The trend of sports games packing high-budget story modes seems to be slowly fading away, but NBA 2K20 is doubling down. This year’s basketball simulation will feature a full-length cinematic campaign starring Hollywood names like Idris Elba and Rosario Dawson. The mode – entitled When the Lights Are Brightest – is being executive produced by LeBron James’ Springhill Productions, the same company behind the upcoming Space Jam 2.

Judging by the trailer, the plot will once again tell the tale of a down-on-his-luck prospective talent, and depict the hardships that future basketball players take to get to the top. We can also infer from the trailer that MyCareer’s social hub area, the Neighbourhood, will be largely unchanged from previous entries.

Still, the production values are through the roof, and we do enjoy these sports game story modes – even if they can be a trifle cringey at the best of times.

[source youtube.com]