Basketball fans all over the world were shattered by the news of Kobe Bryant’s death in a helicopter crash on Sunday. The sadness over the tragic loss is also felt throughout the video game industry, especially in the “NBA 2K20” community.
‘NBA 2K20’ players hope to see Mamba in the next game’s cover
Every fan grieves differently. But it appears that several “NBA 2K” players agree that it is only fitting to have Bryant in the Legend Edition cover of the “NBA 2K21” as a way for the community to collectively honor him.
RIP to a Legend. Thank you for your many contributions on and off the court. You are greatly missed pic.twitter.com/XesYS63Uhp
— NBA 2K20 (@NBA2K) January 26, 2020
Kobe, famously known by his moniker “Mamba,” was one of the few NBA players to be in multiple “NBA 2K” covers. He was the main featured athlete in “NBA 2K10” and then graced the “NBA 2K17” Legend Edition cover following his retirement from the league.
He died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday with his daughter Gianna Bryant, who was widely recognized for her basketball skills at the age of 13. Kobe was reportedly accompanying Gianna to a basketball tournament at the Mamba Sports Academy along with the other passengers John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester. All passengers and their pilot Ara Zobayan did not survive the crash.
‘NBA 2K20’ fans, developers honor Kobe Bryant’s legacy
Developers of the “NBA 2K” franchise joined many others in honoring Kobe Bryant’s legacy “on and off the court.” 2K Games also recognized the efforts of video game players in showing their ways to pay tribute to the former Los Angeles Lakers star through various gameplay features in “NBA 2K20.”
An in-game poster dedicated to the 18-time NBA All-Star has been spotted by players in certain parts of the Neighborhood as well as in loading screens. Gamers have also created ways to pay their respects to Bryant in various ways.
“We’re inspired and heartened by the ways the 2K player community are rallying together and honoring Kobe — including parades, custom jerseys, intentional 24 second shot clock violations, and dedicated streams,” the game publisher told The Hollywood Reporter. 2K Games has yet to comment on fans’ proposition to feature Kobe in the Legend Edition next year.


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