MLB 11 The Show Adds Controls For The Disabled (ESPN The Gamer)

[econoodle]

Jon Robinson has posted an outstanding read on MLB 11 The Show adding controls for the disabled virtual athletes.

"Hans Smith pitched his way through an up-and-down rookie year for the Cardinals last season.

Don't recognize the name? That's because Smith is a virtual athlete who spent an entire season playing as himself in "MLB 10: The Show."

But Smith is anything but your average gamer.

The 25-year-old baseball fanatic suffers from cerebral palsy, making it impossible for him to play the game he loves in real life.

But that didn't stop Smith from making the Majors.

You see, a few years ago, Smith wrote a letter to Sony's San Diego studio, the developers of the top-rated "MLB: The Show" series, and the producers were so moved by Smith's passionate words about the sport of baseball, the Cardinals, and their video game, that Sony went ahead and created Smith's character in "MLB 10: The Show."

And according to Smith, seeing the cyber version of himself gave him a feeling like never before. It was as if by some miracle, his cerebral palsy ceased to exist nine innings at a time.

A feeling Smith wants to share with other disabled gamers."

[Rase]

Re: The Show Adds Controls For The Disabled [ESPN]

Standing O for the San Diego crew,Hans !!!

That The Show picture of his looks great

[mgjohns61585]

Re: The Show Adds Controls For The Disabled [ESPN]

Thank you for posting...Great article for a great cause...

[Jgainsey]

Re: The Show Adds Controls For The Disabled [ESPN]

Really cool.

Hopefully Hans will drop by again this year and let us know what he's up to, and what he thinks of the new game.

[HITTERSAURUS REX]

Re: MLB 11 The Show Adds Controls For The Disabled (ESPN The Gamer)

Great read.. SCEA MLB people deserve some type of Humanity Award and/or World wide televised recoginition about this.

[Dazraz]

A tremendous story. It's great to read something so positive about videogames & how they can give everyone the opportunity to live out there dreams even if it's only in a virtual world. Hat's off to Sony for taking the time out to put Hans in the game.

[Jeffster]

Re: MLB 11 The Show Adds Controls For The Disabled (ESPN The Gamer)

"You only have one rookie year in the game, just like real life, but I didn't do too well. I had 9 wins and 11 losses with an ERA of 4.51 and 107 strikeouts," he says. "I love the fact that I didn't have a good year, though, because it proves that you can't just go out and win every game. You have to work at it."

That's actually a pretty darn good rookie year, Hans! Don't be so hard on yourself.

[Doormat]

Re: MLB 11 The Show Adds Controls For The Disabled (ESPN The Gamer)

Oh I remember this last year, still an inspiring story :'(
Great job guys )))!!

[ckarlic]

Re: MLB 11 The Show Adds Controls For The Disabled (ESPN The Gamer)

Awesome story!!!

[ARMORALLL]

Re: MLB 11 The Show Adds Controls For The Disabled (ESPN The Gamer)

I remember Hans. Cheers to the fellows at SDS for doing this!

[jestep123]

I totally understand this. This is a great story and a great way to get disabled individuals involved.

I also have Cerebral Palsy so I totally understand where this guy is coming from. I am 35 years old and I am starting to grow out of video games a little bit (I play mostly with my 5 year old now) but I totally understand this.

Imagine being as competitive as you are. Then imagine having to live without being able to do anything about it. All the while, having to watch friends and others around you have a chance to compete. It is very tough, especially on the younger disabled kids. There is no way to overstate that. It's not a pity party but it is a fact of life. For that reason alone, you have to applaud SDS for listening and implementing this.

[DubTrey1]

This is simply awesome. You gotta love the devs for stepping up and doing something like this.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB 11 The Show Adds Controls For The Disabled (ESPN The Gamer)

Wonderful, wonderful story!

You know, its funny, you read the forums, and all of us are asking for this or that and wondering when it will be in and why it hasn't been implemented as of yet. And then you read a story such as this, and you quickly realize just how "lucky" we are to be asking for all these extra details, when there are those who are just wanting a chance to play the game.

I salute SCEA for taking the time to add something for all of their fans. You guys are truly appreciated for your hard work and listening to your fans, but now I feel as though you guys should be admired for the fact that you listen to your fans and geniunely care about them.

Its both a joy and an honor to be able to have open discussions with such dedicated, passionate, and geniunely caring developers.

[DJ]

That was a great story, and as Countryboy says, it really helps put things into perspective.

I liked Hans' idea of actually sitting out, so to speak, while he was injured and just watching games until his virtual player healed.

A big tip of the cap to the SCEA crew, and to Hans for creating his organization for disabled gamers. I think it's great that those avenues are being explored in the gaming world.

[NYJin2009tm]

Re: MLB 11 The Show Adds Controls For The Disabled (ESPN The Gamer)

One of the many reasons why SDS is the best!