Why NBA 2K25’s Paid Battle Royale Game Mode ‘Gravity Ball’ is Angering Sports Gamers

The NBA 2K franchise has long been a staple for basketball enthusiasts, offering a virtual court where fans can immerse themselves in the sport they love. However, the recent addition of a Battle Royale game mode called “Gravity Ball” to NBA 2K25 has left many fans scratching their heads and voicing their frustrations.

This new mode, which seems to have little to do with basketball, has sparked a wave of discontent among the community, with many questioning the direction the game is taking.

Details About NBA 2k25 Gravity Ball and How Much it Cost

Gravity Ball is a futuristic, fast-paced online multiplayer game that is accessible through NBA 2K25’s The City as a paid DLC. Priced at $7.99, this mode allows players to team up in 3v3 or 5v5 formats and compete in an arena-like dome. The objective is to maintain possession of the ball, weave through defenders, utilize power-ups, and aim at numbered targets to score points.

The game features unconventional rules and a unique competitive thrill, with elements that seem to borrow heavily from popular games like Fortnite, Splitgate, and Rocket League, which isn’t a good thing.

In Gravity Ball, players can hop onto vertical platforms, use power-ups to boost their speed or add shields, and navigate through a multi-tiered court with several points that send them flying into the air. Instead of traditional basketball hoops, players aim at numbered targets on the opposing team’s wall.

This mode, which is clearly far from innovative, has been criticized for straying too far from the core essence of basketball.

Angry Basketball Fans React to NBA 2K25 Gravity Ball

The introduction of Gravity Ball has not been well-received by the NBA 2K community.

Many fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration.

One user, who initially thought the game mode was a joke, wrote, “Oh wait, this wasn’t a joke?”.

Another user echoed the sentiment, saying, “They can’t fix the baseline but they add a whole pointless game mode”.

The frustration is palpable, with another user questioning, “Why are they wasting resources on this when their main game is riddled with bs glitches, exploits, and bugs?”

2K really added a Battle Royale in a Basketball Game😭
byu/EnjoyableTeddy inNBA2k

The discontent doesn’t stop there. Some fans are calling for the NBA to revoke the license it granted to NBA 2K, arguing that the developers are exploiting the popularity of NBA basketball to make money off games that have nothing to do with the sport.

One user stated, “Nah they should lose the NBA license over this. This is too far”.

Another added, “Right instead of making 2K basketball gameplay fun they waste dev time on this.”

The sentiment is shared by many, with a fed-up user concluding, “Yea I have been aged out of 2K”.

Are Core Game Issues Being Ignored in Favor of Increasing Revenue?

While the addition of Gravity Ball has been a major point of contention, it is not the only issue plaguing NBA 2K25. The core basketball game itself has been criticized for being riddled with bugs, sluggish boring gameplay, strange movements due to too many canned animations and lack of a physics system, and outdated graphics.

Despite the introduction of ProPlay technology, which was supposed to enhance realism and control, many players feel that the execution has been lackluster, as the current gen version of the game actually feels more realistic.

The game has seen numerous patches and updates aimed at fixing these issues, but the community remains dissatisfied.

The analogy here is like trying to patch a sinking ship with band-aids; the core problems remain unresolved, and the overall experience suffers as a result.

In addition to the aforementioned issues, players have also reported framerate issues, connection problems, and various bugs that disrupt gameplay, making it difficult to enjoy the game as intended.

The Influence of Take-Two Interactive: Is Gravity Ball a Side-Effect of Corporate Greed?

It is hard to ignore the influence of Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of 2K, on the development of NBA 2K25.

Many believe that the developers are being pressured by higher-ups to prioritize profit over quality, leading to decisions that compromise the integrity of the game.

The addition of Gravity Ball, seen by many as a cash grab targeting kids, is a prime example of this.

The analogy here is akin to a chef being forced to add trendy but unrelated dishes to a classic menu, diluting the restaurant’s identity and alienating loyal customers.

The focus on monetization and the introduction of non-basketball-related content have left many fans feeling betrayed and disillusioned.

In the end, it is clear that the NBA 2K franchise is at a crossroads. The addition of the Battle Royale game mode Gravity Ball has highlighted the growing disconnect between the developers and the community.

While the current-gen version of NBA 2K25 still offers the best basketball experience for those who love the sport, the inclusion of non-basketball content and the ongoing issues with the core game have left many fans questioning the future of the franchise.

It is my belief that the developers at NBA 2K are likely being forced by the higher-ups at Take-Two Interactive to make these decisions in the name of greed.

It’s like a legendary band being pushed to produce pop hits instead of staying true to their roots, ultimately alienating their core fanbase.

For those who truly love basketball, the hope remains that the franchise will return to its roots and focus on delivering the best possible basketball experience.

Until then at least there is the current gen version that seems to be dedicated to only basketball, and offers a much more enjoyable experience than the next-gen version.