NBA 2K14 has not made the leap to next-gen without a few hurdles, crashing and encountering some kinks. Most of the issues have already been ironed out, thanks to the latest round of glitch and bug repair and a roster update. Despite these fixes though, one issue remains rampant and this is the in-game microtransactions.

Microtransactions involve purchasing small and mostly cosmetic items in a game with the use of real money. Gamers generally purchase items using real money if they know that accumulating the required virtual money or in-game resources is too tedious or that the gameplay is not rewarding enough to invest such time. It's quite a disturbing trend that the gaming industry has already embraced, with NBA 2K14 among the guilty ones.

An example of this is when in the past, players could do in-game training exercises to improve and increase skill levels. It was a direct effort and relationship. More time and exercises equal higher skill. Under this new system though, training exercises earn players not skills but an in-game currency that could be used to increase skill levels. It's a distinction if you're patient enough to exercise your way to fame but unfortunately, many people are not these days. That's where real money comes in.

The problem is that a lot of the game's single-player campaign aspects are lacking as compared to past NBA titles, especially on the online modes, particularly "MyCareer" and "MyGM" that both provide more microtransaction opportunities. MyGM makes you a general manager and assigns you the tasks of negotiating partnerships, securing contracts and managing player emotions. It's backed by a system similar to the skillset in single-player games and when the time comes you need to build player skills for the best moves, MyGM becomes enjoyable once dues are paid and more options become available. If you want to advance level quickly and do not have much time and patience, you can pay with your credit card instead.

Rather than encouraging gamers to pay for the stats, it is recommended that 2K Sports reward players for winning against online opponents, increasing team ranking or progressing via MyCareer. If items are unlocked through some fun gameplay, 2K Sports can have as many microtransactions as they want as long as it doesn't become mandatory.