Nerf is introducing a new sport called Nerfball, which combines blaster shooting with elements of team handball and basketball. The game utilizes Nerf’s Pro Stryfe X blaster and will incorporate hit detection gear in 2024 to enhance gameplay and scoring.
Nerfball is played in four quarters, during which players can score points by either shooting a ball through a hoop for six points or hitting opposing team members with a Nerf dart for one point. When a player is hit by a dart, they must go to a “respawn zone” at the back of their side of the field before rejoining the game.
In order to keep the game fast-paced, the ball must be moved every 25 seconds, whether by the possessing player or through a pass. The exact rules and field layout can be adjusted, but the recommended length for each quarter is around four minutes. Like other field sports, Nerfball assigns players to Defender, Midfielder, and Runner positions. The team with the most points at the end of the four quarters wins the match.
To showcase Nerfball’s debut, Hasbro organized an exhibition game called the Battle in the Bubble. The game takes place on a field filled with barriers and obstacles that players can use for cover or to dodge behind. Nerf also provides goal nets for scoring points, which require players to toss the ball high in the air. This adds a basketball-like element to the gameplay, allowing players to make shots from a distance. The Battle in the Bubble match can be viewed on the Nerfball website for those interested in seeing how the game is played.
Nerf plans to introduce hit-detection gear for Nerfball in 2024, enabling real-time scoring when players are hit by darts. Currently, the game relies on an honor system where hit players must raise their hand before returning to the respawn zone.
In addition to the arena experience at the Nerf Action Xperience entertainment center in New Jersey’s Garden State Plaza mall, Nerf will also offer a line of Nerfball gear for players to set up in their own backyards or parks. This provides more options for Nerf meetup groups to enjoy the game.
