It's always a bit of news each season when the biggest sports video games unveil which athlete(s) will be the cover stars for their video game packaging. The cover athlete of the latest Madden, MLB: The Show, and NBA 2K installments end up generating quite a bit of discussion, and a big part of following this stuff on the internet is people making their own versions of who the cover athletes should be. But now this honor is being moved to mobile apps as well.
With so much of the internet traffic and usage coming on mobile phones, having a companion app to keep the gaming experience going is starting to become necessary. If you're selling millions of copies of games and can get millions of downloads for your app, having a mobile cover athlete could end up being another coveted honor for pro athletes. 2K Sports is trying to get out ahead of this by naming Indiana Pacers' star Paul George the cover athlete of their My NBA 2K companion app.
From 2K Sports:
2K today announced that NBA 2K16, this year’s iteration of the top-rated video game simulation series for the last 15 years*, will extend more opportunities for fans to experience the franchise with the MyNBA2K16 Companion app. Launching on October 1, 2015, MyNBA2K16 will feature two-time NBA All-Star Paul George as its inaugural cover star.
“I’ve been a long-time fan of the NBA 2K series and love staying close to the game when I’m on the road,” said MyNBA2K16 cover athlete Paul George. “Being selected as the face of MyNBA2K16 is the perfect opportunity to stay connected with the game, as well as represent the NBA 2K franchise.”
Keeping with the series’ commitment to authenticity, MyNBA2K16 will provide fans a chance to stay constantly connected to NBA 2K, packing new features including MyCAREER display, MyPLAYER store, more ways to earn Virtual Currency and all-new episodes of 2KTV into the mobile experience. MyNBA2K16 will also include the collectible card game MyTEAM Mobile, where gamers can collect their favorite NBA athlete cards and challenge competitors globally in quick games, season tournaments and in-game special events.
MyNBA2K16 includes the NBA 2K themed card game, MyTEAM Mobile, which allows players to collect their favorite NBA player cards to challenge other competitors across the world in exhibition games, season tournaments and in-game special events. Fans will be able to earn Virtual Currency for NBA 2K16 via the MyNBA2K16 Companion app, creating a seamless cross-platform NBA 2K experience for fans on the go.
This may end up not being a big deal at all in the future, but with the trend of the importance of mobile, adding more connection to the game so many people obsess over once it's released is a natural next step. Plus, what else are you going to do in school or at your cubicle?
