In what year was the first NBA 2K game released?

The first NBA 2K game was released in 1999. Developed by Visual Concepts and published by Sega, it launched for the Sega Dreamcast as the opening title in what became one of basketball gaming’s longest-running series.

The original NBA 2K was built around the 1999–2000 NBA season and featured Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers on its cover. Its Dreamcast debut helped distinguish it from competing basketball games with more realistic presentation, player movement, and broadcast-style commentary.

A common mix-up is NBA 2K1, which followed in 2000. The “1” in NBA 2K1 can make the series timeline confusing, but it identifies the sequel rather than the first release. NBA 2K1 also remained a Dreamcast title and continued the series’ early relationship with Iverson.

After the first several games, Visual Concepts became part of the business structure behind 2K Sports when Sega sold the studio to Take-Two Interactive. The franchise has since expanded across consoles, computers, and mobile platforms.