MLB 14 The Show: How to Improve the Presentation

Feature Article

Submitted on: 07/30/2014 by Caley Roark

MLB: The Show gets high praise around here, and usually for good reason. Despite being the only true console baseball title available, the developers haven’t become complacent. Every year, we see some nice innovations and revisions that demonstrate that the title isn’t taking its sole status for granted.

However, if there’s one area (outside online gameplay) that gets a bulk of the criticism, it’s The Show’s presentation. I try to emphasize in my review each year that The Show’s presentation (including commentary, camera angles, replays, etc.) isn’t bad, per se. Developments like authentic broadcast angles and real-time camera shots have revolutionized how virtual baseball looks. And in terms of replays and on-screen stats, no one does it better.

All of that said, MLB 14: The Show, from a visual and auditory standpoint, just feels stale. I’m not sure if it’s because I play so many games (100+ in a season, compared with 16 or so in Madden), but I can recite some lines before they happen. Some of the pre-rendered cut scenes are also pretty predictable.

So, allow me to play head developer for a minute, and recommend a few changes that would spruce things up.

MLB Network Integration

I love network overlays, primarily because of the real-life context it offers. Having familiar hosts, logos, wipes, music, etc., gives us a bridge into the world our games inhabit. They help sell this alternate reality where we control our team and make things happen. The MLB Network is the perfect fit for The Show;it's the “default” channel around my house from free agency through the World Series.

I’m not sure we need a virtual Matt Vasgersian or Bob Costas skirting the Uncanny Valley to make that happen, though. Using familiar graphics, sounds, and terminology can bring the flavor of the network to the game.

I’ll provide more specific examples later, but utilizing the familiarity of the MLB Network would provide greater context and realism to our virtual worlds.

Longer Memories

This idea builds off of one of the current strengths of the series: in-game history. I love when the announcers “flash us back to the x inning…” to show a replay of a key moment. Typically, it’s an accurate example of a game-changing play, and usually well-timed within the game broadcast.

However, when I watch a game on tv, the commentators and producers often call up key moments from a player’s year or career, not just the current game. If the broadcasters mention that Chase Utley delivered a walk-off hit the day before, I’d like to see it. If Mike Trout is red hot, let’s see a little package showcasing his successful week.

As someone with little technical knowledge, I’m not sure how possible this is. However, I know I can save full highlights and replays to the PS4. Would it possible for the game to automatically save “key” plays for later use?

Depending on the technology limitations, this could lead to bigger things. Maybe The Show could offer a “Plays of the Month” series, as seen on MLB Network--20 or so quick plays from around the league during that month. Even end of the season awards could come with a video package of those outstanding players.

Greater League Awareness

When I play Out of the Park Baseball, I love reading the news articles from around the league. Even the seemingly frivolous stories help, again, to provide context and promote a league outside my own franchise.

We’ve lost these kinds of details in MLB: The Show. We used to have local newspapers to peruse, but they’ve given way to static menus (Who’s Hot, etc.). I love playing MLB 14: The Show’s franchise mode, but too often I feel like the other teams exist only to play me.

The game could finally provide an rival to NFL 2k5’s weekly Sportscenter show; a feature pretty much unanswered for the past 10 years. Tying into the MLB Network overlay, we could get a weekly or daily “MLB Tonight” style show which breaks down the events from around the league. Again, replays could enhance the scoreboard watching. With baseball’s love of statistics, a quick audio recap of league leaders or streaks would be welcome. The game sims everything; let it highlight special performances or feats.

Beyond these, I’d love to see the implementation of live “look ins”: a quick interruption of “your” game to watch a key at-bat or pitch from around the league. This could also be how the game merges its two primary modes: franchise and Road to the Show. Play your RttS at-bats while playing a franchise game, through a quick look at an “impact prospect's” next at-bat.

These are just a few suggestions, admittedly from a technologically limited perspective. However, most speak to context and setting--placing our team or player into a living world, instead of one just inhabited by text, menus, and repetitive commentary.

What would you like to see, presentation-wise, included in the next version of MLB: The Show?

MLB 14 The Show Videos

Member Comments

# 1 Batistaj15 @ 07/30/14 02:45 PM

The idea of your game being interrupted to showcase a key situation in another game sounds pretty neat.

# 2 Knight165 @ 07/30/14 02:52 PM

Excellent ...excellent points.

I would like to add on....going of your later point of a "look in" at other games.
While this year is better in terms of relaying info to the current series and later in the season....some things going on in the league....I feel that THIS is the area where the Show really needs to ramp things up.

I'm not sure if it's possible to load up two games simultaneously in order to have the announcers break to an important game (other than yours) in the league for a VISUAL look in....but they could certainly figure a way to grab info about the game(it's on the ticker!) and have the announcers talk about it.
Whether it be an important milestone....a great performance(cycle...no hitter...etc) .....a standings related/playoff run.....a trade....injuries....etc.
I know guys scream for more stat overlays....but I watch a lot of games and maybe it's just SNY...but I don't get a ton of those stat overlays in those games. A few more would be nice...but I think more info on league wide happenings would be more beneficial. Showing the standings more(entire league)....showing the hot/cold players for the team you are playing.....showing the recent call ups and disabled players(MLB) for the team you are playing and the upcoming team on the schedule......minor league players stats...and for that matter talking about your minor league team and the "big names" from the minors around the league.
Trade talk....there should be something around the trade deadline about possible players that might be moved(your teams AND league wide)....they could pull this right from the trade block.
Outside of games....a weekly wrap up show(visual)...might be out of the realm...but how about a "radio talk show" that plays (pulling info from everywhere there is league info)
A history/almanac section
Year to year stats...
A top prospect page
A team prospect page(top 5 from each team)

There is more......

M.K.
Knight165

# 3 ShowTyme15 @ 07/30/14 03:23 PM

I'd like too see something similar to what NBA 2K does. Between innings show upcoming matchups. (2K Does this between quarters)

Would also like some sort of weekly magazine covers. See old NCAA Football games

# 4 malky @ 07/30/14 03:54 PM

NCAA 14 has the quick cut ins for other games around the league without visual highlights, but it brings so much to YOUR FRANCHISE WORLD, as it tells you how many games a team has won or lost while stating the score of that game, even if it gets somewhat repetitive, it still brings value to your world.

Something as simple as that for Show 15 would be the best and quickest way to spruce up presentation IMHO

# 5 Armor and Sword @ 07/30/14 04:19 PM

MLB Network integration would be supreme. I would love a weekly highlight type show. Focus on great performances, then as the trade deadline approaches talk about trade block rumors, pennant races and once a month do a feature on A.L and N.L player and pitchers of the month. I would love this in franchise mode. Just doing that one thing (like NFL2K5 did so brilliantly 10 years ago) would make franchise mode on The Show the greatest franchise mode ever in console sports game history.

The Show is already deep and pretty immersive. But just adding some media flair and flavor would go a long ways to sweetening the overall experience. If Madden could also follow suit like NCAA14 CFM would be that much better as well.

# 6 Armor and Sword @ 07/30/14 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knight165


	Excellent ...excellent points. I would like to add on....going of your later point of a "look in" at other games. While this year is better in terms of relaying info to the current series and later in the season....some things going on in the league....I feel that THIS is the area where the Show really needs to ramp things up. I'm not sure if it's possible to load up two games simultaneously in order to have the announcers break to an important game (other than yours) in the league for a VISUAL look in....but they could certainly figure a way to grab info about the game(it's on the ticker!) and have the announcers talk about it. Whether it be an important milestone....a great performance(cycle...no hitter...etc) .....a standings related/playoff run.....a trade....injuries....etc. I know guys scream for more stat overlays....but I watch a lot of games and maybe it's just SNY...but I don't get a ton of those stat overlays in those games. A few more would be nice...but I think more info on league wide happenings would be more beneficial. Showing the standings more(entire league)....showing the hot/cold players for the team you are playing.....showing the recent call ups and disabled players(MLB) for the team you are playing and the upcoming team on the schedule......minor league players stats...and for that matter talking about your minor league team and the "big names" from the minors around the league. Trade talk....there should be something around the trade deadline about possible players that might be moved(your teams AND league wide)....they could pull this right from the trade block. Outside of games....a weekly wrap up show(visual)...might be out of the realm...but how about a "radio talk show" that plays (pulling info from everywhere there is league info) A history/almanac section Year to year stats... A top prospect page A team prospect page(top 5 from each team) There is more...... M.K. Knight165

Exactly and making sure it can be done while using 30 team control.

# 7 stlcardsfan44 @ 07/30/14 04:41 PM

Multiple broadcast partners!!!!!!!

# 8 MDgolf @ 07/30/14 05:08 PM

They really need to fix the framerate on the overall cutscenes. Really hurts the immersion and fun of the game.

# 9 Mgbleu1986 @ 07/30/14 05:51 PM

I would love to see all those additions you have mentioned...Well said

# 10 Jr. @ 07/30/14 05:57 PM

In regards to the cut-ins/looks to other games, I'd be happy with what NFL 2K5 did and have pre-determined scenes. Make a bunch of different scenes that can play out (big strikeout, HR, RBI double, diving catches, etc) and just insert whatever teams you're cutting to. I would be ecstatic.

# 11 BaylorBearBryant @ 07/30/14 06:22 PM

An additional commentary team. Don't get rid of the current one! And like you said, greater league awareness. I hate the fact there are no storylines.

# 12 Sco291 @ 07/30/14 06:43 PM

Like someone else said: it feels like I'm playing a bubble, seperate from the rest of the league and outside world. I wish they'd bring back the newspaper article, or something similar. If the show can improve on the moving mouths and such, I'd like to actually see Matt V and co. in the booth, pregame.

And what about an on-the-field reporter in the camera well? Speaking of the camera/media well near the dugouts, how about putting some more reproters with cameras down there? Flash bulbs etc. Make me feel like my games count and are truly worth something.

I would love a FoxSports or an MLB Network style presentation. This game has had a good run with their own, but lets be real, they have the same instrumentals and what not since MB 07 on PS2 days. I say time to integrate, IF possible, a real life style of presentation.

# 13 ballin095 @ 07/30/14 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sco291


	Like someone else said: it feels like I'm playing a bubble, seperate from the rest of the league and outside world. I wish they'd bring back the newspaper article, or something similar. If the show can improve on the moving mouths and such, I'd like to actually see Matt V and co. in the booth, pregame. And what about an on-the-field reporter in the camera well? Speaking of the camera/media well near the dugouts, how about putting some more reproters with cameras down there? Flash bulbs etc. Make me feel like my games count and are truly worth something. I would love a FoxSports or an MLB Network style presentation. This game has had a good run with their own, but lets be real, they have the same instrumentals and what not since MB 07 on PS2 days. I say time to integrate, IF possible, a real life style of presentation.

Love all those points. Also would love to see more action in dugouts and improved crowd, especially in tight games or when a milestone such a cycle or no-hitter is in the process of happening.

# 14 MDgolf @ 07/30/14 07:47 PM

Do you think they can fix the frame rate problems?

# 15 Hapshoops32 @ 07/30/14 08:06 PM

I agree with everything that's being talked about.

3 things:

1. As for cutting to other games in progress to show a highlight, this was done in NHL 94 I believe, or maybe it was 93 for Sega... if they could figure it out back then, I'm sure there's a way to do it now - at intermission, they usually cut to a game supposedly in progress and show a goal - sometimes penalties or big hits. I'm sure, as a previous poster suggested, that it was just random plays already put together and simply called up matching up the 2 teams.. .but still, that would be really cool to do something like that.

2. I've seen this brought up in other threads, but it would be pretty cool - whether it's just for RTTS or to do it for franchise as well, it'd be pretty cool to do some press conferences from time to time. Certainly shouldn't be after every game - and while NBA 2K14 had some issues with MyCareer, there are a lot of cool concepts with some of the storytelling - some of the interactions would be cool to work in with teammates, opposing players, coaches, the GM, etc. Maybe have an option to do more of a real-life storytelling type RTTS, where the focus is on the story, and the way RTTS is currently done, where playing games and simply advancing your career is the focus.

3. I would also love to see something similar to what OOTP does in terms of stories around the league. Even some of the cheesy ones where a player made a donation to charity or the funny/crazy ones where a fired manager tore up the clubhouse just made the franchise aspect so much more interesting. Again, you wouldn't need to make up something daily, maybe a couple of times a week, or even a weekly roundup of stories.

One more note - I'm not demanding that these things be put in the game or suggesting that they have to - just ideas that I like from other games, really, that would add to the immersion/fun factor. They are examples of things already done, so it's programmable in some way - but whether that's doable within the world of MLB The Show, I have no idea. I'm sure the developers have ideas like this, but there's one reason or another why they can't be executed from one year to the next. But, one can hope that some day, some of these kinds of things get added!

# 16 tanchl @ 07/30/14 09:59 PM

Authentic and appropriate crowd reaction.

Just moments ago, I served up a walk-off 2-run homerun in the bottom of the 10th in Miller Park to Ryan Braun. I thought I had made a good pitch so I went in to study the replay. Well, it wasn't a good pitch, but what stood out was watching the crowd behind home plate...zero reaction. It made the experience so bland.

# 17 mcpats @ 07/30/14 11:51 PM

Commentary from most games get criticized, and I think it's largely due to the repetitive nature of hearing the same broadcast team game after game. NCAA March madness 10 was not a great basketball game, but having dual, authentic espn and cbs broadcast teams was a really cool dynamic. Hopefully with the increased computing power of the consoles, you could add a second broadcast team that could handle 'games of the week' and playoffs to add some variety and a truly heightened feel to important games.

# 18 Sheba2011 @ 07/31/14 04:58 AM

The problem with games like baseball, hockey and basketball is the season is so long you can only listen to the same rehashed lines so many times before you want to stab your eardrums to make it stop. A long way towards fixing this issue is to have multiple broadcast booths. Maybe a "hometown" team for normal games and the national broadcast team for Sunday night games/playoffs.

# 19 johnprestonevans @ 07/31/14 09:41 AM

This is an excellent article, and one that I hope The Show's developers take note of. I have been saying the same things about Madden, but I guess it can apply to ALL sports games. Presentation - how we SEE our virtual games is just as important as how we play them.

I think the "around the league" stuff is vital to immersion in a franchise/season mode. There needs to be awareness of a living, breathing league taking place outside of our own games. Game breaks that cut to out of town highlights - with dynamic commentary - would be amazing.

Next gen is here. Id love to see some more development in these areas. Bring baseball (and other sports) to life.

# 20 Knight165 @ 07/31/14 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueJayPower


	Something like this would be cool: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DCW-Z4FCJjA Baseball related of course

Yep....I've been preaching this for years....a This Week in Baseball type weekly wrap up show would be exactly what The Show needs to make the franchise mode feel less sterile.
A DAILY wrap up would put it right up front.

Just something.......I read guys saying "I hope SCEA reads this"....as if they don't have all of these ideas already. They do...trust me.
It comes down to implementation and time.
(IMO...they should make every effort to find the time.....but I don't run SCEA!

)

Again....while we might see some "canned" highlights in a wrap up show....I don't think even next gen(this gen) has the horses for loading up two game simultaneously in order to give us in game breaks with visuals during our game....sadly.

M.K.
Knight165

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