NBA players are turning to video games to keep busy during this time of self-quarantine. They aren’t the only ones with that idea, as many basketball fans have chosen NBA 2K20 as their game of choice to get their fix. There is an unexpected twist to the situation though, as NBA 2K’s long time MyLeague mode feature, “NBA Today”, began glitching due to the suspended NBA season.
“NBA Today” allows players to begin a new “Franchise” mode from that current day. The mode will simulate games that were meant to happen previously to bring the player to this point. However, NBA 2K20 is not accounting for the fact these games are canceled, therefore no longer exist. The game’s code could not interpret this, and would eventually crash due to the error. 2K Sports was able to fix the feature by having all players begin the mode at the date the NBA schedule left off, March 11th. This didn’t stop players from simulating previously scheduled games manually to see outcomes.
NBA 2K20 players and publications alike began continuing the season virtually by setting up matchups that were scheduled to take place in-game and allowing the computer to determine the winners and stats. NBA.com posts results of their simulated games weekly, complete with stats and analysis. They reported nail biter today, as the NBA Champions, the Toronto Raptors, pulled off a 2 point victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. NBC Sports Washington also has their own simulations set up, and shares games breakdowns for the Washington Wizards. Players can, of course, facilitate this process themselves in-game and watch how these matchups could have played out.
It’s important to continue practicing social distancing while the coronavirus outbreak is still being dealt with, but there’s no harm in making due with games while things get sorted out.