At the moment it looks like you have to be satisfied as a fan with college basketball content in NBA 2K.
TL; Dr: EA SPORTS Surprisingly draws from the development of a new collegeBasketball-Piels back. The reason for this is that many universities prefer to work with 2K sports, the college content in NBA 2K want to integrate. This means that 2K is currently the only hope for fans who have a digital collegeBasketball-Wait.
The rivalry between EA SPORTS and 2K sports goes into the next round- this time in collegeBasketball. After EA SPORTS In June for the first time since 2009 a new collegeBasketball-Piel has indicated, the publisher now surprisingly makes a back. A leaked internal letter shows that the universities prefer to entrust their licenses 2K. For the time being, 2K seems to fill the digital field alone.
A brief review: Hope for a comeback
Fans of collegeBasketball-had to play every reason to be happy EA SPORTS In the prospect of a new project in summer. Since NCAA Basketball 10 from 2009 there was no longer a branch of EA SPORTS. The announcement immediately aroused expectations for a modern, independent game with all division 1 teams, leagues and athletes.
But while EA relied on a complete game, 2K followed a different approach: collegeBasketball Should be integrated as a DLC or game mode in NBA 2K-almost as a test run before you consider your own standalone game.
The license problem: why the universities decided on 2k
A central sticking point was College Licensing Company (CLC), which presented both offers to universities. While EA urged the complete license for its own game, many universities opted for the more pragmatic path with 2K.
The advantages from the point of view of the universities:
- 2K offers direct integration into the already successful NBA 2K.
- Less risk because no completely new game has to be established.
- Possibility to test the fans’ response before entering long -term contracts.
This decision meant that for EA.
The leaked EA letter
On September 4, Extra Points published an internal letter from Sean O’Brien, VP of Commercial Partnerships & Licensing EA SPORTS. In it he explained to the universities that the offer was withdrawn:
“Since some schools have accepted the 2K sports offer, we unfortunately have to withdraw our offer. All at EA SPORTS are disappointed that we couldn’t find a way together. “
O’Brien also emphasized that EA was still convinced that fans have a full collegeBasketball-Spiel wanted and not just an expansion.
PR strategy or real withdrawal?
Industry observers also see a possible strategy behind the leak. It is conceivable that EA wants to increase the pressure on the universities by pushing responsibility to 2K and schools. The message to the fans: “We wanted to play the big game, but the universities let us hang.”
Whether calculation or not – for Basketball-Fans is the same initially the same: EA withdraws, while 2K experiments with a DLC or mode.
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