2K Sports struggling with MLB 2K8 community relations
April 4, 2008 by pastapadre
I’ve held off writing about the current patch situation for MLB 2K8 throughout the week. My general feeling was that just waiting on the patch isn’t really news. But developments over the past few days warrant some discussion.
March 13th was the day the news came out (via Game Informer) that a patch was in the works to address the poor framerate and Padres franchise roster glitch for the 360 along with a PS3 patch that would only fix Padres issue. Amusingly 11 days later 2K Sports sent out their official press release which was the exact statement that had been made prior. In both cases it was mentioned that the patch was already under technical review and was to be released shortly. So here we are three weeks later and that has yet to happen.
Earlier this week overly eager 2K Sports representatives on their official forum posted information that the patch was going to be released on Monday night. That didn’t happen. Then one actually posted that the patch had gone live with instructions on how to get it on Tuesday morning. It hadn’t. Then it was that the patch release was simply “imminent”. Three days since that period apparently started and still nothing. But things have really been elevated now as they have started blaming Microsoft for a delay. Doing that publicly to a company who they have a business relationship with is irresponsible and inappropriate.
Ironically today the Opening Day Weekend online event on the 360 began. Certainly they had hoped to have the patch out beforehand considering the game is practically unplayable online. There is no guarantee anyway that the patch will even improve online performance. It is just about as bad as you can get for a sports title since you have to start swinging before the pitch is even released. That basically negates any reason to even play to begin with. They still haven’t even fixed how the game freezes your console when you accept challenges in lobby rooms. This apparently was not lost upon the developers scheduled to play as it was 45 minutes into the two hour period before all of them were actually online.
Regardless of whether or not the patch has cleared certification on either on the 360, PS3, or both the real issue is with the terrible job of communication in regards to the patch status and the mistreatment of consumers in their official forums. Condescending remarks are being made towards posters, demands and ban threats are being made frequently, threads are being locked or deleted at an alarming rate. These consumers just want answers and are anxious for the patch to arrive. Treating them in this manner is not a good PR move and unfair considering the position they have been placed in. You don’t promise a date and time for something (even go so far as announcing it was actually out) when you can’t be certain of it. Did they not just go through this with the demos? If you do you have to be prepared to deal with the situation and not berate those who are left wondering what is going on.
In the end it all falls on 2K regardless of how things are playing out now and why the patch still hasn’t gone live. The game was released with severe issues which has kept it from functioning as advertised. The responsibility has been with them for releasing it in that condition and still lies with them as they attempt to improve the game to a level of respectability via patch. The current failings in communication and interaction with consumers isn’t doing them any favors either and I suspect Microsoft is not very pleased with this situation as well.
yea its a mess over there the mods are just being aholes when its their fault
but what about dabirthdayboy stating it was going to be out by now too like he had inside info? too funny
MLB 2k has really let me down the past years. Yes the gameplay has improved but with Marketing and Online play have taken significant hits and have been neglected. I hope that EA buys 2k. Madden and NCAA look good this year and EA will be up to the challenge of competing against SCEA in the sport of BASEBALL. come on 2k, pull the trigger on the deal….
It clearly is microsofts fault as they promoted this event yet didn’t clear it in time cause they are too busy worrying about call of duty maps. MLB clearly wasn’t on the top of their list and it shows. Did EA not do this with the team play update?
You hit it on the head Pasta. I went on the boards to ask about the patch and the Adminstrator banned my IP. this was my post.
“I read a post on Monday about a patch being released that night. It is now Wednesday, any updates on when the patch is going to be released?”
BANNED from that post.
I am officially done with 2K Games. They do not care about their consumers.
this is why there should be no exclusive licenses. people who only have xbox360 are forced to deal with this or shell out hundreds to get a ps3 and the show. thats just not a viable option for alot of people. all this finger pointing back and forth and its us, the consumers, who get hurt the most.
This is just a sad situation any way you look at it. They knew from the get that this game had problems. I knew something was wrong with this game ala NBA Live 07 no demo nor many pre–release videos of that game before release.
As posters have said on other sites, they took the a hush/hush approach because of the known failures of the product and figured will patch it later after it’s out. WRONG WRONG WRONG!!!! I have the Show so I am not in a bad situation at all but was looking forward to having both games, but after testing out the PS3 version at Gamecrazy I could not believe they actually released a game in that condition, let alone a Next-Gen game at that.
For all who have purchased I hope it works out for you. Peace!!!!!
you know what? as much as i have dogged EA(and trust me they deserved it) this situation mirrors madden 08’s issues and patch the exact same way where a patch didnt come until nov. of 2007. its clear and evident that consumers have finally caught on like i did a long time ago that you dont buy a game to support a company. you buy a game to suit yourself and forget the company. all about being the Smart Consumer. cause at the end of the day customer? business dont care about you. I wish consumers would wake up to that
Ok I never thought I would say this, however it appears EA is finally getting their collective heads out of their asses and 2k is in a typical contrary manner getting theirs to fit in that orifice.
While shipping Head Coach w/ Madden is a typical questionable EA move and we have yet to have any information on Maddens features, If however they are in the same vein as those from Head Coach and NCAA along with the online Team Play of Live it looks good 4 EA fans.
However with 2k’s atrocious customer service and fraudulent representation of a competent game company, unplayability of Major League Baseball 2k along with false promises it seems clear the end is near for 2k!
Pasta I ask you how would an educated publisher (take two) when nearing the release of its prize puppy (gta Iv) allow such a public blunder,I’m sure GTA wont be affected whatsoever but why risk it?!
I doubt I’ll even get my Jose Reyes bobblehead in the mail.
Its really bad over at 2k. I posted a compiled list of all known bugs in the bug thead. I didn’t get banned (surprise?), but the post vanished entirely.
If EA buys 2k, it would likely need a year to get MVP back up and running. If so, it may be a blessing, as M$ does own the High Heat licence, and under the agreement the MLB made with 2k, first party developers can still make baseball games with MLB content…
2K is TERRIBLE at ADVERTISING, MARKETING, AND PUBLIC RELATIONS! The moderators are doing the same things on the Prizefighter forums. Deleting posts when you have legit questions and locking threads for virtually no reason, and actually BANNING people who speak out against the way 2K is treating them. As much as I love 2K’s games, they’re sinking fast as a company because they’re starting to treat their supporters like garbage.
Although I respect you greatly for your fantastic website that has news in a timely and accurate fashion, I believe your disdain for MLB2k8’s style of baseball is part of the reason you are laying into them now. There has been no evidence to believe or disbelieve 2k Sports that Microsoft has the patch and hasn’t released. Until it’s known for sure who’s fault it is, then I don’t see a reason for this article. I visit 2ksports website everyday and have seen many more posters ripping moderators, the game, the website, not only since this patch fiasco has happened but even from day one. Pasta, you’ve made it clear what game you prefer (MLB The Show) and I feel it’s not 2k’s fault that they can’t control when the patch would be released as Sony can do with their own game and own platform.
In additinn, I am anxiously awaiting the patch as well and am disappointed and WHOEVER is at fault for it not being released yet. I am a 360 owner and don’t have a choice in a game, but I do enjoy what MLB 2k offers for the most part. I also have a PS2 and like a lot about the Show. I play both games.
My question is what does Ben B. have to say… Not one word has come from him about all these issues. More so a Sr. VP or VP for that matter should start getting involved.
if MLB the show was on Xbox360 it would be kiliing 2K right now.
I have emailed editors of all the major game review sites, hoping they can get some answers for us. You can hardly even redeem wild cards or sell cards anymore. Not to mention playing on xbox live is like watching a slide show.
Where the hell did Brinkman dissapear to? I guess Id be embarrased too… How hard would it be to make an announcement? He must thing the game rocks or something…
Adam, the criticism doesn’t come so much with how long the patch is taking as it does with the terrible job of handling the situation and of course placing themselves in it to begin with. A month after release is relatively quick for a significant patch. In all actuality it seems probable that they were working on it before the game even released given the turnaround.
Ryan wrote:
Brinkman is handcuffed here. He isn’t free to speak about things like that to the media. That is a PR department/higher ups decision.
One thing to keep in mind is whenever a company is having financial problems the first department to get clipped is typically Public Relations and Marketing. I think it is safe to say that 2K has been lacking in this department for some time and probably are never going to become like the guys at SCEA or Peter Moore for that matter.
RJD wrote:
Ive been through many a bad release. Tiger Woods 08 comes to mind. But the way EA handles it was much more professional. Also, when EA says there will be a patch, there is a patch. For such a huge company, its hard to believe how well they do w/ PR.
The boards at 2K are a joke, and I’m afraid the efforts they’ve made in trying to get them under control is a matter of too little and too late. They haven’t had mods there for a long while, and now that they do their efforts to regain control and organize the place can seem heavy-handed - most of the thread deletes etc come from the efforts to consolidate threads into single topic for ease of viewing - rather than scrolling thru 115 topics on the same subject. They certainly haven’t helped themselves by posting inaccurate information as to the timing of the patch
I will say tho’ that a large number of posters there are not “we are just kind consumers who want information”, but rather profane and immature folks who like to slag 2K, MS, the mods, and anything else they can think of - just because they find that entertaining. It’s more and more typical of message boards across genres - movie sites, politics, whatever - it’s like wading through a sewer to find one decent bit of info or insight
I know of a few companies that no longer even support “Official” message boards and use sites like these to distribute news and info. Less cost and no need to spend day after day dealing with trolls.
Frankly, if I were 2K, I’d shut the thing down until they figure a way to do it right ….
I’ve already decided to turn in 2K8 and get The Show this week…
I’ve already returned the game last night because I think this patch is not worth waiting for.
LOL….I actually did something crazy and just bought a PS3 and a bought MLB 08 The Show! Im sick like that…but you know what?…I’m lovin it!!
WOW!
MattMVPStroehms wrote:
one positive of that deal would be theres no way ea would employ douchebags like blue lightning and ronnie singh
They over promised and under delivered. What you have is people upset because there was no “adequate” information being released about the patch and 2K Sports making a very clumsy effort in trying to pacify the angry message board members. It failed terribly.
All in all, this is yet another piece of evidence that suggests any type of exclusiveness in sports gaming development holds no meaningful value to the sports gamer.
I kinda don’t care, but to hear you little girls cry about a game or customer service is sad. who cares how bad its getting with the forums or the posts? who really cares? Do Pasta a favor and go buy a PS3 and The Show and Live 08 while you’re at it. I knew pasta would cry too. Maybe homie from 2k should have just stayed quiet like when you post rants on EA or Sony Forums and get zero feedback. He tries to do something, its not good enough for any of you demanding girls, at least he posted that its out of 2k’s hands and they sent it to Microsoft. How is it still 2ks fault, should’nt ALL those posts and rants been directed at Microsofts Xbox Live division? You see all the little copycats fall in line and blame 2k because its fashionable right now, global warming? blame 2k, post after post, some guys just coming up with more outrageous reasons for the lack of an update, too many people are allowed to just post any garbage online, like this site too. Get the patch and play, just wait. After you get the patch, you’ll find something new to bitch about. complaining girls. Is that the only new game you own? Can’t you play something else till the patch arrives? Who needs to read how every individual is affected by some patch, that years ago, you wouldn’t have gotten! Add to the fact that half the people on the boards WONT EVEN BUY THE GAME and they’re just posting to join in the hate fest, and you have one big waste of time. Ever heard of gamefly? rent questionable titles before buying. No one bought this game and was surprised by anything because its been documented, its told to consumers in eb games and the internet. I love the rants that ‘hope EA buys take-two’, like somehow you’ll get better customer service…kinda like how garbage Army of Two is compared to Gears. EA will never make patches or answer message boards fast either, we waited 4 months for that madden patch that didn’t cure the excessive fumbles. Keep it consistent. No company is perfect. have some patients.
smokez4Dayz wrote:
that is true but they also updated the community on a regular basis with good info and were simpathetic to their fan base who was frustrated with those things. plus its different that they were just improving the game and not patching it so that it would run like they promised it would as 2k has here.
An horribly uninformed article. The thing pastapadre didn’t mention is that after countless threads started by abusive posters, forum members were specifically told not to start new threads about the patch. So the ‘mistreatment’ he talks about is actually the response to those abusive posters and mouthy kids who refused to follow forum rules.
The only thing 2K’s mods did ‘wrong’ was telling people the patch would be out on Monday/Tuesday. And they did that to try and help out and ease the concern of forum members. And now they’re being crucified by these ungrateful complainers. Ridiculous.
right demanding no new threads about the one thing owners of the game want to discuss is a great strategy
I feel that if 2K were to recall MLB 2k8 to fix all the known problems and basically rebuild it, it’d be more respected by the consumer.
I’m curious if the patch was a failure. Therefore stalling it’s release. It would be more understandable if 2K were to simply start from the ground up and announce a complete recall. This may not sound rational to many of you, but at the same time, it’s a safer bet than to run in circles about a patch that either may not exist, or simply had to be scrapped.
Unfortunately for 2K though, they’d have to find a way to pay back their fans with something. Who knows what.
I don’t know who is at fault since we, the poor saps that bought this game, are out of the loop. Promised one thing,then another, and another only to be duped once again. I will never purchase a 2K product again in my life. I told myself that if the patch is not out before GTA4 is released then it’s trade-in time for 2k8. And what if the patch is not all that great!?! I mean, that is a possibility. The opening day roster update should be coming out SOON too, right? The more I think about it, I should just get rid of the game today, take a Crying Game shower, and be done with it.
P.S. Where in the world is Ben Brinkman and shouldn’t he at least give a comment about the issues?
Kevin H wrote:
The one major problem with the idea of trading it in is simply the fact that we’ve already spent the $60 for the game. With the game this bunk it’s trade in value is lowered to an extreme low. Instead of the $12-$15 you may get for it, you might as well take the $60 his instead of a $45 hit.
Yeah, The game is enjoyable on single player for the most part, and yes it’s a sour note that playing it online is a chore, but you might as well take the hit.
My brother just informed me via xbox live message.
(sense the sarcasm)
“as an extra bonus in this fiasco they released gamerpics this morning.”
eatthewounded wrote:
K, well then I’ll Ebay it. Seems to be going for atleast $30 there.
Kevin H wrote:
That’s a better idea.
eatthewounded wrote:
I saw that. More fuel for the forum fires.
Mu Forum Post:
http://www.2ksports.com/forums.....ost1748784
View it before they ban me for it.
adam31 wrote:
I think we need to look past “The Patch”. Regardless of whose fault it is on why the patch has released or not is still 2K’s. The reason is there shouldn’t be a need for a patch. Releasing a game the developers knew was broken is the issue, not whether or not the patch is getting released.
I would have rather 2K sit on the game for a month or two and fix it. As much love as 2K gets, it is still a business and pushing a game out with numerous flaws is all about the buck, not the consumer.
I also forgot to mention that those blaming MS for the delay need to remember that the patch for the PS3 has yet to be released as well. I guess that is MS’ fault as well….
Eski wrote:
and that patch will only be for the padres thing not the framerate so you’d think it would be easier to get done and through. funny the mod over there said that sony has been sitting on the patch also. what a coincidence just like the demos lol
Like I said earlier, I don’t think it’s a matter of a patch. The bigger issue is how it got past the testing phase as broken as it was.
Eski wrote:
It is common now a days for games to have at least one patch. Call of Duty 4, the number one selling game right now, has had a patch. Are you saying it was broken too? MLB the Show could use a patch for it subperformance online as well. You could argue it was broken as well.
adam31 wrote:
its not quite the same though looking at it that way. many games patch to enhance and improve but 2k has to patch this game so it just functions like they promised it would to begin with. i think with the show youre right about the online play there but they also didnt hold a promotional online weekend which probably gave people more reason to complain about 2ks side of that.
Its weird because in my opinion the online lag has gotten better and its more playable… 2k8 is not that bad of a game .
I just find it funny that the majority of these people here. who dog 2k for releasing this game the way it was are gonna be some of the people who will blindly go right out in july and august and buy a $90 pack of the same games and $60 of the same ncaa game from a company that couldn’t even fix the miniscule issues and treat the customers fair if they wanted to. just too much irony here
adam31 wrote:
Patching a very good game and making it better and patching a game because it’s unplayable are 2 different issues.
I’ll be the first to admit I only normally buy sports games to play them with my brother online who lives across the country. Not to say I haven’t gained a liking for these sports games, cause I certainly have. Matter of fact I love most of them. A t the same time though, I play them mainly on the sole purpose of spending the time with my brother since we’re both grown, married and have moved on in our lives. Unfortunately, my frustrations mainly come from the struggle we have with trying to play MLB 2K8.
Personally, I think 2K8 is a great game through and through. I do believe it has the complete potential to be one of the best baseball games on the market right now, but on the flip side, the struggle with how sloppy and broken it is only sparks frustration and consideration to no longer continue with their franchise.
Not to mention their unprofessional attitudes through this endeavor.
baandje wrote:
And here is the biggest 2k loser in the board. On 2k Sports sack from the get go. He incites everyone on the board who is disgusted with the customer service to the point of a ban and chuckles like a little bitch. “Kids don’t Patience” is your quote. Hate to tell you, kids are also naive and clueless, much like you are. Every thing in this article is spot on. Only question left is how do we get our money back.
I’ve said in forums that the people are too harsh all together. Yes, I’m frustrated about the patch, but I don’t believe they need to be skinned for misinformation.
To me, it’s more of the wait that annoys me, but I also own more than enough video games to take up the absolute lack of full time that I have. It’s an inconvenience for me. That’s why I don’t suggest people selling it or burning it. Instead, I’m ok with waiting, but I have every right to be annoyed.
However, yes, there are hundreds of brats on the boards who take the issue much to far. They seem like their lives are on hold due to the patch not being out. Unfortunately, many of them are the kids who stuggle with academics and whatnot. But to them, the games are more important.
Myself (Not that I’m any better than an of you, cause I firmly do not believe such) I’m 30 years of age, working full time plus overtime for a heafty heafty amount. Then, my games come long after my life, responsabillities, wife, and everything else. That’s why I’m in the calmest manner and not really caring so much about the lack of the patch.
Regardeless how old the forum attackers are, all are fans and consumers, and I’m the aggreance that all consumers need some sort of appology. I don’t blame 2K for being on the defensive end of this nor do I the kids, but in my opinion, both parties are to blame.
2K BOYS, SORRY TO HEAR THT DONT WORRY NEXT YEAR THERE WONT BE ANY 2K GAMES!
on the to 2K’s forum, there’s a rumor that the patch is finnally commin out today at 6pm
Charlie Thong wrote:
Could you link me. I’m at work and it’s difficult to search for pages.
Here it is
http://2ksports.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=117
Charlie Thong wrote:
doesnt look like theres any truth behind that
Man this is a great article that really puts together what has been happening lately. Its nice that at least someone would speak up on how the community is being mistreated.
This is getting pretty disgusting.
Last year it was EA who gave us the garbage that was Madden and NCAA.
This year we get this garbage from 2K with MLB.
How is this not the fault of exclusive agreements??
Look at the NHL games. There is real competition and no matter which side you are on both 2K and EA made quality games that gave hockey fans something to be happy about.
Look at the NBA games. 2K continues to be the leader and Live is making an effort and continues to actually get better.
I am not a fanboy of either company I just want great games and when 2K can’t do football and EA can’t do baseball we all suffer. I just find it kind of sad when a game like Wii bowling is the kind of game that I want to play because at least I will have fun.
I have been an active member of the 2K forums since the launch of 2K8. In all my years I have never seen a company be so unprofessional and treat their fan base the way they are treating people in the forums over there.
I started a thread a few days ago asking “Have you lost respect for 2K?”, giving the community a fair chance to vote, yes, no or unsure. I was banned within a few hours of that post…but more importanty…the mods at 2K even changed the poll numbers in their favor.
I don’t think its too much to ask for a game that is suppose to work properly. Do you?
I can’t help but feel like the 2K fan base has been lied to and strung along for days at a time. People are just discusted as am I.
I never liked Triple Play, however the final year of MVP was