NBA 2K22 is in desperate need of a new start, and next-generation gaming may provide that opportunity. As the NBA season in 2021 comes to a close, 2K21 is typically released. It won't be long before trailers for the next installment of the popular franchise are released. Will 2K stick to its tried-and-true formula, or will it embrace next-generation technology to provide a more immersive experience?

NBA 2K has recently come under fire for making only incremental improvements year after year. Because of this, many back-to-back years of 2K have felt the same to some players, making the upgrade not worth it. Microtransactions, which have only been around for a few years, have also emerged as a new issue. The emphasis on pay-to-win mechanics has never been more prominent than it is right now in the franchise's history. NBA 2K21 can have the feel of a free-to-play game due to the overabundance of microtransactions. So, what can 2K22 do to help the franchise turn the corner?

Following the launch of the game, NBA 2K21 MT was made available on the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, with some improvements over the current-gen version. As a result of having over a year to experiment with next-generation technology, NBA 2K22 should be the most improved and polished game in the franchise's history. The 2K franchise has always been at the forefront of graphical advancements, but the game's visuals can be deceiving at times. For years, NBA 2K has been known for its clunky and inconsistent animations. Real-time input for long and smooth animations can be difficult, and next-generation animations have the potential to significantly improve how the game feels while maintaining the immersion that has been lost in previous games.

What NBA 2K22 Must Have in Order to Be Better Than NBA 2K21

Multiplayer has received little attention in the latest NBA 2K games, and the inclusion of microtransactions has only exacerbated the situation. In order to improve their character, players can either grind through the Story Mode, or they can pay to immediately outperform their opponents. It would be wonderful if microtransactions were completely eliminated from 2K22, though this is unlikely given how much money 2K Games can make from them. With less immersion in the game, the multiplayer experience could be improved as well. The concept of cramming a real park with people and waiting in line to play games is adorable, but it is not practical. There are numerous obstacles in the way of someone who simply wants to play a game with their friends. In addition, there is a significant barrier in the form of lag and latency, which will require improvement. If the multiplayer system receives some attention, it may be possible to keep the fanbase happy simply by playing with their friends.

2K Games has produced some excellent NBA 2K games in the past, but critics are quick to point out the apparent carelessness with which new games are being developed. Perhaps this is the year that the series makes a sweeping change before it is too late.2K has had plenty of time to experiment with next-generation capabilities. Hopefully, they will be able to make effective use of new technology and take some innovative steps with NBA 2K22.