Play by Play Studios, a new studio formed by former EA developers known for titles like NBA Street, Madden, and Dead Space, is aiming to shake up the sports gaming landscape with their upcoming title, ‘The Run: Got Next’.
The studio, spearheaded by former Visceral Games General Manager Scott Probst and Madden creative director Mike Young, is taking a deliberate step away from the complexity and microtransactions that have become prevalent in modern sports games. In a blog post, Probst expresses their desire for a fun and accessible experience, stating, “We’re not going to worry about overly complex menus, micromanagement of rosters, the opening of packs, or playing a game that feels like I’m watching a broadcast …We’re gonna double down on the fun and get you into the game, and we’re gonna do it with style.”
‘The Run: Got Next’ is a vibrant online 3v3 street basketball game with a distinct roguelike twist. Players embark on “runs,” competing in street games set across various locations worldwide. They construct teams of athletes with unique playstyles and strive to win as many games as possible against other players.
Play by Play Studios has confirmed that at launch, ‘The Run: Got Next’ will be primarily an online experience, though solo play options will be available. Between matches, players can visit a store to acquire upgrades, adding a layer of strategic progression to the gameplay.
The game’s concept draws inspiration from titles like ‘Tape to Tape’, demonstrating the potential of blending roguelike elements with sports games. While ‘The Run: Got Next’ takes a more cartoonish approach compared to established franchises like NBA 2K24, it has the potential to capture a segment of basketball fans who haven’t been fully satisfied with recent releases.
‘The Run: Got Next’ is scheduled to launch in 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Its release comes on the heels of the successful launch of EA Sports College Football 25, which has revitalized a beloved series and shown a strong demand for more accessible and engaging sports games. ‘The Run: Got Next’ aims to capitalize on this trend by offering a fresh, exciting, and accessible take on the basketball genre.
