How do you play your franchise?

[HookEmRavens]

This is my first Show game in 4 years, and I'm really happy I came back to the PS3 from Xbox just for this game. There's honestly nothing like it. Anyways, being out of the loop for so long, I was wondering how you guys played your franchises/seasons? Currently I'm waiting for the OSFM to come out, and then I'm going to start mine. Do you sim a season first? Play every game? Sim every game? I thought it'd be fun to see how everyone does there own thing.

[daddies3angels]

Re: How do you play your franchise?

i have 2 franchises. 1st franchise i try to play everyday that the Cubs do. My 2nd franchise i sim and act like GM and only play elimination games in playoffs.

[pistolpete]

Re: How do you play your franchise?

I fast forward pitching. It's cool because I can't play everyday, but when I do I can churn out a series or two in a day.

[HozAndMoose]

Re: How do you play your franchise?

i usually sim alot more than i play. But this year since i no longer have a life it seems. Im playing 80 games per season. If i average 45 minutes per game i can get through it in 20 days playing 3 hours a day. Im playing 12 games against each division opponent. 6 home and away. And then playing series i think ill like to fill out the rest.

[DrPhibes]

Re: How do you play your franchise?

I like to limit myself to 1 game per series. For the playoffs, I play Game 1, 5, 7 and will also play the Coin Flip game if need be.

For me it is a good balance of actually playing with my group, seeing how the group I build does as the CPU controls it, and it also allows me to advance each year at a reasonable rate so I am not stuck with just a 2 year advancement when the new game comes out or I reach my burnout point.

[gidden35]

Re: How do you play your franchise?

I usually do a 2 player franchise with my brother and we play every game and only do realistic trades and signings, if necessary. It is a lot of fun.

[KHarmo88]

Re: How do you play your franchise?

For the second year in a row, I'm playing all 162 games once the OSFM rosters drop. I play all aspects of the franchise including minor league call-ups/downs, trading, drafting, etc. The only thing I don't do is scout.

[NYJin2011tm]

Re: How do you play your franchise?

I play it like a football schedule lol. I play my division opponents twice once home and away 3 games each then if I play them again after that I sim. All other opponents one 3 game series no matter if it's home or away then sim next time I play them. It works out where I play about half the season and sim half the season.

[MikeKolb]

Re: How do you play your franchise?

This topic interests me as well - mainly because once the OSFM rosters drop I plan on starting a Cubs franchise. Lets face it I have probably 2 - 3 years easily before I can get them to be contenders. I am leaning towards playing either 1 game per series or 1 game per calendar week with some exceptions like White Sox games, etc. If we ever make the playoffs I plan on playing all playoff games.

[muktownballer33]

Re: How do you play your franchise?

This is a topic I've overanalyzed with every sports game I've ever had. I think the key to truly sticking with and enjoying a franchise is to just play when you want to. Some people really enjoy having the structure of playing a set schedule or hammering out all 162 (my hats off to those who can!) but that just has never worked for me.

The second I "have" to play a certain game or number of games I lose interest. This year I'm going to turn the game on when I want and play the games that appeal to me. Playing a division rival? Play most of the series. Trying to end a losing skid? Play the next game to try and end it. Acquire a big name in a trade? Play their debut. I try to think of what games I would set time aside to watch in real life and play those. No set number, just focus on enjoying the Show (which is VERY easy to do!)

Hopefully this helps!

[HookEmRavens]

Re: How do you play your franchise?

Wow, there are some great responses here. One way I thought of looking at the ways you guys do it, although it'd be kind of quick maybe, is start with opening day with your #1 pitcher, then sim to your next #2 pitcher's stare after the one following the game you just played, then sim to your next #3 pitchers start after the one following the game you just played, ect ect. But I also like what muktownballer33 said about not having a set schedule. Keep the responses coming!

[KHarmo88]

Re: How do you play your franchise?

I guess it really depends on how much time you have and how much time you want to put into it.

I may be playing a 162 game season, but I'll do it when I can. I also update it in the franchise section, which makes it take a little longer. Many people don't want to take the time for all those updates which is very understandable.

[3fiddy]

Re: How do you play your franchise?

I am part of a 3 user fantasy draft franchise with my cousin and his step brother. We play every game except maybe 3 apiece so far and we are 50 games in. I work right next to their house so on lunch , right after work , days off. Weekends we knock out a series or more. DH on so we have the same stats. Although the NL teams pitchers are weaker. Ab to finish May. The hitting seems to be harder and harder. Their pitchers sharper and sharper. Does anyone know if the universal profile might have something to do with that ?? I mean we all use the same one so ..

[doctorj86]

Re: How do you play your franchise?

Because I feel the need to pitch with every starter I do the following. I will use my Tigers as the example.

JV-Play
Anibal-Sim
Porcello-Sim
Fister-Sim
Scherzer-Sim

The next time through the rotation is like this.

JV-Sim
Anibal-Play
Porcello-Sim
Fister-Sim
Scherzer-Sim

So each cycle is 6 games so a 162 game season is completed in 27 games. Or if I am really trying to get through a season I'll go twice through before playing using the next starter. That puts at 11 per cycle and about a 15 game season.

I feel like this just helps utilize the prospects more and makes you think twice about how the franchise is being run.

[doctorj86]

Re: How do you play your franchise?

Wow, I guess I should have read a couple posts up. Sorry its 3 am here in Michigan.