Irving’s request presents a particular challenge to 2K Sports. While the manufacture of physical copies has yet to begin, the company has designed the cover art, completed marketing materials and even finished aspects such as the loading screens. A trade would need to occur very soon for changes to be enacted in time for the release, but there’s no indication a deal is imminent.
It’s rare that a cover star’s place in the league changes dramatically while the game is being promoted or shortly after the player appears on a cover. Video game publishers intentionally select players considered to be stable, reliable and obviously valued by their organizations. They’ll shy away from anyone who’s a risk in their personal life, is a free agent or has been involved in trade rumors. The Irving news came as a surprise to everyone.
MORE: Former Cavs GM lauds Irving for having “courage” to ask out
The highest-profile move to affect a video game release took place shortly after Brett Favre appeared on the cover of “Madden NFL 09.” It was the first time publisher EA Sports had chosen a retired player for the cover of the storied franchise. Favre then unretired and forced a trade to the Jets. The deal happened too late for the company to do anything but produce a downloadable cover of him in his new uniform that fans could print out and insert into their game boxes.
The first screenshot to feature the Cavs’ new Nike uniforms and sponsor Goodyear was released Monday by 2K Sports. Irving begins the year rated 90 Overall, which is unchanged from last season. Among point guards, he’s tied for fourth with John Wall and is behind Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul.
“NBA 2K18” will let you play through a story as a general manager, joining its other story-based mode, which is centered on being a player. The game will release Sept. 15 to those who preorder. Shaquille O’Neal is featured on the two pricey special editions of the game, which will be sold for $150 and $100, respectively.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is co-founder of the sports gaming site HitThePass.com, hosts the “Press Row Podcast” and can be reached on [email protected].
