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NBA 2K18
NBA 2K18
NBA 2K18
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NBA 2K18
Revised cover art featuring Kyrie Irving
DeveloperVisual Concepts
Publisher2K
SeriesNBA 2K
PlatformsWindows
Nintendo Switch
PlayStation 3
PlayStation 4
Xbox 360
Xbox One
iOS
Android
Release
  • WW: September 19, 2017
GenreSports
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

NBA 2K18 is a 2017 basketball video game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K. It is the 19th installment in the NBA 2K franchise, the successor to NBA 2K17, and the predecessor to NBA 2K19. It was released on September 19, 2017, for Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, iOS and Android. Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics serves as cover athlete for the regular edition of the game, Shaquille O'Neal is the cover athlete for the special editions, DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors is the cover athlete for the Canadian version, and Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors is the cover athlete for NIKE Connect Special Edition. While a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers when selected for the cover, Irving was traded to the Boston Celtics prior to the game's release. As a result, a new cover depicting Irving in a Celtics uniform was revealed alongside the original cover. This was the last installment in the series to be released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

NBA 2K18, like the previous games in the series, simulates the experience of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Several game modes are present, including the team-managing MyGM and MyLeague modes, which were a considerable emphasis during development, and MyCareer, in which the player creates and plays through the career of their own player. The game features a licensed soundtrack consisting of 49 songs.

Gameplay

[edit]

NBA 2K18 is a basketball simulation game which, like the previous games in the series, strives to realistically depict the National Basketball Association (NBA), as well as present improvements over the previous installments. The player mainly plays NBA games with real-life or customized players and teams; games follow the rules and objectives of NBA games. Several game modes are present and many settings can be customized. In terms of commentary, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett appear as guest commentators.[1]

Along with the current season's teams and players, previous games in the series have featured NBA teams from past eras, such as the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls and the 1985–86 Boston Celtics. NBA 2K18 adds seventeen more such teams, including the 2007–08 Denver Nuggets and the 1998–99 New York Knicks, as well as 'All-Time Teams', teams for each franchise consisting of the greatest players in the respective franchise's history.[2][3]

A staple of the series, MyCareer, returns as one of the available game modes. MyCareer is a career mode in which the player creates their own customizable basketball player and plays through their basketball career. The mode features a storyline which plays out as the player competes in games as well as off-court activities. The creation tools have been overhauled – new hairstyles and body archetypes are available for the player to make use of, among other things.[4]

The game's returning MyGM and MyLeague game modes, which task the player with managing all basketball operations for a specific team, were a point of emphasis during development. MyGM is more focused on realism, whereas MyLeague offers more customization options. MyGM mode attempts to introduce more cutscene-style interactions than previous games in an attempt to give the mode a storyline, which is dubbed 'The Next Chapter', similar to the series' MyCareer mode. Additionally, several additions have been made to the mode which caters to the NBA's latest Collective Bargaining Agreement, and the NBA G League, the NBA's official minor league basketball organization, is present.[5][6][7]

NBA 2K18 again, for the sixth time in the series, features MyTeam mode, a mode based around the idea of building the ultimate basketball team, and maintaining a virtual trading card collection. Players assemble and play with their team in basketball tournament-style competitions against other players' teams in several different formats. Assets for a team are acquired through various means, including randomized card packs and the auction house. Virtual Currency (VC) is used extensively in the mode.[8]

The game introduces a new feature to the series, Neighborhoods, which tie into the game's MyCareer, MyPark, and ProAm game modes. In addition to allowing access to the aforementioned modes, Neighborhoods feature an open world design which players can explore while interacting with other players. Several activities can be completed to raise attributes and the player can purchase items.[9] The 2K Sports Pre-game show returned with hosts Ernie Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny "The Jet" Smith. While the in-game main commentators are Kevin Harlan and Greg Anthony with additional voices of Doris Burke, Clark Kellogg, Steve Smith, Chris Webber and Brent Barry. The sideline reporter is David Aldridge.

Development and release

[edit]

NBA 2K18 was officially confirmed in January 2017, and was released worldwide on September 19, 2017; players who pre-ordered the game received it on September 15, 2017. It is the first game in the series to be released for the Nintendo Switch;[10][11][12] it was also released for the Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and Microsoft Windows. Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics is the cover athlete.[13][14] When the game's cover was revealed, Irving was a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, but was later traded to the Celtics before the game's release.[15] As a result, developer Visual Concepts announced that a revised cover featuring Irving in a Celtics uniform would be released due to the trade.[16][17] The special edition versions of the game, which include various physical and digital extras, feature Shaquille O'Neal as the cover athlete.[18][19][20] O'Neal was previously the cover athlete of NBA 2K6 and NBA 2K7.[21][22] In Canada, DeMar DeRozan of the Toronto Raptors is the cover athlete.[23][24] Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors appears on the cover for the NIKE Connect Special Edition.[25] Like NBA 2K17, a free title for PlayStation Network and Xbox Live, called The Prelude, was made available prior to the release of the main game; in it, the player creates their MyPlayer for use in the main game's MyCareer mode.[4] On September 6, 2017, it was announced that EuroLeague will not be included for the game since both EuroLeague and NBA 2K ended their licensing agreement together.[26]

A companion app, titled MyNBA2K18, for iOS and Android is available alongside the game; it features Kristaps Porziņģis as its cover athlete.[27] Like previous games in the series, NBA 2K18 features a licensed soundtrack; it consists of 49 songs.[28] The first screenshots of the game were released in July 2017.[29] The first gameplay trailer was released on August 8, 2017. The trailer highlights the developers' attempts to improve the game's presentation; player body archetypes and faces have been overhauled and more uniforms and accessories have been scanned into the game.[4] An extended gameplay trailer was released on August 16, 2017.[30] A trailer for the game's MyCareer mode was released on August 31, 2017.[9]

Reception

[edit]

NBA 2K18 received "generally favorable" reviews for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions of the game, while the Nintendo Switch version received "mixed or average" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator website Metacritic.

In their 8.4/10 review, IGN wrote: "NBA 2K18 impresses by making players behave more like their real-life counterparts than ever before."[37] Game Informer gave it a 9/10, writing, "NBA 2K18 has a few holes in its game – the series needs to improve its writing, the ballyhooed MyCareer Neighborhood hub falls flat, and the tech powering the series is nearing retirement age. That said, boil the game down to its essentials and you have a rock-solid, well-balanced sports sim that provides an immensely entertaining shoulder-to-shoulder same-couch multiplayer experience."[35]

Polygon gave the game 7/10, praising the visuals but criticizing the reliance on microtransactions, saying: "Of course, it's no surprise that NBA 2K18 looks good; the series has looked the part since its advent on the Dreamcast, staying relevant visually and staking out its own part of basketball culture. NBA 2K18 continues the trend, capturing the feel of basketball's urban centers in The Neighborhood. It's too bad, then, that The Neighborhood is covered in ads and persistent microtransaction begging. The growing push to spend real dollars on VC impacts those looking to build even the most basic of player avatars."[38] Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the game a 6.5/10, writing: "Maybe NBA 2K18 has been the king of the court for too long and now it's getting boring. Instead of improving gameplay, it's figuring out more ways to make money through MyCareer and MyTeam. Its new Neighborhood functions as a metaphor for the entire game itself, in that it seems like a big addition to the game but you quickly realize it's pretty much just an empty shopping mall and a distraction from the actual game."[34]

The biggest issue Kotaku brought up was the amount of advertising and time wasted playing the MyCareer. In older games, the MyCareer was spent in your apartment, shooting around and buying shoes from the comfort of your bed. But in NBA 2K18, to perform a simple act such as cutting your hair or changing your shirt, you need to walk a long distance down the street. In a hub where you can meet other players but not interact with them, NBA 2K18's MyCareer mode falls flat compared to previous years. "2K18's chances of telling a good story aren't helped by the two wrong feet it sets off on. Rather than earn your spot in the NBA by playing through a college career, you're told that you're playing as someone who quit basketball to pursue a career as a DJ, and who is able to return to the game—and the NBA itself—by playing a few street games in an amateur tournament."[39] Kotaku also criticised the games exploitative, egregious microtransaction scheme.[40]

Public reception to the game has been much poorer. Since its release, it has held mostly negative to overwhelmingly negative reviews on Steam,[41] with many complaints about the large amount of in-game currency (bought with real-world money) required to play the game to an enjoyable level. Similarly, Metacritic scores from players rather than critics show scores below 2/10 for the Xbox One[42] and PS4 versions.[43] As of May 2020, it is the 17th lowest ranked game on Steam.[44]

Sales

[edit]

NBA 2K18 topped the sales charts in Australia and New Zealand.[45] It reached number 2 on the US downloads chart.[46] The game also reached number 3 in the UK sales charts.[47] In Japan, it reached number 4.[48] It made it to number 10 in the European download chart.[49] The game became the best-selling sport title of 2017.[50] 2K's parent company, Take-Two Interactive, announced that the game sold 6 million copies just a month after release.[51] As of August 2018, the game has sold 10 million copies.[52]

Accolades

[edit]

NBA 2K18 was nominated for "Best Sports/Racing Game" at The Game Awards 2017,[53] and for "Best Sports/Driving Game" at the Titanium Awards,[54] and came in third place for "Best Sports" at the Global Game Awards 2017.[55] It won the award for "Best Sports Game" at Game Informer's Best of 2017 Awards,[56] and also came in second place for the same category in their Reader's Choice Best of 2017 Awards.[57] In their 2017 Sports Game of the Year Awards, it won the awards for "Best Graphics", "Best Presentation", "Best GM/Franchise Mode", "Best New Feature" for The Next Chapter, "Biggest Disappointment", and "Best Sports Game".[58] In addition, the game won the award for "Game, Franchise Sports" at the 17th Annual National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers Awards.[59][60]

Bribery Allegations

[edit]

Although NBA 2K18 received mostly positive reviews from gaming journalists, Suddi Aran of The Sixth Axis gave the game a score of 3/10 on September 21, 2017, heavily criticizing the use of microtransactions.[61] Shortly after the review was posted, another post was added stating that they were contacted by the publisher who stated their review was a "protest vote", to which the website temporarily removed the 3/10 score, pending a response from 2K regarding the criticisms raised by Aran.[61] This led to accusations of gaming websites such as IGN being bribed by 2K Games for positive reviews. A day after the post was made, the review was re-instated, with the site stating that they have received no further word from 2K.[62]

References

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Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

NBA 2K18

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
NBA 2K18 is a developed by and published by 2K Sports. It was released on September 19, 2017, for , , , Microsoft Windows, , , , and Android. The game features of the (later traded to the ) as its cover athlete on the standard edition, with appearing on the special Legend Edition cover. As the nineteenth installment in the NBA 2K series, NBA 2K18 introduced several notable enhancements, including a revamped MyGM mode with narrative-driven storytelling elements that simulate a general manager's career challenges and decisions. The MyTeam mode received updates with a new system proficiency technology that optimizes team performance based on eight strategic systems, alongside improved pack rewards and customization options. A key addition was The Neighborhood, an open-world social hub allowing players to interact, compete in , and customize their avatars in a persistent environment. Graphical improvements, such as enhanced facial textures, realistic crowd reactions, and better uniform details, further elevated the on-court authenticity. NBA 2K18 received generally positive critical reception, earning Metacritic scores ranging from 80 for PlayStation 4 to 87 for PC, praised for its refined gameplay mechanics and immersive modes despite some criticism of microtransactions in MyTeam. The title's launch coincided with controversy over Irving's in-game uniform following his mid-summer trade, prompting 2K to release an updated cover version featuring him in a Boston Celtics jersey. It continued the series' dominance in sports gaming, selling over 10 million copies worldwide by August 2018 and solidifying NBA 2K's reputation for realistic basketball simulation.

Background and development

Announcement and production team

NBA 2K18 was first announced on January 12, 2017, when 2K confirmed its development for the , marking the series' debut on that platform, alongside a brief sizzle reel teaser. The full reveal occurred on May 8, 2017, with 2K unveiling the release date, special editions, and cover athlete details via an official and trailer. The game was developed primarily by , the studio behind the series since its inception, with 2K Sports serving as the publisher. , a of 2K, handled the core production, leveraging their expertise in simulation to iterate on previous entries. Key production leads included Mike Wang, who served as director and focused on maintaining series continuity by refining mechanics from prior titles while introducing subtle evolutions. Wang's role emphasized balancing realism and accessibility, drawing from community feedback to ensure the game's core feel aligned with the franchise's established standards. As the 19th main installment in the franchise, built directly on the foundation of , incorporating enhanced and player models to advance the series' fidelity. This continuity allowed the team to prioritize incremental improvements over major overhauls, preserving the loyal fanbase's expectations.

Key innovations and features

introduced Neighborhoods, a groundbreaking open-world that allows players to interact with others in a dynamic urban environment, integrating elements from MyCareer, MyPark, and Pro-Am modes into a seamless experience. This feature enables users to customize their MyPLAYER, engage in mini-games on various courts, and build relationships with NPCs and other players, fostering a sense of community beyond traditional gameplay. Developed by , Neighborhoods represents a significant evolution in social gaming within the series, emphasizing player agency and exploration in a basketball-themed . The MyPLAYER system received notable enhancements, including a revamped upgrade mechanic that permits attribute progression and badge earning across multiple game modes, rather than limiting it to MyCareer alone. Players can now accumulate experience points through activities in the Neighborhood, unlocking improvements in skills like , , and defense more flexibly. Additionally, new endorsement mechanics were integrated, allowing MyPLAYERs to secure brand deals—such as sponsorships—that provide (VC) bonuses based on in-game performance and popularity, adding a layer of off-court management to career progression. These changes aim to make character development more rewarding and interconnected with the game's social elements. A major content addition was the inclusion of 17 historic NBA teams alongside All-Time Teams rosters for all 30 franchises, enabling players to relive iconic lineups from past eras in various modes. The historic teams feature legendary squads like the and , while All-Time Teams assemble the greatest players in each franchise's history, such as and for the Bulls. This expansion deepens the game's historical depth, appealing to fans interested in legacy and matchup simulations. Graphics and engine updates marked a leap forward, with improved player models featuring unique body types generated from a new skeletal system that eliminates generic templates, resulting in more realistic physiques for over 400 NBA players. Animations were refined for smoother movements, particularly in and post play, by adapting and enhancing technology from previous generations to current-gen consoles, reducing reliance on pre-canned sequences for more fluid interactions. These advancements contribute to a more immersive visual experience, with enhanced lighting, textures, and crowd details elevating the overall presentation.

Release and marketing

Platforms and editions

NBA 2K18 was released across multiple platforms, including Microsoft Windows, , , , , and , marking the first entry in the series for the . The game also launched on and Android devices on September 19, 2017, providing mobile versions of core gameplay modes, with the Android version following on December 14, 2017, in select regions. It served as the final NBA 2K installment for the and , as subsequent titles dropped support for those last-generation consoles. The game was offered in several editions to cater to different player preferences. The Standard Edition provided the base experience at a $59.99 price point for current-generation consoles and PC. The Legend Edition, priced at $99.99, included exclusive content such as 100,000 Virtual Currency (VC), 20 MyTEAM packs, and physical memorabilia like posters and stickers. A higher-tier Legend Gold Edition, at $149.99, added further digital bonuses including a guaranteed Shaq MyTEAM card and additional apparel items. Regional variants included the Canadian Edition featuring of the on the cover, tailored for North American markets. Additionally, a promotional NIKE Connect Special Edition highlighted and integrated with Nike's connected jersey technology for in-game rewards. NBA 2K18 launched globally on September 19, 2017, for console, PC, and versions, with Android following on December 14, 2017, in select regions. Pre-order customers gained early access starting September 15, 2017, allowing digital downloads ahead of the full street date. A companion , MyNBA 2K18, was released for and Android to enhance the main game experience through features like face scanning and virtual currency earning. The app featured center as its cover athlete.

Cover athletes and promotion

The standard edition of NBA 2K18 featured as the cover athlete, announced on June 1, 2017, with initial artwork depicting him in a uniform. Following Irving's trade to the on August 22, 2017, developer 2K updated the cover artwork on September 7, 2017, to show him in a Celtics , ensuring alignment with his current team ahead of the game's September 19 release. Special editions highlighted other NBA figures to target diverse audiences. The Legend Edition showcased retired star on its cover, emphasizing premium content like additional virtual currency and exclusive items. of the appeared on the Canadian edition, tailoring the promotion to regional fans. Additionally, a NIKE Connect Special Edition featured of the , tying into Nike's in-game integration for customizable apparel and boosts unlocked via real-world purchases. Promotional efforts included targeted trailers and player endorsements to build hype. 2K released the "Run the Neighborhood" trailer on August 31, 2017, showcasing the open-world MyCareer hub that connected MyPark, Pro-Am, and career progression modes. Partnerships with NBA players amplified visibility, such as publicly praising the game's authenticity and lineup experimentation in a December 2017 interview, reinforcing its appeal among pros. Pre-order incentives encouraged early adoption, offering the Early Tip-Off Edition with four days of access starting September 15, 2017, 5,000 (VC), and 10 weekly MyTEAM packs containing player cards. Higher-tier editions like the Legend Edition provided enhanced bonuses, including 100,000 VC, a Shaq jersey, and additional packs, positioning the game as a must-have for collectors and competitive players.

Gameplay

Core mechanics

NBA 2K18 features a refined of , emphasizing realistic player movements through its new motion engine, which dynamically blends animations based on a player's size, acceleration, and speed to create fluid, context-aware actions on the . rely on a timing-based system where players must release the shot button at the optimal moment indicated by a shot meter, with perfect releases offering higher accuracy while incorporating random variance for realism. has been enhanced with rhythm-based controls that allow for chaining moves like crossovers and hesitations, promoting skillful ball-handling that responds to defensive pressure. Defensive AI improvements include better play recognition, such as positioning based on shooter skill and proactive contesting of shots, requiring players to actively use controls like the right stick for effective on-ball defense. The in NBA 2K18 advances ball handling and interactions through the motion system, enabling more natural between players and the ball during steals, passes, and rebounds, while court interactions like foot planting and momentum shifts contribute to authentic gameplay flow. This setup supports varied packages tailored to player attributes, ensuring collisions and bounces feel responsive without overly scripted outcomes. Audio components enhance the immersion, with a licensed soundtrack comprising 49 songs spanning hip-hop, rock, and electronic genres to accompany menus and gameplay. Broadcasts feature the standard commentary duo of Kevin Harlan and Greg Anthony, augmented by guest appearances from NBA legends Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett, who provide rotational insights and storytelling during select moments. Customization options allow players to select from a wide array of historical jerseys and arenas drawn from NBA lore, including classic uniforms like those of the and venues such as the , enabling personalized recreations of past eras in exhibition and league modes.

Game modes

NBA 2K18 offers a variety of game modes that cater to different play styles, from single-player career progression to multiplayer and casual pick-up games. These modes build on the series' foundation, integrating elements like player customization, league management, and online interactions to provide extensive replayability. The MyCareer mode serves as a narrative-driven where players create and guide a custom athlete from origins to NBA stardom. Starting with a tournament to attract scouts, players select a position, customize attributes, and progress through a rags-to-riches storyline involving team dynamics, teammate rankings, and endorsement deals for (VC) earnings. The mode emphasizes skill development to achieve high overall ratings, such as 99 OVR, through gameplay or VC purchases. MyGM and MyLeague provide franchise management experiences focused on strategic oversight. In MyGM, players act as a navigating backroom dealings with owners, staff, press, and players, incorporating real NBA rules like contracts, mid-level exceptions, cap holds, the over-38 rule, stretch provisions, G-League two-way contracts, draft rights trading, and international prospect stashing. MyLeague expands this with customizable leagues, including online options for uniforms, courts, and locations, plus mid-season addition of created players without restarting simulations; both modes support staff hiring, trades, and full season simulations. MyTeam is a collectible card-style mode for assembling dream rosters from player cards, boosts, playbooks, and uniforms obtained via packs or auctions. It introduces two new sub-modes: Pack & , a draft-style format where players build temporary teams from packs for playoff challenges, and , which adds constraints and seasonal progression to a full 13-player roster. This mode allows for online and offline play, emphasizing collection and strategic team building. The Neighborhood functions as a social open-world hub integrating multiple modes, particularly enhancing MyCareer with free-roaming in a environment for mini-games, practice sessions, shopping at stores like for gear, and multiplayer interactions with other players' avatars. It unifies elements from previous MyPark and Pro-Am modes, enabling casual events, pick-up games, and transitions to professional play without loading screens. Other modes include Quick Play (also known as Play Now), which supports one-off exhibition games against AI, online opponents, or friends with options for standard NBA rules or variations. and Blacktop offer casual, non-traditional experiences, such as pick-up games on outdoor courts with freestyle and scrimmage formats, accessible within the Neighborhood or as standalone sessions for honing skills without competitive stakes.

Reception

Critical reviews

NBA 2K18 received generally favorable reviews from critics, with aggregate scores reflecting strong praise for its core while noting persistent issues with monetization and certain modes. On , the version earned a score of 80 out of 100 based on 54 reviews, classified as "generally favorable," while the version scored 85 out of 100 from 36 reviews, also "generally favorable." The PC version scored 87 out of 100 based on 15 reviews, also "generally favorable." The port received a lower aggregate of 74 out of 100 from 15 reviews, deemed "mixed or average," primarily due to technical shortcomings. Key reviews highlighted both strengths and flaws in the game's design. awarded an 8.4 out of 10, commending the enhanced player animations and AI that made on-court action feel more immersive and realistic than in prior entries. gave it a 9 out of 10, lauding the variety and depth of game modes like MyGM and MyLeague for providing engaging strategic experiences beyond standard play. In contrast, scored it 7 out of 10, criticizing the heavy reliance on microtransactions in MyCareer that encouraged frequent purchases to progress efficiently. (EGM) issued a 2 out of 5, pointing to the lack of depth in defensive gameplay, heavy emphasis on microtransactions impacting progression, and the cluttered Neighborhood hub as an empty distraction that detracted from the overall flow. Critics commonly praised NBA 2K18 for its improved graphics and authentic , with detailed player models and fluid animations contributing to a sense of realism on the . The diverse array of modes, including refined team management options, was also highlighted as a step forward in offering replayability for different player preferences. However, criticisms focused on the repetitive nature of MyCareer, where progression often felt grindy and tied to in-game purchases, alienating some players from the story-driven elements. Platform-specific issues, such as frame rate drops and input lag on the Switch, further hampered the portable experience compared to console versions. User reception contrasted sharply with critic scores, emphasizing frustrations with microtransactions and online features. On , user scores averaged below 2 out of 10 across platforms, with the PS4 and versions at 1.9 based on hundreds of ratings, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction. The PC version on fared similarly, holding a "mostly negative" rating with approximately 39% positive reviews out of over 18,000 total submissions.

Commercial performance

NBA 2K18 achieved strong initial momentum, with over 6 million units sold-in during its first weeks following the September 2017 launch, marking a more than 20% increase over the prior year's entry. By February 2018, this figure had risen to over 8 million units, reflecting robust performance in both physical and digital formats. The game's total reached more than 10 million units by August 2018, establishing a new record for the franchise and contributing significantly to Take-Two Interactive's sports division revenue growth during fiscal year 2018. In terms of market performance, NBA 2K18 topped the weekly sales charts in and for multiple weeks following release. It secured the number 2 position on the all-format sales chart during its launch week, outperforming Pro Evolution Soccer 2018. In the United States, the title ranked as the second best-selling game overall for September 2017 and performed strongly in digital downloads. In , it debuted at number 4 on the sales charts with over 14,000 units sold on in its first week. The commercial success of NBA 2K18 bolstered 2K's position in the sports gaming market, with recurrent on the title increasing 34% year-over-year and driving overall net bookings growth for Take-Two. No major content updates were issued after , and no additional sales data has been publicly reported since the 10 million unit , aligning with the game's progression into legacy status by 2025.

Accolades

NBA 2K18 received several nominations and wins at major gaming industry award ceremonies for its sports simulation excellence. At , the game was nominated for Best Sports/Racing Game, competing alongside titles such as , , , , and Project CARS 2. The game also earned a for Best Sports/Driving Game at the Titanium Awards, part of the Fun & Serious Game Festival, where it was a finalist against , , and Project CARS 2. Among its wins, NBA 2K18 was named Best Sports Game in Game Informer's 2017 Best Of awards, praised for continuing the series' tradition of deep simulation and mode variety. Additionally, it won in the Game, Franchise Sports category at the 2017 NAVGTR Awards, recognizing its outstanding management and league-building features. Beyond formal awards, NBA 2K18 achieved high placements in year-end sports game rankings from outlets like and , where it was lauded for refined on-court mechanics and player authenticity, earning scores of 8.4/10 and 8/10 respectively.

Controversies

In September 2017, shortly after the release of NBA 2K18, a controversy erupted when developer 2K Sports contacted The Sixth Axis following the site's publication of a 3/10 review score that heavily criticized the game's pervasive microtransactions. The review, written by contributor Aran Sudduth, argued that the slow earn rate of Virtual Currency (VC) and the heavy reliance on in-game purchases undermined player enjoyment, stating that "the balance between microtransaction and what you earn in game was dragging down the potential enjoyment for players." In response, 2K requested that the site reconsider the score or mark the review as "in progress" while offering a statement about planned adjustments to VC costs, such as reducing prices for haircuts and facial hair; however, no explicit threats or bribes were reported. The review score was temporarily removed from the site for about 24 hours amid the discussions, sparking allegations of undue influence on review integrity, before being reinstated with a revised conclusion clarifying that the low score protested the monetization model rather than the core basketball gameplay. The game's Virtual Currency (VC) system drew widespread accusations of promoting a pay-to-win structure, particularly in modes like MyTeam, where players purchase packs of virtual player cards, and MyCareer, where boosts to player attributes and customizations require VC expenditure. Players begin with 6,000 VC but earn only modest amounts per game—around 500 VC for average performances—making progression grind-heavy without real-money purchases, such as $20 for 75,000 VC, which could accelerate upgrades like raising a character's overall rating from 60 to 86 after an estimated 200+ games of grinding. This led to significant player backlash, especially on PC and Steam platforms, where the system's design was labeled predatory for gating essential advancements behind microtransactions in a full-priced $60 game. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged the concerns in November 2017, noting that while VC flows more restrictively than in prior entries, the company was adjusting elements like cosmetic costs in response to feedback, even as NBA 2K18 saw a 20% sales increase and 30% rise in daily players. Additional player complaints targeted design flaws in The Neighborhood, an open-world hub integrating MyCareer and other modes, where navigation was hampered by frequent connectivity issues and data loss bugs that wiped progress, VC, badges, and custom items. For instance, post-launch Patch 1.02 in September 2017 resolved some save corruptions but failed to recover lost data for affected users, forcing manual support tickets for compensation like cloned player profiles and 35,000 VC locker codes. No major patches were issued after June 2018's update 1.11, which focused on stability and pre-order promotions for the sequel, leaving lingering issues unaddressed as online servers remained operational without significant overhauls. These monetization practices in NBA 2K18 contributed to broader series-wide scrutiny by 2025, as lawsuits against alleged that the VC system and random reward mechanics, such as MyTeam packs, exploited psychological triggers to foster and compulsive spending, particularly among minors, leading to and financial harms.

References

  1. https://www.ign.com/wikis/nba-2k18/
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  4. https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/29/16059956/nba-2k18-mygm-story-my-league/
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  7. https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/nba-2k18-vs-nba-live-18s-face-scanning-feature/2900-1491/
  8. https://www.metacritic.com/game/nba-2k18/
  9. https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/23/16193398/kyrie-irving-nba-2k18-second-cover-celtics-jersey/
  10. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nba-2k18-reaches-ten-million-units-sold
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  13. https://www.nba-live.com/nbalivewiki/index.php/NBA_2K18
  14. https://hoopsvilla.com/nba-2k18/dev-blog-gameplay/
  15. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2017/08/16/nba-2k18-gameplay-dev-diary-breaking-down-new-dribbling-passing-shooting-and-defense-features/
  16. https://stevivor.com/features/interviews/visual-concepts-on-nba-2k18-and-its-open-world-neighborhood/
  17. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2017/08/04/nba-2k18-hands-on-impressions-gameplay-graphics-and-animation/
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  19. https://www.si.com/nba/2017/08/11/nba-2k18-all-time-teams-list
  20. https://www.sbnation.com/2017/8/22/16183740/nba-2k18-classic-teams-tracker
  21. https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/how-nba-2k18-got-its-insane-next-gen-graphics/
  22. https://www.androidauthority.com/nba-2k18-released-823744/
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnAVKQ5FP-c
  24. https://www.gamestop.com/video-games/products/nba-2k18-legend-edition/10148345.html
  25. https://www.nba2k.org/2017/06/nba2k18-game-editions.html
  26. https://www.sbnation.com/2017/7/6/15928862/demar-derozan-nba-2k18-cover-athlete-toronto-raptors
  27. https://www.reddit.com/r/NBA2k/comments/7ijgxt/ronnie2k_the_nba2k18_nike_connect_special_edition/
  28. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2017/05/08/nba-2k18-release-date-legend-edition-pre-order-details-and-shaquille-oneal-cover-revealed/
  29. https://www.operationsports.com/porzingis-gets-mynba-2k18-companion-app-cover-releases-prior-nba-2k18-prelude/
  30. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2017/08/29/kristaps-porzingis-named-the-new-cover-athlete-for-mynba-2k-online-companion-app/
  31. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/nba-2k18-unveils-kyrie-irving-as-the-cover-athlete-for-this-years-upcoming-game
  32. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2731966-kyrie-irving-nba-2k18-cover-updated-after-trade-to-celtics-from-cavaliers
  33. https://www.espn.com/sportsnation/story/_/page/170907_QTPIrving2k/nba-2k18-debuts-new-cover-kyrie-irving-donning-boston-celtics-jersey
  34. https://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2017/8/6/16103646/nba-2k18-ratings-features-release-date-updates-cover
  35. https://www.fanduel.com/research/theduel/nba-2k-cover-history-full-list-every-nba-2k-cover-athlete-allen-iverson-kobe-bryant-shaquille-o-neal-01faganc3px3
  36. https://hypebeast.com/2017/9/nba-2k18-mycareer-run-the-neighborhood
  37. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2017/12/06/lebron-james-gives-nba-2k18-the-most-epic-shout-out-and-endorsement/
  38. https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2017/05/08/nba-2k18-is-now-available-for-digital-pre-order-and-pre-download-on-xbox-one/
  39. https://www.operationsports.com/nba-2k18-hands-impressions-revamped-player-motion-ball-physics-mydynasty-game-informer/
  40. https://www.nba2klab.com/nba2k-how-has-shooting-changed
  41. https://www.operationsports.com/nba-2k18-ai-improvements-blog-scott-ogallagher/
  42. https://nba2kw.com/nba-2k18-gameplay-improvements-dribbling-passing-motion-engine-signature-layup-packages-more
  43. https://cogconnected.com/review/nba-2k18-review/
  44. https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/other-sports/news/kobe-bryant-kevin-garnett-join-nba-2k18-commentary-team-2k/18j50gycsy5mmze08kgq0sjpq
  45. https://www.operationsports.com/nba-2k18-mygm-myleague-details-screenshots/
  46. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nba-2k18-review/1900-6416773/
  47. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nba-2k18s-revamped-mygm-mode-includes-lots-of-new-/1100-6452093/
  48. https://www.operationsports.com/nba-2k18-myteam-trailer-details-2-new-modes-draft-mode-super-max/
  49. https://www.dualshockers.com/nba-2k18-kyrie-irving-celtics/
  50. https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/nba-2k18
  51. https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/nba-2k18
  52. https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/nba-2k18
  53. https://www.metacritic.com/game/nintendo-switch/nba-2k18
  54. https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/09/20/nba-2k18-review
  55. https://www.gameinformer.com/games/nba_2k18/b/xboxone/archive/2017/09/20/making-another-run.aspx
  56. https://www.egmnow.com/nba-2k18-review/
  57. https://store.steampowered.com/app/577800/NBA_2K18/
  58. https://www.pastapadre.com/2018/02/07/nba-2k18-breaks-sales-and-revenue-records-for-the-series
  59. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nba-2k18-tops-the-weekly-aunz-sales-charts/1100-6453647/
  60. https://www.mcvuk.com/business-news/retail/nba-2k18-pips-pes-2018-to-no-2-while-destiny-2-remains-in-top-spot/
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  62. https://www.siliconera.com/week-sales-pokkn-tournament-dx-takes-marvel-vs-capcom-infinite-debut-battle/
  63. https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/t/NASDAQ_TTWO_2018.pdf
  64. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/all-the-2017-game-awards-nominees/1100-6454944/
  65. https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-list-of-finalist-candidates-for-the-titanium-awards-at-fun-serious-is-unveiled-7cc93e3fdebb063817832b1916c4367a/
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  67. https://navgtr.org/2017-awards/
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  69. https://kotaku.com/nba-2k18-is-riddled-with-microtransactions-1818554307
  70. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nba-2k18-microtransaction-concerns-acknowledged-by/1100-6454757/
  71. https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2017/09/19/nba-2k18s-mycareer-problem-is-ruining-the-neighborhood-but-heres-what-2k-plans-to-do-to-fix-it/
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  73. https://trulaw.com/video-game-addiction-lawsuit/2k-lawsuit/
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