And back to $60 on launch day
When it comes to basketball games, EA Sports needs a2KKiller. Or, at the very least, it needs a2KDenter.NBA 2Kis the perennial king of the court, consistently dwarfing EA’sNBA Livein both quality and sales. This year, EA has a commendable strategy that might convince some folks to giveLivea chance.
Alongside today’s announcement that Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden will be theNBA Live 18cover athlete, there was the reveal that EA’s selling the game for $40 for anyone who’s willing to pre-order. When it launches on September 19, the price reverts back to $60.
This is a low-price limbo that’s no stranger to these two publishers. Back in 2005, 2K Games famously releasedNFL 2K5for $20 in an effort to cut intoMadden‘s stranglehold on football games. It sort of worked, helped by the fact thatNFL 2K5is fondly remembered as one of the best sports games ever; but, ultimately,Maddenwon out and remains the biggest name in football video games.
Of more importance than the price cut is the lingering question: Will NBALive 18even be worth $40? The series has had a rough go of it in recent years.NBA Live 16was met with a tepid reception, and what would’ve beenNBA Live 17was basically delayed and then reworked intoLive 18.
EA seems confident (even if that’s the game face a publisher is supposed to wear). There will be a demo releasing today, August 11, forNBA Live 18. You can see for yourself where a year off has gotten this franchise.
