2K is once again in the hot seat after adding unskippable ads in NBA 2K21, a game that retails at full price for $60. The newest addition has been added one month post-lauch during the pre-game loading screen, and many feel this is an inappropriate move given that it is a full price title.
As reported by Stevivor, the unskippable ads are available across all platforms, which is usually a mechanic added in free-to-play titles as a form of monetization. Given that the monetization from this game comes from its $60 price tag, there is a lot of confusion regarding this addition and why it was added now.
Click here to watch embedded media
In the video above, Stevivor shows off an Oculus Quest 2 advertisement while the match is loading, which means players also can’t update, or make changes to, their team team until the ad is done.
So why are gamers upset? Other than the obvious reason of another cash grab for a $60 game, this isn’t the first time 2K has done this and later retracted it due to player backlash. In NBA 2K20, ads were included in the game and the negative feedback was immediate and intense.
There are many franchises out there that abuse monetization models, including titles like UFC, FIFA, and, yes, NBA. 2K is one of those publishers, much like EA, that seems to constantly be under fire for making these seemingly greedy decisions regarding additional monetization tools.
Twitter, the game’s subreddit, and forums are alight with backlash regarding this happening yet again. Now we just wait to see how 2K responds this time.
What is your take on the addition of unskippable ads in NBA 2K21? Not a big deal or bad move on 2K’s part? Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below!
[Source: Stevivor via Eurogamer]
Source: Game Informer
