IMHO.

Games like NBA 2K17

If NBA 2K17 is your kind of game, the closest matches are NBA 2K18, NBA 2K16 and NBA 2K20 — picked from the ranked list below. Reviewers single out its mycareer mode works offline, structured archetype system and competitive. Each pick is ranked by what players of this game also play, shared genres and tags, and review-mined similarity — not a generic popularity list.

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NBA 2K17 is a basketball simulation released in 2016 by Visual Concepts. The game features an archetype system that structures player character development, along with hot-cold shooting mechanics that affect performance based on game conditions. It includes an offline career mode for single-player engagement, though some features depend on server connectivity. Players describe the experience as competitive and intense, highlighting the offline functionality of MyCareer mode and the structured approach to character archetypes as engaging elements. The title received a Metacritic score of 90, though Steam reviews indicate 55% positive reception from 1791 reviews. The game runs approximately 60 hours in its primary single-player mode and supports online cooperative play.

About NBA 2K17: Following the record-breaking launch of NBA 2K16, the NBA 2K franchise continues to stake its claim as the most authentic sports video game with NBA 2K17. As the franchise that “all sports video games should aspire to be” (GamesRadar), NBA 2K17 will take the game to new heights and continue to blur the lines between video game and...

2016SportsMetacritic 90Windowsby Visual Concepts
NBA 2K17 — Steam game cover
Players highlight
Mycareer mode works offlineOrange juice park is funStructured archetype systemCompetitiveIntenseArchetype system

Players who liked NBA 2K17 also play

Steam players who put hours into NBA 2K17 also tend to own these titles — a signal called collaborative filtering. imho.run cross-references millions of library ownership patterns to surface games whose real audiences overlap, regardless of whether their genre tags match.

  1. NBA 2K18

    WHY THIS

    Shares server dependent features and a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Top pick for NBA 2K17 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    The highest rated* annual sports title returns with NBA 2K18, featuring unparalleled authenticity and improvements on the court.*According to 2008 - 2016

    2017SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  2. NBA 2K16

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Second-strongest match for NBA 2K17 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NBA 2K is back with the most true-to-life NBA experience to date with NBA 2K16. Featuring an all-new MyCAREER experience written, directed & produced by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee. 

    2015SportsDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  3. NBA 2K20

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Third-strongest match for NBA 2K17 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K20 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2021. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.

    2019SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  4. NBA 2K21

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Ranked #4 for NBA 2K17 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K21 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2022. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.

    2020SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  5. NBA 2K23

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Ranked #5 for NBA 2K17 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    Rise to the occasion in NBA 2K23. Showcase your talent in MyCAREER. Pair All-Stars with timeless legends in MyTEAM. Build your own dynasty in MyGM, or guide the NBA in a new direction with MyLEAGUE. Take on NBA or WNBA teams in PLAY NOW and feel true-to-life gameplay.

    2022SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  6. NBA 2K22

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Ranked #6 for NBA 2K17 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K22 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2023. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.

    2021SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  7. NBA 2K24

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Ranked #7 for NBA 2K17 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    This product will no longer be available for purchase as of 10/30/2025. NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K24 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2025. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.

    2023SportsSimulationDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  8. Full Court Heroes

    WHY THIS

    Ranked #8 for NBA 2K17 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    5-on-5 basketball that is a cross between arcade and simulation reminding you of 8 and 16-bit era games you loved but with modern features. Leave your all on the floor and lead your team to a title. Fast-paced game play, detailed stats, franchise mode, fully-customizable rosters, and much more!

    2025ActionSportsStrategy15.99 USDDeck PlayableSteam ↗

Reviewers mention these as similar to NBA 2K17

Surfaced from review text: when other players write 'if you liked X, try Y', we catch the name and resolve it back to a Steam game.

  1. NBA 2K16

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Reviewers of NBA 2K17 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NBA 2K is back with the most true-to-life NBA experience to date with NBA 2K16. Featuring an all-new MyCAREER experience written, directed & produced by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee. 

    2015SportsDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  2. NBA 2K18

    WHY THIS

    Shares server dependent features and a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Reviewers of NBA 2K17 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    The highest rated* annual sports title returns with NBA 2K18, featuring unparalleled authenticity and improvements on the court.*According to 2008 - 2016

    2017SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  3. NBA 2K19

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Reviewers of NBA 2K17 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NBA 2K celebrates 20 years of redefining what sports gaming can be. NBA 2K19 continues to push limits as it brings gaming one step closer to real-life basketball excitement and culture.

    2018SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  4. NBA 2K20

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Reviewers of NBA 2K17 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K20 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2021. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.

    2019SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  5. NBA 2K21

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Reviewers of NBA 2K17 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K21 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2022. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.

    2020SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗

Free alternatives

Free-to-play games that recommended players of this title also tend to enjoy.

  1. Ultimate Custom Night

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it.

    Welcome to the ultimate FNAF mashup, featuring 50 selectable characters and custom difficulties!

    2018ActionIndieFree To PlayFreeSteam ↗
  2. Bongo Cat

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it.

    Bongo cat needs your help. Bongo cat needz more hatz!!! Every time you press a key, Bongo cat will punch your taskbar. Type, click, play, work to collect more points. Which hats will you find?

    2025IndieSimulationMassively MultiplayerFreeDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  3. The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it.

    Sonic the Hedgehog...was murdered!? Get to the bottom of the mystery in this brand-new adventure!

    2023IndieSimulationFree To PlayFreeDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  4. Indigo Park: Chapter 1

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it.

    Explore the abandoned childhood wonder of Indigo Park! Guided by Rambley the Raccoon, help restore power to the destroyed amusement park while you run from the reason it shut down.

    2024ActionIndieAdventureFreeDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  5. STRAFTAT

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it.

    STRAFTAT is a 1v1/2v2 ONLINE first person SHOOTER with quick rounds in over 350 MAPS ; Including all WEAPONS, proximity chat and 4 players FFA.

    2024ActionFreeDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  6. missed messages.

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it.

    ‘goth gf’s iPhone’ airdrops you - accept or decline? A love/horror story about life, death, & memes.

    2019IndieSimulationFree To PlayFreeDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  7. Virtual Cottage

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it.

    Virtual Cottage gives you a comfy place to rest and be productive without any distractions. Open the game, set yourself a goal and enjoy the atmosphere.

    2020IndieSimulationFree To PlayFreeDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  8. The Expendabros

    WHY THIS

    Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it.

    The Expendabros have assembled and set their sights on the forces of ruthless arms dealer Conrad Stonebanks in the forests of Eastern Europe.

    2014ActionIndieAdventureFreeDeck VerifiedSteam ↗

More from Visual Concepts

Other recommendable Steam games by Visual Concepts, ranked by review count so the studio's hits land first.

  1. NBA 2K20

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K17. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K20 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2021. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.

    2019SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  2. NBA 2K23

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K17. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    Rise to the occasion in NBA 2K23. Showcase your talent in MyCAREER. Pair All-Stars with timeless legends in MyTEAM. Build your own dynasty in MyGM, or guide the NBA in a new direction with MyLEAGUE. Take on NBA or WNBA teams in PLAY NOW and feel true-to-life gameplay.

    2022SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  3. NBA 2K24

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K17. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    This product will no longer be available for purchase as of 10/30/2025. NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K24 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2025. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.

    2023SportsSimulationDeck PlayableSteam ↗
  4. NBA 2K25

    WHY THIS

    Shares offline career mode and a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K17. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    Command every court with authenticity and realism Powered by ProPLAY™, giving you ultimate control over how you play in NBA 2K25. Define your legacy in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, and The W.

    2024SportsSimulation69.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  5. NBA 2K22

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K17. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K22 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2023. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.

    2021SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  6. NBA 2K21

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K17. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K21 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2022. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.

    2020SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  7. NBA 2K26

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K17. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    Bragging rights are on the line in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, The W, and Play Now. Showcase your bag of moves with hyper realism, Powered by ProPLAY™, and challenge your friends, or rivals, in NBA 2K26’s competitive modes—and leave no doubt that you wear the crown.

    2025Sports69.99 USDDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  8. NBA 2K19

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K17. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NBA 2K celebrates 20 years of redefining what sports gaming can be. NBA 2K19 continues to push limits as it brings gaming one step closer to real-life basketball excitement and culture.

    2018SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗

Plays great on Steam Deck

Valve-Verified or Playable picks from the similar pool — ready to go on Deck out of the box.

  1. NBA 2K18

    WHY THIS

    Shares server dependent features and a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    The highest rated* annual sports title returns with NBA 2K18, featuring unparalleled authenticity and improvements on the court.*According to 2008 - 2016

    2017SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  2. NBA 2K16

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NBA 2K is back with the most true-to-life NBA experience to date with NBA 2K16. Featuring an all-new MyCAREER experience written, directed & produced by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee. 

    2015SportsDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  3. NBA 2K20

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K20 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2021. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.

    2019SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  4. NBA 2K21

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K21 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2022. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.

    2020SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  5. NBA 2K23

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    Rise to the occasion in NBA 2K23. Showcase your talent in MyCAREER. Pair All-Stars with timeless legends in MyTEAM. Build your own dynasty in MyGM, or guide the NBA in a new direction with MyLEAGUE. Take on NBA or WNBA teams in PLAY NOW and feel true-to-life gameplay.

    2022SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗
  6. NBA 2K22

    WHY THIS

    Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K17.

    Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports with NBA 2K17.

    NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K22 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2023. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.

    2021SportsSimulationDeck VerifiedSteam ↗

Frequently asked about NBA 2K17

Does NBA 2K17 work on Steam Deck?
NBA 2K17 is currently rated Unsupported on Steam Deck. It may not launch or may have significant issues that block normal play.
Does NBA 2K17 have multiplayer or co-op?
Yes — NBA 2K17 supports multi-player play according to its Steam store listing (Multi-player).
What games are most similar to NBA 2K17?
Based on Steam play patterns and shared genres/tags, the games most often recommended alongside NBA 2K17 are NBA 2K18, NBA 2K16, NBA 2K20.
Who developed NBA 2K17?
NBA 2K17 was developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K.

imho.run ranks Steam game alternatives using a mix of collaborative filtering (ALS / iALS / EASE / LightGCN), content scoring over genres, categories, Steam tags, developers, and publishers, plus AI-extracted vibes mined from review text. The page above is generated in seed mode anchored on NBA 2K17.

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