NBA Jam documentary in the works

NBA Jam is getting the documentary treatment.

BestCrosses Studios will produce a feature documentary based on Reyan Ali's book "NBA Jam" to chronicle the history and success of the iconic basketball game franchise, according to Variety.

Sean Menard, who directed the Vince Carter documentary "The Carter Effect," will develop and direct the project.

"When NBA Jam hit the arcade, I was barely tall enough to reach the joystick and view the screen at the same time," Menard said. "But while literally standing on my toes, I was completely immersed in a game that allowed me the creative freedom to perform out-of-this-world feats of athleticism. This was during a tipping point for the NBA as the league was bursting with excitement and culture that was appealing to a younger fan base.

"Our film is more than just an original story about the most successful sports game of all time. There are various sub-plots that detail how gaming was transitioning from arcades to home entertainment and how it would eventually lead to the demise of Midway."

NBA Jam was initially released in 1993 as an arcade game and generated revenue of more than $1 billion in quarters. Michael Jordan was among its many fans and had the makers create a special edition with a playable version of himself since his likeness couldn't be licensed for the game.