NBA & NHL 2K Mobile Series (2K16–2K19)

At Koolhaus Games, contracted by 2K, I worked on the mobile card-battle versions of the NBA and NHL console franchises. The challenge was translating the excitement of live sports into a very different gameplay format. Collaborating with the Lead UI Designer, I drew on my knowledge of the leagues and integrated visual motifs inspired by jumbotron graphics and broadcast animations to capture the same energy for mobile players.

A key part of my contribution was spearheading new game modes that gave each title a distinct identity. For MyNBA2K16, I created Last Man Standing, modeled after the NBA playoff elimination system. Its launch proved highly successful, driving user retention up by over 15%. Building on this momentum, I advanced to Lead UI Designer for the NHL SuperCard series, where I introduced Reign the Rink. This mode leveraged hockey-specific design language—such as honeycomb-pattern foam flooring seen near rink entrances and references to hockey equipment—bringing authenticity and excitement unique to the NHL experience.

The success of both MyNBA2K and NHL SuperCard solidified their popularity in the mobile sports card genre, leading 2K to continue contracting Koolhaus Games for three additional years.