a variety of new gameplay innovations

Visual Concepts introduces new gameplay innovations in offense, defense, badges, customizations, takeovers and artificial intelligence for NBA 2K23.

To have the right to a gaming experience more authentic than ever, Visual Concepts does not just update the roster and offer new visuals for NBA 2K23, compared with last year’s basketball simulation, but the American studio also brings new features and improvements. Among these is the new Semi-Pro difficulty setting. It is designed to make the game more accessible, especially for new players. Currently, the lowest level is Rookie, which was often considered too easy. The next step was Pro, which was sometimes too difficult. The Semi-Pro level is an intermediate level that allows new players to have fun and learn discipline.

Mike Wang, Director of Gameplay at Visual Concepts, says:

We take community feedback into consideration when we begin work on each version of NBA 2K. This year’s gameplay improvements reflect many of the changes our community has been asking for the most. From how players can attack the basket, to more realistic on-the-ball defense, and a new tiered badge system, all of the features brought to this year’s release will create a more authentic and enjoyed by all.

Gameplay Innovations in NBA 2K23

• Shooting: The big change this year is the addition of shooting attributes. Each custom jump shot is assigned unique shot stats that help determine its effectiveness. Five new shot gauges are on offer, with 15 more unlockable throughout the Seasons in the coming year
• Improvements to the pro command system: New movement combinations have been made to the pro command system. These new movements allow a lot of new possibilities when it comes to shooting and handling the ball. When it comes to dunks, new controls expand the possibilities to allow players to dunk exactly the way they want, without making mistaken gestures
• Approach the basket with precision and adrenaline boosts: New gesture combos give players even more ball handling and shooting options for their offensive arsenal. Additionally, another new feature designed to avoid over reliance on dribbling is the concept of adrenaline boosts. Boosts are used whenever players perform a hard start or an explosive sprint throw. Once all three boosts have been consumed, speed and boost ability decrease significantly for the remaining time of possession
• Defense: Defensive gameplay includes major updates aimed at creating more realistic on-ball defense and shot-blocking, as well as interceptions and ball steals. This year, blocks have been tuned to a more realistic level, leading to more predictable results, with good players making proper saves when they time their block attempts well. There’s also a marked improvement in ball safety for good dunkers, and much more.
• Badges: Introducing an all-new tiered badge system for players on PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. There will be 16 badges per attribute category, namely eight in Tier 1, four in level 2, and four in level 3. The underlying concept is that players will need to obtain a certain number of badges from lower levels before obtaining higher levels.
• Takeovers: While primary and secondary takeovers remain identical to previous versions, the team takeover has been reworked. Team takeover takes the form of a collaborative system, where the entire team shares a single gauge. The new design is much more logical and better represents what it means to be warmed up as a team, to face the game as one.
• AI Gameplay: Players on next-gen consoles will notice improvements to AI ball handling, pick and roll execution, defensive tendencies and practice decisions