Niantic announce team-up with the NBA and NBPA for new geolocation project

By , on June 28, 2022
Last modified 1 year, 10 months ago

Niantic Inc, the inventors of walking, has announced a partnership with the National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association to create a new real-world mobile game: NBA All-World.

After being responsible for the first exercise many gamers had with their smash hit Pokemon Go, Niantic is now looking to get them out of their shells and interacting with other sports fans. Using their geolocation services, players will be able to find, challenge and compete with well-known NBA stars in their neighbourhood, before recruiting them for their team. Hopefully without the Poke Balls this time.

The Head of Consumer Products at the NBA, Matt Holt, said “Through our partnership with Niantic, NBA All-World will provide fans across the globe the opportunity to fully immerse themselves into the energy and excitement of the NBA. Evident in the name of the game itself, we look forward to engaging with our fans around the world through this immersive experience”

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Marcus Matthews, Senior Producer at Niantic, added “NBA All-World represents an industry first in sports games, as an original, real-world mobile game that will appeal to casual and core NBA fans alike. We’re creating and designing a game that empowers players to represent where they’re from and showcase their individual style.”

Josh Goodstatd, the EVP of Licensing for THINK450, the innovation engine of the NBPA, also commented, adding “NBA-All World gives us the opportunity to bring NBA players into Niantic’s real-world metaverse, opening up paths for fans to interact with them in a new way. Niantic has proven experience building games that encourage engagement in local communities, and having our players integrated into NBA All-World adds to that immersion.”

Whilst confirmed to be on mobile devices there has been no mention of a release date as yet. Those interested can sign up on the official website for up-to-date information and will be available to experience an exclusive NBA All-World AR web experience, along with being the first to be notified on how to secure their username for the global launch.