NBA 2K14: Ambitious Ideas for Series on Next-Generation Consoles

Most NBA 2K fans are excited about what they've seen and heard in regards to the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game. The current-generation systems will see NBA 2K14 release on Oct. 1 and it appears the cupboard is filled with options, gameplay enhancements and other goodies.

With all we've learned thus far, to think that all the specifics haven't even been revealed is exciting.

As hyped as I am for the current-gen version of NBA 2K14, I'm equally as intrigued about the game on the Xbox One and PS4. After the trailer below was released, the visuals had me yearning for more details.

While the current-gen version of NBA 2K14 gets its due, I've already started to compile a short mental wish list for the next-gen game. Seeing as though I'm a writer and all, I figured I'd transform that mental wish list into an article.

Some of these ideas are quite ambitious, so I'm not expecting to see them in the first next-gen version of the game. But with the increased power and capabilities available in the systems, there is a chance all of them could appear in some shape, form or fashion down the road.

Because 2K Sports—specifically the NBA 2K team—have proved they will go above and beyond to listen to the community, I feel empowered enough to make these suggestions.

Here go the thoughts of a 2K dreamer.

Incorporating Wingspans

Why It Would Be Cool?

One of the primary physical traits associated with basketball players is wingspan, but up to now, no basketball video game has ever incorporated it.

Adding this detail would go a long way in distinguishing players. Players like Tayshaun Prince and Jameer Nelson are immediately noticeable because of the length—or in Nelson's case, the shortness—of their wingspans.

From a pure presentation standpoint, this would add to the authenticity.

As far as gameplay is concerned, the extra length should play a part in allowing players to make better (or earlier) contact with the ball for rebounds, blocked shots and steals. On offense, longer arms should make it easier to avoid getting your shot blocked if the player's shooting form fully extends their arms.

Why I Think It Could Happen?

Sports video games are already leaning heavily toward real-time physics. It would seem something like this might be part of the natural progression. It would involve redoing player models and even expanding the number of models used in the game, and that is no simple task.

The 2K development team has proved they won't make a jump until they can do it properly, but this is something that would truly enhance the gameplay and visual quality.

Ambition Meter: 3 (1-10, with 1 being hardly ambitious, almost a given and 10 being far out in the stars)

This seems like a given, though I'm not sure when it would make its appearance in the game. NBA 2K has already begun incorporating weight differences and such. Length diversity should be next.

Weekly Wrap-Up Show During Association Mode

Why It Would Be Cool?

I'm a sucker for quality presentation additions that improve the association mode experience. If NBA 2K had a weekly wrap-up show with unique highlights from simulated games, it would be amazing.

Perhaps a segment that shows the best from a player who won Player of the Week—or even injuries. If there was enough variety, almost no one would skip through this part of the presentation.

Why I Think It Could Happen?

The NBA Today headlines serve as a guide to the happenings in your association mode now. But highlights and a host would take it to the next level. With the additional local and system memory available on the Xbox One and PS4, this seems doable.

While the necessary data required for replays wouldn't be created for simulated games, the statistics could be generated. From those stats, it seems possible that the game could generate a moving scene from the simulation data.

I know that's a bit technical and possibly only conceptually correct, but the geniuses in charge are free to sort through my convoluted idea.

Ambition Meter: 9.5

This is a very niche idea that may only appeal to simulation maniacs like myself.

Watch Others Play Online

Why It Would Be Cool?

Ever wanted to watch the top-rated players on the leaderboards play before you play them? Ever been the commissioner of an online league who needed to monitor a game or even record it to post on YouTube later?

If you can answer yes to either of those questions, you could appreciate the benefit of being able to watch other gamers play online. As a person who has been a commissioner of an online league, you can increase the overall enjoyment level if you can upload highlights from games.

It increases excitement and the feeling of playing in a TV-style league.

Why I Think It Could Happen?

Almost every revolutionary game mode is moving toward (or is already heavily based on) online play. The more technological advancements made on that side, the more the envelope will be pushed.

This is definitely a realistic scouting tool for the serious online gamer.

Ambition Meter: 5

This could definitely happen, but it may not be next on the list of online improvements. A version of the fighting game Dead or Alive had a feature like this a while back, so it would certainly seem to be feasible on a next-gen console.

My Player/My Career Game and Social Expansion

Why It Would Be Cool?

One of the best things about the My Player/My Career mode is that it has allowed gamers to establish their virtual basketball identities. YouTube personalities like IPodKingCarter, KSpade and Shakedown have become online celebrities to a degree because of their My Career characters.

Imagine taking that a step further with mini games and applications that establish an off-the-court presence in the virtual world for your character.

Some YouTubers use other games to add storylines to their My Career series, but it would totally change the game if 2K provided some sort of option to further establish your character within the NBA 2K community.

Why I Think It Could Happen?

With so much love and interaction between the 2K developers, public relations team and the most prominent members of the NBA 2K community, something like this doesn't seem too far fetched.

The details could be subject to certain stipulations, details and specifics, but ultimately something like this could take the first-person, single-player concept to another level.

Ambition Meter: 10

I totally acknowledge this is a huge deal, but social media manager Chris Manning (aka LD2K) talked about welcoming and storing the most ambitious ideas. This one is certainly a dream, but a fun thought nonetheless.

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