NBA 2K24 was always going to sell extremely well, regardless of what the naysayers would have you believing. But, it’s one thing for a game to have “haters” and another to have one of the worst review scores on one of the biggest digital games distribution platforms on the PC.
Just days after hitting the store shelves, NBA 2K24 has quickly become one of the most criticized releases on Steam. Its “Overwhelmingly Negative” feedback and a dismal player score of 14 at the time of writing, it’s clear that NBA 2K24 has failed to capture the enthusiasm of its dedicated fanbase. Even more tellingly, the player count at NBA 2K24’s launch was significantly lower than that of its predecessor, NBA 2K23.
Critics and players have had much to say about the lackluster PC version of NBA 2K24. Many lament that NBA 2K24 is a mere facsimile of NBA 2K23, describing it as nothing more than a roster update sold for $70. To make matters worse, 2K Games added Denuvo, a controversial anti-piracy measure that many claim affects the game’s performance. Despite the inclusion of Denuvo, the company failed to introduce a robust anti-cheat system, allowing hacks and cheats to run rampant.
This has left players wondering why the company decided to prioritize an anti-piracy measure over player experience. A particularly glaring incident when considering that 2K Games had previously defended their decisions, stating they were focusing on optimizing the game for new consoles. Yet, this defense now seems flimsy at best, given that the quality on PC has stagnated for years.
The in-game experience of NBA 2K24 has been equally disappointing. “My Career,” a popular NBA 2K mode, feels non-existent in the latest entry. What’s worse, players have noticed a plethora of additions to the game that appear purely for monetization purposes. The badge progression system, once a source of pride for players, now seems marred by the introduction of features that deliberately hinder progress, only to sell the solution back to the player for money.
The obfuscation of the VC (Virtual Currency) required to reach level 99 further muddies the waters and heightens player frustration.
For PC players, the contrast between their experience and that of console players is stark. While NBA 2K24 showcases an incredible mix of impressive visuals and additional features on current-gen platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X, the PC version feels stripped down. This growing disparity between the console and PC versions adds to the growing sentiment that 2K Games has sidelined its PC player base.
Even for those who attempt to get into the game, the journey isn’t smooth. Players have shared accounts of a beginner character being thrown into challenging matches right at the start, facing off against top-tier teams without having had a chance to build their skills or character abilities. This sudden difficulty spike feels less like an authentic challenge and more like a ploy to pressure players into purchasing upgrades.
However, it’s not just the PC version that’s been under fire. Even on powerful next-gen consoles like the Xbox Series X, players have noticed a lack of polish and attention to detail that’s uncharacteristic of a AAA title with the revenue that the NBA 2K series generates.
What has probably struck the most significant chord with the community is the overt monetization, with users referring to the developers as thieves. The idea of shelling out so much for a game, only to feel compelled to spend an additional $100 to remain competitive, has left many longtime fans of the series feeling exploited.
It’s ironic that a game, which features a fan-favorite NBA legend like the late Kobe Bryant on its cover, is so reviled. The overwhelming sentiment is clear: players feel disregarded, exploited, and frustrated with a product that doesn’t live up to the legacy of its predecessors.
