As much as I appreciate the games developed by 2K Games, it's becoming increasingly apparent that their focus lies more on profit than on delivering a compelling gaming experience. NBA 2K25 continues the trend established by its predecessors, including NBA 2K24 and WWE 2K24, where the emphasis shifts from enjoyment to expenditure.
Avoiding Microtransaction Traps: MyCAREER and MyTEAM
Let’s be straightforward: steer clear of MyCAREER and MyTEAM!
MyCAREER places you in the role of a custom player striving to transition from a college hopeful to an NBA superstar. The game begins with a “dream sequence” showcasing you as a 99 overall player, but as soon as you wake up, you’re left with a 60 overall player who struggles with basic ball handling. From that moment on, the grind begins—unless you opt to pay for a shortcut.
Right from the start, the mode is poorly balanced. While you can replay certain past games to earn VC (Virtual Currency), the challenges are often absurdly difficult. For instance, one task requires you to outscore the top player by 15 points while ensuring your team wins. As a lowly 60 overall player, achieving this is nearly impossible, especially with AI opponents consistently sinking three-pointers. The game effectively nudges you toward purchasing more VC, locking meaningful gameplay behind a paywall.
The online hub, THE CITY, exacerbates the issue with a mix of developer requirements and community expectations. To gain recognition in pick-up games, you need the right overall rating and trendy outfits—both of which can only be attained by spending VC. With constantly rotating premium items, it feels like you’re always required to fork out more real money for virtual currency.
Even with the All-Star version of the game, which includes 100,000 VC, I quickly exhausted it due to the exorbitant costs of in-game items. Yes, there’s a weekly training center for stat boosts, but who wants to grind through that when paying can swiftly upgrade your player to a 90+ overall?
And let’s not forget the absurdity of racing Go-Karts for VC—because that’s exactly what I want to do after spending over 100 Australian dollars on a basketball game!
2K could take a cue from WWE 2K developers and streamline MyCAREER into a linear story mode, allowing players to unlock features for the MyPLAYER creation suite. Yet, profit appears to take precedence over player satisfaction.
MyTEAM: More Spending, Less Enjoyment
If MyCAREER doesn’t tempt you to spend, MyTEAM surely will. Much like WWE 2K’s MyFACTION, this mode revolves around building a team using player cards acquired through packs—packs that can only be obtained with real money. Sure, you can earn VC, but the grind is excruciatingly slow, often leading players to spend upwards of $150 for packs.
You begin with mediocre cards (70-78 overall) and a few limited-use “Free Agents” rated over 95, which disappear after just two games. While MyTEAM offers online play and challenges to unlock players and items, many challenges require specific cards, sending you back to the spending trap.
While there’s a base Pro Pass each season, the barrage of notifications urging you to purchase the Premium Pro Pass or Hall of Fame Pass can feel relentless. You’re bombarded with prompts to spend more, making it hard to focus on the actual game.
Presentation: A Visual Triumph
One undeniable strength of NBA 2K25 is its breathtaking graphics. Visual Concepts has utilized new technology to enhance animations using actual NBA footage, making the gameplay look and feel remarkably authentic. The presentation mimics a live television broadcast, complete with an extensive library of commentary that minimizes repetition.
However, the positives largely end there.
Gameplay: Complexity Over Enjoyability
NBA 2K25 introduces the ProPLAY engine, adding over 9,000 new animations to enhance realism. Yet, the controls have become convoluted, straying from the straightforward “pass, shoot, run” mechanics of previous iterations. Now, you’re expected to master a complex shooting mechanic that involves stick motion and timing an on-screen arrow. Adjusting settings to ease the learning curve feels disheartening when you’re already struggling on the lowest difficulty.
For newcomers, the “LEARN 2K” mode offers guidance, but it’s frustrating to have to relearn controls every year. Sports games should have standardized controls that allow new players to jump in and enjoy the experience.
Server issues also plague online gameplay, a recurring theme in past 2K releases. Regular downtime and lag hinder enjoyment, especially for international players who may be penalized for high ping. It’s disheartening to see a series that generates significant revenue still grapple with basic server maintenance.
A Few Free Options Available
Believe it or not, there are a few free activities in NBA 2K25, aside from the quick-play option.
The MyPLAYER Builder lets you create a 99 overall player and attach badges based on your build. While there’s a Pro Build option modeled after current NBA players, unfortunately, historical legends like Shaquille O’Neal or Michael Jordan are missing.
MyNBA is a redeeming feature, allowing players to explore different eras, including the Steph Curry era. It’s a fun way to relive or rewrite basketball history, especially for fans of the ’90s Chicago Bulls, thanks to its nostalgic presentation.
MyGM offers two paths: an RPG-style experience for a personal touch or a more traditional management route focused on stats. If you enjoy spreadsheet management, this mode may appeal to you.
However, the WNBA mode feels underdeveloped. While it’s fantastic to see the inclusion of the WNBA, it lacks depth and options for female players, such as a comprehensive MyCAREER mode.
Conclusion: A High Price for Minimal Gains
My experience with NBA 2K25 epitomizes the ongoing challenges within the franchise. From excessive microtransactions to convoluted controls, it’s clear that 2K prioritizes profits over player enjoyment. The constant push for purchases gives the impression that players are viewed as mere walking wallets.
It may be time for 2K to take a step back, re-evaluate its approach, and focus on creating a game that prioritizes fun and accessibility. Right now, NBA 2K25 feels more like a roster update with minor tweaks rather than an engaging basketball experience. Perhaps a shift to a free-to-play model could allow for greater transparency in monetization strategies and restore some integrity to the franchise.
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