Ben Brinkman talks MLB 2K8

by pastapadre
Posted April 5th, 2007 at 4:45 am

While the actual MLB season just started, it seems its not too early to discuss the problems in MLB 2K7 along with part of the plan for next year’s title. IGN sat down with the Lead Designer for the 2K series Ben Brinkman to get his response to feedback on 2K7 and how he plans to steer the franchise in the coming year.

“MLB 2K7 was the first step in a long process of reinventing the 2K Sports baseball brand and the MLB franchise. 2K7 was year one of that, and a lot of that was just getting back onto stable ground — getting back with the people who play our game and putting something out there that they’re happy with, they have a blast playing and that they can play for an extended period of time. I think we delivered upon that, especially given the short timeline with which we had to create that game.”

I think they were successful in doing this. There are glaring issues with the game, but at the very least its fun again and has reached a level of respectability that was missing the past couple years.

A handful of problems with the game were addressed. Issues with the fielding, AI, presentation, and franchise mode. Of that bunch, the only one that stands out to me is the fielding. The AI and presentation may have been lacking somewhat, but it would be down farther on my list of things to work on. The franchise end of things could be deeper, although I suspect outside of the hardcore crowd aspects such as playable minor league teams aren’t as important as they’re made out to be.

Brinkman agreed with these criticisms, stating quite bluntly, “I personally think that whole fielding system sucks.”

It’s great the candor Brinkman speaks with. Its rare to find anyone in those type of positions making honest and non-PR driven remarks. At the very least it shows that he recognizes the problems and has the pride behind the product to want to get everything right.How about the biggest problem with the game though, which is the lack of hit variety and homerun heavy scoring? That alone has turned me off to the game long-term, and literally killed the league I was running at SportsGamer. If you’re lucky enough to get a basehit or a double, you’re probably not going to string several of those together. The runs will still come in on homeruns which fly out at an extraordinary rate. The rest of the time you’re relegated to solo homeruns. How was this not raised at the meeting?

It was surprising to hear Brinkman speaking out about the direction of the coming year right now, so soon after the release of 2K7. It seems to be a good sign though, and gives the fans a lot to look forward to.

Tags:

brent

MLB 2k8 should have the option of “assisted” fielding where the AI makes the initial play on the ball while the gamer has to finish the play by choosing to throw to a particular base or cut-off.

Changing/updating rosters was a nightmare in 2k7 (as with most sports titles). NFL 2k5 has the best method where choosing (highlighting) a player would activate a “sub-menu” of player/roster options (edit player, trade, release etc). A simple way to maintain roster continuity (guidelines, parameters etc) is to have the AI “plug-in” a “dummy” (generic) player where required. For example, we select a starter on a particular team and then select “assign to team” to place him on another team’s roster. The AI should automatically fill that starting position with the next best available player on the bench.. and then place a “dummy” player (from the free agent list) on the bench. Where you see dummy players, you know that roster needs attention but you aren’t forced into making several changes across the entire league just to make one simple roster change.
http://none brent

MLB 2k8 should have the option of “assisted” fielding where the AI makes the initial play on the ball while the gamer has to finish the play by choosing to throw to a particular base or cut-off.

Changing/updating rosters was a nightmare in 2k7 (as with most sports titles). NFL 2k5 has the best method where choosing (highlighting) a player would activate a “sub-menu” of player/roster options (edit player, trade, release etc). A simple way to maintain roster continuity (guidelines, parameters etc) is to have the AI “plug-in” a “dummy” (generic) player where required. For example, we select a starter on a particular team and then select “assign to team” to place him on another team’s roster. The AI should automatically fill that starting position with the next best available player on the bench.. and then place a “dummy” player (from the free agent list) on the bench. Where you see dummy players, you know that roster needs attention but you aren’t forced into making several changes across the entire league just to make one simple roster change.
Nelson

To warm greeting to all the equipment of the Kush Games and 2kSports.

Dear Sirs:

Suggestions for the success of the MLB 2K8:

So that the MLB 2K8 is a success, first it is the competitive game, to leave in background the fanatics, skybox, not to extend animations nor replays, the smaller leagues are not so important so far, until the this perfect main game, having the 25 players in the AAA but players who exist while still alive real.
We followed in which the MLB 2K5 World Series, is the best game until the moment in options, in all the modalities (numbers I do not sweep) in edit players. To apply as options the Pitcher Classic and Batter direct Classic with the letters without arcade in the screen (It robs space in the screen), in some Stages the MLB 2K7 the protective mesh behind the Home play appears in plays of outfield and it clears clarity and grace to him to the play. Example; Cincinnati, Detroit and others. Base Running must be like was in the MLB 2K5 WS, without as much complication, marking the player who robs the base and when pitcher to loosen for home, starts in robbery, simultaneously using the batter in the same single camera and to advance or those that are chosen.

• Signature style: The MLB 2K7, this almost well, can be played, but it is necessary to correct some faults and to add others, so that the creation of the MLB 2K8 is a success. The MLB 2K8 must be available for all consoles of XBOX, taking in account the game to multiplayer (User versus User) and (It sews activated Side) in all the modalities (Frachise, Tournament, Play Ball. Exhibition, Season, Schedule).
• Fielding true: Shock between players are very frequent, since players takes part in plays that do not have to be, must single cover to players that it is called on to him to make the play. In the MLB 2K7 pitcher covers 2Base it when there is hit to the Right Field (RF), hits much in 1Base it, Short Stop (SS) is sent with no need after it 3Base to him catches. In the MLB 2K7 up to 4 players goes to cover a play this is not thus in Base Ball. To the Catcher the Pitcher covers, to it 1Base covers it 2Base and pitcher when the play is distant to the base, to 2Base covers the Short Stop, to the Short Stop covers it 3Base in the short field, to 3Base covers the Short Stop, to the Left Field covers the Center Field vice versa and, to the Right Field covers the Center Field vice versa and.

• System that sends dynamic: . The cut of fielders in the MLB 2K7 is to 3Base it, after a Flay or Hit. When the correct thing in Base Ball is that the Short Stop and 2Base it are the players who trim the shots of the gardeners and pitcher according to the play. (See MLB 2K5 WS). In the MLB 2k7 are two options so that catcher it throws to 2Base it, must be like in the direct MLB 2K5 with and, thus it does not rob screen and the play is clear, until the batter protiles to the runner in the robbery of bases.
• Edit Player: The Edit Player must be with rank of numbers like in the MLB 2k5 WS, not of bar as the MLB 2K7 cannot be needed the configurations players. The difficulty of the game this very easy in the MLB 2K7 him batting too many home runs in legend, whereas in the MLB 2K5 was difficult to bat home run or to win in legend. The CPU must move but the launchings so that the batting is not so easy. Pitchers almost all bring 5 launchings in the MLB 2K7, when it is not thus, the speed do not divide equally it, some send above of 90 MPH in real and the MLB 2K7 as soon as they arrive at 87 MPH . The Overall of the players must be but similar to the reality since in the MLB 2K7 came some very high in Power 100 and other that also they have to be able for home runs single they bring 57 or 62 in Power. When players finalizes innings that finalizes the play starts as crazy and sometimes they slide 1Base them. In order to send to a player in play in the MLB 2k7 it is a problem must be single with the A like in the MLB 2K5 WS and that outfield not lanze simultaneously that infield.

• Models of the player: It interests but the quality to us of the competition, that the appearance of the players this is secondary. Applying all the abilities of the while still alive real game. To eliminate I circulate underneath the player or to diminish it, single with the name, knows that the play is with, in addition the trajectory to the ball indicates that player must catch it. Between but it frees the field of animations, better it is the game and screen is not lost. As the indicator of the progress of the game must totally go patch to the superior margin of the screen of the television set. Without clearing what already it exists, they add all options of the MLB 2K5 World Series and will be an excellent game.
• Game Modes: In the MLB 2k5 WS, the Franchise could be used both Jostyc in Cose Side, in the MLB 2K7 not can until bars the Schedule by the coincidence of hours of games this would not have to affect, must be put to decision of user, if it wants all the games (User versus User), must be decision of the user. The Dynasties separately do not please, the statistic simultaneously does not update, when sometimes we are eight equipment handled by different users, this must be in single franchise. In the Schedule the equipment plays all in the day as in the MLB 2K5 WS does not concern the order, thus does not bar or congeals the game as 2K7 happens in the MLB.
• Commentary without precedent: The pair Jon Molinero and Pasillo of Everything-Star de Famer Joe Morgan estan well in the cabin of the diffusion, give the best commentary of the game.

Being thankful beforehand, the attention that renders to him to the same one, of you and you send me its answers,

Kindly,
fcamignel@yahoo.com
nelson_abdiel@hotmail.com
migueangel88@hotmail.com
migueangel@yahoo.com
Nelson

To warm greeting to all the equipment of the Kush Games and 2kSports.

Dear Sirs:

Suggestions for the success of the MLB 2K8:

So that the MLB 2K8 is a success, first it is the competitive game, to leave in background the fanatics, skybox, not to extend animations nor replays, the smaller leagues are not so important so far, until the this perfect main game, having the 25 players in the AAA but players who exist while still alive real.
We followed in which the MLB 2K5 World Series, is the best game until the moment in options, in all the modalities (numbers I do not sweep) in edit players. To apply as options the Pitcher Classic and Batter direct Classic with the letters without arcade in the screen (It robs space in the screen), in some Stages the MLB 2K7 the protective mesh behind the Home play appears in plays of outfield and it clears clarity and grace to him to the play. Example; Cincinnati, Detroit and others. Base Running must be like was in the MLB 2K5 WS, without as much complication, marking the player who robs the base and when pitcher to loosen for home, starts in robbery, simultaneously using the batter in the same single camera and to advance or those that are chosen.

• Signature style: The MLB 2K7, this almost well, can be played, but it is necessary to correct some faults and to add others, so that the creation of the MLB 2K8 is a success. The MLB 2K8 must be available for all consoles of XBOX, taking in account the game to multiplayer (User versus User) and (It sews activated Side) in all the modalities (Frachise, Tournament, Play Ball. Exhibition, Season, Schedule).
• Fielding true: Shock between players are very frequent, since players takes part in plays that do not have to be, must single cover to players that it is called on to him to make the play. In the MLB 2K7 pitcher covers 2Base it when there is hit to the Right Field (RF), hits much in 1Base it, Short Stop (SS) is sent with no need after it 3Base to him catches. In the MLB 2K7 up to 4 players goes to cover a play this is not thus in Base Ball. To the Catcher the Pitcher covers, to it 1Base covers it 2Base and pitcher when the play is distant to the base, to 2Base covers the Short Stop, to the Short Stop covers it 3Base in the short field, to 3Base covers the Short Stop, to the Left Field covers the Center Field vice versa and, to the Right Field covers the Center Field vice versa and.

• System that sends dynamic: . The cut of fielders in the MLB 2K7 is to 3Base it, after a Flay or Hit. When the correct thing in Base Ball is that the Short Stop and 2Base it are the players who trim the shots of the gardeners and pitcher according to the play. (See MLB 2K5 WS). In the MLB 2k7 are two options so that catcher it throws to 2Base it, must be like in the direct MLB 2K5 with and, thus it does not rob screen and the play is clear, until the batter protiles to the runner in the robbery of bases.
• Edit Player: The Edit Player must be with rank of numbers like in the MLB 2k5 WS, not of bar as the MLB 2K7 cannot be needed the configurations players. The difficulty of the game this very easy in the MLB 2K7 him batting too many home runs in legend, whereas in the MLB 2K5 was difficult to bat home run or to win in legend. The CPU must move but the launchings so that the batting is not so easy. Pitchers almost all bring 5 launchings in the MLB 2K7, when it is not thus, the speed do not divide equally it, some send above of 90 MPH in real and the MLB 2K7 as soon as they arrive at 87 MPH . The Overall of the players must be but similar to the reality since in the MLB 2K7 came some very high in Power 100 and other that also they have to be able for home runs single they bring 57 or 62 in Power. When players finalizes innings that finalizes the play starts as crazy and sometimes they slide 1Base them. In order to send to a player in play in the MLB 2k7 it is a problem must be single with the A like in the MLB 2K5 WS and that outfield not lanze simultaneously that infield.

• Models of the player: It interests but the quality to us of the competition, that the appearance of the players this is secondary. Applying all the abilities of the while still alive real game. To eliminate I circulate underneath the player or to diminish it, single with the name, knows that the play is with, in addition the trajectory to the ball indicates that player must catch it. Between but it frees the field of animations, better it is the game and screen is not lost. As the indicator of the progress of the game must totally go patch to the superior margin of the screen of the television set. Without clearing what already it exists, they add all options of the MLB 2K5 World Series and will be an excellent game.
• Game Modes: In the MLB 2k5 WS, the Franchise could be used both Jostyc in Cose Side, in the MLB 2K7 not can until bars the Schedule by the coincidence of hours of games this would not have to affect, must be put to decision of user, if it wants all the games (User versus User), must be decision of the user. The Dynasties separately do not please, the statistic simultaneously does not update, when sometimes we are eight equipment handled by different users, this must be in single franchise. In the Schedule the equipment plays all in the day as in the MLB 2K5 WS does not concern the order, thus does not bar or congeals the game as 2K7 happens in the MLB.
• Commentary without precedent: The pair Jon Molinero and Pasillo of Everything-Star de Famer Joe Morgan estan well in the cabin of the diffusion, give the best commentary of the game.

Being thankful beforehand, the attention that renders to him to the same one, of you and you send me its answers,

Kindly,
fcamignel@yahoo.com
nelson_abdiel@hotmail.com
migueangel88@hotmail.com
migueangel@yahoo.com
Victor Gamboa

Wow, i cannot wait for 2k8….2k7 is my addiction. i live for baseball pretty much, one thing i think they should fix would be that when an infielder is about to throw the ball fakes through. fakes the throw and throws to another base(eg. gets the runner rounding 3rd base. . that would be sick. Everything you said would help make this game the best experiece. You know baseball. Have a good one.

Victor
Victor Gamboa

Wow, i cannot wait for 2k8….2k7 is my addiction. i live for baseball pretty much, one thing i think they should fix would be that when an infielder is about to throw the ball fakes through. fakes the throw and throws to another base(eg. gets the runner rounding 3rd base. . that would be sick. Everything you said would help make this game the best experiece. You know baseball. Have a good one.

Victor
Jonathan

i [IMG]http://img142.imagevenue.com/loc238/th_66767_2k7_122_238lo.jpg[/IMG]
Jonathan

i [IMG]http://img142.imagevenue.com/loc238/th_66767_2k7_122_238lo.jpg[/IMG]
adrian travers

one thing i’d like to see changed in 2k8 is the create a player/editing player function. i dont know about you, but i rather have it numerically based rather than having some bar. it makes it especially tough for editing pitchers.. if I wanted to created a pitcher who throws 86-88mph i have to attempt to find the perfect spot on the bar and test it out in an actual game…. usually this can take a couple of tries. i think it would just be simpler if we can just give it a numerical value instead.. also more faces should be available.. or atleast able to edit faces. having a preset 20 faces to pick from isn’t cool.

also i notice in this game hitting is way too strong.. even in simmed games. if i sim a season.. it usually ends up with hitters doing way too well and pitchers with ERAs consisntaly above 5. i mean i always end up having a few pitchers with ERA’s over 7.. which never happens in the MLB. and even the best pitchers in the game have high ERA’s.. like Johan Santana and Scott Kazmir.. Tim Hudson.. John Smoltz etc. Basically.. theres way too manny hitters that hit over 30 homers and hit over .300 and too few pitchers with ERA’s under 2 or even under 3.
adrian travers

one thing i’d like to see changed in 2k8 is the create a player/editing player function. i dont know about you, but i rather have it numerically based rather than having some bar. it makes it especially tough for editing pitchers.. if I wanted to created a pitcher who throws 86-88mph i have to attempt to find the perfect spot on the bar and test it out in an actual game…. usually this can take a couple of tries. i think it would just be simpler if we can just give it a numerical value instead.. also more faces should be available.. or atleast able to edit faces. having a preset 20 faces to pick from isn’t cool.

also i notice in this game hitting is way too strong.. even in simmed games. if i sim a season.. it usually ends up with hitters doing way too well and pitchers with ERAs consisntaly above 5. i mean i always end up having a few pitchers with ERA’s over 7.. which never happens in the MLB. and even the best pitchers in the game have high ERA’s.. like Johan Santana and Scott Kazmir.. Tim Hudson.. John Smoltz etc. Basically.. theres way too manny hitters that hit over 30 homers and hit over .300 and too few pitchers with ERA’s under 2 or even under 3.
Christopher

Make the game like MVP baseball 05, this was the best baseball game i’ve ever played.
Christopher

Make the game like MVP baseball 05, this was the best baseball game i’ve ever played.