The latest edition of NBA 2K offers extensive WNBA content around rookies

The latest edition of NBA 2K offers extensive WNBA content around rookies

The essentials: Long-running sports video game franchise NBA 2K yesterday announced major WNBA in-game upgrades for its upcoming title NBA 2K25, offering players innovative offerings centered around the league's greatest players. Rise Up.

The story: The NBA video game series has released games annually since 1999, but did not introduce a WNBA component until 2008. 2019. Starting with the 2020 edition, users could create customizable players and compete against the W's 12 teams. The gameplay evolved in the years that followed.

  • Candace Parker became the first W athlete to grace the cover of NBA 2K in 2021, while A'ja Wilson will be the game's first global WNBA cover athlete this year. Notably, Wilson comes into the game with an OVR of 99, the highest rating for a WNBA player in 2K history. This girl is on top form.

The updates: NBA 2K25 launches next month and will build on the WNBA's Pursuit of Greatness story mode, which allows users to play through an in-game story. This time, players will compete against Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese in the race for 2024 Rookie of the Year. Other updates include the ability to mentor other players during gameplay, as well as fully voiced WNBA press conferences.

The why: In May, GameRant Criticisms have been highlighted about NBA 2K's WNBA mode, which has historically had fewer game modes and simpler avatars compared to the NBA version. However, some criticisms still seem to be unanswered – players have described difficulties playing W games online, with users suggesting that it only works on PS5 consoles.

Zoom out: The WNBA has experienced explosive growth this season, and the infrastructure often struggles to respond in real time. But that's not the case with modern video games, which can release new editions, software updates, and expansion packs that entice users to stay in the game.

  • Bringing W players into the NBA 2K world is one thing, but bringing rookies like Clark and Reese into a game mode dedicated to the pursuit of greatness reinforces the narrative that She are the stars to watch and are proven to bring more money and attention to the league. There is no delay here.