STACK #167 Sept 2018

GAMES FEATURE

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Australia’s own Ben Simmons graces the cover of NBA 2K19 .We checked in withWouter Van Vugt, head of international communications at 2K Games, to find out just what to expect from the 20th instalment of the NBA game franchise.

What does it mean to be able to get Ben Simmons as a cover star in Australia? WOUTERVANVUGT: Being able to have Ben Simmons on the cover in Australia and New Zealand is a great example of the global approach of NBA 2K. Ben being the first Australian Rookie of the Year, having had the breakthrough season we just saw, and being a huge NBA 2K fan, we felt we almost didn’t have a choice but to ask him.

or Steph Curry even more accurate with his threes!

Have any changes been made to the graphics engine? I think our gameplay trailer speaks for itself. (That’s a YES by the way!) What special features and occasions can players expect, being the game’s 20th anniversary? I can’t get into any details on what players can expect for the 20th Anniversary, but do check out the Neighbourhood for new events on a regular basis!

Was it a no-brainer to get LeBron on the cover of the 20th Anniversary Edition? Looking at the past 20 years of the NBA

One of the features I am most excited about is “Takeover”. It’s a new feature for NBA 2K19 that unlocks the full potential of every player

• NBA 2K19 is out Sept 11

(and NBA 2K), one name does shine

from NBA 2K19?

One of the features I am most excited about is “Takeover”. It’s a new feature for NBA 2K19 that unlocks the full potential of every player. It unlocks special boosts, skills, and

through: LeBron James. He’s been starring in the games since NBA 2K4, and has

been on the cover for NBA 2K14. He’s been a defining player in the last 15 years, and Basketball wouldn’t have been the same without him. Can you outline the feedback you received from last year’s iteration? As every year, we get a ton of feedback from our fans. We listen to every bit of feedback and try to improve the game in every way we can. Look for BIG improvements this year in terms of gameplay, MyTeam, and MyGM/MyLeague modes. How big an impact does LeBron moving to the Lakers have on the game? LeBron moving teams certainly impacts the strength of the teams, but not necessarily his player capabilities. I do have a feeling a lot more players will pick Lakers this year as their go-to Team.

animations unique to the player’s primary archetype when

they're hot. Imagine Anthony Davis getting even better at blocking,

What new features can players expect

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SEPTEMBER 2018

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