grown into a compulsory part of the experience. The VC (Virtual Currency) wasn’t a thing back in the days, and players could upgrade their attributes through skill points. The cosmetics, on the other hand, were unlocked with challenges and milestones.
However, everything changed when 2K introduced VC in NBA 2K13. In the initial stages, the in-game currency was pretty easy to earn, with the items and upgrades fairly priced as well. Due to this, progressing was easier without paying for anything other than the game itself. Fast forward to today, and the situation is a lot different.
Players have noticed that each year, the new entry follows a similar habit of decreasing the amount of VC earned through challenges and missions. This makes games like NBA 2K26 make-or-break, where players are only left with two choices: Giving their best to compete without VC or spending their hard-earned money to reach 85 OVR within minutes.
Is VC Really A Player Burden?
Short answer: Yes, it absolutely is. The current entry, NBA 2K26, is not a free-to-play game; it’s a $69.99 triple-A title. Here, the microtransactions should behave more like an option than a necessity because players have already paid the full price.
However, they are a burden because no one wants to spend extra on VC just to progress. Even if one can afford it, they’d want a fair amount of rewards at a fair amount of grind. But once you dive into MyCareer, the game forces you to get VC at this point.
Theoretically, topping up MyPLAYER attributes without spending on in-game currency is still possible, only if a person is willing to invest hundreds of hours in the game. Just like you, no other player has this amount of time. As a result, the majority spend on VC, including you, because nobody wants to play with a 60+ OVR anyway.
Do The Fans Want An NBA 2K Alternative?
Let’s be real, apart from the VC situation, there’s nothing wrong with NBA 2K. Even the humongous file size issue is resolved with NBA 2K26 weighing just above 80 gigabytes. However, fans are done with 2K’s hefty microtransactions, in fact, so done that they might change sides immediately once a worthy competitor shows up.
In this economy with tough work deadlines, gaming is already a luxury that not many can afford. That’s why even diehard fans are looking for a way out from the NBA 2K universe. But since 2K is one of the big dogs in the industry with all the licenses and talented studios such as Visual Concepts, they aren’t afraid of the competition.
Maybe they might listen to the community and make basketball gaming easier. But right now, fans have no choice but to stick with the franchise, satisfy their basketball craving, and hope for an alternative that plays the same, just without microtransactions.
