Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like NBA 2K17 (2026)
Every game below overlaps with NBA 2K17 on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: NBA 2K16, which made by the same studio, Visual Concepts.
- NBA 2K17 is tagged Basketball, Sports, Multiplayer, Simulation, Singleplayer, Realistic, Action, Character Customization by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 5 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 10 are from the same studio: NBA 2K16, NBA 2K22, NBA 2K24, NBA 2K20, NBA 2K19, NBA 2K23, NBA 2K25, NBA 2K18, NBA 2K21, WWE 2K20.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
NBA 2K16
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 7 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Simulation; released around the same time (2015).
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.
NBA 2K16 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 52% positive of 7,371 Price Not listed SportsBasketballSimulationRealisticGreat SoundtrackControllerFree to Play
- 2
NBA 2K22
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 7 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Simulation.
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.
NBA 2K22 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 58% positive of 38,880 Price Not listed SportsBasketballSimulationRealisticCharacter CustomizationControllerGambling
- 3
NBA 2K24
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 7 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Simulation.
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.
NBA 2K24 at a glance Released 2023 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 32% positive of 44,149 Price Not listed SportsBasketballSimulationRealisticCharacter CustomizationControllerGambling
- 4
NBA 2K20
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 6 player tags including Basketball, Sports and Simulation; released around the same time (2019).
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.
NBA 2K20 at a glance Released 2019 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 50% positive of 60,409 Price Not listed BasketballSportsSimulationCharacter CustomizationControllerRealistic
- 5
NBA 2K19
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 6 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Simulation; released around the same time (2018).
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.
NBA 2K19 at a glance Released 2018 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 39% positive of 22,571 Price Not listed SportsBasketballSimulationGreat SoundtrackControllerRealistic
- 6
NBA 2K23
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 6 player tags including Basketball, Sports and Simulation.
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.
NBA 2K23 at a glance Released 2022 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 62% positive of 51,410 Price Not listed BasketballSportsSimulationRealisticControllerCharacter Customization
- 7
NBA 2K25
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 6 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Simulation.
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.
NBA 2K25 at a glance Released 2024 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 59% positive of 42,909 Price $69.99 SportsBasketballSimulationControllerCharacter CustomizationGambling
- 8
NBA 2K18
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 6 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Gambling.
The highest rated* annual sports title returns with NBA 2K18, featuring unparalleled authenticity and improvements on the court.*According to 2008 - 2016
NBA 2K18 at a glance Released Not recorded Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 29% positive of 18,725 Price Not listed SportsBasketballGamblingSimulationRealisticGreat Soundtrack
- 9
NBA 2K21
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 5 player tags including Basketball, Sports and Simulation; released around the same time (2020).
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.
NBA 2K21 at a glance Released 2020 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 42% positive of 38,809 Price Not listed BasketballSportsSimulationCharacter CustomizationRealistic
- 10
The Sims 4
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Character Customization, Free to Play and Simulation; released around the same time (2014).
Play with life and discover the possibilities. Unleash your imagination and create a world of Sims that’s wholly unique. Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes–and much more.
The Sims 4 at a glance Released 2014 Studio Maxis Player sentiment 86% positive of 199,663 Price Free Character CustomizationFree to PlaySimulationRealisticFamily FriendlyNudity
- 11
EA SPORTS FC 25
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Sports, Simulation and Controller.
EA SPORTS FC™ 25 gives you more ways to win for the club. Team up with friends in your favourite modes with the new 5v5 Rush, and manage your club to victory as FC IQ delivers more tactical control than ever before.
EA SPORTS FC 25 at a glance Released 2024 Studio EA Canada Player sentiment 53% positive of 107,092 Price Not listed SportsSimulationControllerFamily FriendlyRealisticFree to Play
- 12
DiRT Rally 2.0
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Sports and Realistic; released around the same time (2019).
DiRT Rally 2.0 dares you to carve your way through a selection of iconic rally locations from across the globe, in the most powerful off-road vehicles ever made, knowing that the smallest mistake could end your stage.
DiRT Rally 2.0 at a glance Released 2019 Studio Codemasters Player sentiment 89% positive of 48,388 Price $19.99 SimulationSportsRealisticControllerFamily Friendly
- 13
Fishing Planet
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Free to Play, Simulation and Sports; released around the same time (2017).
Fishing Planet® is a highly realistic first-person online multiplayer fishing simulator. Developed by avid fishing enthusiasts to bring you the full thrill of actual angling on your PC. Free-to-Play and just a download away!
Fishing Planet at a glance Released 2017 Studio Fishing Planet LLC Player sentiment 87% positive of 77,158 Price Free Free to PlaySimulationSportsRealisticFamily Friendly
- 14
Skater XL - The Ultimate Skateboarding Game
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Sports, Character Customization and Simulation; released around the same time (2020).
Experience unparalleled board control and responsiveness while you skate iconic real-world skate spots. This is the evolution of skateboarding gameplay. With Independent Foot Control and unique physics-based gameplay, skate gamers finally have the expressive controls they have always dreamed of.
Skater XL - The Ultimate Skateboarding Game at a glance Released 2020 Studio Easy Day Studios Pty Ltd Player sentiment 86% positive of 19,572 Price $29.99 SportsCharacter CustomizationSimulationControllerRealistic
- 15
DiRT 4
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Simulation, Sports and Realistic; released around the same time (2017).
DiRT 4 is all about embracing fear. It’s about the thrill, exhilaration and adrenaline that is absolutely vital to off-road racing. It’s about loving the feeling of pushing flat out next to a sheer cliff drop, going for the gap that’s too small and seeing how much air you can get. Be Fearless.
DiRT 4 at a glance Released 2017 Studio Codemasters Player sentiment 80% positive of 16,257 Price Not listed SimulationSportsRealisticControllerGreat Soundtrack
- 16
GRID Autosport
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Sports, Simulation and Controller; released around the same time (2014).
It’s all about the teams, the rivals and the race as you become driver for hire, specialising in your favourite disciplines or conquering them all in an intense world of professional motorsport.
GRID Autosport at a glance Released 2014 Studio Codemasters Racing Player sentiment 78% positive of 8,728 Price Not listed SportsSimulationControllerRealisticGreat Soundtrack
- 17
eFootball PES 2021 SEASON UPDATE
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Sports, Realistic and Controller; released around the same time (2020).
Celebrate 25 years of PES with the eFootball PES 2021 Season Update* - available at a special anniversary price!
eFootball PES 2021 SEASON UPDATE at a glance Released 2020 Studio Konami Digital Entertainment Player sentiment 78% positive of 38,097 Price Not listed SportsRealisticControllerFree to PlaySimulation
- 18
RaceRoom Racing Experience
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Free to Play, Realistic and Simulation; released around the same time (2013).
RaceRoom is free to download and built on true-to-life physics and Force Feedback. Drive DTM, FIA WTCC, WTCR and a huge library of cars and tracks—including the most up-to-date Nordschleife. Jump in, race instantly, and expand your garage with a massive selection of content.
RaceRoom Racing Experience at a glance Released 2013 Studio KW Studios Player sentiment 76% positive of 28,036 Price Free Free to PlayRealisticSimulationSportsController
- 19
EA SPORTS FIFA 21
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Sports, Controller and Simulation; released around the same time (2020).
Football is back with EA SPORTS™ FIFA 21, featuring more ways to team up on the street or in the stadium to enjoy even bigger victories with friends.
EA SPORTS FIFA 21 at a glance Released 2020 Studio EA Canada Player sentiment 76% positive of 55,685 Price Not listed SportsControllerSimulationRealisticGreat Soundtrack
- 20
Professional Fishing
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Free to Play, Simulation and Sports; released around the same time (2018).
Are you falling asleep with a rod? Never again! Professional Fishing will never let you fall asleep! Play an amazing fishing simulator and feel like a real angler! Create your own fishing club and compete with others!
Professional Fishing at a glance Released 2018 Studio MasterCode Player sentiment 76% positive of 4,260 Price Free Free to PlaySimulationSportsRealisticFamily Friendly
- 21
eFootball PES 2020
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Sports, Free to Play and Simulation; released around the same time (2019).
Experience unparalleled realism and authenticity in this year's definitive football game: PES 2020.
eFootball PES 2020 at a glance Released 2019 Studio Konami Digital Entertainment Player sentiment 71% positive of 26,122 Price Not listed SportsFree to PlaySimulationRealisticController
- 22
Copa Petrobras de Marcas
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Free to Play, Simulation and Sports; released around the same time (2015).
COPA PETROBRAS DE MARCAS is a 100% free official game simulating the thrill of competing wheel-to-wheel with models from various automakers in some of the main Brazilian race tracks.
Copa Petrobras de Marcas at a glance Released 2015 Studio Reiza Studios Player sentiment 68% positive of 2,903 Price Free Free to PlaySimulationSportsControllerGreat Soundtrack
- 23
SNOW - The Ultimate Edition
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Sports, Free to Play and Simulation; released around the same time (2019).
SNOW - The Ultimate Edition is the only open world, winter sports game. Explore a massive mountain, customize your character with clothing and equipment, compete in events to be the best. Access to all mountains, tracks, events as well including all cosmetics, ski, snowboard, drone, and snowmobile.
SNOW - The Ultimate Edition at a glance Released 2019 Studio Poppermost Productions Player sentiment 63% positive of 11,941 Price Not listed SportsFree to PlaySimulationRealisticController
- 24
WWE 2K20
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 3 player tags including Sports, Simulation and Character Customization; released around the same time (2019).
NOTE: All multiplayer servers for WWE 2K20 will be shutdown as of 6/30/2022. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.
WWE 2K20 at a glance Released 2019 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 43% positive of 5,842 Price Not listed SportsSimulationCharacter Customization
Common questions
What game is most like NBA 2K17?
NBA 2K16, on the evidence we have. It made by the same studio, Visual Concepts. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to NBA 2K17" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with NBA 2K17. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of NBA 2K17 do?
NBA 2K16, NBA 2K22, NBA 2K24, NBA 2K20, NBA 2K19, NBA 2K23, NBA 2K25, NBA 2K18, NBA 2K21, WWE 2K20 are also from Visual Concepts, and appear in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.