"This doesn’t feel right": Internet in shock as NBA2k mysteriously announces Jordan Brand to be "BANNED" in game

Wait, what? The NBA 2K franchise just announced that Jordan will be absent from the 2K25 game. This has certainly sparked a great reaction from the gaming community with people expressing their shock and dismay. Indeed, the Jordan Brand has been a staple of previous versions because it allowed players to dress their virtual athletes in legendary Air Jordan sneakers and apparel.

The news broke on the official NBA 2K X account:

"Due to reasons beyond our control, Jordan Brand is BANNED in NBA 2K25."

Fans are in utter shock! A user claimed,

"This doesn’t feel right. Theres something big going to happen." (Via X/@Xraade)

"Game is cooked don’t matter what kinda promo yall doin" is an opinion echoed by many players who have grown up associating the Jordan Brand with the NBA 2K series. (Via X/@TylerrBangham)

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Connection to the ‘Banned’ Campaign

The announcement comes as the Jordan Brand celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1. For the occasion, they introduced a 'Banned' revival campaign referencing the original Air Jordan 1 'Bred' banned by the NBA in 1985 for not representing the uniform requirements of the league. It has since then, become an icon for rebellion and culture.

As part of this campaign, Jordan Brand has deactivated all its social media accounts, including Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), to add to the 'banned' theme. In popular videos making rounds on social media, Nike employees are seen getting fined for wearing Jordans on campus, which further adds to the mystique of the anniversary celebration.

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Licensing Dispute or Business Strategy?

Another reason that Jordan Brand is not a part of NBA 2K25 could be because of a licensing issue. This issue has occurred in various sports video games that have led to the withdrawal of teams, players, or brands.

However, the decision by NBA 2K and Jordan Brand has not been confirmed to be made in case of the failure to renew a new licensing agreement. The reason behind this silent move by both parties increases the mystery around this turn of events.

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Players Taken Off NBA 2K25

Here are some of the players reportedly taken off NBA 2K25:

John Wall (All-Time Washington Wizards) Serge Ibaka (2012 Oklahoma City Thunder Andre Iguodala (2016, 2017 Golden State Warriors) Blake Griffin (2014 Los Angeles Clippers)

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Community Reaction

The gaming community has widely protested this. The absence of Jordan Brand is deemed to reduce the attractiveness of the game, as it fails to includethe connection gamers feel with Jordan Brand. The lack of an official explanation has led to widespread speculation among fans and industry analysts.

(Via X/@therealbink1, X/@OceanicMMA, and X/@MillsTwitch)

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Implications for the Game

The removal of the Jordan Brand from NBA 2K25 raises questions about whether there is an issue with licensing or is it all part of alarga campaign. The players are probably going to wonder how this would further affect the overall gaming experience, perhaps even in terms of endorsements placed within the game and player customization.

The loss of such an iconic brand might affect the actual authenticity and completeness of the gaming experience, especially for those who enjoy customizing their players with iconic gear.

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Will Jordan Brand come back with later updates?

One of the biggest questions surrounding this decision is whether Jordan Brand will make a return in future NBA 2K25 updates or the next installment of the game. It could be a possibility that if such a move goes in the scheme of the 'Banned' marketing campaign; they might make a second move after finishing that marketing drive.

However, if this is caused by some licensing issue, the players are already preparing themselves for an extended absence of Jordan Brand in the NBA 2K series.

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Official Releases and Future Developments

To date, both the developers of the NBA 2K and the Jordan Brand members have not released any information regarding such a decision. Expectations are still floating among gamers about their clarification of whether this is permanent or whether the Jordan Brand is coming back in future updates or installments.

As things go, the players and the fans are keen to know what this decision has in store for the future of the NBA 2K series.