The omission of certain athletes from the latest installment of the premier basketball simulation video game is a notable aspect for both players and developers. This refers to professional basketball players, past and present, who are absent from the active roster, historical teams, or free agent pool within the game. A specific example would be a recently retired player who was featured in previous editions but is no longer under contract or license to be included.
The significance of these exclusions stems from licensing agreements, rights negotiations, and the overall cost associated with securing the likeness and image rights of individual athletes. It directly impacts the game’s authenticity, realism, and the player’s ability to recreate historical matchups or manage specific rosters they desire. Understanding this dynamic provides context for the composition of the virtual basketball universe within the game and its constraints.