Feng Yichi, vice-president and gaming head of NBA China, introduces the Chinese fans' market during the press conference. [Photo provided to chiandaily.com.cn]
Beijing Ruyi Jingxiu Network Technology Co and NBA China announced a landmark licensing partnership on Wednesday in Shanghai, to co-develop two mobile basketball games that blend authentic NBA elements with cutting-edge gaming technology.
The collaboration grants Ruyi Jingxiu access to NBA's extensive library of game footage and player data, enabling hyper-realistic recreations of on-court action through real-time motion capture. Players' micro-expressions and tactical gestures will be replicated with nanoscale precision, offering gamers an immersive NBA arena experience.
Feng Yichi, vice-president and gaming head of NBA China (left), and Chen Chao, vice-general manager of Beijing Ruyi Jingxiu Network Technology Co, in a media interview session. [Photo provided to chiandaily.com.cn]
With over 1.2 billion global fans – including 300 million in China – the NBA continues to expand its digital footprint, said Feng Yichi, vice-president and gaming head of NBA China.
"Esports represents a strategic priority," said Feng. "While time differences and technical barriers challenge cross-regional competitions, this partnership allows us to establish localized esports ecosystems – complete with Chinese tournaments, talent pipelines, and club systems."
Former NBA player Derrick Rose believes there is a remarkable synergy between gaming and real sports. "They make the game more realistic every year, so all sports video games, (NBA) 2K, they did a great job with customizing their game to fit the NBA prototype of how players play."
Former NBA player Derrick Rose brings his family to Shanghai. [Photo provided to chiandaily.com.cn]
He further highlighted gaming's educational value and noted that young players study in-game passing techniques, player communication patterns, and even signature moves.
Ruyi Jingxiu, developer of 15 successful titles including Ragnarok Origin: ROO and Eras & Allies, aims to redefine basketball simulations. "Our games will restore authentic NBA competitive structures to players," said Chen Chao, the company's vice-general manager. "We're engineering China's premier tactical basketball mobile game through differentiated gameplay mechanics."
The partnership will activate nationwide promotional campaigns starting October 2025, coinciding with NBA regular-season games. Offline events will showcase gameplay demos while digital platforms roll out co-branded content.
Former NBA player Derrick Rose attends the news conference on Wednesday. [Photo provided to chiandaily.com.cn]
Former NBA player Derrick Rose brings his family to Shanghai. [Photo provided to chiandaily.com.cn]
