On the PlayStation 5, NBA 2K22's Career Mode has evolved into something akin to an open-world RPG from Lambert Kent's blog

We previously reported on the new City in the PlayStation 5 version of NBA 2K22, but now we have the complete Courtside Report, which delves into all of the details of the new city. This means that, as opposed to a Telltale-style story with a few basketball games thrown in for good measure, the new Career mode is basically an open world RPG.

The sandbox will be your playground, and you'll be building your brand while interacting with other players such as agents, general managers, and other stakeholders. As opposed to being forced to follow a linear storyline, you will be free to pursue side-quests such as becoming a record producer or a fashion designer while working towards your ultimate goal of becoming an NBA player. NBA 2K22 will be the first game in the long-running franchise to be developed with next-generation.

Additional to this, seasonal updates will introduce new quests and storylines to the game, and a new batch of rewards will be available to you every six weeks. Racing on bicycles will be available, and you'll also have the option of playing on courts all over the world against other players via the internet, as well. You won't even have to wait in line if you don't want to because there will be new matchmaking buildings in place.

To make the setting feel more alive than its predecessors, 2K Sports has added a large number of non-player characters (NPCs). You'll also be able to interact with various shops and other attractions. The storyline appears to be handled differently on the PS4 – the new cruise ship-themed Neighborhood appears to be significantly smaller in scale than the City – but we hope to bring you a review of both versions as soon as possible.

It is highly recommended that you read the Courtside Report, which goes into great detail about the types of things you can expect to see and experience in the City. Bicycles, skateboards, and in-line skates will be available for exploration, and as previously reported, achieving Level 40 in the first Season will net you a go-kart as your overall reward. The event should be entertaining!