Headlines

NBA 2K17 keeps the foot on the gas pedal when it comes to gameplay improvements as noted in a gameplay blog from Producer Mike Wang.

This year the primary focus of gameplay changes center on making the skill(s) of the user matter more. Except for dunks, all shots now have a timing mechanism tied to them. Along with this, the shot meter has also been revamped. Users who prefer the shot button can default to that instead of the shot stick. Ball-handling and steals have also been improved along with post-play and improved physicality.

These changes have all been made with the goal of rewarding the player with the better user skills, however through options (such as difficulty and settings) and an improved 2KU (in-game tutorial), players of all skill sets can play the game how they want and improve.

Continue on to read the lengthy blog from Gameplay Producer Mike Wang. ...

Similar to the mode of the same name in the Madden NFL franchise, NHL 17 will be adding the popular Draft Champions mode.

Utilizing a 12-round draft, users will pick from current and former players to build their team. Following the draft, the player can compete offline or online head-to-head where winning four games will help them unlock Draft Collectibles. These Collectibles can them be redeemed as part of sets for top-tier packs and items.

Continue on to see the Draft Champions trailer and to also read the blog entry with additional details from Associate Producer Jesse McLean. ...

The college football season is upon us! Think you can pick the winners each week? Join the 2016 TGT College Pick 'Em group at ESPN.com.

As is TGT tradition, the season winner will receive their choice of a $20 PSN/XBL/Nintendo card. The group is free to join, so you are welcome to invite friends and family. The more the merrier!

Continue on to read full details on joining the TGT College Pick 'Em group. ...

On September 9, XBL & PSN users will be able to download - for free - The Prelude for NBA 2K17. In The Prelude, users will be able to created their MyPlayer and begin the MyCareer experience playing through college. The trailer for the mode seemingly suggests the mode will end with the user getting an invite to play (or tryout) for Team USA, perhaps aiming to be the impetus for users to buy the full retail version of the game and continue the mode, with the goal of representing the United States. It remains to be seen how detailed or fleshed out the international competition aspects will be, though some national squads have been added to the game.

Available colleges in NBA 2K17 are: Kansas, Georgetown, Arizona, Louisville, UConn, Illinois, Oklahoma, Georgia Tech, Michigan State, and Wake Forest.

The Prelude is a similar pre-release downloadable experience to NBA 2K10's Draft Combine that allowed users to create a prospect and compete to improve their draft status. With the MyNBA2K mobile app releasing on September 8, users can scan their face for inclusion into The Prelude the next day.

Continue on to see the trailer and then share your thoughts with the community. ...

Long speculated based on a NBA 2KCast livestream in the spring, NBA 2K17 will feature a free face-scanning app to allow users to import their face into PS4 & XB1 versions of the game. It will not be available or work for the PC version.

This feature will be included in the standard NBA 2K app which also features several ways for users to earn VC, the MyTeam Mobile card game, MyTeam functionality, and MyPlayer apparel options.

The app will be available on iOS Android on September 8. Continue on to read Game Informer's article on the NBA 2K17 mobile app. ...

Polygon's Owen Good was able to recently go hands-on with NASCAR Heat Evolution.

One of the most noteworthy areas of focus by Good addressed improved CPU driver AI including adaptive AI. Computer controlled competitors will no longer race on rails but rather will adjust to the user's skill level.

Due to the ESRB's rating standards, previous racing games were not allowed to include alcohol sponsorships on vehicles or they would lose the E (for Everyone) rating. However, NASCAR Heat Evolution will provide users the option to include them via free, age-gated DLC.

Continue on to read some excerpts of the article. ...

With release of NBA 2K17 a month away, the NBA 2KCast returned and outlined some of the upcoming marketing schedule.

Hosts Ronnie Singh and Chris Manning also briefly recapped the recently released #FRICTION trailer and the announced the ten community members who will visit the NBA 2K studio in Novato, California next week to see the game and then share impressions with the community afterwards.

Continue on to read a full recap of the show. ...

The third season of Madden Mobile will launch Tuesday afternoon and to prepare fans for the new modes and improvements, EA SPORTS has put out a blog and video detailing the changes.

While popular modes such as Live & Blitz Events and Leagues return, the new version of Madden Mobile will feature a QB Scramble mechanic, new Gameplanning mechanics, and improved set/binder management.

Continue on to see the blog and video from EA SPORTS as well as an early look at the game courtesy GameChanger Kraelo. ...

The release of Madden NFL 17 on EA Access is just days away and only a few more beyond that for retail release.

If you're looking for early gameplay, feature breakdowns, and tips, EA SPORTS has allowed numerous GameChangers and YouTube personalities to release early videos of the game.

At the time of recording, the game was not quite final so please keep that in mind while watching videos. Continue on to see the released videos by GC/YouTuber. ...