2K Scoops Up the Publishing Rights
After a delay that promised “exciting things,” causing it to miss its original May 22nd release date, NBA Playgrounds 2 has resurfaced as NBA 2K Playgrounds 2. See the difference?
Developer Saber Interactive has partnered up with 2K to publish NBA 2K Playgrounds 2, the sequel to last years’ NBA Jam-inspired hoops game. According to the official blurb, “this over-the-top, two-on-two basketball experience will complement the best-selling NBA 2K simulation franchise and expand 2K’s footprint in the basketball video game space.”
“The original NBA Playgrounds was a fantastic throwback to the glory days of arcade-action sports,” said Greg Thomas, President, Visual Concepts. “The new NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 will step up this energy and attitude big time – with a bit of added NBA 2K flair – giving fans of both franchises an exciting new way to game with friends around the world.”
The newly rebranded website promises new Season and Playgrounds Championship ranked modes. There will be over 200 current and retired NBA players to choose from for two-on-two matches. There will also be improved online matchmaking with dedicated servers, 4-player online play, three-point contests, new playgrounds, custom matches and more.
“No one is more committed to bringing fans a great basketball experience than 2K,” said Saber CEO Matt Karch. “We can’t wait to share more on how we’re teaming up to make NBA 2K Playgrounds 2’s incredible arcade action bigger and better than ever for players.”
The original game was published under Mad Dog Games and was released for Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PC. We scored the game a 65 out of 100, calling its creative modes “disappointing” and that “it doesn’t quite hit the mark.” You can read our full review here.
The sequel will launch on the same four platforms — Xbox One, Switch, PS4, and PC — later this year.
SOURCE: Press Release