EA Should Consider An Arcade Baseball Game

by pastapadre
Posted February 23rd, 2009 at 12:37 pm

thebigs0223

With 2K Sports holding the third-party MLB license they have tried to squeeze the most out of it by branching out through several off-titles. The BIGS, MLB Front Office Manager, MLB Superstars, MLB Stickball, MLB Fantasy All-Stars, and MLB Power Pros (as distributor). What has frustrated me as of late is that they haven’t followed up with a sequel to The BIGS which is a game I enjoyed immensely, sold relatively well, and had a lot of potential for ways to be even better.

Recently EA Sports President Peter Moore stated that the company doesn’t have anything in the works for baseball. I had hoped that at some point they would look to get themselves back in. Something along the lines of a fully customizable or MMO style offering, even if that meant on the PC given their success with that model overseas. The previous NCAA Baseball idea (utilizing the MVP engine on PS2/Xbox) didn’t turn out well with little interest seen though the low sales and in turn low effort and resources put into the sequel. With the absence of an arcade title for the past two years that got me to thinking. Why don’t they find a way to fill that void?

The blueprint could be the recently released 3 on 3 NHL Arcade. Sold for $10 and only available as a download off XBL and PSN this has been a pretty big success garnering some good response and topping both sales charts. After a rough start to the EA Freestyle label it would appear they got something right with this model and accomplished what they had set out to do by creating a fully accessible game that was just about fun.

Though EA Sports does not hold any licensing rights to the MLB what is interesting about NHL Arcade is while they did have 40 real NHL players that didn’t result in what felt like an NHL licensed game. They did not have real teams or jerseys (just red vs blue) and the players were basically identical within their respective categories (Fast, Strong, and All-Around). You really couldn’t even separate who was who during gameplay. It was basically just like you were controlling generic players out there. They had to do those things in order to get the download below the max size allowed but that is why I feel the same could work for baseball.

The issue might stem from NHL Arcade working off the same engine as NHL 09. In this case it would seem EA would have to develop from scratch, and that might make it not feasible at least at that $10 price point. I would hope they’re investigating different options such as this though. As they go forward we’ll probably see more of the arcade style titles being offered in the style and manner that NHL Arcade was. I just hope someone produces one for baseball, whether it be The BIGS 2, or an attempt at one by EA or SCEA.

Tags:

rspencer86

I bought NHL Arcade over the weekend and have had a lot of fun with it so far. I would love to see a similar inexpensive arcade baseball game as well. The BIGS was a fun change of pace from MLB The Show.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I agree. I downloaded the free trial and NHL Arcade is now in my arcade library. What a nice surprise….Hella fun

rspencer86

I bought NHL Arcade over the weekend and have had a lot of fun with it so far. I would love to see a similar inexpensive arcade baseball game as well. The BIGS was a fun change of pace from MLB The Show.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I agree. I downloaded the free trial and NHL Arcade is now in my arcade library. What a nice surprise….Hella fun

jason wade

ffs man, you just love championing EA any chance you get. If your "original content' wasn't confirmation enough – just look at your gamerprofile on xbox live. NBA Live, Madden, and NCAA 09? Not to mention all the riding you do for them on twitter. I suppose you're still hoping to land that internship in their marketing department?

Larry fitzgerald.

he wants to be the next raczilla…..and I dont blame him. I would kill to work or a company like EA sports.
http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

I can't afford to take an internship like Ike Diogu.

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Anyway the whole point is I want another BIGS. But if 2K isn't going to do it then hopefully someone else will step up with a comparable offering.

jason wade

ffs man, you just love championing EA any chance you get. If your "original content' wasn't confirmation enough – just look at your gamerprofile on xbox live. NBA Live, Madden, and NCAA 09? Not to mention all the riding you do for them on twitter. I suppose you're still hoping to land that internship in their marketing department?

Larry fitzgerald.

he wants to be the next raczilla…..and I dont blame him. I would kill to work or a company like EA sports.
http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

I can't afford to take an internship like Ike Diogu.

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Anyway the whole point is I want another BIGS. But if 2K isn't going to do it then hopefully someone else will step up with a comparable offering.

matt

Didn't somebody try to do this sort or thing with MLB Stickball?

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Yeah 2K did that one too (read some bad things about it) but it wasn't really what I would be thinking of for an arcade game. More fully blown out.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Yeah 2K did that one too (read some bad things about it) but it wasn't really what I would be thinking of for an arcade game. With basic baseball rules but exaggerated like The BIGS was. More fully blown out.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Yeah 2K did that one too (apparently was terrible) but it wasn't really what I would be thinking of for an arcade game. From what I saw with that it was almost too grounded. I'm thinking of one with basic baseball rules but exaggerated like The BIGS was. More fully blown out.

matt

Didn't somebody try to do this sort or thing with MLB Stickball?

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Yeah 2K did that one too (read some bad things about it) but it wasn't really what I would be thinking of for an arcade game. More fully blown out.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Yeah 2K did that one too (read some bad things about it) but it wasn't really what I would be thinking of for an arcade game. With basic baseball rules but exaggerated like The BIGS was. More fully blown out.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Yeah 2K did that one too (apparently was terrible) but it wasn't really what I would be thinking of for an arcade game. From what I saw with that it was almost too grounded. I'm thinking of one with basic baseball rules but exaggerated like The BIGS was. More fully blown out.

mgb

2k made mlb stickball.
mgb

2k made mlb stickball.
slacker77

I think it’s a great idea. 2k is an awful baseball game. Granted being developed by VC may give it some new life. But 2k has been disappointing in terms of making baseball games this generation. But if EA could slowly get back into baseball by making an arcade game, it could be a good start back into MVP 20?, at some point. Heck make it likely Griffey baseball on snes. That game was sweet! ( I am dating myself a little).

Also get off Pasta’s back. EA makes 80% of the sports games. So its only logical EA gets most of the website devotd to it. What the hell do you want him to write about…The next version of M&M kart racing on the Wii?
slacker77

I think it’s a great idea. 2k is an awful baseball game. Granted being developed by VC may give it some new life. But 2k has been disappointing in terms of making baseball games this generation. But if EA could slowly get back into baseball by making an arcade game, it could be a good start back into MVP 20?, at some point. Heck make it likely Griffey baseball on snes. That game was sweet! ( I am dating myself a little).

Also get off Pasta’s back. EA makes 80% of the sports games. So its only logical EA gets most of the website devotd to it. What the hell do you want him to write about…The next version of M&M kart racing on the Wii?
http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I would like to see EA get back into baseball but not with some arcade slop. Remember, 2K tried this with All-Pro Football or whatever the hell that was called hoping that those that loved NFL 2K5 would convert.

I know I stated this before but if EA wants to get back into baseball they should reconsider making another NCAA baseball game. If nothing else, they can work on an engine that would be the stepping stone to MVP. I find it hard to believe that when the 2K contract expires with MLB that EA will not be there with its checkbook open, exclusive or non-exclusive….

I think Peter Moore knows that people in the US love baseball and to not have this back in the EA Sports stable would be criminal.

Peter, bring back NCAA Baseball but do it right. The last two games were no where near as fun as MVP…..

r00tabaga

I'd much rather see a college lax game then NCAA baseball again. College baseball is like the Special Olympics of sports videogaming…

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I like the idea of Lacrosse but if the NCAA baseball was done right and not felt like a forced item, or something that was just put together, it could be a seller….Of course, I state this understanding that college football and basketball are sports that get major TV time and the athletes are household names….

But a college baseball game could be done with classic teams with former MLB players. Who wouldn't want to use Texas with Clemens on the mound or Miami with Rick Raether (one of the best relievers in college history)…

assdf

#80

# 56

No Thanks

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I would like to see EA get back into baseball but not with some arcade slop. Remember, 2K tried this with All-Pro Football or whatever the hell that was called hoping that those that loved NFL 2K5 would convert.

I know I stated this before but if EA wants to get back into baseball they should reconsider making another NCAA baseball game. If nothing else, they can work on an engine that would be the stepping stone to MVP. I find it hard to believe that when the 2K contract expires with MLB that EA will not be there with its checkbook open, exclusive or non-exclusive….

I think Peter Moore knows that people in the US love baseball and to not have this back in the EA Sports stable would be criminal.

Peter, bring back NCAA Baseball but do it right. The last two games were no where near as fun as MVP…..

r00tabaga

I'd much rather see a college lax game then NCAA baseball again. College baseball is like the Special Olympics of sports videogaming…

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I like the idea of Lacrosse but if the NCAA baseball was done right and not felt like a forced item, or something that was just put together, it could be a seller….Of course, I state this understanding that college football and basketball are sports that get major TV time and the athletes are household names….

But a college baseball game could be done with classic teams with former MLB players. Who wouldn't want to use Texas with Clemens on the mound or Miami with Rick Raether (one of the best relievers in college history)…

assdf

#80

# 56

No Thanks

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

I'd be happy to see them do that too, I just don't think it's even an option they would consider anymore. But given your comment earlier it kinda sparked my thinking on this subject in general.
http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

I'd be happy to see them do that too, I just don't think it's even an option they would consider anymore. But given your comment earlier it kinda sparked my thinking on this subject in general.
rondoman

The title of this post could have been "2k should consider BIGS sequel" or "someone should try to make an MLB arcade game."

Instead it's EA this, and EA that, and blah blah blah.

I mean, if you say you are pro EA it is one thing, no problem here. But don't try to come off as an unbiased gamer to us.

It's insulting that you campaign and take the balls on the chin for EA, then claim that it's not true.

Just level with the people and man up and admit that you are pretty much an EA employee at this point and even if you are not, you sure as hell want to be.

http://www.intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Actually a good portion of the article is about the model that EA introduced and how it could be an example of how they could distribute one for baseball. I've already written numerous times about my desire for 2K to do a BIGS sequel within other articles.

rondoman

The title of this post could have been "2k should consider BIGS sequel" or "someone should try to make an MLB arcade game."

Instead it's EA this, and EA that, and blah blah blah.

I mean, if you say you are pro EA it is one thing, no problem here. But don't try to come off as an unbiased gamer to us.

It's insulting that you campaign and take the balls on the chin for EA, then claim that it's not true.

Just level with the people and man up and admit that you are pretty much an EA employee at this point and even if you are not, you sure as hell want to be.

http://www.intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Actually a good portion of the article is about the model that EA introduced and how it could be an example of how they could distribute one for baseball. I've already written numerous times about my desire for 2K to do a BIGS sequel within other articles.

r00tabaga

I believe a STFU is in order…..
r00tabaga

I believe a STFU is in order…..
http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Actually a good portion of the article is about the model that EA introduced and how it could be an example of how they could distribute one for baseball. I've already written numerous times about 2K doing a BIGS sequel within other articles.
http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Actually a good portion of the article is about the model that EA introduced and how it could be an example of how they could distribute one for baseball. I've already written numerous times about 2K doing a BIGS sequel within other articles.
Jimmmmmmmm

Pasta I was wondering if this idea that I came across would work. You know EA has the exclusive license for football, and 2K went around that w/ ALL PRO FOOTBALL. So, why doesn't EA make something like ALL LEGEND BASEBALL or whatever with historis players from Babe Ruth to Hank Aaron to Cal Ripken Jr. and Nolan Ryan and so on and so on. I know I would be interested in EA making another baseball game and if they had many teams with many hall of famers and all stars, Personally I think it would have success because every1 liked how EA made baseball games and having this would be new and I would buy it, I want to know your opinion and others?
Jimmmmmmmm

Pasta I was wondering if this idea that I came across would work. You know EA has the exclusive license for football, and 2K went around that w/ ALL PRO FOOTBALL. So, why doesn't EA make something like ALL LEGEND BASEBALL or whatever with historis players from Babe Ruth to Hank Aaron to Cal Ripken Jr. and Nolan Ryan and so on and so on. I know I would be interested in EA making another baseball game and if they had many teams with many hall of famers and all stars, Personally I think it would have success because every1 liked how EA made baseball games and having this would be new and I would buy it, I want to know your opinion and others?
Jimmmmmmmm

Ea can also do in the similarity of the other post I made do something in the lines of like an allstar team of each team but those all stars were from the past and new franchises like the rays have generic guys like scott kazmir as sean kevin or whatever to get kids to be able to have a franchise and all teams from mlb in and with different name of course like instead of new york yankees have it as bronx bombers or whatever

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

EA could maybe create a Baseball Stars, RBI type game. You can use the cities and the team colors but no logos (however have an option to edit). Have all-time teams and have domed stadiums where speakers are in play, a stadium on the moon where the ball carries a little further, a stadium in rough climate where wind and rain play a factor….

Jimmmmmmmm

Personally i like the 1st idea more
Jimmmmmmmm

Ea can also do in the similarity of the other post I made do something in the lines of like an allstar team of each team but those all stars were from the past and new franchises like the rays have generic guys like scott kazmir as sean kevin or whatever to get kids to be able to have a franchise and all teams from mlb in and with different name of course like instead of new york yankees have it as bronx bombers or whatever

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

EA could maybe create a Baseball Stars, RBI type game. You can use the cities and the team colors but no logos (however have an option to edit). Have all-time teams and have domed stadiums where speakers are in play, a stadium on the moon where the ball carries a little further, a stadium in rough climate where wind and rain play a factor….

Jimmmmmmmm

Personally i like the 1st idea more
Doug

Sounds like a good idea, but there would be so many finishing touches missing. Unfortunately the game that you describe would have to include generic uniforms, generic stadiums, and generic team names. I don't mind playing in a generic football stadium, but playing in a generic baseball stadium would be less than ideal. As far as I know creating anything with stadium likenesses would still need to be approved by MLB. Yes, it would be awesome to see all the greats represented in a next gen game, but take away the teams, stadiums, and pretty much everything else and I'm not interested. All-Pro Football ALMOST worked, but the game you're talking about would be pretty bland. Great idea if they had a little more to work with.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I don't know. One of the best console baseball games, at least in my opinion, was Baseball Stars. EA, or another company, could create some interesting ballparks that could be creative without State Farm ads all over the joint.

I have never been a fan of home run derby modes because they become too simplistic. However, EA had an interesting twist in one of the last Triple Play games where there were targets, some of which were absolutely ridiculous to hit but it created a fresh mode. Not to mention some of the parks included an old warehouse and a kids playroom….

An arcade game with interesting modes would be of interest….Still, I will preach the return of NCAA Baseball…I know, it won't happen…

r00tabaga

a new Baseball Stars would be AWESOME!!!!

Doug

Sounds like a good idea, but there would be so many finishing touches missing. Unfortunately the game that you describe would have to include generic uniforms, generic stadiums, and generic team names. I don't mind playing in a generic football stadium, but playing in a generic baseball stadium would be less than ideal. As far as I know creating anything with stadium likenesses would still need to be approved by MLB. Yes, it would be awesome to see all the greats represented in a next gen game, but take away the teams, stadiums, and pretty much everything else and I'm not interested. All-Pro Football ALMOST worked, but the game you're talking about would be pretty bland. Great idea if they had a little more to work with.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I don't know. One of the best console baseball games, at least in my opinion, was Baseball Stars. EA, or another company, could create some interesting ballparks that could be creative without State Farm ads all over the joint.

I have never been a fan of home run derby modes because they become too simplistic. However, EA had an interesting twist in one of the last Triple Play games where there were targets, some of which were absolutely ridiculous to hit but it created a fresh mode. Not to mention some of the parks included an old warehouse and a kids playroom….

An arcade game with interesting modes would be of interest….Still, I will preach the return of NCAA Baseball…I know, it won't happen…

r00tabaga

a new Baseball Stars would be AWESOME!!!!

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

I would definitely be interested in that too, but I think what we saw from APF is that it is really difficult and costly to go out and sign up enough players individually. It's an option though, something if I get a chance I may ask about.
http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

I would definitely be interested in that too, but I think what we saw from APF is that it is really difficult and costly to go out and sign up enough players individually. It's an option though, something if I get a chance I may ask about.
slacker77

Typing on the iphone can be difficult. (sorry for typos) All pro baseball by EA or College baseball by EA would be sweet. A RBI or Power pro's game could be cool as well. I have to agree with Skihawks, that I think Peter Moore realizes people want EA to make baseball again. Just like 2k knows people want them to make footbal, but each company has to figure out how to make it profitable. I will say this, I used to be a EA hater for this generation of games. Absolute HATER. But coincidence or not, since Peter Moore has come aboard, I actual feel like EA is trying harder and listening to the people w/ their blog, Gamer events, and early previews for pasta and others to play and give feedback. If it is related to Moore taking over EA Sports than I have to say that he and Myamoto of Nintendo are the two most impressive business people in games this generation and they should receive some props for that. Good job EA over the last year, keep it up.
slacker77

Typing on the iphone can be difficult. (sorry for typos) All pro baseball by EA or College baseball by EA would be sweet. A RBI or Power pro's game could be cool as well. I have to agree with Skihawks, that I think Peter Moore realizes people want EA to make baseball again. Just like 2k knows people want them to make footbal, but each company has to figure out how to make it profitable. I will say this, I used to be a EA hater for this generation of games. Absolute HATER. But coincidence or not, since Peter Moore has come aboard, I actual feel like EA is trying harder and listening to the people w/ their blog, Gamer events, and early previews for pasta and others to play and give feedback. If it is related to Moore taking over EA Sports than I have to say that he and Myamoto of Nintendo are the two most impressive business people in games this generation and they should receive some props for that. Good job EA over the last year, keep it up.
G-Money

The NCAA Baseball series failed because it was a half ass effort on the part of EA. It's the main reason why the NCAA Hoops series sucks as well. If they would put as much effort into those as they do the football game then it would be a quality game.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I agree…NCAA Baseball was no where near the quality of MVP, either in gameplay or visuals….

G-Money

The NCAA Baseball series failed because it was a half ass effort on the part of EA. It's the main reason why the NCAA Hoops series sucks as well. If they would put as much effort into those as they do the football game then it would be a quality game.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

I agree…NCAA Baseball was no where near the quality of MVP, either in gameplay or visuals….

http://intensedebate.com/people/Sidewinder Sidewinder

That screenshot is too realistic for an "arcade" subject.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Sidewinder Sidewinder

That screenshot is too realistic for an "arcade" subject.
Joe Lad

Why is some dude here looking for a bloody Lacrosse game instead? Go to the Lacrosse section, this is about baseball.

I'd prefer an NCAA title. Arcade titles only keep you interested on multi-player. Why can't 2K snap up the college license? I'd have more faith in Visual Concepts than EA nailing any baseball game. MVP baseball feels old and dated now, let it die.
Joe Lad

Why is some dude here looking for a bloody Lacrosse game instead? Go to the Lacrosse section, this is about baseball.

I'd prefer an NCAA title. Arcade titles only keep you interested on multi-player. Why can't 2K snap up the college license? I'd have more faith in Visual Concepts than EA nailing any baseball game. MVP baseball feels old and dated now, let it die.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Mister_Woods Mister_Woods

Nobody will play a baseball game that isn't licensed by the MLB, look at what happened with the NCAA series. money talks.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Mister_Woods Mister_Woods

Nobody will play a baseball game that isn't licensed by the MLB, look at what happened with the NCAA series. money talks.
Notoriouz Wun

People keep saying no one will play a non-licensed MLB baseball game and then pointing at the NCAA games made by EA. I understand I am only one person, but i loved MVP 06. I still own it. The college teams and college ballparks were awesome. The game play was solid. Would you rather have 2k release a game thats only half playable every year with an MLB license, or would you rather have a NCAA Baseball game that would be highly playable and possibly could have online dynasties. Lets face it. NCAA football set a bar that every sports game should be hitting with online frachises/Dynasties. 2k is barely welcoming multiusers on the same console for a franchise in this upcoming baseball. How coool would it be if EA could come up with a EASBA EA Sports Baseball Association like NHL 09. I still believe giving up exclusive rights was a bad move for Leagues. They could have set the price at what the higgest bidder wanted to give and made both companies pay for the players rights. Hopefully EA comes up with something in the last year NHL 09 and NCAA 09 have set new standards imo, And I think a baseball game could use these features well.
Notoriouz Wun

People keep saying no one will play a non-licensed MLB baseball game and then pointing at the NCAA games made by EA. I understand I am only one person, but i loved MVP 06. I still own it. The college teams and college ballparks were awesome. The game play was solid. Would you rather have 2k release a game thats only half playable every year with an MLB license, or would you rather have a NCAA Baseball game that would be highly playable and possibly could have online dynasties. Lets face it. NCAA football set a bar that every sports game should be hitting with online frachises/Dynasties. 2k is barely welcoming multiusers on the same console for a franchise in this upcoming baseball. How coool would it be if EA could come up with a EASBA EA Sports Baseball Association like NHL 09. I still believe giving up exclusive rights was a bad move for Leagues. They could have set the price at what the higgest bidder wanted to give and made both companies pay for the players rights. Hopefully EA comes up with something in the last year NHL 09 and NCAA 09 have set new standards imo, And I think a baseball game could use these features well.
Art

A-Roid hitting fire balls out of yankee stadium is exactly what we DONT need to see anymore of.
Art

A-Roid hitting fire balls out of yankee stadium is exactly what we DONT need to see anymore of.