NBA 2K10: Ten Years of NBA 2K

  • By BrianEk, GameSpot
  • Posted Jun 30, 2009 10:53 am PT

It's hard to believe that this year marks the ten year anniversary of the Dreamcast. I remember giddily anticipating the 9.9.99 release of what would be Sega's last hardware entry, if for no other reason than the release of NFL 2K, which still remains one of the most incredible sports...

It's hard to believe that this year marks the ten year anniversary of the Dreamcast. I remember giddily anticipating the 9.9.99 release of what would be Sega's last hardware entry, if for no other reason than the release of NFL 2K, which still remains one of the most incredible sports games of all time. However, tucked just behind NFL 2K's September 1999 release was another sports game from the folks at Visual Concepts--NBA 2K, released in November of that year--which did nearly as much for basketball as its football brethren did for pigskin. Today, 2K announced a special anniversary edition version of its upcoming NBA 2K10--which, obviously, is the tenth game in the famed basketball series. To coincide with the announcement, we spoke with 2K's Vice President of Sports Development Jeff Thomas to get his thoughts on the history of the series, as well as what fans can expect from the limited edition version of 2K10.

GameSpot: This being the tenth anniversary of the NBA 2K series, let's take it back to the beginning. What do you remember about the development of NBA 2K?

Jeff Thomas: It was HARD! No, kidding aside, I remember being amazed at the power of the Dreamcast and what it was capable of doing. This was the start of it all.

GS: What was building the team like? This being the first basketball game you made, how much "NBA 101" was required in order to get the team up to speed?

JT: Building any development team is difficult but we were lucky to get people that had actual college basketball experience. I still hear the stories about taking "so and so" to the rim at the Purdue campus!

GS: What was the hardest thing to get right about the sport? What aspect of the game came easiest to you during development?

JT: The hardest thing about making any sports title is "the feel" . A game just has to feel right and that is a very difficult thing to accomplish. As far as easy goes, I am still waiting for that!

GS: At the time, Visual Concepts was riding high from the buzz surrounding NFL 2K's release with the launch of the Dreamcast. Were you worried that the NBA game would be lost by comparison?

JT: Of course NFL was in the limelight because it was the first one completed and with the popularity of football in this country, it was no doubt going to get the buzz. But we always knew that NBA was going to be an incredible game as well. All of the same technology that was driving NFL 2K was also driving NBA, and with the amount of drive the NBA team has it was only a matter of time before it ruled the NBA market.

GS: Leading up to the debut game's release in 1999, what was the atmosphere like at Visual Concepts? Was it competitive between the NFL and NBA teams? Friendly? Or was everyone just sort of buckled down and trying to get their product finished?

JT: Competition was always very high here at VC, but not between the NFL and NBA teams but between us and the competing products. The reason we have such a great game today is because of the driving force needed to beat the big company down the road.

GS: How much did you pay attention to the NBA videogame competition of the time, such as NBA Live or Midway's NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC back then?

JT: We looked at every basketball game ever made. NBA Jam gave us ideas; we even went back to games like Dr J. vs. Larry Bird, Double Dribble and Lakers vs. Celtics, one of my all-time favorites.

GS: Now that the series prepares for its tenth installments, what do you think have been the most important cornerstones of the NBA 2K series? Conversely, has there been a feature that you knew wasn't right and had to be either scrapped or improved quickly?

JT: The cornerstone for all of the NBA 2K series games has been the feel of the control. Running 60 frames per second is critical to how it feels and how responsive the game is. We did a feature that lasted a couple of years called 24/7, it was always kind of an "out there" feature and never well received. It ended up being scrapped, but you never know what the future will bring?

GS: What will be in the Limited Edition of NBA 2K10?

JT: Here's what the anniversary edition will include:

• NBA 2K10 video game (X360 or PS3 only)
• Numbered 2K Sports game storage locker with combination lock
• Exclusive McFarlane Kobe Bryant figurine
• Exclusive 2K Sports Kobe Bryant poster designed by Shepard Fairey's Studio No. 1
• NBA 2K10 Anniversary video exploring the history of the NBA 2K franchise
• Access to the Gold Room, NBA 2K10's VIP online lobby

GS: We understand there will be an NBA 2K 10th anniversary DVD. What can fans expect from the movie?

JT: It is a retrospective of the NBA 2Kfranchise over the past 10 years told through the filter of our various cover athletes over the years. The video takes a look at each iteration of the NBA 2K series and its respective cover athlete. The video was put together by the NBA and is a mash up of live action NBA footage, NBA 2K gameplay footage, behind-the-scenes content and other game assets told in an entertaining narrative style. All told, the video is nearly 25 minutes in length.

GS: Folks who purchase the anniversary edition will also have access to the Gold Room, a VIP online lobby. Will there be any sort of special content or tournaments for LE-owners?

JT: Yes, the Gold Room will be a place where Anniversary Edition owners and 2K Sports VIP's can come find a game away from the maddening crowds in the public lobbies. Exact plans have not been nailed down yet, but it would be fair to expect a certain amount of VIP events to be happening in the Gold Room once the game launches.

GS: Finally, how much is the anniversary edition version of NBA 2K10 going to cost and when will it be released?

JT: The Anniversary Edition will be $99.99 MSRP and will release day and date with the standard edition, on Tuesday, October 6.

GS: Thanks for your time, Jeff.

91 Comments

  • 308919166

    Posted Jul 30, 2009 4:04 pm PT

    man i wish nba 2k10 would come out tommorw i really want the package, locker looks super sick

  • I3adMedic

    Posted Jul 26, 2009 10:20 am PT

    Man i really want that locker, lol

  • rayavon

    Posted Jul 16, 2009 5:35 pm PT

    JUST MAKE SURE RAY ALLEN IS ON THE 00 WEST TEAM FOR HIS TIME WITH THE SONICS

  • linzhipan

    Posted Jul 12, 2009 2:41 am PT

    Michael Jackson Memorial
    Michael Jackson Memorial

  • jaavee

    Posted Jul 10, 2009 11:13 am PT

    i just hope they bring back the older isomotion or make a new system for it, cuz 2k9 isomotion was poor, where as 2k8's was smooth in my opinion, yeah bring back the older isomotion. but i have to say that its the best nba series ever from 2k6 - 2k9, and hopefully 2k10 tops them all.

  • fudger2

    Posted Jul 9, 2009 7:35 pm PT

    I think if theyre gonna do this whole anniversery one they should make 30 different covers. I know us Spurs fans dont want Kobe stuff plastered all over our room. Now gimme a Duncan poster and its all good.

  • xGlenn11x

    Posted Jul 9, 2009 10:45 am PT

    I think there just needs to be a system for online that works. The online for 2k9 was horrible. No lobbies??? Whoever thought of that one needs to be fired. I think the rating system needs to be worked to where it truly matches us up with people we would have great games against. I dont want to play against a guy who will have a heart attack if he doesn't score 60 with Kobe, D-Wade, LeBron, and yes, throw in Dwight Howard, cause that happened on numerous occasions this past game online. I want lobbies brought back, with a good Player Review System, that truly helps us match up well with others. Also, what the heck was the TEAM 2K..any 360 owners will recall a fat white guy with dread-locks having a picture of himself. Dont reward cheesers with a spot in the game. Dont even put them in the game. They are garbage! I played one of them and won by 30 with the Grizzlies! Bring back the greatness that was NBA 2k7 as well as NBA 2k8. I will close this rant by saying if you hire the "best" for your cover, it better be the best game on the market, because Garnett sure screwed up that game. Go Spurs 2010!

  • ballin211

    Posted Jul 9, 2009 6:38 am PT

    rob jones is a fat piece of crap who will be the downfall of the 2k basketball series.. he thinks that opening the game up to button smashing noobs who dont know shi* about basketball and just want to button smash and crossover, spin, and dunk, will get the franchise more money and make it a bigger brand.. IN FACT, he is losing his loyal customer base, the basketball players who know the game, who actually care about the game and are the actual base of the game's sales... in a few years, hell lose his foundation of followers and the rest of what he builds will fall to the ground because his games suck, they're bullsh* and rob jones is a fat piece of crap

  • ballin211

    Posted Jul 9, 2009 6:33 am PT

    "anobleloss

    Posted Jul 7, 2009 2:35 am GMT

    2kbball, has been solid for the most part, but 2k9 was by far the worse 2kbball game. too many fake blocks, garbage animations, arms going through heads, rims, ball dancing like its and1. allowing players to put crossovers and spin moves on X/Y/B. they dumbed the game down entirely too much, oh and lets not forget about the amazing post moves that any garbage big could do. and also the riding the back down the court to get steals, I could go on an on with the flaws in 2k9. and I almost forgot trying to steal every inbounds, and my guys throwing passes at guys legs, instead of putting it high, no lets hit their foot/leg (kick ball anybody), and dont get me started on the bs charges called on this game....

    And players have the nerve to say oh yeah this is the most realistic bball game out, but yet they make it look like nba jam (live) online, wtf! Why buy the best sim ball game to just abuse the exploits and glitches, catz took it to a whole nother lvl online. But even with all that said most likely I will be buying this game, just cause even with all that bs, its still better than live lol. Hopefully 2k doesnt dumb this game down any further, so noobs can keep up with the vets/legends "

    THANK YOU.. 2K8 was such a good game! but they need to make more dough so they dumb the game down to a button smashing spin move, crossover, dunk fest.. just terrible.. ROB JONES YOU FATASS

  • ballin211

    Posted Jul 9, 2009 6:29 am PT

    ROB JONES IS TRASH.. BRING BACK MIKE WANG FTW

  • ballin211

    Posted Jul 9, 2009 6:28 am PT

    ive been a 2Ker for life.. since nba 2k on dreamcast.. and 2K is still the best bball game out there.. but 2K9 was a disgrace.. 2K sucks after Rob Jones took over.. that motherf..ather took the game in an arcade direction after all the hard work that was done before him to make the game as sim as possible.. F* ROB JONES HE SUCKS BALLS

  • jonzilla_basic

    Posted Jul 8, 2009 3:28 am PT

    WOW, Thats a hefty price :S

  • dark_aprentice

    Posted Jul 7, 2009 7:30 pm PT

    GOING TO BE THE BEST/ REALISTIC BASKETBALL GAME ON DU PLANET

  • cpsobe720

    Posted Jul 7, 2009 4:33 pm PT

    Yeah, playing online with all the extraneous garbage that goes with the glitches is frustrating. I hope 2K10 will fix all the bs.

  • CeZar_87

    Posted Jul 7, 2009 4:22 pm PT

    Hmmm I want it I really do, but I kind of fell out of love with the 2K franchise. Every since 2K6 they changed the formula & not for the better. That's just my opinion.. It's become so realistic it's not fun anymore. Shot you know should be a score miss & all that other jazz.

  • unb1212

    Posted Jul 7, 2009 12:03 pm PT

    I actually like the 24/7 mode. if they could they should include a section in the video that talks about why they stripped certian features away from the series. Before you had to shoot the freethrows with the back triggers.

  • jayCLAYM0RE

    Posted Jul 6, 2009 9:25 pm PT

    Though 24/7 mode did seem a little half baked, i enjoyed it. What i didn't like was in the second iteration where you would actually LOSE skill for each day you didn't play. That sucked.

  • jasfir

    Posted Jul 6, 2009 9:15 pm PT

    Looks good but a quite expensive. Will probaly get the standard edition.

  • anobleloss

    Posted Jul 6, 2009 6:35 pm PT

    2kbball, has been solid for the most part, but 2k9 was by far the worse 2kbball game. too many fake blocks, garbage animations, arms going through heads, rims, ball dancing like its and1. allowing players to put crossovers and spin moves on X/Y/B. they dumbed the game down entirely too much, oh and lets not forget about the amazing post moves that any garbage big could do. and also the riding the back down the court to get steals, I could go on an on with the flaws in 2k9. and I almost forgot trying to steal every inbounds, and my guys throwing passes at guys legs, instead of putting it high, no lets hit their foot/leg (kick ball anybody), and dont get me started on the bs charges called on this game....

    And players have the nerve to say oh yeah this is the most realistic bball game out, but yet they make it look like nba jam (live) online, wtf! Why buy the best sim ball game to just abuse the exploits and glitches, catz took it to a whole nother lvl online. But even with all that said most likely I will be buying this game, just cause even with all that bs, its still better than live lol. Hopefully 2k doesnt dumb this game down any further, so noobs can keep up with the vets/legends

  • maaly81

    Posted Jul 6, 2009 5:18 pm PT

    it may not be worth the $110 price (with tax in CA), but looks like a nice package for an anniversary.

  • dkwo1a

    Posted Jul 6, 2009 5:09 pm PT

    Awesome! Did anyone notice Labron doing his chalk thing in the screen shot?

  • Zacek1000

    Posted Jul 6, 2009 11:26 am PT

    I want that box! But I think it's overpriced!

  • LK-47

    Posted Jul 5, 2009 2:47 pm PT

    I've always liked the 2k Basketball games more than Live.

  • Lostboy1224

    Posted Jul 5, 2009 12:27 pm PT

    They should have gone old school for this one. I am not a Kobe fan so no point in getting all the Kobe fan items with the game. I would love it if people reviewing the game break down the differences between last years and this years game! Not just mention the new feature of 2010, but show side by side comparisons so we know we won't be getting NBA 2K9.5 or Madden 09.5! But at least 2K is still solid so will be looking for this one to see for myself.

  • stut130

    Posted Jul 5, 2009 12:22 pm PT

    man that looks saweet. and thats a screen i like to see! shaq on the cavs baby!!!

  • afrsamurai88

    Posted Jul 5, 2009 8:00 am PT

    Am I the only one that thinks this doesn't look like Kobe?

  • Justor

    Posted Jul 5, 2009 7:35 am PT

    If 2K is the first game, and 2K1 is the second then wouldn't 2K10 be the 11th installment?

  • psp3002gam3r

    Posted Jul 3, 2009 4:26 pm PT

    looks good i would lik e to get it

  • xbabiibecca

    Posted Jul 3, 2009 2:03 pm PT

    wii60joe,ty =D

  • dont_know_2

    Posted Jul 3, 2009 9:28 am PT

    what if the locker comes with 20 copies of nba 2k10 plus the 1 u get like on the picture

  • dont_know_2

    Posted Jul 3, 2009 9:26 am PT

    the locker is going to be bigger for 360 cause the boxes r bigger then the ps3 im getting the anniversary edition when it comes out cause my birthday i september 29 im also getting nba live 10 and im going to get saw and brutal legend and a new controller 4 my ps3 and an ipod

  • silversniper3

    Posted Jul 3, 2009 9:24 am PT

    i think they should have put lebron and kobe on the cover but one thing every basketball game needs is a career mode i bet more people would buy the game

  • capllie5_5_5

    Posted Jul 3, 2009 8:50 am PT

    lebron is the champ im fromm kuwait

  • DarthChristian

    Posted Jul 3, 2009 8:15 am PT

    Yo rankdoby, Kobe deservse the cover simply because he won the championship. I don't think he's been on a cover since the N64 games, so it's not like he's hogging all the spotlight or anything.

  • saylingo

    Posted Jul 3, 2009 7:40 am PT

    this game is going to be fantastic i really like it
    the only failure is absence of Wade on cover!!!

  • Wii60Joe

    Posted Jul 3, 2009 12:17 am PT

    Hell yea xbabiibecca Derek fisher's Awesome!

  • xbabiibecca

    Posted Jul 2, 2009 11:40 pm PT

    if anybody from the lakers should be on the cover,it should be derek fisher

  • Wii60Joe

    Posted Jul 2, 2009 11:23 pm PT

    Jakemanp93 Orlando a terrible team? They have Howard, Nelson, Rashard lewis and they had turgaglu Now they got Vince carter
    Also they praticlly ran through the Cavs
    Also RON ARTEST ON THE LAKERS!
    Pau gasol, Andrew bynum, Kobe bryant, Derek Fisher, Lamar odom and Ron artest! 2010 is going to be a good year to be a laker fan
    Also the laker bench is good Adam morrison and Shannon brown

  • ck02623

    Posted Jul 2, 2009 11:05 pm PT

    that looks awesome

  • rankdoby

    Posted Jul 2, 2009 10:26 pm PT

    I mean I know who's on the cover Kobe Bryant but seriously he has had enough cheering and stuff, let somebody else have some fame.

  • rankdoby

    Posted Jul 2, 2009 10:19 pm PT

    who is that guy on the cover of 2k10? I mean really, it would have been sweeter if Chris Duhon, or Devin Haris was on it

  • jakemanp93

    Posted Jul 2, 2009 9:33 pm PT

    maybe i was jumping on the band wagon a little bit with garrnett being on the cover twice but the celtics r definitely better than the lakers kobe is a joke he acts as if he is a team leader when all he does is tell his teamates to give him the ball he also just wanted to win a title to prove to everyone that he can win without shaq face it lakers fans kobe will never be like mike celtics acting like dumb ass thugs the lakers are f ags they act as if they beat a great team all orlando can do is shoot threes and they rely on howard to get their rebounds and if Howard does get a rebound he kicks it out for another three lakers do not deserve any credit for beating a terrible team
    someone has to agree with me on that one

  • tony382

    Posted Jul 2, 2009 9:13 pm PT

    Lebron will be on the 2K11 cover....in a Knicks uniform!! (I hope)

  • Wii60Joe

    Posted Jul 2, 2009 9:07 pm PT

    WOW Garnett on 2k9 and 2k11? Really jakemanp93
    I highly doubt that
    Probobly LeBron

  • Wii60Joe

    Posted Jul 2, 2009 8:52 pm PT

    Wow another person that complains about kobe
    Dont be jealous because stupid Garnett got injured from jumping during a game.. What an old peice of crap!
    The Celtics act like dumb ass thugs

  • jakemanp93

    Posted Jul 2, 2009 7:29 pm PT

    i hate kobe too he's a stubborn prick who uses his kids to make him look like a great role model for kids even though selfish sob the lakers r an over rated franchise because they happen to be in L.A. the Celtics have killed the Lakers in every NBA finals except the 87 finals next year Garnett will be back on the cover of this game and the the Celtics will win the finals and prove why they are the greatest franchise in NBA history

  • psycho_spaceman

    Posted Jul 2, 2009 6:27 pm PT

    i hate kobe...

  • tony382

    Posted Jul 2, 2009 5:43 pm PT

    Wow, that's pretty awesome. I'm definitely getting this, probably end up buying two, one LE, and the standard one to play. I don't like opening my collectors edition up.

  • WacReD

    Posted Jul 2, 2009 5:10 pm PT

    You know shanker is going to be getting this

  • ultralesus

    Posted Jul 2, 2009 1:52 pm PT

    I doubt this will make it to the UK due to poor sales of basketball games here... which is a shame. I love NBA2k and would like to get hold of that locker.

    Might concider importing it.

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