Hasbro has recently launched NERFBALL with the release of a full gameplay video of the NERFBALL — Battle in the Bubble exhibition game. NERFBALL marks the first official NERF sport throughout the brand’s 54 years of producing NERF products.
The competitive game combines paintball-style play with the speed and agility of basketball. At the exhibition game, football athlete Donald Driver led a team of recognizable athletes against a team captained by Luke Goodman, also known as Out of Darts. The game had four 4-minute quarters where athletes used an official NERF Pro League ball, NERF Prof Stryfe X blaster, and NERF Pro darts to score points.
Players shoot other players for points in NERFBALL. | Source: Habro
Athletes played NERFBALL at the exhibition game. | Source: Hasbro
Players can select one of three positions, Defender, Midfielder, and Runner, and score points in two different ways. Players must put the ball through the net for six points or hit an opposing player with a NERF dart for one point. The ball must be in motion every 25 seconds and is regarded as the other team’s ball if a player is hit while holding it. The goal is to score as many points as possible before the end of the four quarters. NERF will release hit detection gear with proprietary foam incorporating XO-Nano technology next year, so the points will be easier to track.
There is only one ball in NERFBALL. | Source: Hasbro
The NERFBALL exhibition game had several barriers on the field. | Source: Hasbro
The recommended NERFBALL field of play should have a respawn zone and goal area, along with a backfield, midfield, and centerfield. Players should use barriers and goal post to make the sport more intense. There are also several rules set for fair gameplay. Each player is limited to 60 NERF darts per quarter, protective eyewear must be worn during active games, and substitute players can only enter the field after a teammate enters the respawn zone.
“In 2019, we set out as a team on a journey to invent the first official sport of NERF and along the way created some of the most break frame technology to enhance the playing experience. Our vision for NERF continues to be to fuel the future of social active play and the launch of NERFBALL is one incredible milestone as we continue to build on that vision,” says Adam Kleinman, Senior Vice President & General Manager of NERF, Hasbro. “Being able to answer the question, ‘Did I get hit?’ through industry leading innovation is certainly a dream come true and something we are so excited to bring to consumers around the world.”
Starting next year, NERF-lovers can play NERFBALL at NERF Action Xperience (NERF AX) at Garden State Plaza mall in New Jersey. Fans elsewhere will soon have a place to play, as other locations are in development. Hasbro also plans to release information on how fans can play NERFBALL at home with official NERFBALL Gear. The game aims to encourage healthy competition, physical activity, and fun at both pro-grade tournaments and backyard battles.
“For nearly 55 years, NERF has built its reputation across the globe as the go-to social active play brand. NERF AX acts as an extension of this lifestyle, inviting fans and families to join for thrilling experiences, dynamic gaming, and much more,” says Matt Proulx, Vice President, Global Experiences, Partnerships, and Music at Hasbro. “We have big plans for NERF AX in 2024, with North American locations set to open in New Jersey and Tennessee. To add to the excitement, fans who visit NERF AX at New Jersey’s Garden State Plaza mall will be among the first to play NERFBALL. Keep an eye out for updates so you can come by and put your skills to the test!”
The new NERF Sports segment will also provide other businesses the opportunity to reach consumers through products and experiences.
Nerf fans can purchase the NERF Prof Stryfe X used in NERFBALL on Amazon. Watch the video of NERFBALL — Battle in the Bubble and read the official rulebook at Hasbro’s NERFBALL homepage.
