NBA 2K22 - 2K24

Details

Challenges in a Massive, Disjointed Codebase
Working with a sprawling C++ codebase brimming with deprecated features demanded proactive steps to discover and document reliable systems. Leveraging Doxygen and Code Connections allowed for detailed file relationship graphs, reducing confusion and enabling smoother collaboration. Frequent conversations with team members who had previously touched similar features, along with close communication with design, ensured that our goals aligned with the code’s technical constraints. This approach fostered valuable expertise with tools like Visual Assist, Everything, Notepad++, and Confluence, ultimately streamlining the development of new features.

Adaptive Solutions for Engaging Gameplay
I leveraged and expanded upon existing systems to create new innovative game modes and rewards, keeping development times low but adding significant value to the player experience. Wizard’s Duel exemplifies this approach by introducing random on-court powerups—like shooting or defense boosts—that expire after a set duration, managed through a lightweight class to manage timing an. Repurposing the 2012 dodgeball system’s logic for spawning items and handling interactions provided a proven, cost-effective foundation that greatly accelerated development while ensuring reliable and engaging gameplay. I also applied this strategy when I developed a flying cape reward by combining strategic camera shifts with animations that left the root motion at the y=0 plane, preserving ground-based collisions while simulating vertical movement.

Data-Driven Enhancements for the NBA 2K League
I refined League-specific gameplay by analyzing player performance data, shrinking “green zones,” and removing artificial luck factors that undermined competitive integrity. Additionally, I built an automated pipeline that collected advanced player statistics, uploaded them to AWS, and provided live updates for casting teams during ESPN broadcasts. This infrastructure ensured immediate access to highlight-worthy moments, enabling commentators to deliver engaging, data-rich coverage.