NBA Live 13: The Cancellation That Shaped a Genre
Yes, NBA Live 13 was indeed canceled. It’s a significant moment in the history of basketball video games, a cancellation that reverberated through the industry and continues to be discussed by gamers even today. What was intended to be a triumphant reboot for the NBA Live series ultimately became a cautionary tale, highlighting the challenges of game development and the pressures of competing with a dominant force like NBA 2K.
The Rise and Fall (and Rise…and Fall?) of NBA Live
The NBA Live franchise, once the undisputed king of basketball simulations, found itself struggling against the rapidly evolving landscape of gaming. NBA 2K, with its emphasis on realism and immersive gameplay, began to chip away at NBA Live’s market share. Electronic Arts (EA), recognizing the need for change, aimed for a complete overhaul with NBA Live 13.
The ambition was clear: an “all-new experience that captures on the future of basketball.” This wasn’t just a roster update or a minor tweak to the gameplay. It was a ground-up redesign intended to reclaim lost glory.
However, the path to redemption proved treacherous. As development progressed, internal reviews revealed significant quality concerns. Faced with the prospect of releasing a game that didn’t meet their standards or the expectations of their audience, EA made the difficult decision to pull the plug. NBA Live 13 was officially canceled.
This cancellation wasn’t the end of the NBA Live story, though. EA regrouped and eventually released NBA Live 14 for the new generation consoles. But the shadow of NBA Live 13 lingered, a constant reminder of the high stakes and the fierce competition in the sports gaming world. The series continued its struggle to find footing, facing further cancellations along the way, ultimately leading to a period of uncertainty for the franchise.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The cancellation of NBA Live 13 had a profound impact. It solidified NBA 2K’s position as the dominant force in basketball video games. It also forced EA to re-evaluate its approach to the NBA Live series, leading to significant changes in development and marketing strategies.
While no retail copies ever made it to shelves, the legacy of NBA Live 13 lives on in the memories of gamers and in the discussions about what could have been. It serves as a reminder that even the biggest players in the industry can face setbacks and that innovation and quality are paramount in the ever-competitive world of video games. Exploring this history is essential for understanding the evolution of sports gaming, a topic that aligns well with the research conducted by organizations like the Games Learning Society, where the intersection of games, learning, and culture is analyzed in detail. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NBA Live and Its History
1. Is NBA Live series canceled?
The NBA Live series has faced numerous cancellations and hiatuses throughout its history. While it hasn’t been officially canceled outright, the future of the franchise remains uncertain. EA has taken breaks to re-evaluate and restructure the game.
2. Why did NBA Live stop coming out?
NBA Live stopped coming out due to a combination of factors, including development challenges, quality concerns, and intense competition from the NBA 2K series. EA felt that the games weren’t meeting their desired standards or capturing the “future of basketball.”
3. Is NBA Live better than 2K?
Generally, NBA 2K has been considered the superior basketball simulation series for many years. It typically offers more realistic graphics, smoother gameplay, and deeper features compared to NBA Live. However, opinions can vary, and some players may prefer certain aspects of NBA Live.
4. How long does a live NBA game last?
A live NBA game typically lasts between 2 to 2.5 hours, including the four 12-minute quarters, timeouts, halftime, and other stoppages.
5. Where can I play NBA LIVE 19?
NBA LIVE 19 is available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
6. Is NBA Live 19 worth it?
NBA Live 19 received mixed reviews. While it showed improvement over previous installments and offered a fun “The One” career mode, it still had some rough edges and didn’t quite reach the level of other elite sports games like NBA 2K.
7. What is the alternative to NBA Live?
The primary alternative to NBA Live is the NBA 2K series. Other mobile alternatives include NBA Top Shot, NBA All-World, and allBall.
8. Is 2K still popular?
Yes, NBA 2K remains extremely popular. It’s the leading basketball gaming franchise, with a large and dedicated player base. The ongoing popularity of NBA 2K isn’t surprising given that it’s the premiere basketball gaming franchise.
9. Is NBA Elite 11 canceled?
Yes, NBA Elite 11 was canceled due to quality concerns after negative feedback from early demos.
10. Why is NBA blacked out?
NBA games are blacked out in certain regions due to exclusive broadcasting rights held by local and national content providers. This prevents viewers in those areas from watching the game on NBA League Pass.
11. Is NBA Live 21 canceled?
Yes, both NBA Live 21 and NBA Live 20 were cancelled. EA has not released any new NBA Live installments since NBA Live 19.
12. Do people still watch the NBA?
Yes, the NBA remains a popular sport to watch. An average of 1.59 million viewers tuned in to watch NBA regular season games across ABC, ESPN and TNT in the 2022/23 season.
13. Does EA have an NBA game?
While EA hasn’t released a new NBA Live game in several years, they still hold the rights to the franchise. The future of the series is uncertain, but they haven’t officially abandoned it.
14. Is NBA Live on PS5?
NBA Live 19 can be played on PS5 through backward compatibility. However, some features available on PS4 may be absent.
15. Is there blacktop in NBA Live 19?
Yes, NBA Live 19 features blacktop courts where players can participate in streetball games and use female characters like Candace Parker.
16. What was the gameplay focus of NBA Live 13 intended to be?
The planned gameplay focus of NBA Live 13 was centered around capturing the “future of basketball” and delivering an “all-new experience”. This suggested a significant departure from previous entries, with potential innovations in player control, game modes, and overall presentation.
17. Was NBA Live 18 good?
NBA Live 18 was considered a decent alternative to NBA 2K. The gameplay was solid most of the time, and The One is a pretty good way to do a story mode, even if it doesn’t have the writing depth.