App Trigger
Fansided

NBA LIVE 20 cancelled as EA focuses on the future with next-gen platforms

By Matthew Liebl

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 28, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 28, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Fans who want a basketball game this year will have to turn to NBA 2K20 as EA officially confirmed we will not be getting NBA LIVE 20 this year.

EA has announced it will not ship NBA LIVE 20 this year after previously announced the game would be delayed to late 2019.

Following today’s earnings call, the official social media account for the NBA LIVE franchise announced the cancellation.

"For some time now, we’ve been putting in reps on our console basketball games.We’re excited by our progress but remain hyper ambitious – so we’re not going to release NBA LIVE 20 this season. Alongside the NBA and NBPA, we have our sights set on creating something fresh for the next generation of players and platforms. We know we need to earn our future every step of the way, so we’re taking time to get it right for our players. We promise to check back regularly with updates.Until then, we’ll be on the grind…."

EA has struggled to establish a solid foothold in the NBA space since bringing the franchise back in 2013. NBA LIVE 14 was one of the most negatively received games in the franchise. While the franchise has improved slightly over the years since — with NBA LIVE 19 scoring in the mid-70s on Metacritic — it still has a long way to go to catch up with 2K’s NBA 2K series.

Rather than try and push out another underwhelming title for a small share of the market — possibly further damaging the brand — EA will instead focus on the future.

More from App and Gaming News

During the earnings call, EA teased an “innovative new direction” for the game “timed with the All-Star weekend.” The company hinted an “an experience designed around new ways for players to engage, connect and create through basketball” with mention of “bringing social connection, accessibility, and player creativity to the forefront” with these next-gen platforms.

Microsoft and Sony have both confirmed plans to release new consoles in 2020, but neither company has revealed too much — especially as it pertains to social connection and accessibility.

It certainly sounds intriguing. I’m cautiously optimistic that EA’s decision to go all-in on the next generation will hopefully result in a product that can actually compete with NBA 2K. After all, a healthy competitive market leads to a better overall product and I think 2K can use a little fire under their butts.

For now though, if you want to play a professional basketball game, your only option is NBA 2K20. But hey, at least it’s not a bad option. I personally reviewed NBA 2K20 and it’s, once again, a solid entry in the franchise.

Home/App and Gaming News