Halftime Panel, Sideline Reporting, and Real Dialogue – Like NBA 2K25 Does It

Amen! Immersion is the key to drawing you into the game, and making you want to continue to play.

They can even use things from existing EA games to make it easier. Like the ability to change the tone and texture of your voice from Sims 4, to get out of the generic voice trap that was poo-pooed a few years ago (and why they went to the speech bubbles). They can use the character creator sliders from Sims 4 too instead of searching forever from all of the weird generic head choices. Like in EA NHL games, I would like to be able to watch the games action when I'm not on the field, or at least not have a hard break from commentary and everything. Possibly making a speed toggle so you can watch it at 1.5 speed or faster, so it doesn't become a chore. 

And I totally agree with you that Superstar is flat. Even though it is my go-to mode to play, it puts me to sleep. It's like oh next game... next game... no context. They should look into the last NCAA game (before the long hiatus), During the game there was game breaks and upset alerts, that made it feel like you were part of a league not just a series of play now games, with occasional speech bubble sequences after a few games.

With AI they could even produce voices and reporters that don't exist in real life but could be super realistic and believable. Sideline, pre-game/halftime/game roundup sequences, and breaking news alerts in PIP during playcalling. Storylines could be easily created and modified by AI to keep gameplay fresh and contextual. Ex: Say your rookie QB was sacked five times and threw 2 interceptions the previous game, the coach could pull you off to the side during practice and give you an opportunity to put in more time in timing and accuracy or working with the O-line so they can cover you better.

Hey!

Wow. You absolutely nailed it.

Your comment didn’t just build on what I said—it leveled it up. The way you laid out practical, plug-and-play solutions using existing EA systems like Sims 4 and NHL is exactly the kind of thinking that makes me believe this could actually happen—if they’re willing to listen.

The voice tone system from Sims? Genius. That alone could finally put the nail in the coffin of those flat, lifeless cutscenes. And the character sliders? Couldn’t agree more. Scrolling through a graveyard of weird, generic heads feels like a mini horror movie every time I boot up Superstar. The assets already exist—they just need to be integrated smartly.

And the gameplay flow suggestions? 🔥
Letting us watch from the sidelines, with a speed toggle, would scratch that sim itch without turning the experience into a slog. That’s how you keep players locked in. I used to feel that way with NCAA’s game breaks and upset alerts—like I was part of a living, breathing league. You said it perfectly: right now, Superstar plays like a “series of play now games.” There’s no momentum, no narrative glue holding anything together.

Your QB example sealed the deal:

"Coach pulling you aside to work on timing and accuracy after a bad game?"

THAT’S IT. That’s story. That’s connection. That’s why people return to a mode week after week, season after season.

And your idea of using AI for dynamic sideline reporting, pre/postgame sequences, breaking news in PIP— that’s just next-gen thinking. It’s not even that far-fetched with where AI is now. We’re not asking for fantasy—we’re asking for immersion. And immersion is what drives engagement.

Let’s keep pushing this forward. Superstar could really be something special if they stop treating it like a side mode and start treating it like a flagship experience.

– Juan

Yeah, I really like how NBA 2K25 handles halftime panels and sideline reporting—it feels super realistic, almost like watching a real game. The player reactions and commentary are on point too. If you're into immersive sports experiences like that, you might also enjoy checking out my site for fantasy sports tools– it helps with building better lineups and tracking performance!