The makers of NBA 2K9 have come up with a very, very cool way to promote the game, and get users engaged in an ongoing way. It’s called The Other Season, a unique combination of video games, fantasy sports, and celebrity endorsement. Eight NBA superstars (real ones like Kevin Garnett and Steve Nash) own “franchises” within the game, which are competing with each other over the season. How they are competing is by selecting a team of gamers to join their respective squads. In other words, I, Denis Hancock, could be drafted by Steve Nash to play for his team, the Nash Potatoes- an MVP staple that always delivers.

Everyone who signs up will be drafted, but interested fans can make their case for why they should be highly ranked – describing strengths and weaknesses, the platform they play on, gamertag, and they can even upload videos and images. Over the course of the seasons stats (for things like points, assists, etc.) are accumulated based on one-on-one, 5 minutes games against “blind” opponents. Thankfully, a player’s score is determined by their average performance in these games, so the game doesn’t necessarily require you to play 24/7 in order to dominate. Team owners will communicate with their squads, can trade amongst themselves, and cut people that don’t participate enough ( < once a month).

Very cool idea – have to imagine a lot of gamers will be interested in this, and the prospect of being traded by Carlos Boozer to Andre Igoudala! I sure would be if I, er, still played video games. I’m way to old for that now.*

You can check out the official site here.

* Or so I’m told by various family members. But I do dominate my NBA 2K8 in season mode… Calderon to Bosh for two… and the foul! Get out the salami and cheese!