MLB The Show 21 Quick Q&A Video - March to October & Franchise Mode

[Armor and Sword]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Quick Q&A - March to October & Franchise Mode

This. The less 30 team control micromanaging help the CPU needs for you to have a fun realistic franchise experience, the better. If the CPU AI can take a significant step forwards this year I’ll be ok without any flashy new features for now. I really hope those CPU lineup and rotation logic changes involve franchise mode too.



Franchise mode can definitely use new features like expanded rosters, but if they went and did some real work on under the hood stuff that’s just as if not more important then any features they could’ve added in my opinion.



I said before that without major changes to franchise 21 would only be worth buying if they made some real CPU logic improvements, and it seems there’s a decent chance they have done that. I know it’s not enough for everyone, but personally I’ll take that and stadium creator and be happy for the ]year.

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I am sure those that purchase day one will test the crap out of the touted logic improvements (talking to you Tbarnes!!).

I am really pining for more on top of that though.

Y2Y coming back
Expanded Rosters




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[JoshC1977]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Quick Q&A - March to October & Franchise Mode

When I ask this question, I'm being 100% genuine. I'm not trying to be snarky at all. What in the world is a gameplay driven franchise versus a menu driven franchise? When I read that, all I picture is a franchise mode that's just tacked onto a game that had good gameplay, which is The Show at the moment. I'm sure you mean more than simply that, that's why I'm asking for a little clarity as to what you mean by gameplay driven.

I personally feel that making trades, doing the draft, signing free agents, and all of that GM related stuff is all gameplay as well, but I don't get the sense that is what you mean when you say gameplay since you also reference menu driven and that is where I'd assume you would put those kind of things.

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Let me put it like this. This is my equally un-snarky response (and I know from our past discussions, that we have widely differing views here - which is cool, I'm just acknowledging that).

When I play MLBTS franchise - I spend 90-95% of my total time in the mode playing the actual games (5-10% in the menu screens); equating to about 5-10 minutes per game. For my tastes, that's an ideal percentage and how I would define a "gameplay-driven" or "in-game driven" franchise.

If you keep adding to that percentage of time in the menu screens, you're taking time away from a) what this game does the best (on-field gameplay) and b) the entire point of the game - which is to play baseball.

That's where adding stuff "for the sake of adding it" or just because it "mimics real life" doesn't necessarily make the mode better. Adding an international draft, for example, may be more "realistic". But it doesn't make the mode "better"; it's just another means of adding more players to the player pool (which the current system already does). The stadium/rebranding creator is the same thing; it doesn't make the mode 'better' (barring SDS actually incorporating stadium seating/city demographics to team budget calcs). A lot of stuff could be added that's all "window dressing", and while some of that is helpful, that's not the stuff I'd want to see focused on.

Now contrast that with something like adding better player development mechanics. This might be something where you're forced to play players out-of-position to accrue innings at a new position to gain familiarity with a position in order to add to his eligible positions. This is a menu screen decision that has a number of TANGIBLE impacts when you play the actual games (you have to deal with possible errors for a guy playing OOP, you get more strategy in terms of how and when to implement certain lineups, etc.). That's an addition that enhances the overall mode as it connects the "menu screen" decisions with the in-game. THOSE are the kinds of additions that will add wide-scale immersion and enhance the overall experience.

Aside from adding in needed AI adjustments (including roster expansion), where this mode needs to develop is in continuing to add elements that connect the in-game experience and then menu-screen experience. You shouldn't HAVE to go to a menu to see who is on the trade block, it should be discussed in-game. You shouldn't have to find out about a major deal in the menu screens, it should be in-game. That's what connects you to the larger world that your team is in. Franchise mode is about the overall experience and the connection of both the high level elements with the in-game elements.

I hope this makes some sense in at least explaining where I'm coming from.

[Caulfield]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Quick Q&A - March to October & Franchise Mode

so no more multiple seasons in M2O, that could be relevant to what's going on behind closed doors of franchise. Thursday gonna be anxiously awaiting

Y2y was already built so that's really no excuse

I would still tend to think some type work would be needed to make it compatible with xbox, next-gen xbox and ps5

[canes21]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Quick Q&A - March to October & Franchise Mode

Let me put it like this. This is my equally un-snarky response (and I know from our past discussions, that we have widely differing views here - which is cool, I'm just acknowledging that).



When I play MLBTS franchise - I spend 90-95% of my total time in the mode playing the actual games (5-10% in the menu screens); equating to about 5-10 minutes per game. For my tastes, that's an ideal percentage and how I would define a "gameplay-driven" or "in-game driven" franchise.



If you keep adding to that percentage of time in the menu screens, you're taking time away from a) what this game does the best (on-field gameplay) and b) the entire point of the game - which is to play baseball.



That's where adding stuff "for the sake of adding it" or just because it "mimics real life" doesn't necessarily make the mode better. Adding an international draft, for example, may be more "realistic". But it doesn't make the mode "better"; it's just another means of adding more players to the player pool (which the current system already does). The stadium/rebranding creator is the same thing; it doesn't make the mode 'better' (barring SDS actually incorporating stadium seating/city demographics to team budget calcs). A lot of stuff could be added that's all "window dressing", and while some of that is helpful, that's not the stuff I'd want to see focused on.



Now contrast that with something like adding better player development mechanics. This might be something where you're forced to play players out-of-position to accrue innings at a new position to gain familiarity with a position in order to add to his eligible positions. This is a menu screen decision that has a number of TANGIBLE impacts when you play the actual games (you have to deal with possible errors for a guy playing OOP, you get more strategy in terms of how and when to implement certain lineups, etc.). That's an addition that enhances the overall mode as it connects the "menu screen" decisions with the in-game. THOSE are the kinds of additions that will add wide-scale immersion and enhance the overall experience.



Aside from adding in needed AI adjustments (including roster expansion), where this mode needs to develop is in continuing to add elements that connect the in-game experience and then menu-screen experience. You shouldn't HAVE to go to a menu to see who is on the trade block, it should be discussed in-game. You shouldn't have to find out about a major deal in the menu screens, it should be in-game. That's what connects you to the larger world that your team is in. Franchise mode is about the overall experience and the connection of both the high level elements with the in-game elements.



I hope this makes some sense in at least explaining where I'm coming from.

Makes sense to me. Appreciate the response. I think we may have more similar wants than we may realize. If I could literally have OOTP as the franchise mode in The Show, I'd gladly take that, but I know that isn't a reality and the things I do want SCEA to take inspiration from are things I do believe would mostly enhance the on-field experience and the connectivity of the mode between the high and low level stuff like you alluded to.

I would love to see them bring over the system OOTP has where you can play a guy out of position and that's how they will improve at the new position. I'm glad you brought this up because this is the kind of stuff I love about OOTP that I wish was in The Show. I don't want to have to go edit a player to have him play a new position, I also don't want to force to AI to play a guy in a different position. I'd like there to be a system already in place where a guy learns on the job when playing out of position AND the CPU has logic built in that helps them pick and choose who they want learning new spots and why. I also would love to see it be like OOTP where not every 3rd baseman will learn 1st base the same. Some guys pick it up fine, others are helpless. That kind of variety is what brings flavor to the game and it represents real life where everyone is different.

I also think a wear and tear system with injury memory/history impacts the on field gameplay experience because when in game you have to make decisions with the info you have regarding your players past health issues. I think it would greatly enhance the on field gameplay to have to make critical decisions like thinking about pulling a pitcher because of his recent arm issues. I'd love to know that my SS has a lot of ankle issues over the years and it may be in the team's best interest to make him play 2B to limit his movement some so his ankles don't take as much of a beating.

Those kind of mechanics directly impact the on field gameplay and are the types of things I wish SCEA would take inspiration from.

We won't agree on everything, I know that, but I think we may be able to both look at a host of features that OOTP does have that would impact the gameplay experience in The Show. While you may disagree with me on wanting a full-size draft and full organization, I imagine we'd both love the playing a guy out of position system or a wear and tear system since they do directly impact the gameplay on the diamond.

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[tabarnes19_SDS]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Quick Q&A - March to October & Franchise Mode

.

I am sure those that purchase day one will test the crap out of the touted logic improvements (talking to you Tbarnes!!).

I am really pining for more on top of that though.

Y2Y coming back
Expanded Rosters




Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

I plan on taking that Friday off and doing marathon testing sessions like I usually do. I need to find the issues to try to compensate for them to get a playable franchise.

Big bug that I found last year, I hope is fixed this year, being the logic for balancing rosters.

The massive trades to balance rosters needs to be addressed.

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[Archie56]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Quick Q&A - March to October & Franchise Mode

I plan on taking that Friday off and doing marathon testing sessions like I usually do. I need to find the issues to try to compensate for them to get a playable franchise.

Big bug that I found last year, I hope is fixed this year, being the logic for balancing rosters.

The massive trades to balance rosters needs to be addressed.

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Can always count on you every year to test this stuff out for the community

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[bransen]

Bummer that you can’t play multiple seasons in March to October this year. Looking forward to the video on Thursday that explains all these additions and improvments in more detail. 

[Chad0034]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Quick Q&A Video - March to October & Franchise Mode

Welcome to my Ted Talk!

Man I hope the stream on Thursday gives us more. Haven't bought the game in 3 years, just waiting for them to give me a reason to. Franchise is all I'm personally interested in, so hoping for the best.

[eric7064]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Quick Q&A Video - March to October & Franchise Mode

Bummer that you*can’t play multiple seasons in March to October this year. Looking forward to the video on Thursday that explains all these additions and improvments in more detail.*

I think people are getting confused with this.

After the 1st season of MTO it allows you to export to franchise mode. I think that is still there.

I think Ramone is answering the question of can multiple seasons be played of MTO specifically. But I could be wrong.

[canes21]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Quick Q&A Video - March to October & Franchise Mode

I think people are getting confused with this.



After the 1st season of MTO it allows you to export to franchise mode. I think that is still there.



I think Ramone is answering the question of can multiple seasons be played of MTO specifically. But I could be wrong.

I don't think there is any confusion. Most already knew you could continue in franchise mode. I think many wanted to keep the same MtO format over multiple years because it was somewhat fun and because the depth chart made it seem that was coming this year.

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[Dolenz]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Quick Q&A - March to October & Franchise Mode

It was a three minute Q/A video lol. I'll wait to complain if Thursday reveal is a bust.

And the first minute of it is banter between coach and Ramone.

I love that some of you remain optimistic year in and year out. This video and Thursday's feature video are carefully planned to hit the bullet points they think they need to hit to get everyone to buy the new version every year. Like RTTS I expect that the real measure of how the mode works this year will not be fully known until people dive in during the head start.

I personally just use OOTP for my franchise play (I am not nearly as into it as all of you). The tweakable options in that game are a bit overwhelming but they do allow me to set things up so that it is more fun for me.

[Caulfield]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Quick Q&A Video - March to October & Franchise Mode

thanks for putting into this context, I think I was on the wrong track a few posts back. I think it makes more sense viewing it this way. in any event we'll know one way or the other in a couple weeks

I think people are getting confused with this.

After the 1st season of MTO it allows you to export to franchise mode. I think that is still there.

I think Ramone is answering the question of can multiple seasons be played of MTO specifically. But I could be wrong.

I was confused but I stay in a constant state of confusion anyways.

I don't think there is any confusion. Most already knew you could continue in franchise mode. I think many wanted to keep the same MtO format over multiple years because it was somewhat fun and because the depth chart made it seem that was coming this year.

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[Ronoko]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Quick Q&A Video - March to October & Franchise Mode

I can't deal with franchise anymore. So more diamond dynasty which is fun for a while but not so much after several weeks and months since I don't have the time that most people do to grind and complete programs.

[Circle the Wagons]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Quick Q&A Video - March to October & Franchise Mode

A complete budget overhaul would be enough for me this year. Being told I couldn’t add a reliever making $6M per year when I’m clearing over $1M per week was so frustrating.

[TheBleedingRed21]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Quick Q&A Video - March to October & Franchise Mode

Please JUST give me inter league schedule rotation. For the love of goodness, please.