Using fake crowd noise from NBA 2K video game on live broadcasts would cheapen the experience

[Shawn Knight]

Editor's take: I would urge the NBA to reconsider. Play the games in an empty arena and broadcast it as it happens. Basketball is exciting enough that it doesn’t need fake audio to help get it over. Players are used to practicing in fan-free arenas and those watching at home might enjoy hearing the nuances that normally get lost behind crowd noise. Shoes screeching on the hardwood, the swish of the net as a player drains a three-pointer, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat - all maximized.

The NBA Board of Governors this week approved plans to restart league play on July 31, 2020, a date that was also agreed upon by the National Basketball Players Association. Hoops fans were no doubt overjoyed to receive the news but as officials continue to hammer out the details of the unprecedented move, one area that is of particular interest is the crowd.

Attendance by the public is almost certainly out of the question for the remainder of the season and perhaps into early next season. Without fans in the stands, you don’t get any crowd noise and for most involved, that could take the most getting used to.

One possible workaround that is being discussed, per Shams Charania with The Atlantic, is to pipe in audio from the NBA 2K video game series to simulate crowd noise. But is that really the best idea, to try and fake the experience? Allow me to elaborate.

2-3 preseason games. 1,600 maximum capacity in Orlando. No plan for anti-drug blood testing. Potential crowd noise via NBA 2K sounds.

Details at @TheAthleticNBA on the NBPA’s call with its Board and Player Reps: https://t.co/OiSdQosgvU

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 5, 2020

The Ultimate Fighting Championship was the first major sport to emerge out of Covid-19 and it did so with a live event on May 9. Typically contested in front of thousands of fans, the fights were held in an empty arena that was eerily silent. But that silence meant that every punch, kick and takedown was magnified. Best yet, you could clearly hear the fighters quipping at each other and even make out the instructions the coaches were feeding their athletes. It was different from the norm, sure, but also quite enjoyable.

Had the UFC pumped in fake crowd noise, it would have killed that organic vibe and cheapened the overall experience.

Masthead credit: Brocreative

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https://www.techspot.com/news/85520-nba-considers-pumping-fake-crowd-noise-nba-2k.html

 

[QuantumPhysics]

Nothing's better than authenticity

 

[psycros]

Better yet, pipe in sound effects from NBA Jam. "He's heating up.."

 

[Uncle Al]

For all my years I have thought that these "piped in" laugh tracks, applause, and the whole mess cheapened the various broadcasts that use them. After all, arn't they used to insure the desitred effect rather than let the audience choose? There have been more than a few TV sitcom's that were questionable at best and probably would have been exposed by the reality. I am most surprised this technology hasn't infiltrated politics .... or maybe it has and we missed it?

 

[Nobina]

Reminds me of fake engine noises in modern cars. There's something wrong with that.

 

[EClyde]

A laugh track would be more appropriate for the NBA, Now Hockey That's real sport

 

[Theinsanegamer]

With no live audience dont expect most to tune in. Watching a sport on TV isnt anywhere near the same as watching in person, and audience numbers are gonna TANK.

 

[texasrattler]

I have to disagree. People at home are use to the noise from crowds not players. Even video games its the crowd not players hyping things. But if youve ever watched a live event on tv its also so different from a non live event. Non live events are what most watch and are use to. Live events arent all that great, only some are.

Sports were meant to have crowds. Without the crowds there is no sport. Say what you want but watching sports with no crowds is a no go. I dont see many watching it, some will but will the ratings be enough. I guess we will see.

 

[Privery]

It would be better if they just not put fake noise because if they didn't the players probably won't feel like they are under more pressure and they will play better.

 

[Jerry in WA]

Fake noise, would cheapen the experience? They are playing at Disney World. The "experience" went out the window long before fake video game noise.

 

[mrvco]

What a horrible idea in every way. Might as well just use the laughtrack from a sitcom.

 

[ruddevil]

Only if NBA can govern a way to mute players from trash talking. That is probably the only reason why they consider the fake noise after all: that kids can't hear the expletives loud and clear.

 

[ZackL04]

As a timberwolves fan ive been trying to watch games without crowd noise for years.....

It tough, just crickets, our home games feel like exhibition games

Bring on the fake crowd noise, it will help a lot

 

[p51d007]

Never paid any attention to the NBA. No fans means NO MONEY. How long will they last without selling tickets, souvenirs, over priced concessions?

 

[pit1209]

Never paid any attention to the NBA. No fans means NO MONEY. How long will they last without selling tickets, souvenirs, over priced concessions?

You certainly have no clue how this works hmm?... Well you already said you have never paid attention to the NBA.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

You certainly have no clue how this works hmm?... Well you already said you have never paid attention to the NBA.

Legit though, without ticket sales and concession sales they've lost a significant portion of revenue. Even if they still make money it will be significantly lower which cold pose a debt problem when trying to go full reopening.

 

[pit1209]

Legit though, without ticket sales and concession sales they've lost a significant portion of revenue. Even if they still make money it will be significantly lower which cold pose a debt problem when trying to go full reopening.

That's just partially true, yeah the owners are going to lose the revenue from tickets and concession sales but that's not the only way they earn money and we have to understand that because of COVID-19 they were going to lose that revenue anyways.

The NBA makes the majority of their money through TV contracts and merchandising sales, Adam Silver the NBA commissioner said that ticket and concession sales comprise 40% of the total revenue. Reopening the league is probably going to mitigate the complete revenue loss from an incomplete season and many players are eager to continue to compete for a championship and also justify their salaries so it won't be affected or at least less affected by this situation.