Review Fix chats with 2K Sports Executive Vice President Jeff Thomas, who discusses “NBA 2K14” on both current generation and next generation consoles. Chock-full of new features, “NBA 2K14” is set to make a simultaneous first big splash on the PlayStation 4 and XBox One and go out in style on the PlayStation 3 and XBox 360.
Review Fix: What is NBA 2K14’s biggest selling point (on both current and next generation consoles)?
Jeff Thomas: NBA 2K has been the top-ranked NBA simulation game for 12 consecutive years, and every year we push ourselves to do more, to make the best even better.  A big part of what makes this year’s game really exciting is that we have the reigning MVP, LeBron James, at the helm helping us make award-wining gameplay better. NBA 2K14 is unlike any in our franchise history, because in this exciting year of console transition, we have the unique opportunity to bring basketball to our fans, how and where they want to play it. The current and next gen versions will provide two uniquely different game experiences that harness the power of each platform.
Review Fix: This is kind of a last hurrah for the series on current generation consoles, what have you done to ensure it goes out with a bang?
Thomas: We’ve tried to perfect the basketball simulation gameplay experience on current generation consoles. We think, as far as gameplay goes, NBA 2K14 on current gen will be second to none.  We’ve listened to our fans and tried to incorporate the updates and changes they’ve been clamoring for. Pro Stick, for example, takes a player’s ability to create amazing highlight plays to the next level. Blocked Dunks and the return of Crews were important to our fans, and we saw real excitement when we unveiled those improvements.  There’s a long list of features that we’ve painstakingly worked to incorporate with the ultimate goal of making NBA 2K14 an incredible, realistic gameplay experience for fans.
Review Fix: Launch titles for new consoles stereotypically underperform, but 2K games are famous for their depth. What has the team done to ensure their first entry in the next generation system catalogue can thrive?
Thomas: We have gone to great lengths to create an amazing experience for NBA 2K14 players on next gen, and to ensure that it delivers on the promise of the future of the franchise. We don’t have anything to announce just yet – but stay tuned for more in coming weeks and months.
Review Fix: What do you think was the biggest criticism of last year’s game and how do you think you’ve addressed it?
Thomas: We take great pride in listening to our players and are always looking for ways to improve the game and enhance the overall experience. One thing we heard from fans is that they wanted Crews to return to NBA 2K. We listened and as a result, Crews, the single-most requested game mode, is back! Teams of five can now face off against opposing crews online using your MyPLAYER. Teams can create a logo and face off in 5v5 battles with other crews, featuring leaderboards and stats.
Review Fix: How has the development process been different compared to previous years?
Thomas: Having our team working simultaneously on two different games – for two different generations of consoles – has added an entirely new layer to the development process this year. It’s been an intense and fun experience, and we’re proud to have TWO unique NBA 2K products to bring to our fans, no matter where they choose to play this year.
Review Fix: Is this year any different for the team with the announcement of a new NBA Live game scheduled?
Thomas: At 2K, we believe a little competition is healthy – we embrace it, and hope it brings out the best in us. But, we’re singularly focused on our product alone. Our mission is, and always has been, to create the best, most authentic NBA video game possible.  This year is the same as any other in that regard.
Review Fix: With the development cycle nearing its close, what is the team working on now?
Thomas: We have to keep some secrets close to the vest! Joking aside, we live, breathe and sleep NBA 2K. We are constantly challenging ourselves to improve the game. We will never settle and will always take strides to enhance every aspect of the experience. We can say that we are confident that NBA 2K fans will be pleased with what we have in store in the future.
Review Fix: How do you want the game to be remembered?
Thomas: That one’s pretty simple: we want NBA 2K14 to be remembered as the best, most authentic game in the history of basketball video games.
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