SportsSportsPlay by Play Studios just dropped a major play for basketball fans. Their new arcade-style game, NBA The Run, opened its free beta to the public, giving PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC players a first look at the streetball action. This move comes ahead of the game's full launch, promising to bring back the high-energy, exaggerated hoops experience many have been waiting for.
The open beta kicked off on Saturday, May 30, 2026, running from 10 AM to 6 PM PDT, offering a limited-time window for players to dive into the 3v3 streetball title. Crucially, the beta supported full cross-play capabilities, meaning players across all platforms could compete together seamlessly without the need for sign-ups or special codes. This public test followed earlier closed beta sessions and hands-on previews, all designed to gather vital community feedback before the official release. The full game is set to launch on June 9, 2026, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Players will have two options: the Standard Edition for $29.99 or the Deluxe Edition for $39.99. The Deluxe package sweetens the deal with three additional unlocked playable characters: Stephen Curry's Golden State Warriors '09 Rookie Variant, Luka Dončić's Dallas Mavericks '18 Rookie Variant, and Kevin Durant's Seattle Supersonics '07 Rookie Variant. It also includes 1000 CRED, an in-game currency used for purchasing items like alternate jerseys, dunk animations, and taunts, allowing for further customization.
The journey for NBA The Run began on October 29, 2025, with its initial reveal. An official trailer and a PlayStation Blog post introduced the world to its arcade-inspired vision, setting the stage for what was to come. A subsequent official gameplay trailer dropped on April 29, 2026, providing a deeper dive into the game's mechanics and confirming more details for eager fans. The team behind NBA The Run, Play by Play Studios, is described as a small, independent group. However, their ranks are filled with veteran developers who boast impressive resumes, having contributed to major sports game franchises like NBA Street and SSX. This background is foundational to their mission, which they state is to "pay homage to the golden age of sports games, made for today's players." The studio aims to revive the "classic NBA Jam and NBA Street magic," signaling a clear direction for the game's feel and appeal.
Scott Probst, Founder and CEO of Play by Play Studios, reflected on the game's origins, stating, "When Scott Probst (PBP Founder and CEO) and I first discussed the concept for this game, we talked about the idea of bringing players together through the love of sport – creating experiences that players will remember forever." Ray Almeda, Play by Play Studios Marketing and Communications Manager, highlighted the importance of gameplay fluidity, noting, "One of our core design pillars from the beginning was to make a game that feels like butter on the sticks. So when you're pulling off a 720 with Ant, splashing a Steph stepback 3, or snatching a block out of midair with Giannis, it feels smooth, fluid." Early previews have offered a glimpse into how the game is being received. A report from PCMag, for instance, described NBA The Run as "Arcade Fun, But It's No NBA Street (Yet)," acknowledging its potential to fill a specific niche in the basketball gaming landscape.
NBA The Run carves out its own lane as an officially licensed, 3-on-3 arcade-style basketball game. Its distinct approach prioritizes exaggerated, streetball-inspired gameplay over the realistic simulation found in other titles. The game is built on the powerful Unreal Engine 5, featuring a unique cel-shaded artwork style that gives it a handcrafted, stylized look. To ensure a smooth online experience, it employs true rollback netcode, promising low-latency play across all platforms. The core of the game centers on online-only Knockout Tournaments, transporting players to iconic streetball courts around the globe. Locations include the famous Venice Beach, the vibrant Dongdan in Beijing, and The Tenement in the Philippines, adding a global flavor to the streetball action. The game's roster is a blend of the familiar and the fresh. Over 30 current NBA stars are featured, including household names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Victor Wembanyama. Alongside these real-world athletes, NBA The Run introduces five original "Street Legends." These fictional characters each come with distinct personalities, backstories, and specialized skill sets, designed to act as high-risk, high-reward x-factors on the court. Among them are Spin Cycle, a relentless Philadelphia player known for elite handles and a "Pickpocket" zone ability, though his finishing skills are limited. Shen Tong is a 14-year-old Chinese prodigy boasting huge hops and elite passing, whose "Dropping Dimes" ability boosts teammates' shooting, but struggles with defense and physicality. El Gigante, a towering 7-foot-7 Spaniard, dominates the paint with elite rebounding and shot blocking through his "Paint Control" ability, though his mobility is a clear weakness. DJ, or Destiny Jackson, hails from Rucker Park, representing Harlem royalty as a pure scorer with elite midrange and deep ball capabilities, and a "Deep Threat" ability that stretches defenses, but she shies away from attacking the rim or crashing boards. The fifth legend is Bobbito Garcia, also known as Kool Bob Love or DJ Cucumber Slice. Garcia is the sole real-world figure among the Street Legends, serving as the game's legendary voice. His in-game character is a deep-ball threat with an "Ankle Breaker" zone ability, though his defensive skills are noted as a weakness. Garcia's iconic commentary is specifically designed to recapture the high-energy vibe of basketball games from the 2000s era. Developers have put a strong emphasis on both offense and defense, aiming to make defensive plays—such as thunderous blocks, lightning steals, and physical shoves—just as thrilling and impactful as offensive highlights like double alley-oops and posterizing dunks. This balanced approach is intended to provide a comprehensive and engaging streetball experience.
With its unique visual style, veteran development team, and commitment to arcade fun, NBA The Run aims to carve a niche in the sports gaming world. The free beta offered a crucial test run, and the studio has publicly stated its commitment to evolving the game based on community feedback, both from this beta and beyond its official launch. Fans are now watching to see if this new title can truly deliver on its promise to bring back the golden age of streetball gaming.