MLB 2K12 Developer Diary #2 - Gameplay (Part 2)

[jeffy777]

2K Sports has posted MLB 2K12 Developer Diary #2 written by Mark Little, Senior Producer of the game. This one covers fielding, throwing system, improved AI, smoothness, base running, manager AI and bullpen management, as well as pitcher ejections.

Our fielding AI has taken another step forward as it now also incorporates the new throwing system into the AI decision making progress. When the AI has the time to make an easy throw, they gather themselves, plant their feet and make a solid throw. AI fielders can also adjust their decision making as each play unfolds rather than being tied to one animation per play. Say for example the batter hits a slow groundball to the second baseman with a runner on first. As the ball and base runner approach, the 2B can quickly try to tag the runner out as he passes, and then re-set his feet and make a controlled throw to first to get the hitter.

[Rattler17]

Re: Dev Diary 2

I was more excited to see the inning of game play, Every year 2k has some really nice screen shots and some even better posts talking of upgrades. But id like to see a video as im sure the demo wont be nearly as nice as the actual game.

[Errors Occurred]

Re: Dev Diary 2

https://www.facebook.com/notes/mlb-2...50629124888194

I really like what I'm hearing I have a feeling 2k12 will be a blast to play this year if all holds up.

[jr86]

Re: Dev Diary 2

I was more excited to see the inning of game play, Every year 2k has some really nice screen shots and some even better posts talking of upgrades. But id like to see a video as im sure the demo wont be nearly as nice as the actual game.

This i agree with.
It all sounds good on paper...let's see how this bad boy looks in motion...

[anchorsteamer]

Re: Dev Diary 2

Agree with everyone so far; I can't wait for the video, but I love reading about the smoothness between animations. If the execution works, it addresses my main graphics issue with the game.

[Cavicchi]

Re: Dev Diary 2

I wonder how does all the AI fielding improvements affect auto fielding? I setup a solid defensive team in 2K11 rated number 1, but after around 75 games, my team was tied for next to last in fielding!

[nemesis04]

Re: Dev Diary 2

I like some of the design decisions with the throwing meter. Looking forward to checking it out on the demo tomorrow!

[bigball12]

Re: Dev Diary 2

I find it utterly ridiculous that 2K games neglect to mention their online offerings until just before or after their products are released. People want to know about the online co-op!

[Rattler17]

Re: Dev Diary 2

"More good news prior to the weekend. In addition to the MLB 2K12 demo releasing on Tuesday (360/PS3), Monday we’ll have the 2nd gameplay Dev. Diary for you as well as a Gameplay Trailer featuring 1 full inning. Are you pumped? MLB 2K12 arrives in stores on 3.6.12"

So this is posted on the weekend from the 2k guys on their facebook. With this possibly being the final year of 2k baseball they really wont seem to be pushing for people to get pumped for the game, reading the material is nice and all but lets be real here 99% of the people who saw that post were looking forward to the 1 inning of game play as typically the 2k demos are not exactly mind blowing.

[Schreck]

Re: Dev Diary 2

How many demos out there are mind blowing?

I really dig what this guy has been saying, both the diaries have great info and provide cool insights about the game. If these things are all implemented and effective, this will be a great game. I already really enjoyed last year's, so if they can improve on that and clean up a lot of the little annoying things it will really be a great game. When all is said and done, the main thing is that the game is fun to play and is a solid representation of baseball, and if they can build on what they had last year it should accomplish that quite well.

[kpkpkp]

Re: Dev Diary 2

Gosh golly gee whiz these foxtrotting FB dev diaries.

Im at work, FB is blocked!!!!

[liftheavy]

Re: Dev Diary 2

When is the video coming out?

[ryan36]

Re: Dev Diary 2

The publicity this year seems uninspired. It's a shame 2k12 combo isn't for ps3... I woulda bought it this year

[Rattler17]

Re: Dev Diary 2

When is the video coming out?

I think the general belief and hope was too have this video at the same time the article dropped which we now see is not the case, and from the looks of the FB page there are some people rather disappointed in that fact. I guess not knowing 2k's history it could quite possibly be released at 11:59pm tonight.

They just posted on their FB page and said the video would be released this afternoon..... Im in the eastern timezone so its well passed the afternoon.

[DetroitStyle]

Re: Dev Diary 2

The publicity this year seems uninspired. It's a shame 2k12 combo isn't for ps3... I woulda bought it this year

Really? Why wouldn't they do it for PS3 that doesn't make a whole lot of sense