NBA ties up with Pokemon Go makers to create All-World game

NBA has formed a partnership with Niantic, the creators of the global phenomenon Pokemon Go, to create an augmented reality mobile game that will enable fans to enter a virtual basketball theme park while going out into the real world.

The game, called NBA All-World, “will provide fans across the globe the opportunity to fully immerse themselves into the energy and excitement of the NBA,” said the league’s head of consumer products Matt Holt.

NBA All-World: Following the footsteps of Pokemon Go

Pokemon Go made a splashy debut in 2016, spurring players to pursue and capture their favorite Pokemon outside of their homes. The NBA game will operate in a similar manner, and will feature stars of the league.

NBA vice-president for global partnerships Adrienne O’Keefe says the league and Niantic began talking about a collaboration soon after the successful launch of Pokemon Go, a game that was downloaded half a billion times within a year of its release.

NBA All-World: Play with your favorite stars

Users of the free-to-play mobile basketball game will go to real-life physical locations to build their roster and play against basketball superstars. They can collect their favorite NBA stars and customize them with accessories that they can acquire in different locations. The app will also allow players to join person vs. person competitions.

NBA All-World will make use of a wide database that would include locations of actual basketball courts and sporting goods shops.

The game is scheduled to be launched later this year, and will feature 65 players from the league. The avatars of NBA stars will not only look like the real athletes, they will also play like them, complete with their signature moves.