2K is facing backlash over the paid NBA 2K24 season passes

However, the reservations surrounding NBA 2K24's monetization isn't exclusively about the introduction of the Battle Pass system. It's also about the transparency and intent behind it. As of now, there's uncertainty about the exact nature of the "premium rewards." If these rewards remain strictly cosmetic, the player community might take it in stride. But if 2K locks elite MyTeam cards or pivotal MyCareer boosts behind these paid tiers, it shifts the game's dynamics towards a pay-to-win model.

Then again, there's no stopping 2K Games from doing this. It has the rights to the NBA and the only big sim-based NBA game on the market. Because they have no competition, they can set the rules - a clear-cut monopoly on the basketball sim.

At the end of the day, 2k Games knows they can get away with this because people will buy it.

Amidst the apprehension, there's a silver lining. One of the more laudable changes is that players can now earn rewards for both MyCareer and MyTeam by simply engaging in either mode, eliminating the need for double grinding. However, not everyone's buying into it, especially since 2K is obviously pushing players more towards in-game purchases.

As with most controversies, it boils down to perspective. If the rewards are cosmetics, it might be a storm in a teacup. If core game mechanics are affected though, 2K might need to brace for a backlash.

We'll find out soon enough if this will affect NBA 2K24's sales when the game comes out on September 8.

Speaking of NBA 2K24, the player ratings have been leaked and revealed for the game. The highest rating goes to the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, Nikola Jokic.