The exponential growth in video game file sizes has become a growing concern, especially for those who prefer to play on consoles. The Xbox Series S/X, and most especially the PlayStation 5, comes with relatively small storage spaces at stock. So, when a game comes out that requires at least 100GB, most shudder at the thought. So, you can only imagine just how anxious Xbox Series S/X and PS5 owners are right now when it was revealed that the upcoming basketball sim, NBA 2K24, will consume a whopping 161GB on next-gen consoles.
Starfield, Bethesda Game Studios’ latest game that recently enjoyed more than a million players at launch, only requires 126GB on the Xbox Series S/X and 140GB on the PC, and it’s a game with thousands of planets for players to explore.
So, what gives? Why is NBA 2K24, which is a game that, as per the eye test, doesn’t look as good as Starfield, requiring more storage space?
Next Gen #NBA2K24 is 161 GB
— NBA 2K24 Intel (@2KIntel) September 4, 2023
It’s clear that as games become graphically advanced and more feature-rich, their requirements and the space that they occupy are increasing. This phenomenon, while not new, has elicited reactions from the gaming community, especially when juxtaposed with other titles. For example, Madden 24, a popular football game, requires only 51GB, and MLB 23 needs 83GB. Yet, NBA 2K24’s size is almost three times larger than FIFA 23 and similar sports titles.
Such a drastic difference in file size raises eyebrows and questions regarding optimization and the necessity of such vast storage demands.
The problem of increasing file sizes becomes especially challenging for digital-only consoles. This has driven companies like Microsoft to introduce newer models with larger storage capacities. For instance, the new Xbox Series S, released at a price of £299, boasts a 1TB hard drive to accommodate the ever-growing demands of modern games.
But the sheer size of NBA 2K24 has left many wondering about its optimization. Starfield, despite being a space epic, is faced issues with its performance, with numerous players struggling to achieve a playable frame rate. There is hope that NBA 2K24, with its vast size, doesn’t suffer similar problems upon release.
Interestingly, even though NBA 2K24’s file size is vast, the game brings a plethora of enhancements to the table. The shooting and dribbling mechanics have been refined to be more intuitive. The Mamba Moments campaign mode offers players a chance to relive several iconic moments from Kobe Bryant’s illustrious career, further enriching the gameplay experience.
While the increasing game sizes pose challenges for players who have to manage their digital storage, it’s a testament to the evolving nature of video games, their complexity, and the rich experiences they offer. Gamers will need to adapt, either by investing in larger storage solutions or becoming more selective in their downloads.
For now, basketball fans are in lockdown mode, keying in on NBA 2K24’s release on September 8. However, as more titles push the boundaries of digital size, the industry will have to confront and address the logistical and practical challenges this trend presents.
