The curtain came down on the next announcement for NBA 2K23 on Thursday, with players set to be able to dive into MyCAREER like never before – and meet some world stars in the process.
The focus of the player’s career is a completely newly conceived storyline: drafted as a rather unloved B-solution behind the college star by a franchise of choice, the protagonist in MyCAREER is all about changing people’s minds in the virtual world and convincing them of his worth.
Basketball – more than a sport
Primarily, of course, this should happen through strong performances on the court, but players also have other ways closely interwoven with basketball culture to win over fans. Once again, the focus will not only be on the sport, but also on the basketball lifestyle.
This includes, above all, music and fashion. Cool pre-game outfits in the media area of the arena or excursions into the hip-hop scene of the MyCAREER world will increase the affection of your own followers. Especially musically, developer 2k has not let itself be lukewarm: With J. Cole and Bas, two absolute superstars of US rap play central roles in the artistic facets of the career.
J. Cole’s world premiere
Cole, a former professional basketball player himself, was also actively involved in the development process of the game and also graces the North America-exclusive “DREAMER Edition” – keeping legend Michael Jordan, among others, company as the cover star.
“It’s awesome not only to appear on this year’s cover, but also to be the first musician to receive this honour,” said the Frankfurt native, for whom the game series and music belong inseparably together: “NBA 2K has long been a platform to discover new music talent and continues to set the gold standard in basketball culture. “
Focus on authenticity and scale
2k also wants to set a gold standard in terms of scope with the career mode. MyCAREER has “the most extensive and in-depth storyline in history”, according to the statement. It’s a big ambition that Vice President of Global Marketing Strategy Alfie Brody is emphatic about: “The sheer scope, depth and talent of this year’s MyCAREER experience in NBA 2K23 surpasses anything to date.”
But it’s not just scale that’s important in MyCAREER, he said, realism is too. A large number of players, such as cover athlete Devin Booker or Zion Williams, but also “experts” such as streamer Dr. Disrespect are authentically depicted off the court.
These round off what at first glance appears to be a sophisticated overall package with which 2k wants to create a “special gaming experience”. Fans will be able to judge for themselves from 9 September how successful this is.
