EXCLUSIVE: EA Sports Developer Ryan Santos & MICK Discuss ‘LIVE Pro-Am’ Modes For ‘NBA LIVE 16’

THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED B-BALL GAME INCLUDES UNIQUE INTERACTIVE FEATURES & WORLD FAMOUS COURTS

Earlier this month, Electronic Arts announced NBA LIVE 16’s new feature LIVE Pro-Am. The highly anticipated basketball video game now includes the two extended modes LIVE Run and Summer Circuit.

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“For the NBA LIVE Pro-Am mode, we’ve added seven real-world basketball courts, each of which are iconic to the sport and city they’re located. The new venues add a whole new dimension to the game, because they’re so unique,” Ryan Santos, EA Sports’ Senior Game Developer/Producer, tells AllHipHop.com. “We’ve got indoor and outdoor venues – from Venice Beach to Jordan Brand’s exclusive Terminal 23 – and each bring their own experience and vibe. We even have an all new audio design including dynamic music.”

LIVE Pro Am users can play across LIVE Run, Summer Circuit and the Rising Star career modes. Playing games in any of these modes will earn the player “Skill Points” using NBA Live 16‘s new progression system and “Reward Points” to purchase authentic gear in the LIVE Spot store.

“The Summer Circuit is all about teamwork. Each new spot features teams of legendary NBA players who’ve had historic performances there, and they won’t hold back once the pick-up game starts,” says Santos. “LIVE players have to play to their strengths and use team strategy, or there’s no stopping the superstars.”

Gamers can customize their player with the latest sneakers and clothes from leading apparel brands. NBA LIVE 16 also features a new companion mobile app with GameFaceHD. The exclusive mobile technology allows users to scan their face and upload it into the game.

“We’re really excited about GameFaceHD too. NBA LIVE 16 lets you customize and express your player like never before. Players can use mobile scanning technology to upload their face into the game and customize their character at a whole new level,” Santos adds. “You can get inked by Randy Harris, throw on authentic shoes and gear from brands such as Jordan, and unlock new moves. All of the customization is there to truly express your game.”

The trailer for NBA LIVE 16 Pro-Am hit YouTube on August 13. Avatars of NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, and LIVE cover player Russell Westbrook can be seen balling at Hoop Dome, Rucker Park, and other locales.

The 84-second clip incorporates songs by Naughty By Nature, CZARFACE, and Skyzoo. NBA LIVE music curator MICK mixed the tracks for the teaser. The celebrated DJ can also be seen spinning on the sidelines of LIVE Pro-Am.

“It’s always a blast getting to work on the music for NBA LIVE 16. It brings together a lot of my great passions – music, basketball and gaming,” states MICK. “I had a great time developing the mix for this trailer and really think it resonates with what LIVE Pro-Am is all about.”

LIVE Pro-Am starts as a complimentary trial on September 15 via Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. Fans can check out six NBA teams during the exhibition-style play in Tip Off mode, and take part in Learn LIVE tutorials which consist of drills to get familiar with the game and basketball fundamentals. 

GameFaceHD will be available for free download on mobile devices starting September 8. NBA LIVE 16 launches on September 29 for $59.99. All progression and reward unlocks achieved during the free trial period will carry over to the full game.

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PHOTOS: EA Sports