NBA 2K15: Release Date Info and Key Features for Latest Edition of Video Game

In an era where updated roster sets are more easily accessible, developers for sports video game franchises like NBA 2K are under more pressure. They must deliver fresh, new features to entice repeat buyers to keep the fanbase strong.

Although only some of the details surrounding the latest edition, NBA 2K15, have been released so far, the hype is already beginning to build. Several upgrades along with a full year to work with the next-gen consoles after going through a transition last year makes for an anticipated release.

With that in mind, let's check out information regarding the release dates along with some of the key details that is likely going to make NBA 2K15 a must-own title for sports gamers.

Release Dates

North America: Oct. 7

International: Oct. 10

Breakdown of Key Features

Probably the most talked about aspect of the game is the new MyLeague mode. Instead of playing a season of a long-term franchise based on predetermined settings, it allows you to control virtually every aspect of what will happen.

It's basically an upgraded version of Association mode and ensures an experience more individually crafted for each gamer. Some people like a fantasy draft to basically reboot the entire NBA while others prefer the realism of current rosters, and the decisions trickle down from there.

Steve Noah of Operation Sports spoke with members of the Visual Concepts team to get more insight on what people can expect. One point of interest will be player morale and team chemistry, which will impact play on the court:

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There is a close feedback loop between player morale and chemistry. They affect each other. Along with player personalities, we have created a matrix for each team for how its team makeup would affect chemistry. Each team has a particular makeup that will work for them. Upsetting that balance will affect player morale, which in turn affects chemistry and ratings. A team with poor chemistry plays significantly worse than one that is on song.

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Ultimately, it's probably something that will be toyed around with a couple times before everybody finds the right balance for themselves across the board. That's mostly because there are so many variables to make it as customizable as possible.

The upside is obvious once that balance is struck, though.

A few notable upgrades have been added to MyCareer mode, as well.

Chris Pereira of GameSpot reports more NBA player voices have been recorded for the game. He lists Kevin Durant, James Harden, Andre Iguodala, Andre Drummond, and JJ Redick among the confirmed names and notes the developers say there will be a "mentor" on each team.

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The scenarios in which you'll get to hear these guys' voices look to be very similar to last year. Basically, you'll have conversations with other players before or after games about things like your performance on the court. While not seen in the trailer for this year's game, 2K14 also presented you with choices of what to say through an RPG-style dialogue tree system.

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One question that lingers, however, is whether the created player voices will have more variety this time around. It's one aspect that didn't provide enough options in the last edition, but there have been no confirmed changes quite yet.

Another new aspect for MyCareer is the ability to scan a gamer's face into the game during the player-creation process. It adds another level of realism to the equation and should help end the frustration of being unable to create the right look.

Katie Williams of IGN provides some details on how it works:

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The in-game technology is available in the PS4 and Xbox One versions. Players will be able to "scan" their faces in using their Kinect or PS4 camera, which can then be put on their player in-game so that they can play alongside basketball greats in both career and multiplayer game modes.

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More new additions, tweaks and upgrades should be noted as the release date moves closer.

As for now, it's time to starting thinking about what teams you're most excited to use. As Fallon Tonight points out, if you get lucky enough to match up with cover athlete Kevin Durant in an online game, don't expect him to choose the Oklahoma City Thunder:

All told, it's too early to make any definitive judgments about the game, but the current outlook is certainly promising.