It has been quite a while since we last heard that the popular sports title NBA Jam could be returning, as many speculated several years ago that the launch of the series' On Fire Edition for PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360 would spur into motion a new and more sumptuous Triple-A release of some kind for the brand. Now, though, it looks as if the sports title could be making a comeback sometime soon, as the game's announcer, Tim Kitzrow, has teased a potential project being in the works.
In a discussion with ESPN, Kitzrow revealed that he is currently working with Microsoft to resuscitate the NBA Jam series in some capacity for today's audiences. Of course, considering the fact that the project is in gestation behind closed doors, the game franchise's announcer couldn't provide any concrete details as to what might be on the way, saying, "I can't speak anything to the specifics, but I can tell you there is movement in the works to get it done for the 25th year. So I'm hoping that we get a remake that does justice to the original."
While it's certainly promising to hear that Kitzrow is in talks with Microsoft for a potential NBA Jam revival, it's important to note that the game's announcer would also have to reach out to Electronic Arts in order to make it happen. After all, EA currently owns the rights to the property, as it has previously attempted to resurrect the franchise with the aforementioned NBA Jam: On Fire Edition.
Interestingly enough, Kitzrow may also be working with Michael Jordan to bring the NBA Jam series back. According to the initial game's creative lead Mark Turmell, special copies of the original arcade game were created for Jordan, Gary Payton, and Ken Griffey Jr.–even though Griffey Jr. played for the MLB's Seattle Mariners and not the NBA–that had them all in it. When discussing this with ShackNews, Kitzrow stated he's attempting to get that version of the game released, saying, ""It's like the Holy Grail, the Michael Jordan one-off-only NBA Jam game. We just have some legal hurdles to go through, but we're hoping for the 25th anniversary to get that done."
All things considered, with NBA Jam generally acknowledged by many as one of the best sports games to come out of the 1990s, it's safe to presume that a series revival would sell incredibly well, especially when one also takes into account how powerful the allure of gaming nostalgia can be. At any rate, we will have to wait and see if Kitzrow manages to get the project off the ground and turn it into a slam dunk.
The latest entry in the series, NBA Jam: On Fire Edition, is available now for PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360.