NBA The Run Playtest Feedback Leads to Major Animation and Balance Changes

Play By Play Studios has announced major changes to its upcoming basketball game NBA The Run based on closed beta feedback. The developer is revising core animation sets, passing mechanics, and balance systems to address player concerns.

Closed beta feedback drives animation overhaul

All core animation sets are being revised to feel more athletic and less bouncy. Passing distances have been tuned, new stylized passing animations added, and players can now instantly transition from moves to passing. Dunk distances have been increased, shooting effectiveness from beyond half court has been reduced, and a new system rewards set shooters. The developer stated, "We want this game to feel crafted and have a look of its own."

Next playtest scheduled for May 16

A next closed playtest is scheduled for May 16. The game is having another closed playtest on that date.

The changes come after players criticized the stylized look and feel. Scott Probst, speaking for the studio, said, "But we hear you – you don’t like the stylized look & feel, so we’re changing it up. We’re still going to be hand keyed, but we’re revising all core animation sets to feel way more athletic, way less bouncy and much more how you’d expect a professional athlete to naturally move." He added, "The key is (with all of these changes) that we never want the game to play bad in order to get something to look good."