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MLB 2K13 review: Shameless
"Milwaukee Brewers closer John Axford has a sweet mustache. The commentary team in Major League Baseball 2K12, Steve Phillips, Gary Thorne, and John Kruk even spend time talking about it when he's on the mound, throwing strikes. Yes, dialogue was recorded specifically to discuss the pitcher's facial hair – and yet Axford's player model is clean-shaven with some average-joe sideburns."So began my review of MLB 2K12 a year ago, though it could just as easily serve as a fitting introduction for a review of MLB 2K13. Axford's facial hair hasn't changed in MLB 2K13 – and neither has the game. I take that back: The Online Leagues feature has been removed, the Houston Astros are now in the AL and Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price is on the cover. There, I think we're pretty much all caught up.
Take-Two officially takes over WWE license, WWE 2K14 coming in fall
We knew this was coming last week, but now it's official: Take-Two is now the holder of the WWE license. The first game to come from the new WWE publisher is due this fall, titled WWE '14 – in line with 2K Sports' branding of sports games. [Update: The original ESPN source cited a name change, but Take-Two's press release confirms the new game will be called WWE '14.] Take-Two struck a five-year deal with WWE, WWE executive vice president of consumer products Casey Collins confirmed to ESPN. The previous WWE license holder was THQ, who has been pumping out wrasslin' games since 1999. THQ has since become no more, forced to sell off all its assets to the highest bidder – but before that silent auction, THQ and WWE got together to hold private bidding for the license. According to Collins, Take-Two was the right fit, a publisher he sees as "a leader going forward on these next-gen systems." Not only that, but Take-Two's success with the NBA 2K series also spurred interest, Collins said. "The work they do, and the quality of the games they put out and how they've been able to grow their franchise with not only the simulation aspect of the game, but also the entertainment aspect, we thought they'd be a perfect partner." WWE '14 will launch this fall, a joint collaboration between 2K Sports studio Visual Concepts and longtime WWE series developer Yukes, located in Japan. As part of this five-year deal, Take-Two has also hired on some designers from THQ to work with Visual Concepts. "What we're going to do moving forward is meld Yukes with the team at Visual Concepts, so we can have the best of both worlds," Collins said. "Having Yukes' experience and then getting the Visual Concepts guys on board with them, we think this is going to be a dynamic duo." Collins confirmed that folks from THQ's "Fight Team" were being hired at Take-Two to help Visual Concepts with the transition. "The THQ Fight Team is also being brought over, and they'll report directly to Visual Concepts. Their experience in the marketing, their experience in the development, their experience with our franchise for years ... we thought that it was very valuable to keep that continuity." [Note: Image taken from WWE '13, but you probably knew that because it says WWE '13 right on the image.
NBA 2K13 and MLB 2K13 bundle puts sports in your sports
2K Sports announced a special NBA 2K13 and MLB 2K13 bundle today for Xbox 360 and PS3, which will retail for $79.99 when MLB 2K13 launches on March 5. The bundle saves players a whopping $20, as a new copy of NBA 2K13 can be picked up on Amazon for $39.99.2K Sports bundled the two series together last year as well, packaging NBA 2K12 and MLB 2K12 up for $69.99. One of the differences this year revolved around the uncertainty of MLB 2K13 even existing until it was announced in January, as 2K Sports' licensing agreement with MLB was slated to expire last year. Click past the break to check out the 2K13 bundle cover, which features cover athletes David Price and Kevin Durant.
Take-Two to publish WWE games pending court approval
Take-Two Interactive is set to enter a publishing deal for WWE games, confirming a previous report. IGN obtained a quote from the parent company of 2K Games, 2K Sports and Rockstar that it expects to take over the license previously held by defunct publisher THQ."At this time, the agreement is pending court approval and we anticipate that it will be finalized shortly," a company representative told IGN. "We are very excited about the potential of this agreement and will have more to share at the appropriate time."Take-Two plans to keep developer Yukes on to helm the franchise. The exact financial terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed. WWE isn't the only thing Take-Two picked up from the collapse of THQ, spending $10.9 million on Turtle Rock's still secret Evolve during the asset auction last month.
NBA 2K13 gets into the All-Star spirit with a week of sales
The 2013 NBA All-Star game kicks off on February 15, and to celebrate 2K Sports is hosting a weeklong sale on NBA 2K13 content, from February 12 - 19. Included in the sale is the game itself, for 50 percent off – $30 in the US for Xbox 360 and PS3, and $10 for PSP. The iOS and Android version is $3, down from $8.The "All Star Presented by Sprite" content pack is half-off, for 200 MSP on Xbox 360 or $2.50 on PS3, and snag 10,000 virtual currency for 120 MSP or $1.50. All sale content offered for Sony devices is available in North America only.Play ball! Er – start dribbling! Oh, shut up.
MLB 2K13 brings back the Perfect Game Challenge
2K Sports' controversial Perfect Game Challenge is back for MLB 2K13. The game will be available March 5, with the contest kicking off April 1, which we're told is the opening day of major league baseball. We'll take 2K at its word about opening day, but as denizens of the internet, we make it a general rule not to believe in anything that happens that day.As for the contest, during April players can compete for a prize pool of $750,000 across 30 MLB Team Leaderboards. The top four in the overall leaderboard will be invited to New York during the MLB All-Star Week in July to compete for a grand prize of $250,000.
NBA 2K13 sets franchise records, ships 4.5 million copies
The Bieber-licious NBA 2K13 has sold-in (i.e. "shipped") 4.5 million units to date, publisher Take-Two announced today as part of its third quarter financials.2K Sports previously noted NBA 2K13 sold 49 percent more worldwide during its first-week sales than previous record holder NBA 2K11. The franchise has now shipped over 15 million units since NBA 2K11.Part of the series' success has been the lack of competition from Electronic Arts. Last year's NBA Live 13 was canceled, after already being downgraded to a digitally distributed product. It was the third consecutive year EA dropped the ball and didn't show up to compete with a basketball game.
MLB 2K13 hits March 5, Tampa Bay's David Price as cover star
2K Sports announced MLB 2K13 today, which is home running onto Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on March 5, just ahead of the new season of Major League Baseball. Gracing the cover this year is Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price, winner of the 2012 American League Cy Young award. Price pipped MLB 2K12 cover star Justin Verlander to the award by just four points, probably ensuring the latter's visage wouldn't be returning to game retailers' shelves. One thing that is returning, however, and despite past controversy, is the Perfect Game Challenge and its $1 million of prize money.The announcement of MLB 2K13 was more uncertain than you might think. 2K Sports' licensing agreement for MLB games was set to expire last year, and it was anything but definite that it would be renewed. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take Two Interactive Software (of which 2K Sports is a subsidiary), said in 2010 the agreement was a "losing proposition," and that his company "didn't have any interest in pursuing losing propositions." Yet a new licensing agreement was made, and the MLB 2K series has life left in it, at least for now. "We'd like to thank our league partners for their support in helping us reach an agreement to bring back MLB 2K," said Jason Argent, VP of marketing for 2K Sports. "We know fans are extremely passionate about the MLB 2K series and the Perfect Game Challenge."
NBA 2K13 welcomes the jam to Games on Demand
NBA 2K13 is available as a digital title on Xbox 360, via Games on Demand. NBA 2K13 launched on Games on Demand way back on December 28, 2012, and perhaps by now you've cleared some of your backlog to give this one a go.NBA 2K13 launched at retail for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii and Wii U earlier in 2012, with mobile releases on PSP, Android and iOS devices, and a PC version as well. We find the console version "has little sizzle to go along with its scrumptious steak," which is a perfectly logical analogy for a game about sports. Really.
Take-Two moving 2K QA to downtown Las Vegas
Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of never-the-twain-shall-meet siblings Rockstar and 2K games, announced today that its 2K publishing label will relocate its "QA Testing studio" from Northridge, California to Las Vegas, Nevada. The move, which popped up on radar this past weekend, is made possible by a partnership between the publisher and the state of Nevada, along with the city of Las Vegas."This move will allow 2K to operate a significantly larger and more effective QA facility as we continue to grow our business across all divisions," said 2K COO David Ismailer. Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman noted, "We have a skilled and talented workforce in Las Vegas that is ideal for companies like Take-Two. I am so thrilled that they will be a part of the downtown community, and I know that their presence will attract other high-tech firms to Las Vegas." Obviously, Take-Two made the move for some tax breaks. The publisher is also applying for "Catalyst Funds" from the state. The $10 million Catalyst Fund was created in 2011 and is designed to incentivize "the expansion or relocation of businesses that will quickly result in the creation of high-quality, primary jobs in Nevada." Now, before you bring up that other government-financed debacle, let's be clear that there's a huge difference between $10 million and $75 million. Also, it doesn't appear Take-Two is seeking the whole enchilada.
NBA 2K13 is everywhere in this developer video
This developer video for NBA 2K13 elaborates on the Facebook, Android and iOS apps that expand the game's "My Player" career mode. The initiative, known as NBA 2K Everywhere, allows players to build up their characters' skill ratings through mini-games and unlock collectibles on the go.
NBA 2K13 enjoys lack of competition, record sales
2K Sports' NBA 2K13 is reaping the benefits of EA's inability to develop a basketball game, with publisher Take-Two announcing the game has surpassed franchise sales records. Although no specific figures were provided, NBA 2K13 reportedly sold 49 percent more worldwide during its first-week sales than previous record holder NBA 2K11."Our early sales figures are a validation of our ongoing efforts to push this franchise to new heights," said 2K Sports VP of marketing Jason Argent. "We owe it to our great fans to continually improve our title - year in and year out - and that's exactly what we've done with NBA 2K13."And, hopefully, Argent is sending an Edible Arrangement over to EA Sports HQ to thank them, as well. EA's canceled NBA Live 13, intended as a digitally distributed product, was the third year in a row Electronic Arts didn't show up for the basketball match.
NBA 2K13 delivers Justin Bieber experience
Oh, baby, baby, baby, Justin Bieber is a playable character in 2K Sports' NBA 2K13. We aren't exactly sure about the demographic crossover between the Biebster and those who purchase NBA 2K13, but here we are.It would appear that NBA 2K13 executive producer Shawn "JAY Z" Carter-Knowles saw fit in his artistic vision to include the international sensation in the game, but not on the game's soundtrack. Clever.Celebrity appearances in basketball games are nothing new. NBA Jam has a long-standing history of including celebs, musicians, first ladies, politicians and even the president of the United States.
Take-Two, Tencent collaboration 'NBA 2K Online' launches Oct. 24 in China
NBA 2K Online, the free-to-play NBA simulation created for China by 2K in conjunction with Tencent Games, will launch on October 24. The game went into beta this past June and is the first major release in China for Take-Two, which announced plans for this initiative back in 2009.The release date of an online sportsball game in China isn't the interesting part here, so much as the context. Tencent Holdings Limited has become quite the player over the past three years since Take-Two's plans were first announced. There's Tencent's relationship with Activision over Call of Duty Online, its acquisition of Riot Games and, most interestingly, its minority interest in Unreal Engine's lord and master Epic Games.
NBA 2K Everywhere puts NBA 2K13 on everything
2K Sports has announced NBA 2K Everywhere, an omnipresenent initiative for every device that's within a few feet of you at all times. Beyond the core game for consoles and PC, there will be an NBA 2K13 companion app for a whole mess of mobile devices, a social game on Facebook, a regular mobile version of the game for iOS and Android and ... that may be it?The MyNBA2K app, available in October for iOS, Android and Kindle, will be a collection of minigames, and will also connect to the main game's MyCAREER and MyTEAM features. The Facebook game, NBA 2K: MyLIFE, will allow players to import their MyCAREER avatar from the main game to compete for endorsement deals, which will unlock rewards in the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the main game. Finally, there's an NBA 2K13 game for iOS and Android – again, available in October.NBA 2K13 will be available in, you guessed it, October. EA's unusually quiet NBA Live 13 should be available around the same time, following a multi-year hiatus.%Gallery-162192%
NBA 2K13 features US Olympic 'Dream Team' along with 2012's squad
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the legendary USA "Dream Team," 2K Sports is drafting the 1992 crew along with 2012's USA Men's National Team into the roster of NBA 2K13, the publisher has revealed.NBA 2K13 executive producer Jay-Z (a legend on his own), said that the ability to pit the two National teams against each other will give fans the tools to solve "one of the greatest sports debates of our time." Who would come out on top? The 1992 "Dream Team" or this year's Olympic squad? It's up to you."In NBA 2K13, we're giving fans the opportunity to play as two of the best teams ever assembled in sporting history, literally putting the debate right into their hands," Jay-Z added.Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Charles Barkley make up a few members of the legendary squad. Scottie Pippen – wearing the #8 jersey in 1992 – appears to be the only member absent from the team.NBA 2K13 launches for the PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, and PSP on October 2. A Wii U version is planned for this holiday season.
99 problems for Jay-Z and an executive producer gig for NBA 2K13 is one of them
Shawn "JAY Z" Carter-Knowles will serve as the executive producer of NBA 2K13, 2K Sports announced this morning. Mr. Z will curate the soundtrack and "lend artistic vision" to the world's top (by default for past few years) NBA video game.Jay-Z's selection of 24 songs (including six of his own tracks) for the game's soundtrack can be found after the break. NBA 2K13 will hit the court on October 2.
Get a damn basketball with your fancy copy of NBA 2K13
Move over NBA Baller Beats, you're not the only video game shipping with an actual, honest to goodness basketball in the near future. The Dynasty Edition of NBA 2K13 will come packed with the colorful orb seen above, courtesy of Spalding. It appears to be covered in various human limbs, as far as we can tell.The $99.99 collector's edition also comes with DLC in the form of "All-Star add-on content presented by Sprite," 2K Sports-branded earbuds from Skullcandy, and a "basketball textured controller skin" in case the thought of not feeling a basketball for 10 seconds is just too much to bear. Pre-orders can be placed through one of three retailers, accessible via the game's Facebook page.
Durant, Griffin, and Rose triple-dunk on NBA 2K13's cover
NBA stars Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, and Derrick Rose were photographed jumping from a wet, glowing red basketball court and simultaneously dunking into three basketball hoops arranged in a semicircle, for the cover of NBA 2K13.It may seem impossible – the kind of thing that would be made much easier by simply compositing three photographs of the athletes dunking separately – but these are professionals. Do you really doubt their ability to to synchronized-dunk on Tron Mars?
NBA 2K13 slams into the Wii U in 'holiday season'
NBA 2K13 will launch on the Wii U "within the launch window," sometime in the holiday season, 2K Sports announced today. NBA 2K13 is also coming to PS3, Xbox 360, PSP, Wii and PC on October 2 in North America and October 5 worldwide.Pre-orders for PS3 and Xbox 360 will receive NBA All-Stars-themed downloadable content, set in Houston, where players can stage their own All-Stars games and compete in three All-Stars events with current and classic players. Presented with all-new intuitive controls by Sprite, the NBA All-Stars' No. 1 athletic supporter!
