NBA to launch AR mobile in partnership with Pokémon Go developer Niantic

The NBA and its players' association (NBPA) will launch an officially-licensed augmented reality (AR) mobile game dubbed the NBA All-World in partnership with Pokémon Go developer Niantic.

With the help of user geolocation data, the NBA All-World promises a real-world metaverse where teams can identify, challenge, and recruit existing NBA players to their team.

The league's fashion and culture are also incorporated into the game, and gamers can outfit their teams' players with unique NBA gear.

Marcus Matthews, senior producer at Niantic, described the NBA All-World as representing an industry first in sports games that will appeal to casual and core NBA fans alike.

He noted that they are developing and constructing a game that allows users to showcase their local culture and reflect where they are from.