Not uncommon for video game designers to miss the mark. But the NBA 2k25 creators should’ve known that the rookie class in the WNBA has a very passionate fanbase. The upcoming edition of the NBA 2K series gave a first look at what’s coming, including the much anticipated young stars of the WNBA. Two of them, Cameron Brink and Kate Martin, have met early setbacks in their pro-career. So this game was supposed to have a consolatory effect on their fans. But the in-game visuals of the Sparks and Aces rookies elicited reactions that were, to put it lightly, mixed. Whoever looked at Brinks and Martin’s artistic renditions and said, “This’ll do,” is close to getting lynched online for the results.

Martin’s strong arrival in the WNBA is already not going as we hoped. Caitlin Clark’s Iowa teammate was selected in the second round of the 2024 draft with some anticipation. However, within weeks, injuries derailed Martin’s rookie season.

Sparks fans are nursing similar heartbreak. Brink, selected second overall after Clark, also had a big start in the league. But after an ACL tear, she had to drop out of the Olympics. Now she cheers on the Sparks from the sidelines on her crutches.

The NBA 2k25 was supposed to be the next best alternative to watching the injured faves play. But the early access to the game before it officially releases on September 6, was a whole other mess.

Most who tried to enjoy the early access failed as servers crashed. It was obviously enraging to fans. Those who looked at it shared glimpses of it. Some of it is not pretty.

At least Martin and Brink look like poorly created Sims versions with no distinguishing features. Their appearances are disproportionate and fans struggle to find any resemblance to the real life athletes outside of their jerseys. It’s borderline disrespectful for all the hype it created. And it poured out online.

Fans threaten revenge for Cameron Brink and Kate Martin

The WNBA is in its Magic Johnson-Larry Bird era thanks to its much hyped rookies. Fans expected the NBA 2K25 to acknowledge that. But the graphics for some of the ladies not only makes fans feel like no thought or effort was put into Brink’s and Martin’s appearances, but it feels like they were added as an afterthought. A mean blow to an injury-ridden season.

Martin’s lazy features in the game should be outlawed as one fan told the creator, “You will pay for ur crimes.” Brink’s graphic isn’t doing her justice either. One fan says, “She looks like the terminator from the 3rd movie,” more than Cam.

And you know it’s not impossible to make the visuals better because Austin Reaves’s cutscene is going viral for how good it is. But the designer couldn’t give the ladies arms proportionate to their bodies? “What is up with those toothpick arms?” is one of the kinder feedbacks.

A common comment going around is “Fix it please.” Or there’s the more threatening, “We need to have a talk with whoever is leading the graphics department.” Whoever that is, they better hide.