Will NBA 2K22 be worth it?
The short answer – yes, I believe NBA 2K22 will still be worth loading up through 2023 for most virtual ballers. As a passionate NBA 2K gamer and content creator, I predict 2K22 has enough strengths that will lead me and many others to stick with it rather than rush to buy the latest release.
Smooth, Authentic Gameplay Holds Up
NBA 2K22 earned strong reviews for its excellent on-court gameplay and visuals. IGN rated it an 8/10, praising the fluid feel whether playing defense or trying to posterize opponents. After hundreds of games, I strongly agree – the realistic dribbling, passing, and shooting retains an unmatched authenticity.
Sure, NBA 2K23 may provide some incremental refinements. But players can still experience the adrenaline rush of a fast break dunk or clutch buzzer beater even in older releases. The core action remains immortal, and I don‘t see myself getting tired of it anytime soon.
Ongoing Mod Support Extends Lifespan
One key advantage basketball games have over titles like Madden or FIFA is a thriving mod community. Sites like NLSC provide detailed roster updates, 2020-21 cyberface packs, jersey/arena mods and more. I expect these dedicated fans to continue providing updates well into 2023 and beyond.
Knowing I can download next season‘s rosters keeps the experience feeling fresh. And based on NLSC‘s update roadmaps, NBA 2K22 content will continue for years. I‘d rather save money sticking with 2K22 and downloading awesome community mods than pay full price annually.
MyCareer, MyTeam Offer Hundreds of Hours of Content
The suite of modes in NBA 2K22 is vast enough to keep gamers entertained for months. Franchise lifers can run teams for decades in MyNBA or join up-and-coming stars in MyCareer. MyTeam offers the allure of cracking packs to construct fantasy squads online or offline.
Let‘s break down where I see the most value and longevity in key modes:
| Game Mode | Long Term 2023 Viability |
| MyCareer | ★★★★☆ |
| MyTeam | ★★★☆☆ |
| MyNBA/MyLeague | ★★★★★ |
| Play Now | ★★★☆☆ |
I expect offline franchise veterans will stick around as long as 2K maintains servers. MyTeam may lose some users, but MyTeam Community mods will keep rosters accurate. And replayable main campaign of MyCareer offers 100+ hours even excluding online City.
Affordability Makes 2K22 an Easy Call
Continuing on the value theme, cost may be the ultimate factor in deciding to stick with 2K22 in lieu of buying the latest release. Used copies or sales can drop the price under $20 – a far cry from $70 for 2K23.
As a content creator myself, I understand not all fans have cash readily available for the incremental upgrades annual editions provide. I‘d advise most to save their money and stick with 2K22 in 2024.
The Verdict – Load Up 2K22 for Another Year
I‘ll leave the rhetorical "will 2K22 be worth it" question with a conclusive yes. Between best-in-class base gameplay, ongoing mod support and sheer amount of customization and game modes, NBA 2K22 has mileage remaining through 2023 and beyond.
Maybe I‘m nostalgic, but the debates around buying annual sports titles new each year fall secondary to enjoying star-studded matchups on the virtual hardwood. So long as the 2K servers stay online, you can expect to find me coaching my 2022 Champion Milwaukee Bucks in MyNBA for years to come.
What do you think – are you planning to upgrade to 2K23 this year or hold off? Let me know in the comments! I‘m happy to provide tips to fellow gamers looking to get the most out of 2K22 even as hype builds for the next release.
