2K unveiled that five-time NBA All-Star Boston Celtics Forward and reigning NBA Champion Jayson Tatum will be the cover athlete for the NBA 2K25 Standard Edition.

Tatum will be featured alongside the back-to-back WNBA Champion, two-time WNBA MVP and six-time WNBA All-Star Las Vegas Aces Forward, A’ja Wilson as dual cover athletes for the NBA 2K25 All-Star Edition. Wilson will also grace the cover of the NBA 2K25 WNBA Edition, a GameStop Exclusive Physical Edition available in the US and Canada.

The 2024 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee, eight-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Team and NBA dunk contest legend, Vince Carter, will be featured on the cover of the NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition.

2K announced new gameplay enhancements and features bringing authentic on-court action to NBA 2K25.

2K’s ProPLAY technology translates authentic movements from actual NBA footage into immersive gameplay, and continues to evolve and expand in NBA 2K25 with an increased animation library that delivers 2K’s most true-to-life basketball yet. Updates also include an all-new dribble engine powered by ProPLAY™ and additions like Signature Go-To Shots, Shot Canceling, Shot Timing Profiles as well as a brand new defensive cutoff system, updates to the Contest System and more.

“Realism, customization and freedom are the key drivers behind this year’s gameplay updates including one of the most impactful updates to our gameplay engine in years,” said Mike Wang, Gameplay Director at Visual Concepts. “Enhancements powered by ProPLAY inject a sense of energy, immersion, and, most importantly, authenticity to our game while the gameplay puts an unprecedented level of control in the player's hands to fully personalize how they dribble and shoot the ball.”

Gameplay innovations featured in NBA 2K25 for PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S & PC include:

• Gameplay, Powered by ProPLAY: 9,000 new ProPLAY™ animations have been added to NBA 2K25 pulling from real-world NBA footage to seamlessly translate actual NBA moments into authentic gameplay. Featuring 1,500 dribbling animations, 1,100 signature shot animations from most rostered players from the 2023-24 NBA season, and more than 1,300 new off-the-ball animations, including 150 new signature motion styles, NBA 2K25 delivers the most realistic gameplay to-date.
• All-New Dribble Engine: NBA 2K25 features one of the biggest changes to gameplay in 15 years with an all-new dribble engine powered by ProPLAY™. Now, with the power of ProPLAY™, NBA 2K25's dribble engine generates dynamic motion from real-world NBA footage to create a new and more authentic feel. This update means players will experience a more lifelike movement that is one-to-one with how NBA players dribble in real life.
• Offensive Innovations: Creativity, personalization, freedom, and accessibility are the cornerstones of NBA 2K25 offensive updates, catering to both newcomers and experts alike. Features like Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting, Custom Visual Cues and Shot Timing Profiles give players the ultimate customization over how they shoot the ball as they balance the risk-versus-reward of their choices. Other updates include a new Shot Canceling feature that allows players to break out of any advanced shot at any time to transition into other moves. We’ve also taken last year’s Dribble Breakdowns a step further with Signature Go-To Shots which features dribble-into-shot combos, directly translated from NBA footage - another feature Powered by ProPLAY™.
• Defense Wins Championships: NBA 2K25 features a brand-new defensive cutoff system that empowers defensive-minded players. Dynamically change direction using the right stick to control a player and quickly slide laterally into position to cut off an offensive player’s attack. The Contest System received significant changes and now uses a dynamic weighting system, rather than a fixed one, that evaluates the impact of defense at the start of the shot versus the release and computes the proper coverage impact accordingly.
• AI Gameplay: AI gameplay has been improved across all platforms to play a more complementary role with updates to Court Spacing, Offense, Defense, Coaching, and the AI Difficulty to elevate the overall experience.
• Learn 2K: NBA 2K25 features a new Learn 2K mode that lets players learn everything from the basic mechanics of 2K all the way through how to execute the most advanced moves. Whether players want to try out the new Rhythm Shooting, learn the hundreds of moves, play mini-games, run drills, or work through practice scenarios, Learn 2K is an educational tool built to make NBA 2K25 more accessible for all.

Gameplay, Powered by ProPLAY

NBA 2K24 welcomed new innovations and enhancements to the NBA 2K franchise, introducing the next generation of groundbreaking realism via ProPLAY™. For NBA 2K25, we expanded on ProPLAY’s animations, revamped the dribbling engine, and improved the gameplay on both offense and defense.

ProPLAY Animation Expansion

ProPLAY is realized in an even greater way in NBA 2K25. Using new ProPLAY™ animations, which have been directly translated from real-world NBA footage, gameplay becomes even more authentic as we replace traditional motion-captured animations with ProPLAY™ animations.

We've added 9,000 new ProPLAY™ animations in NBA 2K25, including 1,500 dribbling animations, 1,100 signature shot animations covering most rostered players from the 2023-24 NBA season, and over 1,300 new off-the-ball animations, including 150 new signature motion styles.

All-New Dribble Engine

NBA 2K25 features an all-new dribble engine built from the ground up. This is the biggest change to our gameplay engine in many years and we’re eager for you to test it yourself. In every previous version of NBA 2K, dribble movement was managed by manually programmed, pre-scripted animation transitions from a library of motion-captured movements.

Now, with the power of ProPLAY™, NBA 2K25's dribble engine generates dynamic motion from real-world NBA footage to create a new and more authentic feel. It goes beyond animations, and turns movement with the ball into one holistic, dynamic piece of motion, one-to-one with how players dribble in real life. Stops are tighter, launches are more explosive, and probing the court looks and feels smoother, more lifelike, and more consistent than ever before. We can’t wait for you to experience this first-hand.

OFFENSE

NBA 2K25 provides more variety, accessibility, and freedom on offense for newcomers, seasoned players, and full-blown experts alike with all-new improvements like the Shot Canceling feature, Signature Go-To Shots, Shot Timing Profiles, Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting, and more.

Signature Go-To Shots

With NBA 2K24, we introduced Dribble Breakdowns to initiate a sequence of signature size-up moves that you can use to create separation and breakdown the defender. In NBA 2K25 we took this concept a bit further. Holding UP on the Pro Stick will trigger Signature Go-To Shots which feature some of the most exciting dribble-into-shot combos, directly translated from NBA footage—another feature driven by ProPLAY™ technology.

Shot Canceling Feature

We're also implementing a new Shot Canceling feature that lets you break out of any advanced shot at any time to transition into other moves, like a more robust hesi or shot fake. Coupled with Signature Go-To Shots, the ProPLAY™ Dribble Movement Engine, and expanded ProPLAY™ Animations, this free-flowing experience allows you to start a stepback jumper, cancel out of the shot, and move into a different dribble move, or take a driving lane to the basket.

These improvements give offensive players more tools to be creative.

Shot Timing Profiles

We received feedback from opposite ends of the spectrum on shooting this past year. Some players loved the added challenge, while others found shooting to be too difficult, especially for newcomers. In NBA 2K25, we've added a new setting called Shot Timing Profiles that allows you to customize the risk-versus-reward of your shot timing.

Choosing "Low Risk-Reward" will provide more forgiving shot timing that emphasizes ratings, openness, and taking smart shots over the release of the button or stick. A mistimed shot could still go in but the green make window will be smaller, making it more difficult to consistently have excellent-timed releases.

Choosing "High Risk-Reward" will offer more challenging shot timing with green-or-miss outcomes. If you're consistently good at timing your shot, you're sure to reap big rewards by choosing this option.

Custom Visual Cues

NBA 2K24 added the Shot Timing Visual Cue setting to select your ideal jump shot release point from Jump, Set Point, Push, or Release animation cues. In NBA 2K25’s MyPLAYER Jump Shot Creator, you are no longer limited to these four options. After selecting a base, release, and release speed for your custom jump shot, you can now set your Visual Cue to any point in the shot, giving you full customization over when to release the shot button or stick.

Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting

While all shooting control methods from NBA 2K24 are returning, NBA 2K25 introduces a brand new way to shoot called Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting. Instead of simply pressing and releasing the shot button or stick, you first pull the shot stick DOWN to start the shot. Then, as you see your player's jump shot animation reach its Set Point, you push the shot stick UP and try to match the timing and speed of the player's Push motion. This intuitive DOWN-UP motion on the shot stick rewards you for accurately mimicking each player's signature shooting motion.

A player who masters Rhythm Shooting will raise their ceiling and outplay someone who uses traditional shooting, creating more possibilities to demonstrate your skills. Your selected Shot Timing Profile also applies to Rhythm Shooting, allowing you to choose a Low or High Risk-Reward experience as detailed further up. We encourage you to give it a try! When we first introduced Rhythm Shooting to the rest of the team here at Visual Concepts, many thought it was a bit too challenging. However, those of us who kept practicing grew to love it and now can't go back to traditional shooting. We've also seen our shooting percentages rise significantly as we've improved with the mechanic.

With Shot Timing Profiles, Custom Visual Cues, Signature Go-To Shots, and the new Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting, NBA 2K25 gives you ultimate customization over how you shoot the ball.

DEFENSE

Take advantage of all-new defensive measures that’ll impact your ability to lockdown opponents, and be sure to visit Learn 2K to improve on the fundamentals.

Defensive Movement System

NBA 2K25 features a brand new defensive cutoff system. Offensive players have long been able to dynamically change direction using the right stick, and savvy defensive players can now do the same.

By utilizing the right stick on defense, you can control your player and quickly slide laterally into position to cut off an offensive player’s attack. Successfully reading the ball handler and anticipating their drive with a successful cutoff can stonewall the offense or cause them to fumble the ball.

Contest System

For NBA 2K25, we made significant changes to the Contest System. We now use a dynamic weighting system, rather than a fixed one, that evaluates the impact of defense at the start of the shot versus the release and computes the proper coverage impact accordingly.

In addition, you’ll notice that perimeter and interior defensive ratings, as well as height differential, play a more important role in calculating defensive coverage. These changes better reflect what you see happening on screen and reward your strong defensive sequences to decrease the competition's chances of converting their shots.

AI GAMEPLAY

To make AI play a more complementary role in NBA 2K25, we made improvements to Court Spacing, Offense, Defense, Coaching, and the AI Difficulty to elevate your overall experience. Take a look at some of the key changes below:

COURT SPACING

• Our new spacing engine has over 20 adjustment locations from inside the 3-point line that feeds AI a constant stream of spacing information yielding life-like results.
• Individual freelance has also been redesigned to account for this new spacing engine.
• This extends to the tech that drives AI double team reactions to increase the priority of spacing during double teams.

OFFENSE

• We revamped our cut to basket logic for the AI to lessen untimely cuts to the rim in freelance by your AI teammates, leading to better driving lanes and drive and kick opportunities.

DEFENSE

• A redesign of our defensive help logic, allowing for better pursuit angles and rotations.

COACHING

• Players now have the ability to save and share their playbooks with the NBA 2K community!

AI DIFFICULTY

• AI difficulty is now based on more than just shooting percentages. Lower difficulties will experience less aggressive offense and defense, and make fewer strategy changes or adjustments.
• We scaled on-ball defensive delays per difficulty so attacking the basket on lower-level AI is easier, including increased body-up win resolutions for easier blow-bys.

LEARN 2K

Now that you’ve learned about all of the gameplay enhancements and expanded ProPLAY™ features, it’s time to get hands on and practice. Whether you want to try out the new Rhythm Shooting or learn the hundreds of moves in NBA 2K25, the new Learn 2K mode, accessible from the Main Menu, provides mini-games, drills, and practice scenarios to help you up your game. Playing NBA 2K on the sticks can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be.

CLOSING REMARKS

The Visual Concepts team worked tirelessly to make all of the gameplay changes in New Gen NBA 2K25 feel rewarding and intuitive for all experience levels, while keeping our passionate fanbase in mind. We’re so excited to see clips from the NBA 2K community utilizing all of the new enhancements and features available in NBA 2K25.

Be on the lookout for even more news and information in the coming weeks regarding all things NBA 2K25. For now, I’m Mike Wang—thanks for showing your support.

ProPLAY™ and related features are only available on NBA 2K25 for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

 

With NBA 2K25, players will forge a dynasty in MyCAREER, compete in new MyTEAM modes, and, for those on New-Gen platforms, players will also experience an added sixth era in MyNBA, a more compact and interactive City, along with the chance to cement their G.O.A.T. status in The W. In addition to new updates in MyCAREER and MyTEAM, players on Current-Gen will experience an all new Neighborhood metropolis to explore where they will complete quests, earn rewards and eclipse their rivals. 

The New-Gen version of NBA 2K25 is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and now supported on PC. Powered by enhanced ProPLAYTM technology, New-Gen NBA 2K25 delivers the franchise’s most true-to-life basketball experience yet, offering players the ultimate control in how they dominate the competition. Players on PC with compatible specs will now benefit from the enhanced realism of ProPLAYTM technology, and the ability to compete in modes such as MyNBA, The W and in The City. Crossplay will only be available on New-Gen consoles.

“In a year that showcases competition at the highest level - and in a play style that is uniquely one’s own - we’re thrilled to share Jayson, A’ja and Vince as the NBA 2K25 cover athletes” said Greg Thomas, President at Visual Concepts. “The development team has delivered another innovative experience for basketball lovers, setting up NBA 2K25 to be the next icon in this long-standing dynasty.” 

NBA 2K25 will offer four editions of the game in various digital and physical formats: Standard Edition, a GameStop exclusive WNBA Edition that is available as a physical edition in the US and Canada, All-Star Edition, and a Hall of Fame Edition that is only on-sale through September 8 and includes a 12-month subscription to NBA League Pass*. All editions of NBA 2K25 are available for pre-order** now and will release worldwide on September 6: 

• The Standard Edition will be available for $69.99 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC, and $59.99 on Nintendo Switch. 
• The WNBA Edition, a GameStop exclusive, will be available for $69.99 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S and only available in North America (physical only).
• The All-Star Edition will be available for $99.99 on PS5 & PS4, Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. This edition includes 100,000 VC and MyTEAM content, including 10 MyTEAM Player Cards (3 guaranteed to be 89 OVR), 3 Diamond Shoe Cards, 3 Takeover Boosts, and 1 Amethyst Coach Card; as well as MyCAREER content, including 150x Skill Boosts (25 Games), 75x Gatorade Boosts (25 Games), Jayson Tatum Cover Jersey, Jayson Tatum Electric Skateboard Skin, and a 2K25 Cover Stars Design T-Shirt.
• The limited availability Hall of Fame Edition will be offered through September 8th for $149.99 on PS5 & PS4, Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One, and PC. The special Hall of Fame Edition includes everything in the All-Star Edition plus a MyCAREER Vince Carter Cover Jersey, a Season 1 Pro Pass with 4 upfront Pro Pass rewards and a 12-Month NBA League Pass Subscription*.

NBA 2K25 is coming to Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC on September 6, 2024.

*NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition (Digital) only available through September 8, 2024. Includes 12-Month NBA League Pass Subscription. NBA League Pass valid for 12 months from redemption and auto-renews monthly unless canceled prior to the renewal date at the then-current published MSRP for NBA League Pass in your territory. Availability restrictions apply. Not available on Nintendo Switch. See https://nba.2k.com/2K25/league-pass-faq/ for full terms, availability, redemption, and cancellation instructions

** Prices based on 2K’s suggested retail price. Actual retail price may vary. See local retailers for more info and availability.