MLB The Show Server Issues: Detailing the Saga So Far

[335TDC]

Quote: Originally Posted by jeffy777

And before the advent of internet connectivity, there were no downloadable patches, so developers actually had to do extensive quality assurance and in-house beta testing to ensure the product was of highest quality at release. What a concept! Now the paying customers are the QA/testers. This is why I REALLY wish SDS would at least do a closed beta for pre-orders. Let's get the ball rolling sooner and test the servers in advance, as well as gameplay as a whole. It would make a huge difference.

I understand the general sentiment, and look -- I've been "maturely" brutal about this whole thing against SDS, so I'm not defending them.

HOWEVER, the whole idea that "back in the day" sports games were sold "complete" and "of the highest quality" is a bit naive. MLBTS17 is light years more complex than any of those "golden" games back in the day.

Back in the day, all running backs had the exact same juke move.

Back in the day, there weren't hundreds of exactly replicated batting stances, windups, and stretches.

Back in the day, I had to input my own rosters in NCAA or mail a memory card to some shady bastard.

Back in the day, the TE slant in Tecmo Bowl was unstoppable even if called by the D.

Look, I get the vitriol, and there's no excuse for SDS regarding the servers and online issues. But if the ball physics are a little wonky at the start this year -- they are -- I'm okay with that because it's a first-time attempt to do something really cool with the game and it will be patched. Do all shortstops seem to be able to make the jump throw like they're multiple GG winners? Yes, but that will be toned down. Is there a reliever glitch and does your catcher lobotomize when a ball is in the dirt? Yes, but these are VERY minor issues with a game that already plays BRILLIANTLY, and they will be patched.

At least with the Show, we are NOT beta testers. The gameplay is fantastic, and the devs made very real attempts to SUBSTANTIALLY improve gameplay. The online is a joke and an insult. These are two separate things.

I would support anyone who demanded a refund for the game since DD/online is the biggest push by SDS and they've messed with people's time, but gameplay, even with the few things that are wonky and will get patched, is absolutely stellar.

[jeffy777]

Quote: Originally Posted by 335TDC

I understand the general sentiment, and look -- I've been "maturely" brutal about this whole thing against SDS, so I'm not defending them. HOWEVER, the whole idea that "back in the day" sports games were sold "complete" and "of the highest quality" is a bit naive. MLBTS17 is light years more complex than any of those "golden" games back in the day. Back in the day, all running backs had the exact same juke move. Back in the day, there weren't hundreds of exactly replicated batting stances, windups, and stretches. Back in the day, I had to input my own rosters in NCAA or mail a memory card to some shady bastard. Back in the day, the TE slant in Tecmo Bowl was unstoppable even if called by the D. Look, I get the vitriol, and there's no excuse for SDS regarding the servers and online issues. But if the ball physics are a little wonky at the start this year -- they are -- I'm okay with that because it's a first-time attempt to do something really cool with the game and it will be patched. Do all shortstops seem to be able to make the jump throw like they're multiple GG winners? Yes, but that will be toned down. Is there a reliever glitch and does your catcher lobotomize when a ball is in the dirt? Yes, but these are VERY minor issues with a game that already plays BRILLIANTLY, and they will be patched. At least with the Show, we are NOT beta testers. The gameplay is fantastic, and the devs made very real attempts to SUBSTANTIALLY improve gameplay. The online is a joke and an insult. These are two separate things. I would support anyone who demanded a refund for the game since DD/online is the biggest push by SDS and they've messed with people's time, but gameplay, even with the few things that are wonky and will get patched, is absolutely stellar.

Sorry to lead you on a goose chase of sorts, but my whole point is not that things were better "back in the day"....which wasn't even what I was getting at. I was only commenting on games of old in regards to the fact that they did have to test more in advance because they couldn't rely on patches.

But my main point was the last paragraph:

I REALLY wish SDS would at least do a closed beta for pre-orders. Let's get the ball rolling sooner and test the servers in advance, as well as gameplay as a whole. It would make a huge difference

It's the norm in basically every other genre of gaming these days. I really think it's time sports games followed suit, as they aren't any less immune to bugs and server issues, as we all know.

Also, we ARE the beta testers. I'm not saying SDS doesn't test the game themselves (they can only do so much), but all the gameplay issues you mentioned were found by this community (they ask us to report bugs for a reason) within just a few days or less...imagine if SDS had even a two day beta...we would test the daylight out of that thing, free of charge! (I'm also not saying these issues are game-breaking, but they are definitely glaring issues that weren't hard to detect when we threw more than a few eyes at it)

But more specific to this thread, we most certainly ARE the beta testers when it comes to the servers. Ramone said on Twitch before release that they couldn't say how much lag there would be online until after release because they couldn't test it until people started playing the game online. Well, guess what: a beta would test the servers. It would be very beneficial to at least test some server load in advance, which is why just about every FPS game for instance releases a beta these days.

I don't see why anyone would be opposed to such a beta and I really do hope we as the community push for it next year because it would be nothing but a positive thing no matter how you look at it. Sure, gameplay and online are two separate things, but the beauty of a beta is that you would kill two birds with one stone...so it's a win-win for all.

Honestly after the server issues we've seen the last couple years, I'd say it's desperately needed next year.

[Dolenz]

Three disconnects already this morning. The first came as I was just capturing hexagons on the Conquest map. I restarted the game, went back in and captured about another 25 hexagons and lost connection again. Restarted the game and timed out trying to connect to the server just starting the game.

It is only 9:00 am here.

[335TDC]

Quote: Originally Posted by jeffy777

Sorry to lead you on a goose chase of sorts, but my whole point is not that things were better "back in the day"....which wasn't even what I was getting at. I was only commenting on games of old in regards to the fact that they did have to test more in advance because they couldn't rely on patches. But my main point was the last paragraph: I REALLY wish SDS would at least do a closed beta for pre-orders. Let's get the ball rolling sooner and test the servers in advance, as well as gameplay as a whole. It would make a huge difference It's the norm in basically every other genre of gaming these days. I really think it's time sports games followed suit, as they aren't any less immune to bugs and server issues, as we all know. Also, we ARE the beta testers. I'm not saying SDS doesn't test the game themselves (they can only do so much), but all the gameplay issues you mentioned were found by this community (they ask us to report bugs for a reason) within just a few days or less...imagine if SDS had even a two day beta...we would test the daylight out of that thing, free of charge! (I'm also not saying these issues are game-breaking, but they are definitely glaring issues that weren't hard to detect when we threw more than a few eyes at it) But more specific to this thread, we most certainly ARE the beta testers when it comes to the servers. Ramone said on Twitch before release that they couldn't say how much lag there would be online until after release because they couldn't test it until people started playing the game online. Well, guess what: a beta would test the servers. It would be very beneficial to at least test some server load in advance, which is why just about every FPS game for instance releases a beta these days. I don't see why anyone would be opposed to such a beta and I really do hope we as the community push for it next year because it would be nothing but a positive thing no matter how you look at it. Sure, gameplay and online are two separate things, but the beauty of a beta is that you would kill two birds with one stone...so it's a win-win for all. Honestly after the server issues we've seen the last couple years, I'd say it's desperately needed next year.

Point conceded on the beta testers online, and even concerning gameplay. I was conflating beta testing with general QC, and although there is overlap, they're not the same thing. My bad, and good calls.

And on rethinking this, I am at a loss at how the bunting passed ANY QC whatsoever. I didn't mention it in my post -- just a boneheaded oversight -- but bunting is by far the worst gameplay glitch in the game. So yes, I guess we ARE testers after all...?

I really like your idea about a 2-day closed beta. Round up a group of OSers and cats from other sites (myself included, of course) and INVITE them (no need to pay!) to play the hell out of the game and report issues. That way the game could ship on time with a release day patch. Tell me bunting wouldn't be fixed if that happened...?!

[Bullit]

Quote: Originally Posted by 335TDC

Point conceded on the beta testers online, and even concerning gameplay. I was conflating beta testing with general QC, and although there is overlap, they're not the same thing. My bad, and good calls. And on rethinking this, I am at a loss at how the bunting passed ANY QC whatsoever. I didn't mention it in my post -- just a boneheaded oversight -- but bunting is by far the worst gameplay glitch in the game. So yes, I guess we ARE testers after all...? I really like your idea about a 2-day closed beta. Round up a group of OSers and cats from other sites (myself included, of course) and INVITE them (no need to pay!) to play the hell out of the game and report issues. That way the game could ship on time with a release day patch. Tell me bunting wouldn't be fixed if that happened...?!

That would be Community Day. Which they have not done for the last two releases. Wait....no Community Day for the last 2 games. hmmmm?

[mikeq672]

Since I post everytime I have a day full of games that go to queue, figured I should be fair and post all my games have counted this morning. *Knock on wood*

[Artman22]

Almost a month this game been out and the servers are still an issue. SDS hasn't been too vocal either since release. Many of us haven't been able to start our online leagues due to the terrible servers. Since SDS isn't saying much it's even more disappointing. Next year I will not buy this game on release date until I hear the servers are good.

[slipkid75]

Diamond Dynasty is unplayable at times. When batting the ball will do weird movements that have nothing to do with the actual pitch. The odd pause after the ball is hit when batting. Lots of other weird things that happen during games due to server issues. It's getting to be really disappointing. Luckily I'm having a lot of fun with RTTS this year so it's something else to play until these issues are hopefully fixed.


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