The steam page literally says that it requires a 3rd party account for online play (just not required for offline play). so I’m not sure if that’s what you’re referencing.

Wish it didn’t require a 2k account. don’t need another account to play a video game.

I had a similar experience. It’s a wonderfully produced product, and I’m sure there’s an audience for it. But, for me I couldn’t help but keep thinking “This would just be a lot easier if I played the video game.”

There’s even an incredibly polished co-op mod for the game if the excuse is wanting to play with friends. I’m just not sold on the whole concept of it, frankly.