NBA2k25 -Arcade version (iOS video game)

Bibliographic Information

Title: NBA2k25

Developer: Visual Concepts & Take-Two Interactive Software (2K)

Copyright Date: September 2024

Platform: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV

Genre/Format

Sports Role Play/Video Game

Reading Level/Interest Level

Age 4+

Awards or Honors

Previous versions of the game have won awards, but this version currently has none.

Game Summary

This is the 26th installment in the NBA 2K series and the successor to NBA 2K24 (the 2024 version). This is a role-playing basketball game that mirrors NBA basketball games. Players can create a character from scratch and pick attributes that will determine how the character plays. The character then follows a storyline determining their career path. Players can also play existing characters modeled after professional players. Players can also be the manager of the team. The game can be played single player or multi-player by connecting to other devices on a network. Additionally, players can play online against others. The game is available for many gaming systems, and play can also be done with a controller (Playstation, Xbox or MFi).

Critical Evaluation

I haven’t played earlier versions of this game, so I can’t speak to changes from earlier versions. Online reviews reveal that the game “better replicates that player specificity with more unique jumnpshots, signature moves, and even post-score celebrations that are pulled from real life” (Delaney, 2024b). I am not a gamer, but I thought the graphics were fun and realisitic.

On the technical part of the play, I had a hard time doing anything well, and my team lost every game (by a lot), but there was an AI button that the player can hold down to automate play.. Of course, it’s not as much fun to just hold that button down, but I’m sure you get better the more you play. It’s also probably more fun with one of the compatible controllers.

I don’t love that you have to purchase virtual currency to really make a difference in your player or your team (or play for an untold amount of hours to earn the virtual currency). I would never spend money to make my player stronger, so it seems it might be hard to compete consistently well. It also means people who don’t want to pay the additional money to level up their character may have a hard time being picked for games in online play (Delaney, 2024a).

Developer Background

Visual Concepts develops several games, including NBA 2K25, WWE 2K24, and Lego 2K Drive. They have been creating games since 1988 (Visual Concepts, n.d.).

Creative Use for a Library Program

Before March Madness, the librarian can connect with a local professional basketball player (possibly retired) to promote literacy and talk brackets with the teens.

Speed-Round Talk

Chase your NBA dreams as a manager of an NBA team or enjoy multiple modes of play and take your team to victory.

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation

I can’t think of any reasons this would be challenged.

Reason for Inclusion

This game is incredibly popular on gaming systems, and the mobile version is a fun thing to play on the go. The mobile version is included in the Apple Arcade subscription. Characters can be created and appearances can be changed to support a diversity of players. Additionally, the game supports 12 languages outside of English.

References

2K. (2024). NBA 2K25 arcade edition. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nba-2k25-arcade-edition/id6504000920

Delaney, M. (2024a, September 10). NBA 2k25 is an incredible game hurt by pay-to-win elements [Review]. Gamespot. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nba-2k25-is-an-incredible-game-hurt-by-pay-to-win-tactics/1100-6526407/

Delaney, M. (2024b, September 10). NBA 2K25 Review - Luxury Taxed [Review]. Gamespot. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nba-2k25-review-luxury-taxed/1900-6418281/

NBA 2K [@nba2k]. (2024, August 1). NBA 2K25 | Official gameplay trailer [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx0A921z8mA

Visual Concepts. (n.d.). Visual Concepts. Retrieved December 8, 2024, from https://vcentertainment.com/games/

*Video Game Cover Image is property of Visual Concepts; taken from Apple Arcade.