NBA All-World, an AR game announced last year, has officially launched and is set to revolutionise the way fans interact with their favourite basketball players.

Developed by Niantic, the creators of the popular augmented reality game Pokemon Go, in partnership with the NBA and the NBPA, the game brings the world of the NBA to neighborhoods around the globe.

By challenging and recruiting athletes to their team, players can level them up and compete to become the rulers of their local courts.

The game will also provide an opportunity for fans to learn more about the personal favourite locations of today’s NBA players, through the “Where I’m From” short-form documentary series, starring NBA players Jalen Green, Jordan Poole, Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.

The launch of NBA All-World is also being supported by a marketing campaign, ‘go. all. out.’, which aims to encourage players to explore their neighbourhoods and discover the world of basketball in a new and exciting way.

Commenting on the game’s launch, Niantic founder and CEO, John Hanke, said: “Sports are a huge part of people’s lives and a huge part of pop culture.”

“Our version of an NBA basketball game starts with exciting one on-one gameplay and expands from there to include the major elements of basketball culture, including music, fashion, sneakers and more, all of which are integrated into real world locations,” he said.

NBA head of consumer products, Matt Holt, added: “We look forward to our fans fully immersing themselves in NBA All-World as they develop deeper connections with players, the league and each other.”

“Through our collaboration with Niantic and the NBPA, this game helps expand the world of the NBA and its culture into virtually every neighbourhood around the globe,” he said.