The NBA 2K community has been hyper-aware and outraged about the unjust killing of George Floyd by a former Minneapolis police officer. Nationwide protests have flooded the streets and put the situation on a worldwide stage. NBA 2K20 players are doing their part, staging in-game protests, and commemorating Floyd.
Twitter users have shared countless videos and tweets showing in-game demonstrations to help raise awareness and support the Black Lives Matter movement. The above tweet features a photo of players surrounding an empty court in remembrance of Floyd. Popular NBA 2K staff member, and producer/host of 2KTV, Chris “LD2K” Manning also supported the cause on his individual Twitter page. NBA 2K20 even mimicked recent riots by portraying in-game stores as if they had been looted. Other demonstrations include virtual protests, where players circle the courts with their arms up, symbolizing the “Hands up, Don’t shoot” moniker.
The situation hits particularly close with the NBA community, as Floyd was a close friend of former NBA player Stephen Jackson. He’s been vocal about police brutality since the passing of his friend and has received support from the entire basketball community, including NBA 2K20 players. They are able to play as Jackson in the game and have even created customs cosmetics inspired by Floyd and the movement. Some have gone so far as to post tutorials on how to create Floyd’s actual face, but those videos have been flagged as offensive. Nevertheless, the impact this situation has had on the NBA 2K20 community, and the world at large is very apparent.
For more information on the Black Lives Matter movement, George Floyd, and to get involved, visit the NAACP website.