Some ramped-up role-playing sequences in NBA 2K12‘s “My Player” career mode have delivered an unlikely first: David Stern, the NBA commissioner, is the first league officer — to anyone’s recollection — to appear, both in voice and in motion capture, in a video game.
Not only that, his deputy, Adam Silver, will also grace NBA 2K12 when it drops on October 4. Their inclusion comes from an augmented draft-day presentation in both “My Player” and “Association,” the game’s multiyear franchise mode. Stern himself will announce the first round draft picks — including yours, if you’re that good — in My Player. In Association, Silver, as he usually does, will announce the second-rounders.
NBA 2K12 producer Erick Boenisch confirmed that Stern, and Silver, recorded audio for the game to participate in its draft sequences.
In the past, field officials like Ed Hochuli in the NFL, or ring referees in UFC Undisputed, have appeared in sports video games, but not actual front office personnel. Last year, both Madden NFL and NBA 2K introduced championship cutscenes with winning teams appearing at the White House with President Obama. This is believed to be the first appearance of any league commissioner in a video game.
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