My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show - Operation Sports Forums

My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

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  • Bullit
    Bacon is Better
    • Aug 2009
    • 5004

    #1

    My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

    Hey, folks. Hope all is well. This originally started out as PM to Countryboy and then I decided to make it a thread and see where it went. Hope you all enjoy the ramblings of an old guy about a video game.

    I have been watching OS and this forum pretty carefully this year.

    I have noticed that even though the 'reach' of The Show has doubled the audience has not. While there has been an influx of new members contributing to this part of the Forum it is nowhere near what I thought it would be. Also the content of these new members has changed drastically from years past. There is actually very little talk of "real" Baseball or even the actually gameplay of Baseball. The majority of topics are "I have a problem/do you see this?" "I don't like the color of ......" or " I am starting my own thread on a topic that is pinned and already has four other posts talking about the same thing"

    There are very few threads of people genuinely talking about the game or Rookies seeking advice or questions about the game both in reality or video game departments. Even the dedicated Franchise thread is not getting the traffic it used to.

    I think even more telling is the gradual abandoning of the current game. The biggest on site contributors to this game, such as CB and Armor have both left the game to return to a previous version. Yet these posts going over this have not even reached into the double digits or have already fallen off the main page.

    Then add in the almost complete destruction of the Roster Creators because of the removal of Carry Over Saves and it really does start to show a trend of where the game is headed. There is only one thread in the Roster section on the OS Full Minors and the list of created Rosters for '22 is empty even this late in the Summer. Bacon is gone. Heck even Caulfield does not post as much anymore.

    What I am getting at in way too many words is that I think this all goes to the current state of the game. I am not saying by any means that its a sinking ship. All of this Micro Transaction/Card Collecting Stuff obviously makes them money. A lot more money that just the sale of the game. Its this point that I think matters the most. They can afford to loose followers and buyers of the game like you and I, meaning basically just franchise players, because the average user will play the modes where they spend more than we would just buying the game.

    So in the grand scheme of things. I think, to continue my analogy. The Ship is doing fine all told, it just has seemed to have left the dock without us on board.

    Anyway thats just my two cents on the whole thing.

    Appreciate you all

    Peace
    Last edited by Bullit; 08-01-2022, 07:21 AM.
    In Loving memory of my "Cricket" 1/2/96 - 11/19/2012

    My heart and soul hurt for your lost presence in my life.
  • jcar0725
    "ADAPT OR DIE"
    • Aug 2010
    • 3794

    #2
    Re: My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

    Originally posted by Bullit
    Hey, folks. Hope all is well. This originally started out as PM to Countryboy and then I decided to make it a thread and see where it went. Hope you all enjoy the ramblings of an old guy about a video game.

    I have been watching OS and this forum pretty carefully this year.

    I have noticed that even though the 'reach' of The Show has doubled the audience has not. While there has been an influx of new members contributing to this part of the Forum it is nowhere near what I thought it would be. Also the content of these new members has changed drastically from years past. There is actually very little talk of "real" Baseball or even the actually gameplay of Baseball. The majority of topics are "I have a problem/do you see this?" "I don't like the color of ......" or " I am starting my own thread on a topic that is pinned and already has four other posts talking about the same thing"

    There are very few threads of people genuinely talking about the game or Rookies seeking advice or questions about the game both in reality or video game departments. Even the dedicated Franchise thread is not getting the traffic it used to.

    I think even more telling is the gradual abandoning of the current game. The biggest on site contributors to this game, such as CB and Armor have both left the game to return to a previous version. Yet these posts going over this have not even reached into the double digits or have already fallen off the main page.

    Then add in the almost complete destruction of the Roster Creators because of the removal of Carry Over Saves and it really does start to show a trend of where the game is headed. There is only one thread in the Roster section on the OS Full Minors and the list of created Rosters for '22 is empty even this late in the Summer. Bacon is gone. Heck even Caulfield does not post as much anymore.

    What I am getting at in way too many words is that I think this all goes to the current state of the game. I am not saying by any means that its a sinking ship. All of this Micro Transaction/Card Collecting Stuff obviously makes them money. A lot more money that just the sale of the game. Its this point that I think matters the most. They can afford to loose followers and buyers of the game like you and I, meaning basically just franchise players, because the average user will play the modes where they spend more than we would just buying the game.

    So in the grand scheme of things. I think, to continue my analogy. The Ship is doing fine all told, it just has seemed to have left the dock without us on board.

    Anyway thats just my two cents on the whole thing.

    Appreciate you all

    Peace
    I check the boards daily for anything interesting that's going on but not seeing much. I'm having a blast with the current game and have zero plans for going back to an earlier version. It doesn't mean I don't have a list of things I wish were improved.
    JUUUUUUUST A BIT OUTSIDE

    Comment

    • KnightTemplar
      MVP
      • Feb 2017
      • 3282

      #3
      Re: My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

      Originally posted by jcar0725
      I check the boards daily for anything interesting that's going on but not seeing much. I'm having a blast with the current game and have zero plans for going back to an earlier version. It doesn't mean I don't have a list of things I wish were improved.
      Yeah….I look around the boards everyday, but most of the topics don’t interest me. Seems it’s all been said and done before, so no need to chime in. How many times can you respond to, “I can’t hit with this last patch”?

      There are some bothersome specifics for the hardcore franchise players, but I would guess many franchise players may not, may not, be as particular. I could never go back to 21, never. Could go back to 20 however.

      Comment

      • hockeyyt988
        Rookie
        • Jun 2009
        • 339

        #4
        Re: My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

        I love OS, many of my friends game but they don’t play the way I do. Meaning offline simulation and because of that, OS has always been a breath of fresh air.

        I’m also getting older (34) and realize with wife, work and kids, I don’t nearly have as much time to game. I still do of course but time has been cut down.

        I check the boards daily along with other places like Reddit. I got off social media so i told my wife “my Facebook is now my nerdy video game boards”.

        One common thread in any video game forum is the desire for the game to improve. That’s the common gist. Some do that through childish ways while others do that constructively. OS is definitely the latter. 99% of the topics aren’t bashing the game as much as articulating improvements.


        Even with OS being a great place for a sim head like myself, I realizing with my limited time I don’t always need to vent, comment or post about “how I would like to see this or that”. Personally, it sometimes takes the joy out of the game because you desire more. I’m not discouraging people from doing that of course, just saying why I don’t feel the need to always post, comment, engage.

        All said, maybe there’s others like me out there and that’s why we’re seeing the “lack of posting” per say.

        All I know is whether I post or not, I’ll always be checking OS ear to ground to see what others are saying, I just might not always feel the need to chime in on a redundant topic.


        Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

        Comment

        • DarthRambo
          MVP
          • Mar 2008
          • 6602

          #5
          Re: My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

          With the cards I have a 90ovr team without buying or ever playing anything on DD. The game gives you rewards just by playing other modes. I play franchise only and almost have a full team of diamond cards. So I'm not really sure if they are making as much extra money as say Madden does. For Madden you HAVE to play the card game if you want better cards.

          Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk
          https://www.youtube.com/DarthRambo

          Comment

          • Armor and Sword
            The Lama
            • Sep 2010
            • 21718

            #6
            Re: My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

            I really enjoyed MLB 22 for the most
            part but there are some fundamental flaws under the hood particularly with the hitting engine and the lack of variability that slowly but surely chipped away at my initial enthusiasm.

            In motion it is a gorgeous, smooth well playing game. I just prefer MLB 20 so we are back with 20 and I don’t see myself really ever leaving that game for a long time if ever. For me it has everything I want and my sheer enjoyment playing 20 cannot be overstated enough.

            My enthusiasm for The Show is still very strong. It is hands down the best sports game I have ever played (MLB 20 and all prior titles going all the way back to 09 for me).

            22 was a great rebound from my black sheep version which was 21. Nuff said on that one.

            We are still having a ball streaming our long running Yankees Year 6 franchise which started back on MLB 17 as well as a plethora of classic roster content that has been built up since MLB 14.

            That was the gut punch for a lot of us. All that content is timeless and AAA and if you are a PS4/PS5 player and love classic rosters and Bacon’s brilliant fictional universe, the clock is ticking on being able to DL all the content and back it up on a USB and in the cloud.

            It is that good. And it will provide years and years of great times playing virtual baseball.


            Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports
            Now Playing on PS5:
            CFB 26 Hurricanes/Fresno State Year 2
            MLB The Show 25 - 2025 Yankees Year 1
            MLB The Show 25 1985 Yankees Year 1
            Oblivion Remaster



            Follow me on Twitch
            https://www.twitch.tv/armorandsword

            Comment

            • Madden08PCgmr
              MVP
              • Feb 2017
              • 2432

              #7
              Re: My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

              Very well said, Bullit.

              I'll spare everyone the 12-paragraph rant, beacuse I've gone on a couple lately.

              What I will remember most about this release is the grind for the Randy Johnson Signature card. (I've got 3 of the titans to go) I would have rather just paid $300 to unlock the card. I have wasted hours hitting meaningless homers and doubles. Its just not rewarding. Makes me question my intelligence.

              Gameplay between the lines continues to improve. I think this is the best version yet, and its really not close. But I could go back to 18 and be completely satisfied. Or even 17 with Season mode.

              Very much like the football game, I'll be content to stop at some point. If they don't bring back roster/franchise ports, that may very well be next year.
              Last edited by Madden08PCgmr; 08-01-2022, 11:22 AM.
              You want free speech?
              Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours.

              Comment

              • Madden08PCgmr
                MVP
                • Feb 2017
                • 2432

                #8
                Re: My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

                Originally posted by IrishSalsa
                With the cards I have a 90ovr team without buying or ever playing anything on DD. The game gives you rewards just by playing other modes. I play franchise only and almost have a full team of diamond cards. So I'm not really sure if they are making as much extra money as say Madden does. For Madden you HAVE to play the card game if you want better cards.
                I'm hoping they're treating the programs this year like a grand opening sale to draw people in.

                This All-Star program feels like a trip to a brothel. Anyone can get the best cards for next to nothing... but you have to sell your firstborn to get Mike Trout??

                Really the same deal for the Prospects program. Should Domiguez really be a 97? I get it, they're gonna pander to Yankees fans. And as a Julio fan, the appeal of playing with the next big thing is very real, but a 97? Again, just cheap.

                This doesn't feel sustainable to me. And as you said, I haven't spent a dime this year. Haven't had to.
                You want free speech?
                Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours.

                Comment

                • DarthRambo
                  MVP
                  • Mar 2008
                  • 6602

                  #9
                  Re: My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

                  Originally posted by Madden08PCgmr
                  I'm hoping they're treating the programs this year like a grand opening sale to draw people in.

                  This All-Star program feels like a trip to a brothel. Anyone can get the best cards for next to nothing... but you have to sell your firstborn to get Mike Trout??

                  Really the same deal for the Prospects program. Should Domiguez really be a 97? I get it, they're gonna pander to Yankees fans. And as a Julio fan, the appeal of playing with the next big thing is very real, but a 97? Again, just cheap.

                  This doesn't feel sustainable to me. And as you said, I haven't spent a dime this year. Haven't had to.
                  If I wanna play with a prospect like Julio I'd rather just play a Mariners franchise or do a fantasy draft and draft a really young team. Julio is a 89ovr now with latest live roster so you're going to have a great player regardless. I update my roster within my franchise along with the live roster so having an 89 Julio is there and fun to play against.

                  As far as Trout and any others with over 100 attributes. Is it really that big of a difference between 95 and 115? 95 contact is going to give me near 300 average using timing hitting as long as I don't suck too bad reading pitches.

                  Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk
                  Last edited by DarthRambo; 08-01-2022, 11:42 AM.
                  https://www.youtube.com/DarthRambo

                  Comment

                  • Madden08PCgmr
                    MVP
                    • Feb 2017
                    • 2432

                    #10
                    Re: My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

                    Originally posted by IrishSalsa
                    If I wanna play with a prospect like Julio I'd rather just play a Mariners franchise or do a fantasy draft and draft a really young team. Julio is a 89ovr now with latest live roster so you're going to have a great player regardless. I update my roster within my franchise along with the live roster so having an 89 Julio is there and fun to play against.

                    As far as Trout and any others with over 100 attributes. Is it really that big of a difference between 95 and 115? 95 contact is going to give me near 300 average using timing hitting as long as I don't suck too bad reading pitches.
                    With Julio, France, Kirby and Gilbert, I might actually start a realtime franchise for the first time ever. (I may or may not trade for Soto... LOL...)

                    The 100+ ratings are pure cheese. I think they should reserve that for the all-timers. I doubt it makes too big a difference. One of the best cards I have this year if the Chisolm FOF, he leads my team in homers and XBH by a pretty considerable margin. IIRC, nothing over a 90 rating.
                    You want free speech?
                    Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours.

                    Comment

                    • JoshC1977
                      All Star
                      • Dec 2010
                      • 11564

                      #11
                      Re: My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

                      Speaking for myself - I am loving '22. I am in mid-May of season 2 of my franchise (playing every game) and am having a blast. I think the game for franchise players is better than it has ever been.

                      I haven't lost interest in the game; I've lost interest in talking about it. Heck, I've lost interest in the sports gaming community as a whole. Yeah, I pop in here now and then - but that's far more rare these days. I simply don't need others to validate how I feel about the game. Put a little differently, I've gone back to my childhood, pre-internet days where I could just have fun playing games and getting lost in my own little world without even being exposed to what other people think about it. I'm much happier as a result...

                      Maybe it's just me, but I wouldn't necessarily equate 'lack of activity' here with 'lack of interest in the game'. From the PMs I get, I can tell you there are a number of people who still love the game that frankly just don't post much here these days....and I can appreciate that.
                      Play the games you love, not the games you want to love.

                      Comment

                      • kinsmen7
                        MVP
                        • Mar 2016
                        • 1661

                        #12
                        Re: My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

                        Originally posted by hockeyyt988
                        Even with OS being a great place for a sim head like myself, I realizing with my limited time I don’t always need to vent, comment or post about “how I would like to see this or that”. Personally, it sometimes takes the joy out of the game because you desire more. I’m not discouraging people from doing that of course, just saying why I don’t feel the need to always post, comment, engage.

                        All said, maybe there’s others like me out there and that’s why we’re seeing the “lack of posting” per say.

                        All I know is whether I post or not, I’ll always be checking OS ear to ground to see what others are saying, I just might not always feel the need to chime in on a redundant topic.


                        Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports
                        Was about to respond to this thread to say this exact same thing.

                        Cheers to @Bullit for this, and for not turning it into a hate fest!

                        I wonder if a lot of us have just "aged out"? Not saying that we're old per se, just that my desire to engage with the "SDS SUCKS!", "COMEBACK CODE!", and "The game is broken since the last patch!" crew just isn't there anymore. Not saying that I don't still visit regularly, but I guess I prefer lurking more than engaging nowadays.

                        I still get a great kick out of following the franchise journeys of so many folks on here, I love to see what CB's up to, and while I respond a lot less to it now, I still check in on the trade thread on a regular basis because it just gives me more and more ideas of what direction to take my own franchise in.

                        All of that being said, I also never upgraded from PS4 to PS5 (there's literally still none available in my region), so there's never really been much reason to upgrade from '20. I still play it a ton, and it doesn't seem like I've missed enough upgrades in the 2 most recent iterations to justify investing $1200, which, in turn, means that I don't really feel like I can weigh in on as much as I have in the past. Heck, maybe they finally added an actual comeback code in '22!

                        Anyway, I would assume that a lot of us still visit regularly, we're just a lot more quiet.

                        Cheers!
                        2025 Expos Expansion:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...gid=1295163793

                        Comment

                        • CgyFlames
                          Pro
                          • May 2007
                          • 625

                          #13
                          Re: My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

                          Originally posted by JoshC1977
                          Maybe it's just me, but I wouldn't necessarily equate 'lack of activity' here with 'lack of interest in the game'. From the PMs I get, I can tell you there are a number of people who still love the game that frankly just don't post much here these days....and I can appreciate that.
                          I second this. When I joined this place 15 years ago it was about the only place to talk sports gaming. Now you have Reddit, Twitter & FB groups, YT streaming chats where you can find your community. And those don’t require an extra signup or nearly as much effort to find as this forum. The lack of activity here is because the concept of forums is a relic, not because the game is. I’m more active on Reddit and Twitter to talk games nowadays myself ,and I can tell you they are bustling.

                          Comment

                          • Detroit Tigers
                            MVP
                            • Mar 2018
                            • 1374

                            #14
                            My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

                            Dual response:

                            1. Forums are getting a bit lame. You’re basically blogging for Steve for free. Why?

                            2. The lack of engagement here can probably be attributed to how few changes this game has actually made over the years. You might have in mind some “glory days” of this forum dating back 5-8 years ago or whatever, has this game even changed that much over that time? How many years can you spend reading opinions about a game that’s been 90% the same for going on 20 years?

                            Love the game and play it 5 times a week at least. There’s nothing else to say about it.
                            Just one man’s opinion.
                            I don’t actually care about any of this.

                            Comment

                            • Bullit
                              Bacon is Better
                              • Aug 2009
                              • 5004

                              #15
                              Re: My opinion on the "Current State" of MLB The Show

                              Thanks for all of the replies and input folks. But I would like to clarify a point or two,

                              First. I am not saying that '22 is a bad game in anyway. Sure it has its issues, they all do. I am/was having a lot of fun with it.

                              Second. I am not saying that the lack of activity here in anyway is a show of lack of popularity in the game in any way.

                              Lastly I am not bashing the Card Collecting modes. They are not for me but I do think The Show does the best job of it being fair and not just a cash grab.

                              My overall point was basically that to me, and I know others, it just feels that we are being left behind as the game advances year to year. This is a natural course of things. I am not hating on SDS or anything like that, this is just an observation. My gaming practices and games that I play have changed as well. Again this is a natural progression of life. All things change. Sometimes this a good thing and sometimes it sucks. I still love Baseball and I still love the The Show.
                              In Loving memory of my "Cricket" 1/2/96 - 11/19/2012

                              My heart and soul hurt for your lost presence in my life.

                              Comment

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