The world of mobile gaming is witnessing an exciting addition with the arrival of NBA 2K All Star, a mobile adaptation of the renowned sports simulation franchise. This move comes as a result of a collaboration between Tencent and the NBA, aiming to bring a live-service version of the beloved series to fans. Slated for release exclusively in the East on March 25th, this development marks another step in the growing presence of high-caliber sports simulators on mobile platforms.
It's not surprising to see Tencent and the NBA joining forces, given their significant influence in the gaming and sports industries, respectively. What might catch you off guard, however, is the immense popularity of basketball in China, Tencent's home market, where it attracts a vast audience and fanbase annually. This context makes the launch of NBA 2K All Star on mobile less of a surprise, though the absence of the traditional year-based branding (like 2K24 or 2K25) raises questions about what this mobile version will entail. Will it feature a long-term live service model? We'll have to wait until the March 25th release in China to find out.
Until we have more concrete details about NBA 2K All Star, much of what we can discuss remains speculative. However, this speculation is telling, especially as the NBA continues to expand its footprint on mobile platforms. The recent release of Dunk City Dynasty, another collaboration with the NBA, underscores this trend. While there have been setbacks, such as the gradual decline of NBA All World following its much-anticipated launch, the overall trajectory suggests that mobile gaming is becoming a key arena for the NBA to engage with fans.
For those eager to stay ahead of the curve, don't miss our regular feature, "Ahead of the Game," where we highlight the top upcoming releases you can play early.