Major League Baseball 2K9 Developer Diary: Franchise

[Steve_OS]

Hey everyone, my name is Erick Boenisch and I am the Lead Feature Designer here at 2K Sports. Many of you may be familiar with my work in NBA 2K’s The Association mode. I’m here today to talk to you about the exciting changes we have made with MLB 2K9’s Franchise mode.

As many of you already know, MLB 2K9 is now being developed at our Visual Concepts studio. This is the same studio that has been responsible for bringing you the NFL 2K and NBA 2K franchises. As a new developer taking over the game, I was presented with the unique opportunity of making a major transformation to the game’s aging Franchise mode. And make a major change we did; we decided to build to the Franchise mode from the ground up. That’s a big statement to make, and I’ll go into those details momentarily. First, I want everyone to understand our philosophy on MLB 2K9’s Franchise mode. We’re looking to create the deepest franchise mode on the market, while still making it very accessible for casual gamers who want to play a season with their favorite team. Ultimately, I believe franchise modes shouldn’t only be for the hard-core gamer, they should be for everyone to enjoy.

Read More - Major League Baseball 2K9 Developer Diary: Franchise

[RedLine]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K9 Developer Diary: Franchise

Wow, great read Steve!

Franchise sounds like it's going to be a whole lotta fun. It great that I can play in game on the schedule for any team too. That is way cool!

Even cooler is playing the Futures Game at the All Star break. Sweet.

Also, I like to hear that VC is puting a lot of thought into the "little things".

This game is shaping up very nice.

Yeah baby! Can't wait for 2K9.

[-Boss-]

Sounds great! Can't wait to start my D-Backs franchise.

[stateprop]

can we edit draft prospects please please let this be true. I dont see it or im reading too fast. Hope we can edit more than eye color.

[Spanky]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K9 Developer Diary: Franchise

Outstanding. These guys really seem on the ball and committed to delivering the best possible experience. I'm really looking forward to being able to play any team's game on the schedule. I take that to mean you can continue playing though the World Series even if your team isn't in it. One of those "little things'' that I consider crucial.

[SoxFan01605]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K9 Developer Diary: Franchise

Some good features. I'm glad they worked on the simulation engine...hopefully it can produce some better results. Really like the depth of stats, records, and the other MLB.com interface options as well.

[rckabillyRaider]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K9 Developer Diary: Franchise

damn.........now I gotta buy 2 baseball games

[jeffy777]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K9 Developer Diary: Franchise

Man, sounds really good. Looking forward to getting some franchises going ASAP

[rock85]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K9 Developer Diary: Franchise

Man, sounds really good. Looking forward to getting some franchises going ASAP

Just as i thought its basically the same franchise mode as NBA2K9(which is a great thing) I want this game NOW Sorry Jeff i didn't mean to quote you

[ty5oke]

Very interesting. I like what I'm hearing and will have to give the game a shot.

[ronnyballgame]

Wow, cannot wait to start my Phillies franchise, I believe I need a new keyboard, just drooled all over this one! I cannot wait for this game to drop, and excited Griffey is back in Seattle!

BTW, does anyone know of a roster update being aviaible on the date of purchase?

[JoeRyan33]

MLB2K is starting to look relevant again. Loving most of the news coming from VC.

Possibly buying two baseball games this year.

[bigfnjoe96]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K9 Developer Diary: Franchise

YES.... finally a New Stats Engine.... 30 team User Control with the ability to play any game on the schedule

The huts just keep-on coming. Now if only a DEMO would drop today or tomorrow

[kGinGreen]

Re: Major League Baseball 2K9 Developer Diary: Franchise

sounds amazing. I just hope they spend a lot of time ironing things out in the next couple weeks. I jsut have a hard time believing VC in their first year can add all this stuff and have it all actually work right at the same time. I dont doubt it's all there, but i just hope we dont have to wait until 2010 to get it ironed out and fix all the glitches that come along with a complete overhaul.

[Flutie_Flakes]

this all sounds excellent, the only thing not mentioned is the re-signing feature. Are they finally going to recognize arbitration eligible players, or will they just be considered regular free agents like in past years?