NBA 2K is one of sports gaming's leading innovators, and we expect more in NBA 2K21.
One of the most successful past innovations in the series is the The Park (MyPARK), a game mode where players join together as custom characters to battle it out in different game types to build rating.
Approaching next-gen consoles, we may just see other major sports titles like FIFA 21, Madden 21, and NHL 21 adapt The Park (MyPARK).
We've already seen some similar creations, and according to leaks, more could be coming.
The impact of The Park
Sports games have been pressed to introduce new successful game modes over the years.
INNOVATION: The NBA 2K series has come a long way from its first introductions of the exciting game mode The Park
The NBA 2K series has pioneered a game mode that keeps players coming back time and time again - The Park (formerly MyPARK).
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And while we expect NBA 2K21 to build on the success of the game mode, it might not be the only major sports game with this kind of gameplay come next-gen consoles
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One game that leaks point to adapting The Park is Madden 21, and its upcoming game mode The Yard.
Madden 21 and The Yard
Madden 21 is just around the corner, and we've gotten plenty of big reveals from EA on the game.
This includes a full roster ratings reveal, developer streams and Gridiron Notes going into depth on upcoming features, and even a Closed Beta period open to tons of players.
LEAKS: Could Madden 21 be adapting The Park with its upcoming game mode The Yard?
One reveal that isn't yet confirmed is a new game mode, The Yard. From leaks, it looks like the game mode will take some heavy influence from The Park. According to the leaks, it will allow players to join with others as their own Superstars to play 6 on 6.
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If this is indeed the new game mode coming to Madden 21, fans will be lining up to try it out. If it has the success of The Park, it could entirely change the online ecosystem of Madden 21.
READ MORE: Madden 21 Ratings: Who are the highest rated players?
And Madden might not be the only series that could potentially take influence from The Park.
FIFA 21
EA have been relatively silent about FIFA 21. Recently however they've revealed the cover star for all three of its editions, Kylian Mbappe. EA have also scheduled the Official Reveal Trailer.
YOUNG LEGEND: Mbappe has made his way onto the covers of all three editions of FIFA 21 at just 21-years-old
We don't have any leaks or rumors yet that imply FIFA 21 will adapt NBA 2K's Park game mode.
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But if the Madden 21 leaks are to be believed, it wouldn't be farfetched for EA to move in this direction.
READ MORE: FIFA 21 Trailer: Reveal Date, Cover Star & more
And much like Madden 21, FIFA 21 would be ripe for this kind of new game mode.
NHL 21 and The World of Chel
Another major EA sports title on the way is NHL 21.
WHAT'S NEXT?: Could an adaption of The Park make its way onto the ice in NHL 21?
Fans were worried about the lack of promotion about the game over the last few months. But now EA has come through with a developer's update on NHL 21 explaining what's to come.
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In the update, we learned that the NHL 21 development team will be focusing on innovating new features for the series on current-gen consoles rather than releasing a next-gen version with exclusive features.
READ MORE: NHL 21 Demo: Beta, Release Date & more
EA's NHL games have a form of The Park in popular online game mode The World of Chel, which allows for customized players to battle it out in unique game modes to earn rating and prestige. We expect The Chel to return in NHL 21.