Video game fans rejoice! The NBA and the developers of NBA 2K, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., have reached a seven-year deal worth $1.1 billion which will allow the video game studio to continue making NBA games. This deal is a standard licensing agreement that companies like EA Sports sign to make games like Madden, FIFA or NHL.
In a report by the Wall Street Journal, it is said that NBA 2K19 was the best selling sports-based video game of 2018. As of November, it was also the third-best selling video game of the year, regardless of genre. It's predecessor, NBA 2K18, has sold 10 million copies which makes it the highest selling game in the entire series.
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The Wall Street Journal also noted that this new deal is worth double the previous licensing agreement forged in 2011. Since that deal, the NBA 2K games have been consistently amongst the most popular sports games on the market. The immersive nature of these games, mixed with the realistic player animations and environments, have contributed to the game's success.
It is believed that the NBA is receiving over 15% of the game's profits which is above what the average licensing agreement would pay the licensor.
Part of the report states that EA Sports will still be allowed to release its NBA Live series, although the game is much less popular than NBA 2K.
