In 2004, 2K Sports launched ESPN NFL 2K5 to rave reviews from critics and fans alike. However, EA quickly signed an exclusivity deal with the NFL, greatly limiting the variety of NFL video games available. Now, 16 years since the launch of ESPN NFL 2K5, 2K has announced that new NFL 2K games are in active development, with the first titles set to launch sooner than many would have anticipated.
As announced by 2K Sports, the first NFL 2K game projects will launch at some point in 2021. More specific details about the games are unavailable at this time, except it was confirmed that they won't be simulations. This means that the NFL 2K games aren't really going to be trying to take on Madden NFL, but rather will be providing a more casual gameplay experience. "Our goal is always authenticity, depth, fun, and as it relates to these titles - approachable and social football experiences. We think this is a good opportunity to service a more casual market, and our research shows that there's an appetite for that," said 2K Senior VP of Sports Strategy and Licensing Jason Argent to IGN. "These games will be 'NFL 2K' products, definitely."
With the new NFL 2K games being non-simulation titles, the possibilities are really endless for what they will entail. It's possible that the games will be more over-the-top, arcade-style football games like the NFL Blitz titles, or something completely different. Fans will just have to speculate until 2K Sports decides to reveal the projects.
Beyond the fact that the NFL 2K games are aiming for release in 2021 and will be non-simulation titles, not much else is known. Thanks to 2K Sports, We do know that there are multiple developers working on multiple titles, though, which can lead to some interesting possibilities, to say the least. And while the first batch of NFL 2K games won't be out until 2021 at the earliest, hopefully fans don't have to wait that long for more details.
With the NCAA football games no longer being produced, football fans have basically only had the Madden NFL games to play, so the NFL 2K revival is no doubt welcome news. There have been many rumors and fake leaks over the years about NFL 2K coming back, and it's good to see it finally happening.
NFL fans should stay tuned for more information on the new NFL 2K games.
NFL 2K is in development for unspecified platforms.
Source: IGN