At around midnight on November 18, NBA 2K content creator Adin Ross tweeted his feelings about NBA 2K21. “Idk if I’m getting sicked & tired of playing 2K, but this game is very hard to stream,” Ross tweeted. “Please do something about this and fix 2K once and for all please we deserve it.”
A second tweet followed, which simply said: #MAKE2KFUNAGAIN. The hashtag, which parodies the election slogan of a racist misogynist, gained momentum until it was trending #1 worldwide on Twitter. Inside the fluff, you can find some real commentary on NBA 2K21.
Idk if I’m getting sick & tired of playing 2K, but this game is very hard to stream. Idk what it is but 2K hasn’t hit the same since 17 however 19 and 20 were playable. This next gen 21 just not it. Please do something about this and fix 2K once and for all please we deserve it
— adin (@adinross) November 18, 2020
The Trending Trend – NBA 2K and #MAKE2KFUNAGAIN
Generally speaking, there’s a lot that can be learned from 2020. This summer, the Madden community learned that, if they can get a hashtag trending on Twitter, then developers will respond to the criticism. In this case, EA responded to the #FixMaddenFranchise hashtag with an ongoing commitment to franchise mode in Madden.
Today’s trending hashtag wants to ride that same wave. While many players shared their vague dislike of NBA 2K21 in #MAKE2KFUNAGAIN, content creators took the opportunity to outline changes they’d like to see to NBA 2K games.
– Buff park rep, it’s complete ASS compared to rec
– Make shot contests matter, I’ve greened 100% smothered layups and A LOT of 50%+ 3 pointers
– Allow high interior defence ratings annihilate people who try to contact dunk on you (like Shaq did)
– Fix frame rate#MAKE2KFUNAGAIN— Tyceno (@TheRealTyceno) November 18, 2020
Folks like Tycento and GrindingDF, NBA 2K Youtubers who have 960k and 690k subscribers, respectively, offered real input on what they think would make NBA 2K21 a better game. Other creators have more specific issues, like with the game’s dribbling.
#MAKE2KFUNAGAIN Mamba Mentality Badge needs to be fixed & Jumpshot Speed needs to be reworked so its consistent no matter where we are on the court https://t.co/7kJanf2GZ5
— Grinding🐻 (@SiimplyGrinding) November 18, 2020
Not everyone on the hashtag is being negative. Twitch streamer Juke pointed out that, similar to the Madden franchise, NBA 2K just doesn’t have enough competition for these movements to make an impact. Some creators are just enjoying NBA 2K21.
2K is fun to me, Why everyone sayin #MAKE2KFUNAGAIN ?
— LxckTV (@LxckTV) November 18, 2020
https://twitter.com/JoeKnowsYT/status/1328950851134779393?s=20
Even Forbes writer Brian Mazique, whose tweet about Madden 21 spawned #FixMaddenFranchise and the movement that followed, weighed in. To Mazique, #MAKE2KFUNAGAIN is just a clumsy emulation of what he wanted #FixMaddenFranchise to accomplish.
“Y’all just like 2 start hashtags because u can,” he tweeted, “I’m not floored by #Madden21 but it will be slammed much harder than it deserves. 2 many people have no middle. it’s either a god or trash.”
tell me about it. i almost hate that i started the fixmadden thing, it's success made a bunch of people clumsily emulate it with less-than well-thought-out copies any time they feel the least bit of dissatisfaction, even if that feeling comes from their own ineptitude
— Brian Mazique (@UniqueMazique) November 18, 2020
Now What?
It’s hard to say whether or not #MAKE2KFUNAGAIN will make a difference. Its Madden counterparts started well before the game’s release, and had consistent support (for better or for worse). The NBA 2K Twitter account has not made a statement about #MAKE2KFUNAGAIN. It’s focused on the NBA Draft tonight. Plus, a lot of players seem to like NBA 2K.
The algorithm, at least, has moved on, to make room for The Game Awards discourse. Did you know that NBA 2K21 is nominated for Best Sports/Racing game?