NBA The Run: A Spiritual Successor to NBA Street and NBA Jam Ignites the Arcade Basketball Scene
For generations of gamers, the allure of arcade basketball titles has been a potent force, offering a brand of exhilarating, over-the-top action that traditional sports simulations often shy away from. From the revolutionary slams and rough-and-tumble play of NBA Jam in 1993, which captivated a broad audience beyond the typical sports enthusiast, to the undisputed classic NBA Street series, spearheaded by NBA Street Vol. 2 in the early 2000s, this genre has etched itself into the annals of gaming history. These titles, developed with a focus on accessible fun and spectacular displays, created lasting memories for millions. Yet, the arcade sports genre has experienced a significant ebb in recent years. Despite Electronic Arts owning the intellectual property for both NBA Jam and NBA Street, new installments have been conspicuously absent since 2010 and 2007, respectively. For those who have yearned for a return to that distinct brand of basketball entertainment, a new beacon of hope has emerged. Play by Play Studios, a team comprised of veteran developers with deep roots in the gaming industry, is poised to deliver the successor fans have been eagerly anticipating with their new title, NBA The Run.
The Genesis of NBA The Run: A Passion Project from Former EA Insiders
The journey of NBA The Run began as a passion project. In 2024, Play by Play Studios, founded by seasoned industry veteran Scott Probst, announced The Run: Got Next. Probst, who spent over a decade and a half at Electronic Arts, contributing to iconic franchises such as Battlefield, Dead Space, Command & Conquer, and Medal of Honor, harbored a long-standing affection for the casual arcade basketball games of yesteryear. This vision culminated in The Run: Got Next, a 3v3 online basketball title intended to feature original, fictional characters and pay direct homage to the beloved arcade-style streetball games.
Working in what Probst described as “the shadows,” the team developed The Run: Got Next without any official licensing, driven solely by their belief in the enduring appeal of the genre. “We had this sense that players would love this and players would still want it,” Probst stated. The subsequent reception to their announcement, however, far exceeded their expectations. “The reaction that we got was bigger and better than we actually thought it was going to be.”
This overwhelming positive response soon led to a pivotal moment that would dramatically alter the game’s trajectory. “The very next day, I woke up to a LinkedIn message from someone at the NBA saying, ‘Hey, would you be interested in chatting?’” Probst recalled. This outreach was a dream come true for the studio. The prospect of collaborating with the NBA and featuring its legendary stars and teams presented an unparalleled opportunity, making the decision to pursue an official license an easy one. This momentous event elevated the project to an entirely new level, transforming a fan-driven initiative into an officially sanctioned endeavor.
From Fictional Stars to NBA Icons: The Evolution of The Run
Following the securing of the official NBA license, Play by Play Studios became less visible on social media as they dedicated their efforts to a significant reworking of The Run: Got Next into NBA The Run. The core 3v3 online gameplay structure remained intact, and the compelling fictional streetball characters meticulously crafted for the initial vision are still present. However, these original creations now share the digital hardwood with some of the most recognizable and celebrated stars in the modern NBA.
The creative reins of NBA The Run are helmed by Mike Young, a seasoned creative director who boasts nearly two decades of experience at EA. Young’s extensive tenure includes significant roles as a creative director and writer for the Madden NFL franchise, as well as an artist on the original NBA Street series. This unique blend of experience brings a deep understanding of both the simulation and arcade aspects of sports gaming, allowing him to bridge the gap between past glories and future innovations.
Young acknowledges the legacy of NBA Street and NBA Jam, but is keen to emphasize that NBA The Run is not merely a carbon copy. “I wouldn’t say our game is like Street or Jam, but maybe we have the physicality of Jam, with the defense pushing under the basket and all that stuff,” he explained. The game aims to capture that same sense of aggressive, impactful defense that characterized NBA Jam.
However, the approach to offensive flair and player expression is where NBA The Run seeks to forge its own identity. “Our tricks are about playing with flair, but they’re also about getting around people, whereas Street was kind of in place just doing cool tricks,” Young elaborated. The development team is actively encouraging players to take risks, perform spectacular moves, and engage the virtual crowd. The objective is to foster an environment where showmanship and exciting plays are paramount, extending beyond mere scoring. “We encourage players to risk it all and play for the crowd, and get people hyped up. We want to encourage people to pass it off the backboard to their teammate, and that person to maybe be able to pass out to a second alley ooper. Taking those big risks and having that pay off, and having it not just be about the score, but playing showmanship.” This philosophy aims to create a dynamic and engaging experience where stylish play is as rewarding as strategic execution.
Bridging the Gap: Social Gaming and the Modern Player
While drawing inspiration from the nostalgic charm of NBA Street and NBA Jam, Mike Young and his team at Play by Play Studios recognized the need to evolve the formula to resonate with contemporary gaming trends. The arcade sports games of the past flourished in an era dominated by local multiplayer and couch co-op experiences. In contrast, NBA The Run is designed with the modern gamer in mind, acknowledging how people play games today and learning from past attempts by developers, including their former employer EA, to attract a broader, more casual audience to sports titles.
Young’s observations from his time working on Madden NFL were particularly insightful. “I was noticing while working on Madden every year, we tried to bring in a more casual sports fan that loved games, but it was very difficult: big barrier to entry, complicated controls, playcalling, all that stuff,” he noted. The intricate mechanics and steep learning curves of simulation-style sports games often proved to be an insurmountable hurdle for those who weren’t already deeply invested in the sport or the genre.
In contrast, Young found inspiration in the massive success of titles like Fortnite. “But with Fortnite, I could have fun, play with friends, they could bring me along, and we could win, and it’s mostly because I could be playing with my son,” he shared. This highlighted the power of social connectivity and accessible gameplay. Games like Fortnite allow players of varying skill levels to participate and enjoy themselves, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experience. “Those types of games allowed you to jump into something and play socially.”
This philosophy directly informs the design of NBA The Run. The developers aim to replicate that same accessible and social experience for basketball fans. “We want to bring this type of experience for casual sports fans that just love hanging out with their buddies and having these quick experiences like in games like Fall Guys.” The goal is to create a game that is easy to pick up and play, offering quick, engaging matches that can be enjoyed by groups of friends, regardless of their individual gaming prowess. The focus is on shared fun, social interaction, and the thrill of fast-paced, exciting basketball action.
The Soundtrack of Nostalgia: Bobbito Garcia Returns
Adding another layer of authentic nostalgia to NBA The Run is the return of a familiar voice from the golden age of arcade basketball. Bob “Bobbito” Garcia, the iconic New York DJ and personality, who famously served as the voice of NBA Street Vol. 2, has joined the Play by Play Studios team. His inclusion is a direct nod to the fans who cherished the vibrant atmosphere and distinctive audio presentation of the original NBA Street games.
Bobbito Garcia’s distinctive commentary and energetic delivery were instrumental in defining the personality of NBA Street Vol. 2, injecting a streetwise authenticity and infectious enthusiasm that resonated deeply with players. His presence in NBA The Run promises to reignite that beloved feeling, further connecting the new title to its celebrated predecessors. For many, hearing his voice once again will be a powerful trigger for fond memories of countless hours spent mastering crossovers and sinking impossible shots.
While the inclusion of Bobbito Garcia significantly enhances the nostalgic appeal, NBA The Run also addresses a common point of discussion among fans of the genre: the absence of a robust single-player career mode. Many players who grew up with the NBA Street series fondly recall the narrative progression and personal journey offered by its career modes. However, NBA The Run is unapologetically designed as a fully online title.
Despite this focus on online play, the development team is implementing features to ensure a seamless and exciting multiplayer experience. The inclusion of rollback netcode is a crucial component, promising to minimize latency and ensure that online matches feel as smooth and responsive as possible, even for players located in different regions. Furthermore, the ability to squad up with friends or join matchmade teams directly addresses the desire for social interaction that was a hallmark of the original arcade basketball classics. The aim is to meticulously recapture the exhilarating feeling of competitive and collaborative balling with friends, channeling the spirit of those now-legendary arcade-style hoops titles into a modern, connected experience.
The Future of Arcade Basketball: What NBA The Run Represents
The emergence of NBA The Run signifies more than just a new basketball game; it represents a potential resurgence for the arcade sports genre that has languished for too long. By assembling a team of developers with direct experience on the very franchises that defined this space, Play by Play Studios possesses an intimate understanding of what made those games so special. Their ability to secure an official NBA license further bolsters their ambition, allowing them to blend the fantastical elements of arcade gameplay with the genuine excitement of playing with real-world NBA superstars.
The strategic decision to focus on 3v3 online gameplay, coupled with a commitment to accessible controls and showmanship-driven mechanics, positions NBA The Run to appeal to a broad audience. It caters to both the nostalgic fans who crave a return to the glory days of NBA Jam and NBA Street, and a new generation of gamers who are accustomed to social, fast-paced multiplayer experiences. The emphasis on playing for the crowd, taking risks, and executing stylish plays creates a dynamic where every moment can be spectacular.
The inclusion of Bob “Bobbito” Garcia is a masterstroke in evoking nostalgia and building authenticity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the genre’s rich history and the lasting impact these games have had on players. While the absence of a single-player career mode might disappoint some, the focus on a polished online experience with rollback netcode and robust social features indicates a clear understanding of current player preferences and technological capabilities.
Ultimately, NBA The Run is not just about recreating the past; it’s about building upon it. It’s about taking the spirit of NBA Jam’s exaggerated physicality and NBA Street’s creative expression, and infusing it with modern sensibilities and the allure of playing with today’s basketball heroes. If Play by Play Studios can successfully translate their vision into a polished and engaging gameplay experience, NBA The Run has the potential to not only satisfy the long-held desires of veteran arcade basketball fans but also to capture the imaginations of a new generation, solidifying its place as a true spiritual successor and a formidable contender in the competitive gaming landscape. The excitement surrounding this title is palpable, and the anticipation for its release continues to grow as it promises to reignite the passion for arcade basketball and prove that this beloved genre is far from retired.