Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

[knich]

Re: Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

This is where I am.

Look I understand the want and desire for expansion, create a stadium, relocation, and things of that nature, but for me the first thing I want them to do is fix/tune/expand what they already have in the game.

The draft needs to be flushed out. Way to basic. Managers/Coaches need to have an impact on the game and be their own person instead of just a face in the dugout and part of the equation when it comes to players rising/falling attributes. Training needs to be flushed out as well, again too basic. All-star game selections need to be tuned/re-balanced. Player cards need to be expanded to include a tab that shows individual player awards and successes. Injuries need to be expanded upon so they have lingering effects.

So many "little" fixes would go a long way to the quality of life of this mode.

I agree. one simple addition to franchise would be more in game stats. SDS has said for years they have many stats "under the hood" that they have not brought out. I remember them saying this when they finally added the in game ticker. There are IMO many little things they could add to franchise that would enhance the overall experience that would not require many resources or a complete overhaul.

Ugh just what we need here, another thread bitching about franchise mode.

Well now that SDS has publicly stated that they listen to feedback I suppose you have to keep beating that drum...respectfully.

Yikes, I could go on for ages about what needs to be done in franchise mode. I think I've already spoken at length about it in other threads.

There is a large disparity between what I want done and what I'm willing to accept. So far what I've seen this year is below even that low threshold, mostly because they have made changes that I see as downgrades this year.

New out of position logic. They made the argument that you can't put Buster Posey at short because it would take time for him to adjust, which makes a lot of sense in an environment like DD, but what if I have him at the position for a week? A month? A year? I hope it's a different system for offline franchise, but I highly doubt it.

The one that really scares me is the whole right field/left field fiasco. Oh, you put a right fielder into his secondary position of left field, and suddenly he's going to get bad jumps on balls. WTF? Those aren't very different positions... At all.

And the new pitching tier system is a disaster for franchise players. Again, it makes a ton of sense in DD, but lots of pitchers grow and evolve their secondary or tertiary pitches into their best pitch over the course of their career. But now, what you draft them with will always be their best. Such a stagnant system.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Operation Sports mobile app

I posted this before. But when Stanton was moved initially from RF to LF it was a disaster. https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/b...icle-1.3854411 And Aaron Boone acknowledged switching fields is different.
"Honestly, today I kind of saw what I wanted to see, because it is different, going to that side," Boone said.

We'll have to wait and see how this plays out in the game. Of course, if Brett Gardner goes from LF to CF there shouldn't be a drop off. So I do think it will depend on their ratings.

[Jeffrey Smith]

Re: Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

You would never know it though. Every offline mode is getting raked across the coals.

I am one of the die hard franchise mode guys. Hell Josh and I frequently talk franchise on our streams of our franchises. I have several I have been playing since MLB 15 that are still going.

The Show is trying to draw in a younger generation of console sports gamers. Because if they don’t......offline sports gaming will eventually die.

I embrace new offline modes. Especially moments which can give younger baseball fans some awesome history on the game and March to October has the potential to attract new franchise mode players.

But without even playing the game yet we are being flooded with pure negativity.

How about instead of jumping to extreme conclusions we play the game, try out the modes and then give objective feedback.

The sheer amount of broad stroke assumptions is astounding.

I am praying for a few franchise mode reveals tonight like everyone else. I really hope presentation has been amped up too. That can go a long way to making the game feel fresher.

Real contracts to me can very well mean a completely reworked financial engine. That is exciting.

Let’s see what is in store for franchise heads tonight.

And if it is more of the same then many will be upset. For me.......improved gameplay and improved presentation holds a lot more weight for my immersive franchise experience. Everyone enjoys the game differently.

What I am seeing too much of is “the only way this game should be” type posting. This game will never be a text sim (OOTP). I have OOTP 19. Brilliant front office and manager mode game.

Totally different approach because well.....you are not actually playing, you are watching. If I were a MOM player OOTP is all I would ever play.

But I love to pitch and hit and let my player ratings dictate the fielding (I do make all the throws though). The Show is supreme when it comes to gameplay.

Anyway hopefully they added some more small improvements to franchise mode. I can’t sit here and ever expect an overhaul. IMO it is not needed. They just need to refine what is already there.

The only thing that really needs an overhaul IMO is the scouting and drafting and expanding the rosters to full single A ball. And again improve what is already there.....historical stats, full historical minor league stats.

The mode already does a lot of things right. But it needs attention and I agree it is not getting enough.

But the game still plays an incredible game of baseball. And that is why I keep coming back.



Sent from Palm Trees and Paradise using Operation Sports

Agreed with everything you’re saying. Well said.


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

[Dolenz]

Re: Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

Warmwind,

I was not addressing anyone in particular. To be honest I have not paid much attention to the individual names on posts.

By all means express your disappointment. Express your frustration. Be passionate. I have had no problem with that and I understand it. I was very disappointed in last years game and posted about it in several locations.

I just hope people realize that there are ways to criticize the different modes in the game without also insulting those gamers who enjoy it.

[JDL375]

Re: Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

Believe it or not, the lack of attention to Franchise probably comes directly from MLB.

Much like SDS seems to be doing, everything that Rob Manfred has been doing since he became the commissioner of MLB has been for the sole purpose of MAKING BASEBALL GAMES SHORTER. He has not even entertained some of the changes to the game that the fans WANT that would make the game BETTER, he just wants to make games SHORTER.

So much like real MLB, the developers of this game are doing only things that make games and seasons shorter.

I don't really understand this. As a baseball fan, my concern is not just wanting to "get the games over with" as fast as possible. I actually LIKE baseball. I like watching the games. I don't mind pitchers duels, I don't mind extra innings, and if MLB actually goes through with putting men automatically on base in extra innings, it's really going to bother me.

[knich]

Re: Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

Believe it or not, the lack of attention to Franchise probably comes directly from MLB.

Much like SDS seems to be doing, everything that Rob Manfred has been doing since he became the commissioner of MLB has been for the sole purpose of MAKING BASEBALL GAMES SHORTER. He has not even entertained some of the changes to the game that the fans WANT that would make the game BETTER, he just wants to make games SHORTER.

So much like real MLB, the developers of this game are doing only things that make games and seasons shorter.

I don't really understand this. As a baseball fan, my concern is not just wanting to "get the games over with" as fast as possible. I actually LIKE baseball. I like watching the games. I don't mind pitchers duels, I don't mind extra innings, and if MLB actually goes through with putting men automatically on base in extra innings, it's really going to bother me.

I think that's a stretch. Now if Manfred said MLB was doing away with franchise "mode" and will be adopting MTO for all teams you might be on to something. :wink:

As an aside, I like what Manfred is doing to speed up the game (not the season).

[knich]

Re: Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

I suspect neither Armor or Dolenz were talking about my posts, but I feel compelled to answer still.

I HAVE to complain about the lack of attention franchise is getting, for this reason:

I will never deny the amount of passion and effort that the guys put into this game year after year, and this year is no exception. However, as a consumer, it is entirely fair for me to consider one and only one thing. What does the game have for me? This year all I see is a sidegrade, a game with both pluses and minuses, and that doesn't motivate me to purchase. SDS needs to know that they are not only potentially losing a consumer, but why. Obviously it's too late to change things this cycle, but the earlier they know the better chance they have of changing something in the next cycle.

My wheel is never going to get any oil if I don't squeak.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Operation Sports mobile app

Warmwind. I agree. It is about what the game offers you and if it is same old same oldI can completely understand skipping a year. The main thing that is drawing me into 19 is the gameplay improvements. I was set to stick with 18 thinking not much is changing with gameplay and franchise.

I really loved what I saw on that first gameplay stream.

I also think we will get some meaningful under the hood improvements again for franchise mode and I also feel like presentation will be improved as well which again for me helps me get more immersed in my franchise.


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

I must admit this year is about as close as I have come to skipping the game since I first started buying in 2008. But as AS said the gameplay improvements and perhaps presentation improvements will have me purchasing again this year. But if franchise is not adequately addressed next year, I may feel differently. The reason: I am still playing 18 (I am in the playoffs after playing 162 games with two franchises) this close to the release of 19 for the first time since 2008. 18 is that good despite the lack of franchise improvements. So without the franchise improvements, there may not be a desire for me to purchase 20.

[TheWarmWind]

Re: Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

Warmwind. I agree. It is about what the game offers you and if it is same old same old I can completely understand skipping a year. The main thing that is drawing me into 19 is the gameplay improvements. I was set to stick with 18 thinking not much is changing with gameplay and franchise.

I really loved what I saw on that first gameplay stream.

I also think we will get some meaningful under the hood improvements again for franchise mode and I also feel like presentation will be improved as well which again for me helps me get more immersed in my franchise.


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

I also love what I saw in the gameplay streams. In fact there were little plays and moments where I was beaming, but then they started talking about out of position logic and pitching tiers and alarm bells started going off in my head. Maybe implementation isn't as bad as I fear, but it saddens me to think that utility defensive specialists might not exist in 19. Honestly, you don't know how long I've waited for a tiered system for secondary positions (eg, green= just as good, yellow= slight penalty, red= significant penalty, not listed= all elbows), that could even potentially change.

As for the stream, I would severely temper your expectations. I know I'm not interested in any presentation stuff, since I go for an "on the field" style of play with no commentary. If some under the hood improvements were in the works I feel like it would be listed ahead of time. I think SDS knows that there is a certain crowd where expanded rosters would be a huge deal.

[Dice]

Re: Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

This is why I'm staying with 18. I've been buying the Show in 2 year intervals. It started with 14 for me. Since 14, I got 16 and then 18. I'll wait until 20.

[pack4life69]

Re: Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

Looking forward to today's stream. I'm not expecting any big reveals or anything but it will be good to see them dive into franchise somewhat.

I'm hoping they can sim a couple offseasons to see how the contract offers are stacking up with the real contract system now in place. Definately interested to see any sort of budget or finance changes as that could help breathe some fresh air into the mode. Fingers crossed they removed the weekly budget mess and switched back to a yearly format.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[tessl]

Re: Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

I'll reserve judgement until the franchise stream later today but if it's true they considered upgrading franchise but instead created season mode that is comically misguided. Anybody who wants season mode can simply play a season of franchise.

[underdog13]

Re: Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

I'll reserve judgement until the franchise stream later today but if it's true they considered upgrading franchise but instead created season mode that is comically misguided. Anybody who wants season mode can simply play a season of franchise.

Ironic comment about being misguided. Season mode was way more than just playing a single season.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

Ironic comment about being misguided. Season mode was way more than just playing a single season.

But here is the skinny. If they simply add the ability to pick the length of your season to franchise mode you can play it like season mode. Season mode was franchise light. Don't want to deal with AA and AAA? Don't want to scout and draft? No problem. Set it to auto and just handle your big league club.

Hopefully for you season mode lovers they can add back that ability to choose the number of games you play in a season to franchise mode. And I think it will solve that itch for the old season mode.

[orioles0615]

Re: Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

Looking forward to today's stream. I'm not expecting any big reveals or anything but it will be good to see them dive into franchise somewhat.

I'm hoping they can sim a couple offseasons to see how the contract offers are stacking up with the real contract system now in place. Definately interested to see any sort of budget or finance changes as that could help breathe some fresh air into the mode. Fingers crossed they removed the weekly budget mess and switched back to a yearly format.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Yea I don't have high hopes. I bet they spend maybe 10 mins in franchise mode during the stream. I don't know why people keep calling it the franchise stream and waiting for some big reveal, its pretty obvious the stream will be about March to October with maybe a little blurb about franchise mode.

[Armor and Sword]

Re: Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

Yea I don't have high hopes. I bet they spend maybe 10 mins in franchise mode during the stream. I don't know why people keep calling it the franchise stream and waiting for some big reveal, its pretty obvious the stream will be about March to October with maybe a little blurb about franchise mode.

There are going to be so many questions about franchise mode and I am sure whatever they added, improved will be talked about. Also all the presentation elements in March To October should be present in franchise mode in terms of dynamic storylines that your team naturally has as opposed to canned like in March to October. I am excited about the presentation aspect and what is in store tonight.

So much doom and gloom......and I get it, not much has changed in terms of a big wow....but the mode has played better each cycle than the previous for me in terms of AI tuning.

Hopefully more tuning was done with AI, lineups, pitching changes, contracts, etc.

[Councilmann_Jamm]

Re: Lack of attention to franchise mode..thoughts?

I guess since I don't listen to the game and have radio or podcast going in background I don't really care about presentation.

I would like more depth in the front office and less 22 year old Single A players retiring

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Operation Sports mobile app