The EA Sports title is going head to head with the game from 2K. Will "NBA Live 15" be triumphant this time around?

In an open letter to fans, Sean O'Brien announced that this year's "NBA Live 15" is slated for an October 7 release date - pitting it against "NBA 2K15" which is also confirmed to launch on the same day. The EA Sports title will come to PS4 and Xbox One while Take Two's title is heading to next-gen game consoles PS4 and Xbox One, past-gen game consoles PS3 and Xbox 360 as well as PC.

O'Brien admits that last year's "NBA Live" has not exactly earned praises - with "NBA Live 14" falling short in pleasing fans. "5-on-5 gameplay didn't have the depth and polish of an EA SPORTS game and our visuals just weren't up to expectations for a next-gen title," he points out in the open letter.

The two major issues have reportedly been addressed by EA Sports. O'Brien says that the team has been "laser-focused" to not make the same mistake again. He adds that "NBA Live 15" will have "more realistic" and "more fun" gameplay experience as a product of their collaboration with NBA coaches to "better understand their schemes and philosophies."

As for visuals, O'Brien mentions that the upcoming "NBA Live" game will have really amazing-looking characters. "We've scanned a majority of the league, and the new player heads, combined with refined player models and new lighting, makes our characters look really amazing," he writes.

But will this attention-to-detail be enough to sweep gamers off their feet? More importantly, will the upgrades be impressive enough to gain a following as solid as that of the "NBA 2K" franchise?

GameRant notes that "NBA Live 15" will be up against a very solid stronghold which has dominated basketball video gaming. The outlet reports, "'NBA 2K14' not only had stellar reviews and a BAFTA nomination for best sports game, but it was still in the top three of the best-selling game list as of April."

It seems that O'Brien is pretty much well-aware of its rival, writing "We know we've got a lot to prove this year, and we've got a solid plan in place to provide you with all the details and take the first steps to making 'NBA LIVE 15' a game you're excited to play."

EA Sports is set to roll out more gameplay updates in July while Take Two has just released a new "NBA 2K15" trailer. Check it out below.