NBA Live 14: Designer Scott O'Gallagher Discusses Game, His Path to EA and More

NBA Live 14 has been a lightning rod for the virtual hoops community since it released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One Nov. 19. I rated it a 7.8 overall. I noted the obvious issues with graphics and animation, but I did give the game credit for a few solid gameplay components and sweet presentation.

The game is not better than NBA 2K14, that is quite obvious, but it is better than what many are saying, at least in my opinion.

A few weeks back, I attended the PlayStation 4 review event in New York. I had an opportunity to sit down with developers from almost every next-generation title. The NBA Live team was one of the groups I spoke with. During that time, I was taken through a walkthrough of the game's controls and each one of its components by designers Scott O'Gallagher and Ryan Ferwerda.

Because of this experience, I was a little more acquainted with the controls and qualities of the game. Truth be told, the visual shortcomings are probably a turnoff that gamers somewhat understandably can't get beyond.

During the 45-minute to hour-long session, O'Gallagher spoke a little about passion for virtual hoops, the NBA Live series, his professional basketball career and the interesting path he took to work with EA Sports.

The latter was especially inspiring. There are so many people who simply love to play video games that don't realize how far they can ride their passion. Learning of a success story like O'Gallagher's is important and could help the next gamer take gaming from a hobby to a livelihood.

Whether you have an appreciation for NBA Live or not, there is some redeeming value in O'Gallagher's story. Take a listen and a look at the NBA Live 14 gameplay featured to balance out the audio interview.

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