Did NBA 2K25 Copy NBA Live 19’s Dribbling Engine?

The latest installment in the NBA 2K series, NBA 2K25, has been making waves in the gaming community with its alleged groundbreaking new dribble engine. This year’s game promises to deliver the most authentic basketball experience yet with an alleged new dribble engine, built from the ground up.

What’s Different About NBA 2K25’s New Dribble Engine?

They way it’s being presented it could be one of the most significant changes to the gameplay engine in over a decade. It boasts 1,500 new dribbling animations, offering players a diverse range of moves and a more fluid, responsive feel on the court.

The developers at Visual Concepts have emphasized that the new dribble engine is designed to provide more variety, accessibility, and freedom on offense. Players can now execute tighter stops, more explosive launches, and smoother, more consistent dribble moves.

The engine’s ability to generate dynamic motion from real-world footage means that every dribble, crossover, and hesitation move feels more authentic than ever before. This level of realism could be the ultimate testament to the advancements in gaming technology and the dedication of the NBA 2K development team.

However, with great innovation comes great scrutiny. As soon as the first gameplay footage of NBA 2K25 was released, eagle-eyed fans began to notice something peculiar.

Did NBA 2K25 ‘Steal’ NBA Live 19’s Dribble Engine?

As you’ll see below, the dribbling mechanics in NBA 2K25 appeared strikingly similar to those in NBA Live 19, a game that was released five years earlier. This observation has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some accusing the NBA 2K developers of copying the dribbling engine from NBA Live 19.

NBA Live 19, developed by EA Sports, was known for its realistic but somewhat restrictive dribbling engine. The game introduced a more grounded approach to dribbling, focusing on realistic player movements and ball handling.

While it received praise for its authenticity, some players found the dribbling mechanics to be too limiting compared to the more arcade-like feel of the NBA 2K series.

Despite its mixed reception, NBA Live 19 has garnered a dedicated fanbase that appreciates its unique approach to basketball simulation. Even till this day the servers are still up, and you will still find people online in the 3v3 mode.

As the comparisons of the dribbling between NBA 2K25 and NBA Live 19 began to circulate, fans took to social media to share their thoughts. Many pointed out that the dribbling animations in NBA 2K25 closely resembled those in NBA Live 19, leading to accusations of plagiarism.

NBA 2K25 Dribbling vs NBA Live 19 Dribbling Side by Side Comparisons Trend

Some users even went as far as creating side-by-side footage of the two games, highlighting the similarities in dribbling mechanics. These videos quickly gained traction, fueling the controversy and prompting further discussion among the gaming community.

NBA 2K25 vs NBA Live
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The irony of the situation is not lost on fans. For years, players have dreamed of a game that combines the best elements of both NBA Live and NBA 2K. NBA Live 19’s realistic dribbling mechanics paired with NBA 2K’s polished gameplay and graphics seemed like the perfect combination. Fast forward to 2024, and now NBA 2K25 is being accused of borrowing from NBA Live 19, a game that was once considered underrated and overlooked.

Social Media Reactions to the Side-by-Side Comparisons

The power of social media cannot be underestimated, especially when it comes to gaming controversies. As soon as the alleged similarities between NBA 2K25 and NBA Live 19 were noticed, fans took to platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and YouTube to voice their opinions.

Hashtags like #NBA2K25 and #NBALive19 began trending, with users sharing their thoughts on the alleged copying. Some fans expressed disappointment, feeling that the NBA 2K developers had taken a shortcut by borrowing from an older game. Others saw it as a testament to the quality of NBA Live 19’s dribbling engine, arguing that it was validation of it being ahead of its time.

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence came in the form of side-by-side comparison videos, such as the one you just saw above. These videos, created by dedicated fans, showcased the dribbling mechanics of both games in action. The similarities were undeniable, with many moves looking almost identical.

These comparisons further fueled the debate, with some fans calling for transparency from the NBA 2K developers. They wanted to know if the similarities were intentional or merely a coincidence.

Despite the controversy, there were also fans who saw the situation in a more positive light. They argued that if NBA 2K25 had indeed taken inspiration from NBA Live 19, it was a smart move. After all, NBA Live 19’s dribbling engine was praised for its realism, and incorporating similar mechanics into NBA 2K25 could enhance the overall gameplay experience. This perspective added another layer to the discussion, highlighting the complexity of the issue.

The Ironic Twist and NBA Live 19’s Legacy

The situation surrounding NBA 2K25 and NBA Live 19 is filled with irony. For years, fans have clamored for a game that combines the best aspects of both franchises. NBA Live 19’s realistic dribbling mechanics and superior graphics with NBA 2K’s gameplay seemed like a match made in heaven. Now, in 2024, it appears that NBA 2K25 may have taken a page out of NBA Live 19’s gameplay playbook, leading to accusations of copying.

This turn of events has led some to question whether NBA Live 19 was a hidden gem in sports gaming history. At the time of its release, it may not have received the recognition it deserved, but its influence is now being felt in one of the most popular basketball games on the market. The controversy has sparked a renewed interest in NBA Live 19, with some fans revisiting the game to see what all the fuss is about.

In the end, the situation serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of gaming trends. What was once considered innovative can become the standard, and what was once overlooked can be rediscovered and appreciated anew.

Whether NBA 2K25 intentionally borrowed from NBA Live 19 or not, the controversy has highlighted the lasting impact of EA Sports’ game. It has also shown that inspiration can possibly come from the most unexpected places.

The controversy surrounding NBA 2K25’s new dribble engine and its similarities to NBA Live 19 has sparked a lively debate within the gaming community.

While some fans are disappointed by the perceived copying, others see it as a testament to the quality of NBA Live 19’s dribbling mechanics. The situation is filled with irony, as players have long desired a game that combines the best elements of both franchises. Now, in 2024, it seems that NBA 2K25 may have done just that, albeit unintentionally.