Tag Archives: MyLEAGUE Online

Episode #396 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Derek (aka Dee4Three) and I are your hosts for this weekly podcast that’s all about basketball gaming.

We were pleasantly surprised when this week’s Monday Tip-Off, which discussed the rising cost of MyCAREER, gained some traction on Twitter. There was a lot of agreement, but predictably also some apologist replies, prompting us to respond. Nevertheless, we’re grateful that the article resonated with our fellow gamers! We also catch up on the NLSC NBA Live 10 Tournament, and discuss our recent gripes with MyTEAM in the Current Gen version of NBA 2K22. Elsewhere, a retro kick in NBA 2K14’s MyCAREER may be ending, but not before the discovery of a rather nasty bug that some gamers may have overlooked all those years ago. On the bright side, dabbling with MyGM has inspired an overdue return to franchise gaming, which we’re both passionate about.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:03:27 — 43.9MB)

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Join in the conversation in the comments below, or here in the Forum! Additionally, feel free to hit us up with any feedback on the episode, as well as mailbag questions and topic suggestions for future shows. For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. The show also comes out on our YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe for future episodes and other video content.

The latest Courtside Report (aka Developer Blog) provides a breakdown of what to expect from MyNBA in NBA 2K22. For those who are unaware, MyNBA is the Next Gen franchise mode that encompasses the MyLEAGUE, MyLEAGUE Online, and MyGM experiences found on Current Gen. As such, the blog only applies to the Next Gen version of NBA 2K22.

Key enhancements this year include MySTAFF, a new approach to managing team staff from coaches and scouts to front office executives. Team and player training has been revamped, along with improved spreadsheet views. Three new pre-built expansion teams have also been added, along with conditional coaching options when simulating games.

Once again, I’ve summarised the key information point-by-point below. What are your thoughts on MyNBA in NBA 2K22 Next Gen? Have your say in the comments, and join in the discussion here in the Forum! As per the previously released schedule, this is the final developer insight that’s been announced, though it’s possible we’ll see some additional previews and teasers before NBA 2K22 is released this Friday.

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Episode #388 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Derek (aka Dee4Three) and I are your hosts for this weekly podcast that’s all about basketball gaming.

It’s the second and final part of the triumphant return of Leftos to the show! In Part 2, we discuss the impact and importance of the community wishlists. On that note, we’ve got some suggestions for further customisation in MyNBA. Leftos reveals some interesting insights into a few of the programming challenges he’s faced so far, the reasons behind certain design choices, and some of the technical roadblocks that stand in the way of adding new features. He also talks about what it’s been like to develop video games during the pandemic, and names his favourite NBA 2K game that he’s worked on so far.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:25:37 — 59.2MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Join in the conversation in the comments below, or here in the Forum! Additionally, feel free to hit us up with any feedback on the episode, as well as mailbag questions and topic suggestions for future shows. For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. The show also comes out on our YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe for future episodes and other video content.

Episode #387 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Derek (aka Dee4Three) and I are your hosts for this weekly podcast that’s all about basketball gaming.

It’s the Return of Leftos! The former NLSC Team member and original host of the show joins us to talk about his eight years working at Visual Concepts, where he is now the Lead Software Engineer Backend on the NBA 2K series. We talk about his work on the game’s various franchise modes, and the dedication to the franchise experience even as modes such as MyCAREER and MyTEAM have become more popular. The concept of realism in franchise modes is also brought up, along with Leftos’ background in basketball. Oh, and the importance of adding some unruly geese in The City.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:31:13 — 63.0MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Join in the conversation in the comments below, or here in the Forum! Additionally, feel free to hit us up with any feedback on the episode, as well as mailbag questions and topic suggestions for future shows. For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. The show also comes out on our YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe for future episodes and other video content.

We’re at midcourt, and the ball is about to go up…it’s Monday Tip-Off! Start your week here at the NLSC with a feature that’s dedicated to opinions, commentary, and other fun stuff related to NBA Live, NBA 2K, and other basketball video games. This week, I’m tipping things off with a frank discussion of how we can be ignorant about game design, particularly when it comes to programming.

Although I gained some experience with programming way back in high school, I’m not a programmer or software engineer. I’m not fluent in code, nor do I have any experience in developing or designing video games. Like a majority of people that play video games, I’m just a consumer; an outsider when it comes to the industry. I say this because I don’t want to present myself as an infallible expert or come off as though I see myself as superior to anyone else. After all, I disdain a content creator with a massive ego and foolhardy overconfidence in their knowledge and expertise.

With that being said, and at the risk of sounding egotistical or pretentious, I do know a thing or two. Aside from dabbling with programming at school and messing around with computers both professionally and recreationally, I’ve spoken to people who do know what they’re talking about. Running the NLSC for the past twenty years has granted me opportunities to gain insights into the development of basketball video games, and some of the technical aspects of game design. A recent Forum post asking about Next Gen features in the Current Gen version of NBA 2K reminded me of some misunderstandings about game design, and inspired me to provide some explanations.

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Episode #348 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! Derek (aka Dee4Three) and I are your hosts for this week’s show.

Patch 1.05 is the fourth update for NBA 2K21 Current Gen since it was released, leading us to reflect on the game’s post-release support, and a major issue that still hasn’t been fixed. In NBA 2K21 Next Gen news, this week we learned about The City in MyCAREER, and the revamped franchise experience in MyNBA. The City brings to mind certain lyrics from Goldfinger’s “Superman” as far as our reactions to it, but we like what we hear when it comes to the replacement for MyLEAGUE, MyGM, and MyLEAGUE Online. That leads us to touch upon the impact of former community members now working at Visual Concepts, and some of the troubling attitudes towards them. Finally, the mailbag is back! We answer a couple of questions about the state of NBA Live, and the need for dedicated Community Managers.

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:39:20 — 68.3MB)

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What’s your take on this week’s conversation? Sound off in the comments section below, or join in the discussion here in the Forum! Additionally, feel free to hit us up with any feedback on the episode, as well as mailbag questions and topic suggestions for future episodes. For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki. The show also comes out on our YouTube channel, so be sure to subscribe for future episodes and other video content.

I’m a little late in posting this, but the latest developer blog has given us an insight into MyNBA. MyNBA is the new franchise mode in NBA 2K21 Next Gen, combining and replacing MyLEAGUE, MyLEAGUE Online, and MyGM.

Although the new mode is a combination of the previous three, fans of each experience will be able to find what they’re looking for thanks to its deep customisation. The RPG elements of MyGM can be toggled on or off as desired, and the sandbox experience of MyLEAGUE remains. The new Play With Friends option takes the mode online, while Ranked play limits the amount of customisation. Tattoos for generated players have returned, and the number of teams can also be reduced to as few as 12.

I’ve posted a breakdown of the blog below, but be sure to check out the original post for the full scoop. Got any thoughts? Share them in the comments below, and join in the discussion here in the Forum! Dee4Three and I will also be sharing our thoughts on the MyNBA blog in this week’s episode of the NLSC Podcast, so stay tuned.

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Episode #303 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! This week, Dee4Three and I discuss a mysterious new patch for NBA 2K19, our appreciation for franchise gaming, and how the preferences of basketball gamers have evolved over the years.

A new patch has come through for the console versions of NBA 2K19. There aren’t any patch notes or any word on what it might entail, leaving us to speculate on what it’s all about. We also talk about gamers returning to NBA 2K19 and other older games, as well as the possibility of servers being turned back on. After touching on some issues with toxic attitudes in basketball gaming, we dive into the topic of franchise modes. They were once the premiere attraction in NBA titles, but have since been surpassed by career modes and the connected experiences. We reflect on how preferences came to shift, while also noting that franchise gaming still has plenty to offer. We’ve also got some advice for enjoying franchise modes, and share fond memories of putting on our virtual GM suits.

Tune in below!

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 2:32:49 — 87.5MB)

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What are your thoughts on franchise gaming in NBA Live and NBA 2K? Sound off in the comments section below, or join in the discussion here in the Forum! Additionally, feel free to hit us up with any feedback on the episode, as well as suggestions for topics that you’d like to hear us discuss in future episodes. For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki.

Episode #258 of the NLSC Podcast is out now! We’re back on the air after taking an unexpected break last week, giving us a fortnight of news to discuss. Join Arcane and I as we chat about the recent developments in basketball gaming including female Create-a-Player in NBA Live 19, the first developer blog for NBA 2K19, and the big announcement regarding NBA 2K Playgrounds 2.

On this week’s show…

• EA Sports has announced the addition of Female Create-a-Player in NBA Live 19. It’s a cool addition to The One, though predictably, there have been some childish reactions to the news.
• While we still want to hear about the NBA side of things in NBA Live 19, a few other interesting tidbits have been revealed, including court customisation. A recent interview also acknowledged the possibility of NBA Live returning to the PC platform.
• The first NBA 2K19 developer blog delivered some great news about MyLEAGUE, MyGM, and MyLEAGUE Online. While we’ve been conditioned to take developer blogs with a grain of salt, it seems that a lot of great work has gone into the franchise experience this year.
• Looking back at last year’s preview season, we expect the flow of information to be steadier from here on out. We talk a little about some of the details we want to hear about.
• We now know that 2K Sports will be publishing NBA Playgrounds 2, now titled NBA 2K Playgrounds 2. It remains to be seen what it’ll mean for the game, and we do have some concerns. Also, we’d like to see EA bring NBA Jam back.
• Episode #258 of the NLSC Podcast wraps up with a quick chat about some recent NBA news, including Dwyane Wade’s future and new team branding.

Click Play to listen to the show!

Download or play on your mobile device/tablet: CLICK HERE (Running time: 1:01:19 — 42.2MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Have some thoughts on the latest episode? Got a mailbag question or topic suggestion for the next show? Sound off in the comments section below, or join in the discussion here in the Forum! For more information on the NLSC Podcast including episode guides, check out this page in our Wiki.

The first developer blog for NBA 2K19 has revealed details on MyLEAGUE, MyLEAGUE Online, and MyGM in this year’s game. Given the depth of NBA 2K’s franchise modes, it may seem difficult to imagine how they could get much better, but it appears that there will be some very nice enhancements in NBA 2K19.

With such a comprehensive blog, it’s difficult to summarise all of the new information and do it justice, but here’s a quick overview of what Senior Producer Erick Boenisch had to say:

• MyLEAGUE Online now reflects the offline experience, complete with full contracts (no more Keeper system) and comprehensive front office management. League admins have the ability to set the duration for completing offseason tasks, and participants have access to more information, such as who is currently online.
• Even more sliders have been added, allowing us to tune more aspects of MyLEAGUE. New sliders include various aspects of trade logic, salary expectations, and player progression. There is an incredible amount of customisation potential here, from teams and players to individual attributes.
• Create-a-Player has been enhanced, both for custom Draft Classes and CAPs in general. New face sculpting tools have been added, and created player templates can be shared via Player DNA.
• MyGM is now more flexible. In addition to a story-driven approach (“The Saga Continues”), we can now choose to play MyGM without a story. The traditional MyGM experience is also more flexible and customisable.
• The Draft has been enhanced with commentary and analysis. The new Draft Lottery system is also incorporated.
• Other additions and updates in terms of accuracy and depth include traded player exceptions, another year’s worth of draft picks to trade, new rule changes (and the ability to choose your own), user-chosen awards (overriding the sim engine’s picks), the new formats for the All-Star Game and Summer League, and additional tracking menus.
• A new Player Mentorship system will allow veteran players to have an impact on the development of younger players.
• There will be pre-created Draft Classes featuring historical players: 1960, 1965, 1969, 1970, 1974, and 1976-2017. These ready-made Classes can also be customised.

That’s just a very brief overview, so be sure to check out the blog for the full scoop. Some screenshots of MyLEAGUE, MyLEAGUE Online, and MyGM were also posted in the blog. Check them out below, as well as in our NBA 2K19 Screenshots gallery. Brian Mazique of Forbes.com also had an opportunity to speak with Erick Boenisch about the improvements to all three franchise modes. Check out the video below, or here on YouTube.

What are your thoughts on the first developer blog? Are you looking forward to playing these modes? Have your say in the comments section below, and join in the discussion here in the NLSC Forum.

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The first developer blog for NBA 2K18 has been posted, and it’s a treat for fans of franchise modes. Written by Senior Producer Erick Boenisch, it describes the changes and improvements to MyLEAGUE, MyLEAGUE Online, and MyGM in great detail. A quick breakdown is as follows:

• MyGM (now titled MyGM: The Next Chapter) will now feature a story, similar to MyCAREER. Gamers will still retain control over gameplay and team building features. It will also have a few more customisation options.
• MyLEAGUE will retain its large suite of customisation features, and familiar sandbox approach.
• The 2017 NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement will be accurately reflected, including aspects such as Super Max Contracts, updated salary figures, Stretch Provisions, Two-Way Contracts, the Hardship Exception, and so on. New rule changes such as the number of timeouts have also been implemented.
• G-League (formerly the D-League) Integration. No G-League games are playable, but players can be sent there to help with their development.
• The Free Agent Moratorium is in the game. As in real life, no signings will be made official during that period, but you can come to binding verbal agreements with players. Cap holds and renounced rights are also now included.
• International Draftees can remain overseas, and rights to players can be traded during the Draft. Draft Class generation has also been improved.
• Re-branding options have been enhanced with additions such as alternate uniforms, and the ability to redesign a team’s court without also redesigning the whole arena. Relocation and re-branding options are also available in MyLEAGUE Online, and there are new cities to relocate to.
• All-Star Game hosts will be selected each offseason, and will have their own generated designs, rather than generic All-Star courts.
• Players will have attributes that determine how frequently they wear each type of accessory (Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, Always). Jumpshot Creator can also be used for any player, quick editing has been expanded, and created players can be added to a MyLEAGUE game already in progress.
• The ability to practice plays is back.
• There is a new Analytics Tool, better functionality when searching for community creations, and other features that make various customisation and administration tasks easier.

Check out the blog for the full scoop! A few screenshots were also released with the blog, which you can check out below, or here in our NBA 2K18 Screenshots Gallery. Got any thoughts? Feel free to share them in the comments below, as well as here in the NBA 2K18 section of the NLSC Forum.

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Erick Boenisch has posted a deep-dive developer blog on MyLEAGUE, MyLEAGUE Online, and MyGM in NBA 2K17. Needless to say, it’s a must-read for franchise gamers! If you missed his earlier blog on league expansion, you should also check that out here.

In the newest blog, Erick talks about building on the foundation they established with MyLEAGUE Online in NBA 2K16. This year’s mode takes more of fantasy league approach, rather than utilising contracts and salaries. Players instead have a number of “Keeper years”, and GMs are able to keep a set number of players, as long as the players have one Keeper year left. The Draft allows GMs to either choose incoming rookies, or free agent players. Admins also have more control over the league, from unretiring players and customising Keeper settings to importing Draft Classes.

Erick also runs down the different mode options, including returning features such as Playoffs, Season, and Start Today, and the new option of redoing the 2016 offseason. Any uniform updates that are pushed through will also be available in existing MyLEAGUE and MyGM saves, so there’ll be no need to start over to make use of those assets.

In regards to the rule changes between seasons, few are likely to get approved, and it is possible to override and disable them. Examples of rule changes include the number of players selected for the All-Star Game, shot clock length, number of seconds the offense has to advance past halfcourt, and foul limits. Draft pick protections and the ability to swap picks in Draft Day trades are also confirmed, along with jersey retirements.

Trades can now happen throughout the offseason, though the rule that newly signed players can’t be traded before December 15th is in effect. Improvements have also been made to the offseason trade logic, with more factors going into whether or not a trade is accepted. It’s now also easier to swap or assume control of multiple teams, even after starting a MyLEAGUE game. However, MyGM is still restricted to one team. Roster editing is easier, with the ability to edit all player ratings from a single screen, rather than having to edit players individually. Staff editing is also available outside of MyLEAGUE and MyGM.

Team Rivals have been implemented, tracking overall win-loss records and affecting atmosphere during gameplay. Record tracking has been expanded, and Draft Classes can be imported while a season is on-going. Scouting logic and trade rumours have been improved, and several new rules and free agency clauses have been added, such as the veteran’s minimum, “Derrick Rose Rule”, re-trading rule, and so on. A lot of additions have been made and tweaking done in the name of, as Erick puts it, “Innovation. Authenticity. Engagement.”, which is great news.

Be sure to check out the blog for the full scoop. Got any thoughts, franchise gamers? Have your say in the comments section below, and join in the discussion here in the NBA 2K17 section of the Forum.

Mike Lowe of Operation Sports had an opportunity to visit Visual Concepts’ studios this week, where he received an advanced sneak peak at NBA 2K17. He’s been able to share a lot of juicy information about this year’s game, in a post that you can read here over on OS.

There’s far too much information for me to summarise in just a few points, and I don’t want to just flat out copy and paste an entire article, so be sure to check out OS for the full scoop. However, a quick overview of some of the highlights is as follows:

• There’s been a huge emphasis on enhancing video and audio accuracy in NBA 2K17, from shoes to the commentary team.
• Blacktop features more customisation options, and improved matchmaking. Matchmaking has also been improved in Play Now Online.
• Moments cards and Challenges in MyTEAM will be coming through a lot quicker, there will be a prize board, and users can pick a Free Agent card upon starting MyTEAM.
• MyLEAGUE and MyGM have received under-the-hood enhancements to AI and logic, as well as the addition of protected picks, the ability to start in the 2016 offseason, changes to league rules and the CBA, and much more.
• MyLEAGUE Online will feature more admin options this year.
• Custom jumpshots are back, there’s a new off-ball collision system, the post-game has been revamped, and there’s been an emphasis on smooth animations.
• Team owners in 2K Pro-Am will feature a roster of ten, and the owner doesn’t need to be present to play. However, teams do need to level up to use advanced customisation features.

Once again, be sure to check out Mike’s article over on Operation Sports for all the details. What’s your take on the latest information? Sound off in the comments below, and join in the discussion taking place here in the NBA 2K17 section of the NLSC Forum!