The newly-announced NBA All-World, an upcoming mobile alternate reality game from Pokémon GO developer Niantic, will let players collect basketball stars and meet up to shoot virtual hoops. The AR title's gameplay loop will apparently be familiar to fans of the developer's beloved monster collection title. While the NBA 2K22 face scan feature lets gamers reach the digital Playoffs themselves, NBA All-World will let them play virtual street ball to rise up the basketball ranks.
American software developer Niantic is well-known for creating mobile games that make clever use of alternate reality technology. These games use GPS software to place virtual creatures or items around a real-world environment, with players going outside and exploring their surroundings to play. In the case of Pokémon GO, players must walk around to find Pokémon while traveling to landmarks that serve as PokéStops or Pokémon Gyms. Another Niantic project, Pikmin Bloom, follows a similar format with the player leading a group of Pikmin who can unearth items as they walk outside. An original Niantic game called Peridot has also been announced which will feature unique and original creatures to find and collect.
A new alternate reality mobile game, NBA All-World, will let players collect NBA stars and play virtual basketball. According to Polygon the innovative title will let motivate players to explore their neighborhoods by placing virtual sneakers and gear drops at real-life courts, sporting goods stores and other locations. NBA All-World will let players go 1v1 against other users in King of the Court matches that use swipe-based commands to shoot, block, post-up, and fake. NBA stars like Chris Paul and James Harden can be collected in NBA All-World, and they will reportedly play exactly as they do in real life. The teaser trailer for NBA All-World, posted to YouTube, can be seen below:
While NBA All-World will let basketball fans engage in virtual street ball, NBA 2K22 Season 7 brings big changes to virtual couch-based hoops. The latest update to the slam dunk simulator includes additions to the title's MyCareer, MyTeam, and The W modes. New MyCareer additions include wacky cosmetics, like a jetpack and an NBA Mascot costume, alongside the return of the TKO game mode. Meanwhile, the MyTeam mode brought in new cards like Hero Galaxy Opal Zion Williamson and Invincible Joel Embiid.
NBA All-World looks to combine the mechanics of Pokémon GO with the beloved culture and gameplay of the Nation Basketball Association. Collectible players and sneakers, 1v1 matches and actual basketball court spots ensure that the widespread sport is translated flawlessly onto mobile devices though AR technology. Niantic's newest AR mobile game has no set release date, but players can pre-register for NBA All-World now through the game's website.
Source: NBA All-World, Polygon, NBA All-World/YouTube