Is it possible this could be the last MLB: The Show?

[bkrich83]

Re: Is it possible this could be the last MLB: The Show?

Neither EA nor anyone has any desire to get in to an exclusive deal with baseball. Baseball games just don't sell as well as football or basketball games. There's not enough ROI. 2k/Take2 just learned this lesson.

I don't think we'll see an exclusive MLB license for some time, nor has it really been the MLB's style in the past.

[ryan36]

Re: Is it possible this could be the last MLB: The Show?

Yeah, I'd much rather have all exclusives out of baseball than out of football. I wish Microsoft had made a HH. Could've been good.

[Cubfan]

Re: Is it possible this could be the last MLB: The Show?

I dont think MLB is interested in a exclusive baseball license. I hope Sony continues to make the show and if EA wants to get back in baseball thats cool to.

[bruinsftw2k]

Re: Is it possible this could be the last MLB: The Show?

It would never happen esp since the show is the better game.
Its always up for sports game of the year. MLB can make more money but having multiple companies making the game than just one. EA could get the first party exclusive but MLB would not keep Sony out since they make the best baseball game on the planet

[tvman]

Re: Is it possible this could be the last MLB: The Show?

It would never happen esp since the show is the better game.
Its always up for sports game of the year. MLB can make more money but having multiple companies making the game than just one. EA could get the first party exclusive but MLB would not keep Sony out since they make the best baseball game on the planet

MLB doesn't care one bit about what game is the best. If EA makes them some huge offer for exclusive rights you can be sure they will take it and that would indeed mean the end of The Show, all good things do indeed come to an end. Not likely to happen though. IMHO.

[jr86]

Re: Is it possible this could be the last MLB: The Show?

Let's just think about this.
2k couldn't make a (decent) profit because they had to compete with the Show.
Now i don't know the figures but...
if EA buys the exclusive licence and freezes out Sony then we only have 1 baseball title.
So everyone is forced to buy this if they want the latest and greatest...would this not be profitable now....?

[nomo17k]

Re: Is it possible this could be the last MLB: The Show?

If the game is crap, less people would buy even if it were the only title. Baseball isn't particularly profitable if you compare the sales among all the major pro sports.

[bkrich83]

Re: Is it possible this could be the last MLB: The Show?

if EA buys the exclusive licence and freezes out Sony then we only have 1 baseball title.

There is zero chance that happens. The ROI is simply not good enough. Baseball games don't sell like football or basketball games. A lesson 2k learned the hard way.

[jr86]

Re: Is it possible this could be the last MLB: The Show?

There is zero chance that happens. The ROI is simply not good enough. Baseball games don't sell like football or basketball games. A lesson 2k learned the hard way.

Let me just ask you this then.
Back when 2k bought the licence they assumed that no other developer would be making a baseball game in the forseeable future but obviously that never happened.
So for the sake of argument lets say Sony never made a baseball game back then,are you saying that 2k would not have been able to make a decent profit if they were the only game in town?

[econoodle]

Re: Is it possible this could be the last MLB: The Show?

i wouldnt be surprised if EA/MLB struck a FULL exclusive deal ala madden.

not saying i'd like it, but i wouldn't be surprised.
The relationship between EA/NFL seems to be good, even if the product is substandard, it makes money.

what a return that would be for MVP huh? lol They would put something like 'the only game in town' on the box too. they just would. lol

[bkrich83]

Re: Is it possible this could be the last MLB: The Show?

Let me just ask you this then.
Back when 2k bought the licence they assumed that no other developer would be making a baseball game in the forseeable future but obviously that never happened.
So for the sake of argument lets say Sony never made a baseball game back then,are you saying that 2k would not have been able to make a decent profit if they were the only game in town?

I do not. Not given what they paid for it. As great as the Show is, and as popular as it is, the sales numbers pale in comparison to the NFL or NBA games.

If you added up both the 2k and the show sales, I don't think it's worth the investment.

2k went after the deal in a spite move since EA ate up the license from the NFL. Unfortunately, there's just not enough money in baseball games to make that a smart move.

[bkrich83]

Re: Is it possible this could be the last MLB: The Show?

i wouldnt be surprised if EA/MLB struck a FULL exclusive deal ala madden.

not saying i'd like it, but i wouldn't be surprised.
The relationship between EA/NFL seems to be good, even if the product is substandard, it makes money.

what a return that would be for MVP huh? lol They would put something like 'the only game in town' on the box too. they just would. lol

How is that financially feasible? Not really MLB's MO at this point in their business model.

Not sure how this makes any sense.

[jrivera34]

One thing I don't see mentioned is EA's relationship with the console manufacturer Sony. Who knows if EA screws Sony would they some how screw EA by freezing out their games or something like that.
I doubt Sony would do that because they would lose money as well but I would bet that the NFL deal may have been a bit different if Sega was still making consoles.
EA needs Sony and Sony needs EA.

[econoodle]

Re: Is it possible this could be the last MLB: The Show?

I do not. Not given what they paid for it. As great as the Show is, and as popular as it is, the sales numbers pale in comparison to the NFL or NBA games.

If you added up both the 2k and the show sales, I don't think it's worth the investment.

2k went after the deal in a spite move since EA ate up the license from the NFL. Unfortunately, there's just not enough money in baseball games to make that a smart move.

when u make those points, its hard to argue it.

[biggiejerseys]

Re: Is it possible this could be the last MLB: The Show?

I miss the days when you had 3, 4, 5 different companies making sports games & the quality was much better then as well.