NBA 2K All Star to launch at the end of next month, bringing the top-flight basketball sim to mobile

The mobile gaming scene is set to welcome a new heavyweight as NBA 2K All Star, a mobile adaptation of the renowned sports simulation series, gears up for its launch. This exciting development comes courtesy of a collaboration between Tencent and the NBA (National Basketball Association), aiming to bring a live-service version of the NBA 2K series to fans across mobile platforms. However, fans outside of China will have to wait, as the game is scheduled for release exclusively in the East on March 25th.

Given the ever-growing capabilities of mobile devices, it's no shock to see sports simulators, a staple of AAA gaming, making their mark on mobile. Yet, the partnership between Tencent and the NBA stands out as particularly noteworthy. Both entities are giants in their respective fields, with Tencent dominating the gaming industry and the NBA being a global sports powerhouse. What might surprise you is the massive popularity of basketball in China, where Tencent is based, which attracts a significant number of viewers and fans annually.

Given this context, the arrival of NBA 2K All Stars on mobile seems less surprising. However, what remains to be seen is what this mobile version will offer, especially since it deviates from the traditional year-based branding (like 2K24, 2K25, etc.). Will it adopt a long-term live service model? We'll have to wait until its release on March 25th in China to find out.

**Shoot for the hoop**

Until more details about NBA 2K All Stars are revealed, much of what we can discuss remains speculative. Yet, this speculation is valuable as it underscores the NBA's increasing focus on mobile gaming. This trend is further evidenced by the release of Dunk City Dynasty, another mobile game developed in collaboration with the organization. While there have been some setbacks, such as the gradual decline of NBA All World following its much-anticipated launch, the overall direction seems clear: mobile gaming is becoming a key avenue 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 you can discover the top upcoming releases and get a chance to play them early.