NBA2K/Take Two questionable MTX motivated practices needs more attention; Pulled a scrooge move for Christmas

Justified · Dec 26, 2018

Typically NBA2K is largely ignore by the general gaming community and the gaming press. However in the last 2 years, the gaming community has begain to notice their gross VC/MTX encroachment into the basic core concepts of the game, this has been accompanied with "back page articles" from some press. However it only happens at the release of the game, then all goes quiet again.

Compare and contrast that with the attention of Fallout 76 (which granted has multiple issues at multiple levels), and RDR2 Online (Which largely gets a pass due to darling developers, and a critically acclaim single player campaign, even though they share a parent company with NBA2K/Visual concept)

Back to the topic at hand: Yesterday for Christmas, NBA2K "gifted" a MyTeam Pack to the community that resulted in a permanent Pink Diamond (read: super rare) Lebron James card. This was the case for about 10 hours. Apparently that was a "mistake" so anyone who redeemed that pack after 10 hours only recited a temp Lebron James card. Nothing wrong with that if that was the end of it.

So what was the scrooge move: Like a thief in the night NBA2K/Take Two silently removed all of the Pink Diamond Lebron James card from those that received it through the Christmas Pack, however lots off people applied legitimately owned "buffs" to the card that were also taking by NBA2K/Take Two scummy move. These buffs consist of things like: shoes that raise your stats (lots of people use super rare diamond shoes which raised them permanently), and contracts (and F2P tactic 2K uses), an item that allows you to even use the card (lots of people used rare Diamond Contracts which gives you infinite uses).

I dont really play MyTeam, but I do play MyCareer which is plague by MTX decision, but after this year Im done with the game unless a lot changes. And I have been playing since the Dreamcast days. I was able to work around the MTX though its getting harder and harder to compete, but what took me out is the lack of matchmaking in the online mode, which I still can believe this game doesnt have

oni-link · Dec 26, 2018

Sounds like a dick move

It's such a shame that sports games are pretty much trash these days because of the need to stuff them full of and build them around MXTs

boontobias · Dec 26, 2018

Thats pretty evil but the customers need to rise up not us

Violence Jack · Dec 26, 2018

Fuck NBA 2K. I've been saying that since last year's version that ruined myCareer mode for the first time ever with that VC grinding bullshit. I made the switch to NBA Live this year, and I'm happy with their Career mode. Leveling up is faster and there aren't constant ads pressuring you to buy VC for anything you don't want. Hell, even the loot boxes you get are earned instead of bought through MTX. Hopefully the gameplay gets improved for next year's version so that more people move away from 2K.

Akita One · Dec 26, 2018

Well they have a monopoly and the game is built into the subculture of several communities so good luck with that.

ron_bato · Dec 26, 2018

2k already got a lot of shit for their BS in 2k18 and yet 2k19 is still largely a shitshow in terms of monetization and Visual Concepts not respecting people's time with its pay to win economy. Fact is, despite the backlash, 2k is still seeing strong performance for nba 2k and it just shows that their playerbase are largely okay with this shit.

It's their consumers who need to rise up, amd vote with their money. Because the way they're voting just shows 2k can fuck them over and suffer no consequences.

I've been a long time 2k player, since the Dreamcast, and bought the game religiously at launch til 2k18. This year I waited for a sale, played it for a week - saw that it was still largely shit (with even the core gameplay suffering from some bad decisions this year) and sold the game immediately.

2k used to be a shining example of sports gaming done right, but now it's just a sad posterboy for the pitfalls of AAA gaming and predatory monetization practices.

freakybj · Dec 26, 2018

Polygon's sports game of the year folks....

I haven't bought an NBA 2K game in a couple of years. I never cared for MyCareer mode. I mainly used to play franchise mode and online multiplayer. I was mostly irked by how bad the servers were and how long it took for matchmaking. The MTX shenanigans were just another reason for me to stop buying the game altogether. It's not going to stop, it's just going to get worse. Most people that buy the game every year don't care about this.

Sheepinator · Dec 26, 2018

It's unfortunate, but doesn't seem like a big issue. It's also not directly related to MTX. What I mean is, it would be no different to a game putting out new weapons for free and due to a bug the weapon is 100% more powerful than it should be, so they remove it from the game, and if gamers had mods applied to the gun they lose those too. Maybe it's non-trivial to restore mods to a players inventory. It's not ideal, I can understand some gamers being upset, but there are surely more invasive MTX issues to focus on.

Justified · Dec 26, 2018

Has magic powers said:
Thats pretty evil but the customers need to rise up not us

I think Take Two is beyond customer outrage forcing them to change, they are motivated by NBA2K MTX, GTA Online MTX, and now RDR2 Online MTX being added to the fold.

All 3 of these games are Highly Praised by the media, despite customers disgust with the mtx implementation and focus. And enough Whales to keep them unconcerned.

It unfortunately wont stop until the press prints non stop (when deserving) negative articles covering it. See EA with BattleFront II

Sheepinator said:
It's unfortunate, but doesn't seem like a big issue. It's also not directly related to MTX. What I mean is, it would be no different to a game putting out new weapons for free and due to a bug the weapon is 100% more powerful than it should be, so they remove it from the game, and if gamers had mods applied to the gun they lose those too. Maybe it's non-trivial to restore mods to a players inventory. It's not ideal, I can understand some gamers being upset, but there are surely more invasive MTX issues to focus on.

I can agree that looking at this one issue on its own isnt "super egregious", but the mentality Take Two has and how they approach this is the larger issue

Deleted member 44371 · Dec 26, 2018

Has magic powers said:
Thats pretty evil but the customers need to rise up not us

how?

Natsunoyuutsu · Dec 26, 2018

Brought 2k14 back when ps4 launch, saw the VC for the first time and it's easily predictable that where this is going, never went back to that series or FIFA or any games in similar situation. Loved to play 2k on DC or PES on ps with friends, but those days have changed.
Stop playing those gross games. There're still games available out there that deserve supports. It may not mean much but because that's the only way to influence, starts from yourself.

piratethingy · Dec 26, 2018

Why people still buy these games I'll never know. F2P mechanics in a $60 game. I remember when I started franchise mode in '16 I believe and had to use VC to unlock the ability to directly edit my own team' s lineup. I was done at that point.

i'm not a rob0t · Dec 26, 2018

Justified · Dec 26, 2018

i'm not a rob0t said:
yawn

Sorry its not your game of choice, but it you think Take Two is going to stop at NBA2K, you are wrong

rsfour · Dec 26, 2018

2k series is hot fucking trash.

m_dorian · Dec 26, 2018

There have been countless warnings about terrible MTX in sports games (NBA, FIFA etc) yet there are people that buy those games and support these business decisions.

The market has spoken but it continues to be asleep.

boontobias · Dec 26, 2018

Justified said:
I think Take Two is beyond customer outrage forcing them to change, they are motivated by NBA2K MTX, GTA Online MTX, and now RDR2 Online MTX being added to the fold.

All 3 of these games are Highly Praised by the media, despite customers disgust with the mtx implementation and focus. And enough Whales to keep them unconcerned.

It unfortunately wont stop until the press prints non stop (when deserving) negative articles covering it. See EA with BattleFront II

I agree about the press needing to be more critical of them. But I doubt the core audience for these titles would affected by gaming press takedowns. I'll leave it to Take Two to c

marzoo said:
how?

I didnt buy RDR2 because I saw mtx coming. Like that

Marano · Dec 26, 2018

Same thing with FIFA and Madden too I guess.

It might be a better situation in the NHL and MLB games, though I wouldn't know, anyone here who plays those games knows if the situation is better there?

rsfour · Dec 26, 2018

Marano said:
Same thing with FIFA and Madden too I guess.

It might be a better situation in the NHL and MLB games, though I wouldn't know, anyone here who plays those games knows if the situation is better there?

For NHL, it's probably the Ultimate Team mode or whatever. The Be A Pro (my career type of thing) not so much, because playing that is rng and abusing cheese shit for goals.

The Show has it's own Diamond Dynasty; I haven't played in years, but I don't remember it being an issue personally since they were generous. But that may have changed.

2k is just the worst offender of the bunch. But Madden and Fifa Ultimate Team are up there.

Justified · Dec 26, 2018

m_dorian said:
There have been countless warnings about terrible MTX in sports games (NBA, FIFA etc) yet there are people that buy those games and support these business decisions.

The market has spoken but it continues to be asleep.

True, but in NBA2K case, there wasnt any competition if you wanted a basketball game, now the NBA Live is back its slowly becoming a 2nd option.

And until 2K18, MTX was there, but it was easy to ignore. Last year, and especially this year, you can still ignore it, but will suffer in your enjoyment.

So its easy to say "just dont buy it" if you are a non sports games fan, but for those of us who are, whats our alternative?

m_dorian · Dec 26, 2018

Justified said:
True, but in NBA2K case, there wasnt any competition if you wanted a basketball game, now the NBA Live is back its slowly becoming a 2nd option.

And until 2K18, MTX was there, but it was easy to ignore. Last year, and especially this year, you can still ignore it, but will suffer in your enjoyment.

So its easy to say "just dont buy it" if you are a non sports games fan, but for those of us who are, whats our alternative?

I am not saying "dont buy it" but i think most of the people that bought it knew where they are going and what they had to deal with.

But yes there isn't any alternative since the only other option is to stop being a sports games fan anymore.

Don Fluffles · Dec 26, 2018

Even though they go largely ignored, sports games have undergone MTX and P2W hell for a long time now.

bane833 · Dec 26, 2018

Justified said:
True, but in NBA2K case, there wasnt any competition if you wanted a basketball game, now the NBA Live is back its slowly becoming a 2nd option.

And until 2K18, MTX was there, but it was easy to ignore. Last year, and especially this year, you can still ignore it, but will suffer in your enjoyment.

So its easy to say "just dont buy it" if you are a non sports games fan, but for those of us who are, whats our alternative?

Play the old games? And it's not like you need these games to survive anyway.

The only way EA and Take 2 will ever change is when consumers stop tolerating their bullshit.

Thrill_house · Dec 26, 2018

Moral of the story: stop buying these mtx ridden games. Fucking hell just reading how the system works in general is bad enough, but this just seems to be the cherry on top.

I know its the only game in town but at what point do you throw your hands up and walk away. Stuff like this is the reason my friends and I haven't bought a sports game since N64 lol. Sorry OP, I don't think enough of the marks are going to complain loud enough for anything to be done, sadly.

Deleted member 5864 · Dec 26, 2018

Stop buying this trash.

TheRuralJuror · Dec 26, 2018

Love 2k basketball, but yeah, they're over the top with the MTX. It's disgusting. No surprise that they'd do this.

MouldyK · Dec 26, 2018

Well reading the Reddit it seemed like the Code was Leaked anyone, so it weren't meant to be so widespread as it got.

That's probably why they took them all away.

Hope people get their buffs back though.

Shortsoptional · Dec 26, 2018

It's been my opinion for a while that nothing will be done until the larger outlets make this a big deal.

Star Wars got this treatment and it literally changed the game. But places like IGN will shout louder for Shawdow of War over sports titles with orders of magnitude worse practices.

Average consumers don't know the deceptiveness of this like an enthusiast forum like ours. Media needs to do a better job protecting.

Deleted member 13250 · Dec 26, 2018

Justified said:
Typically NBA2K is largely ignore by the general gaming community and the gaming press.

Haha joke post? sorry but one of the best selling games of the year isn't largely ignored by the general gaming community. Some of you need to appreciate the broader perspective of gaming and not just the typical forum views that circulate between a few thousand of you, compared to the millions that actually bought the game.
Luckily the people that do play the game and are actually IN the games, like Shakedown, bring up these same issues and have an 'in' with the devs.

NinjaScooter · Dec 26, 2018

The audiences don't care. They either love the MTX stuff in games like NBA or FIFA, or buy the game to play simple exhibitions with friends and are unaffected by them. All of the press exposes in the world aren't going to matter if the consumers of these games feel like they are getting what they signed up for. You can't force people to be outraged at business practices they don't mind.

Qwark · Dec 26, 2018

Good lord Take Two, just let the people keep the rewards from YOUR screw up. Why do people put up with this garbage?

MouldyK said:
Well reading the Reddit it seemed like the Code was Leaked anyone, so it weren't meant to be so widespread as it got.

That's probably why they took them all away.

Hope people get their buffs back though.

Wait, there was a code involved? It wasn't just a free pack when you load the game?

Cladyclad · Dec 26, 2018

Most people who have issue with 2K don't even play it. Online is just one of the many modes in the game. No other game is as deep as 2k. It's not even a question on what sports game is the most true to life. The game only gets better every year

Deleted member 36578 · Dec 26, 2018

These things generally go under the radar because a lot of gaming outlets don't cover sports games. I too play every genre except sports titles so it doesn't surprise me. No matter how popular these games are with the general public, they have the quietest voice within video game sites and forums. If this were something like a Star Wars shooter there would be outrage. Ty for bringing this to light op, because this is a super shady practice.

MouldyK · Dec 26, 2018

Qwark said:
Good lord Take Two, just let the people keep the rewards from YOUR screw up. Why do people put up with this garbage?

Wait, there was a code involved? It wasn't just a free pack when you load the game?

Not sure to be honest:

His video on it:

On Twitter, he used this analogy: https://mobile.twitter.com/ItsShake4ndbake/status/1077795848258535424

Imagine a store has a coupon misprint for a Free TV with a DVD Player, you capitalize on there misprint and get for free. Then later that night they come to your house rob your TV and the 100 dollars worth of DVDs you also bought for it. Basically what happened here

So no, the OP said they gifted it when it weren't really 2K who gave the card to everyone, it just seemed like one of the One-Use Only codes was able to be used more than once?

Akita One · Dec 26, 2018

Shortsoptional said:
Average consumers don't know the deceptiveness of this like an enthusiast forum like ours.

People don't care, they want basketball and football and soccer. Also, let's be honest, like 1% of Resetera users play these games on a daily basis. Look at the comments here...people act like these games have zero importance outside of MTX. NBA 2K and Madden in particular have huge subculture followings that super-cede the games themselves. Movie theater food is way overpriced and they prevent you from bringing in your own stuff...doesn't stop people from getting the large combo before they watch Spider-Verse.

Cels · Dec 26, 2018

the microtransactions are part of the reason why the game has a terrible user rating on steam.

Akita One · Dec 26, 2018

Justified said:
True, but in NBA2K case, there wasnt any competition if you wanted a basketball game, now the NBA Live is back its slowly becoming a 2nd option.

And until 2K18, MTX was there, but it was easy to ignore. Last year, and especially this year, you can still ignore it, but will suffer in your enjoyment.

So its easy to say "just dont buy it" if you are a non sports games fan, but for those of us who are, whats our alternative?

NBA Live becoming a second option...is that a joke? The mindshare isn't even close. And come on, NBA 2K isn't forcing people to use MTX, because...

Cladyclad said:
Most people who have issue with 2K don't even play it. Online is just one of the many modes in the game. No other game is as deep as 2k. It's not even a question on what sports game is the most true to life. The game only gets better every year

Many people don't even touch MTX. The just play single player or with friends. And nice sneaker icon...one of the subcultures I was referring to...if you are a sneaker head, this is the best game of all time basically.

And guess what, the people that do MTX? If EA/Take Two removes it...they will find you and cut you LOL...

NinjaScooter said:
The audiences don't care. They either love the MTX stuff in games like NBA or FIFA, or buy the game to play simple exhibitions with friends and are unaffected by them. All of the press exposes in the world aren't going to matter if the consumers of these games feel like they are getting what they signed up for. You can't force people to be outraged at business practices they don't mind.

Justified · Dec 26, 2018

MouldyK said:
Well reading the Reddit it seemed like the Code was Leaked anyone, so it weren't meant to be so widespread as it got.

That's probably why they took them all away.

Hope people get their buffs back though.

It wasn't leaked. It was a 1 of many codes 2K have gifted over the life of the game. After 10 hours of the permanent card be rewarded they switch it to a free agent or temp card

TheZynster · Dec 26, 2018

the consumers of 2k19 don't give a shit..................its only going to get worse

Let them spend thousands till they realize how stupid they are.

Only buy 2k if you are interested in the myleague or mygm modes.........otherwise wait for massive sale

This is coming from someone with a legit 89 shot creator who has spend god knows how many hours to grind my ass there. NBA Live is a much better career experience.

Gloomz · Dec 26, 2018

Cards and buffs?

Damn when did NBA 2k turn into like a superhero game with buffs and shit, the fuck

MouldyK · Dec 26, 2018

Justified said:
It wasn't leaked. It was a 1 of many codes 2K have gifted over the life of the game. After 10 hours of the permanent card be rewarded the switch it to a free agent or temp card

Apologies, it just seemed that way because of all the things I saw one Twitter.

Still confusing.

Justified · Dec 26, 2018

So the gist I get from most in here is "oh well just accepted it, because the audience doesnt care" which sucks since I and many other are apart of the audience. Then its well just play the Single Player/MyGM modes which also sucks since I enjoy the online competition and being able to play quick games instead of 4 quarters mostly.

Its either get with it or get gone, never thought I would see the defeatist attitude when it comes to MTX. Especially when it so close to excellent games like GTAV and RDR2. Granted their base campaigns are more than enough to satisfy, but so far when seen GT Online stealing support form GTAV (no Single player DLC), and I wouldnt be shocked if RDR2 suffers the same faith.

Basically Take Two gets called out, but a gets a pass since half the game should be enough : /

Vic Damone Jr. · Dec 28, 2018

Justified said:
True, but in NBA2K case, there wasnt any competition if you wanted a basketball game, now the NBA Live is back its slowly becoming a 2nd option.

And until 2K18, MTX was there, but it was easy to ignore. Last year, and especially this year, you can still ignore it, but will suffer in your enjoyment.

So its easy to say "just dont buy it" if you are a non sports games fan, but for those of us who are, whats our alternative?

Just don't buy it. I was big into 2K but the MTX got to be too much so I had to drop it. I miss playing basketball video games but I value my time more.

bane833 said:
Play the old games? And it's not like you need these games to survive anyway.

The only way EA and Take 2 will ever change is when consumers stop tolerating their bullshit.

Pretty much. Hurt the wallet, hurt the beast.

Raider34 · Dec 28, 2018

Seems more like a take-two move rather than Visual Concepts

Achtung · Dec 28, 2018

I play a ton of 2k mostly in the My Career mode.. I HATE the push for VC and the fact that everything is based on it. I love the gameplay and honestly there is no real good competition for the on court play so many of us feel stuck and all we can do is not buy their coins and hope that we can grind it out. It is getting harder every year though as they have layers and layers on top of this VC shit.

2K has been so shitty with this series but you know what.. they do it because a ton of people buy their VC... until that stops they wont change a thing other than to make it more tempting to spend real money.

slabrock · Dec 28, 2018

I gave up after 2k16 because I just didn't want to deal with the VC garbage anymore.

mas8705 · Dec 28, 2018

I sometimes forget the 2K can be just as bad, if not worse than EA at times. Hopefully 2019 will bring better days. Maybe not too much, but considering the steps taken this year against Microtransactions, next year certainly might bring some fun changes that they aren't going to like hopefully.

Apath · Dec 28, 2018

ShiningBash · Dec 28, 2018

Justified said:
So the gist I get from most in here is "oh well just accepted it, because the audience doesnt care" which sucks since I and many other are apart of the audience. Then its well just play the Single Player/MyGM modes which also sucks since I enjoy the online competition and being able to play quick games instead of 4 quarters mostly.

Its either get with it or get gone, never thought I would see the defeatist attitude when it comes to MTX. Especially when it so close to excellent games like GTAV and RDR2. Granted their base campaigns are more than enough to satisfy, but so far when seen GT Online stealing support form GTAV (no Single player DLC), and I wouldnt be shocked if RDR2 suffers the same faith.

Basically Take Two gets called out, but a gets a pass since half the game should be enough : /

This is the biggest takeaway from my perspective. Most of Resetera isn't opposed to microtransactions per se, they're opposed to microtransactions in games they like or games Jim Sterling tells them to hate. It's a highly selective form of concern/paternalism that most here are perfectly happy to tolerate if it doesn't affect them directly.

Sports games don't fit the bill, so don't expect many comments here or follow-up threads complaining about 2K. I wouldn't let that stop you from trying to spread the word through other avenues, if you are bothered by these practices.

JusDoIt · Dec 28, 2018

Has magic powers said:
Thats pretty evil but the customers need to rise up not us

Some of us here are the customers. I haven't bought a 2K game in several years despite really loving the series. There's really no legit alternative out there for people who love NBA sims (Live ain't it), so boycotting it is as useless as boycotting Facebook.

This won't be fixed until there's so legit competition, and unfortunately EA of all companies is the only one even trying.

My pipe dream is that Sony gets back into the game and puts out a hoops series of equal quality to The Show.

NBA2K/Take Two questionable MTX motivated practices needs more attention; Pulled a scrooge move for Christmas

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