Since its announcement less than a month ago, we haven’t seen a great deal of NBA 2K23, with Visual Concepts and 2K having shown the first few brief glimpses of its gameplay only a few days ago. Now, however, with the basketball sim’s launch approaching, the developer and publisher have revealed details on some of the biggest gameplay improvements NBA 2K23 is making to the series’ formula.
Interestingly, Visual Concepts seem to have made it a point to emphasize the fact that the gameplay changes being made this year are in direct response to feedback from fans and players. Game director Mike Wang said in the press release, “We value community feedback when deciding how to bring each version of NBA 2K to life, and this year’s gameplay enhancements reflect many of the changes our community was calling for the most. From focusing on how players can attack the basket, to more realistic on-ball defense and a new tiered badge system, all the features we’ve brought to life in the game this year will create a more authentic gameplay experience that is enjoyable for everyone.”
So what exactly do these improvements include? Well, there’s quite a bit to get through. NBA 2K23’s big new addition is shooting attributes, which determines unique shooting stats and their effectiveness for every signature jumping shot. The game also introduces five new shot meters, with 15 more on top that can be unlocked through Seasonal content throughout the coming year.
Meanwhile, NBA 2K23 also attempts to deliver “more realistic on-ball defense and shot blocking, as well as steals and ball strips”, including more predictable outcomes for blocks, improved ball security for good dunkers, and more. Specifically on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, the game’s AI will also see improvements to ball handling, pick and roll execution, defensive tendencies, and coaching decisions.
Team Takeovers have also been redesigned in NBA 2K23, with the entire team now sharing a single meter and create a more cooperative system, while new gesture combos have also been added to the pro stick for dunking, shooting, ball handling, and more. Meanwhile, another new feature is Adrenaline Boosts, which get used up every time a player performs a hard go or explosive sprint launch. You get three Boosts in total, and once they’re used up, the player’s speed and acceleration will be affected for the remainder of possession.
Finally, NBA 2K23 is also introducing a new Badges system, only on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The game will feature 16 badges across three tiers, eight in the first and four each in the remaining two, with players being required to have a minimum number of badges in the lower tiers equipped before being able to move on to the higher ones.
NBA 2K23 launches on September 9 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.