The new mobile game NBA All-World from Niantic offers a fresh take on basketball video games, and while the title itself has no cost, it's natural to wonder if All-World will have players spending in other ways. NBA All-World is similar to previous Niantic titles like Pokémon GO, where players will utilize travel around a real-world map to facilitate gameplay. Basketball fans can recruit players to a team, collect special gear, play shoot-out minigames, and more.
The AR basketball experience of NBA All-World necessitates players seek out real basketball courts in their neighborhood, which house weekly leaderboards for the best players. Along their journey, players can also utilize storefronts for realistic perks - for example, banks can offer players money, clothing stores house special gear, and restaurants have items that give energy to a player's team . However, considering other games like Pokémon GO have offered in-game purchases, it's not out of the question this new title would do the same - here's what players need to know about microtransactions in NBA All-World.
NBA All-World Is Free, But Includes Microtransactions
NBA All-World does in fact contain microtransactions just like its Niantic predecessors. These purchases have been made available since launch, offering a myriad of different in-game perks. While players don't have to purchase anything to enjoy the game, there are some features that are easier to pay for than to earn naturally.
What In-App Purchases Are For In NBA All-World
Considered a widespread problem by many, microtransactions' usage in video games varies between titles. For some, in-game payments are just used for things like cosmetics, while in others they can provide benefits like gaining XP or better equipment, giving players who choose to pay an actual advantage over those who don't. The microtransactions in NBA All-World are a mix of both of these types, helping with both stylish gear and getting ahead in the game.
NBA All-World features an in-game currency called AW Cash, which has a variety of different uses. AW Cash can be put towards unlocking gear, power-ups for players like upping their defense or offense, XP Wildcards which can advance a player's level, or storage upgrades. It can also be used for Arena es, which serve as entry into special tournaments with good rewards. Players can earn AW Cash through gameplay, but can also purchase it in various pack sizes.
Previously, Pokémon GO's pay-to-win practices frustrated fans, and although Niantic is not presenting the new microtransactions of NBA All-World in the same way, it's possible something similar may happen again. The fact players can pay for XP and other skill boosts to their players isn't great news for the competitive scene, especially considering high scores on leaderboards result in prizes. However, it's too early in NBA All-World's lifespan to see how these microtransactions will affect the game long-term.
Source: NBA All-World/YouTube