If I were to say, “I’m excited about playing NBA 2K14 on PS4,” that’d be the understatement of the year. Ever since 2K dropped that trailer featuring James Harden (with beard in full tow), I’ve been anxiously awaiting the chance to relive that experience from the comfort of my couch.
2K Sports has gone on record saying that 2K14 on next-gen consoles is an entirely new game from the ground up. Up until very recently, there hadn’t been very many details given. With the first iteration set to drop on the PS4 at the end of this week, senior producer Erick Boenisch and NBA legend Steve Kerr welcomed a few folks to a conference call on one of the brand-new features for next-gen, the My GM mode.
Here are some of the highlights of the conference call.
The game isn’t based on having the right or wrong answer. It’s all about your choices as a GM and the consequences and repercussions of those choices. You have to be careful though, because if the media doesn’t like you, you’ll know it. “Once the media is not on your side, they will try to trap you with lose-lose questions.”
Boenisch gave an example of how the new conversation system works as he discussed a problem he had with DeMarcus Cousins in the mode. Boesnisch talked to Cousins about the short- and long-term goals of the team. Boesnisch noticed that Cousins wasn’t being receptive but decided to ignore his actions. After a five-game losing streak, Cousins came into the office and demanded a trade on the spot. “Everybody you talk to has an emotional intelligence."
As a GM, you’re also able to hire assistant coaches. They serve multiple purposes as you can hire someone who’s good at player development and motivation. You need to be diligent and hire the right personnel for your team.
You can also be fired as a GM, but it depends on the team and your track record. If you have a proven track record of making great decisions that pay off, you get the chance to make a few that won’t cost you your job.
Steve Kerr eventually jumps on and begins to talk about his experience and involvement with the game. Says he’s been working with 2K for about three years and enjoys the experience. Kerr talked about his real-life experience in trading for Shaq then trading Shaq away to another team. He said he struggled with the decision to talk to him beforehand but eventually opted to do so as a sign of respect. Says the option to talk to a player before a trade is also available in the game and players respond to the treatment by the GM.
One of the funniest parts of the conference call came when someone asked who the best team in New York was and if the Knicks had a chance to win a championship. “The Brooklyn Nets are the best team in New York, and the New York Knicks have NO chance of winning an NBA Championship this year.” Kerr was hilarious.
The conference call didn’t go into much in depth, but if you want to get a good look at what to expect from the mode check out Operation Sports. They have an entire blowout titled “My GM, Developer Diary.” The post on Operation Sports goes through almost everything associated with the mode.
If my excitement level was a 9 out of 10 for the release of 2K14, the conference call and Operation Sports article made it an 18 out of 10. As I’m sure most know, 2K14 will be available when the PS4 drops this Friday. As an added bonus, Target is currently doing a buy 2-get-1 free promo on all games this week. And it includes PS4 games. If you got the extra cash, I’d suggest making it happen. 2K has also let loose one of the most exciting features I've ever seen in a sports game, period. They tried to do this with NFL 2K5 (Dreamcast what up!?), but the technology wasn't there yet. With the release of the new consoles, 2K aims to bring the game to an even higher level with player interviews during the game.
As an added bonus, be sure to check back next week for my first impressions of all things NBA 2k14 on the Playstation 4.
Peace.
Related: Anthony Davis Talks NBA 2K14, Says Tyreke Evans Is Scared To Play Him
