NBA 2K24, developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports, is the latest installment in the long-running basketball simulation franchise. Released in September 2023 to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the series, NBA 2K24 features none other than the legendary Kobe Bryant as its cover athlete. Built on the continued promise of realism, deeper gameplay systems, and immersive experiences, NBA 2K24 aims to push the limits of both competitive and casual basketball gaming across platforms. Yet, as with past entries, it also invites discussions about microtransactions, grind-heavy modes, and innovation fatigue.
1 A Tribute to Kobe Bryant and the 25th Anniversary
NBA 2K24 celebrates Kobe Bryant with two dedicated editions: the Kobe Bryant Edition and the Black Mamba Edition. These editions include themed cosmetics and MyTeam bonuses, but more importantly, they honor his legacy through Mamba Moments—a gameplay feature that lets players relive Kobe’s most iconic performances. From his 81-point game against the Raptors to his early playoff heroics, Mamba Moments serve as a nostalgic journey for fans and a welcome single-player challenge mode.
2 Gameplay Improvements and ProPLAY Technology
The biggest technical leap in NBA 2K24 is the implementation of ProPLAY—a new animation system that uses real-life NBA footage to translate directly into in-game movements. This gives animations for dribbling, shooting, and defensive reactions a more lifelike feel. Players like Steph Curry now move with signature flair, while big men like Jokic and Embiid display distinct post styles. Shooting also feels more consistent thanks to timing windows that adapt based on fatigue and coverage, making gameplay both strategic and skill-based.
3 MyCAREER – The G.O.A.T. Pursuit Mode
In NBA 2K24’s MyCAREER, players create a custom athlete with the goal of becoming the greatest of all time. Set in a condensed but visually impressive City environment on next-gen consoles, MyCAREER combines cinematic storytelling, brand partnerships, and lifestyle elements. Players can engage in quests, participate in events, and build their legacy through endorsements and fan following. On current-gen platforms, the mode is simplified but retains the essential grind of earning VC and improving attributes.
4 The City and Neighborhood Experience
Exclusive to next-gen consoles, The City is more streamlined in NBA 2K24 compared to previous entries. Travel is faster, menus are more accessible, and key locations like Pro-Am, REC, and MyTEAM arenas are easier to find. The Neighborhood on current-gen platforms features a seaside location called “The Yard,” which offers an arcade-style hub for park games and events. Both hubs offer seasonal content, new cosmetics, and community tournaments.
5 MyTEAM – Card Collecting and Lineup Strategy
MyTEAM returns with familiar modes like Domination, Clutch Time, Unlimited, and Triple Threat. NBA 2K24 introduces salary cap modes to encourage lineup variety and more balanced matchmaking. Card art and animations have seen upgrades, and cross-progression between console generations is a welcome feature. However, microtransactions remain a controversial aspect, as premium packs and token markets heavily favor paying players over grinders.
6 The W and Women’s Basketball Integration
The W in NBA 2K24 expands the women’s basketball experience. Players can create their own WNBA star, compete in league seasons, and build a personal brand. Gameplay improvements, such as smoother animations and AI tweaks, elevate the realism of women’s basketball. However, The W still lacks depth and content compared to MyCAREER, which limits its long-term engagement potential for fans of the women’s game.
7 Online Play and Cross-Platform Support
NBA 2K24 introduces limited crossplay functionality between PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S platforms in specific modes like MyTEAM and online head-to-head. This marks a huge step forward for the franchise, enhancing matchmaking and community interaction. Stability has improved significantly, though occasional lag in The REC and Park games persists. Crossplay does not yet extend to PC or current-gen consoles, leaving some players disconnected from the broader community.
8 Monetization and VC Economy
VC (Virtual Currency) remains the backbone of progression across modes. Players earn VC through games, sponsorships, and daily rewards, but the grind is substantial. Upgrading a MyPLAYER to competitive levels often requires either dozens of hours or real-world spending. This monetization model continues to draw criticism, particularly from younger players and parents. Despite this, 2K has made minor adjustments to daily rewards and challenge incentives to ease the grind slightly.
9 Graphics, Soundtrack, and Presentation
Visually, NBA 2K24 stands as the best-looking game in the series. Player models are more detailed, lighting is dynamic, and arenas feel alive with fan reactions and ambient noise. Commentary teams remain sharp, though occasional repetition occurs. The soundtrack features a curated blend of hip-hop, pop, and R&B, with new tracks added seasonally. The presentation mimics broadcast realism, complete with highlight reels, timeouts, and coach interviews.
10 Community Feedback and Live Service Model
NBA 2K24 continues its live service approach with seasonal updates that include new content, challenges, and rewards. The player community remains active across YouTube, Reddit, and Twitch, offering feedback, critiques, and meta-building guides. 2K developers engage periodically through Courtside Reports and social media, though transparency about changes and patch notes is not always consistent. Balancing issues, glitches, and server maintenance are common complaints post-launch, but patches typically address them within weeks.
Conclusion A Beautiful Game with Familiar Frustrations
NBA 2K24 offers the most refined basketball gameplay experience yet, with ProPLAY technology setting a new standard for animation realism. Mamba Moments add emotional depth and nostalgic value, while crossplay and streamlined features improve accessibility. However, the continued reliance on VC-driven progression and pay-to-win mechanics in MyTEAM and MyCAREER dampens the experience for many. For fans of the series, NBA 2K24 is a technical triumph and a worthy tribute to Kobe Bryant. For newcomers, it’s both a great entry point and a reminder that skill still comes at a price.
Final Rating 4.2 out of 5
