[HOT] : How A New EA Baseball Game May Be Different From MLB The Show
A new baseball game from EA would need a lot to part with the established MLB The Show. Here’s how the new game could be different.
Electronic Arts recently acquired Metalhead Software, the studio behind the Super Mega Baseball series. This means that EA has returned to creating baseball video games. Super Mega Baseball games have been released in the past as unlicensed and cartoonish baseball games. They are not a real contender for the MLB The Show series, but they are playable on PC and Nintendo Switch. With EA taking the reins, is there a fourth iteration of SMB or a whole new baseball series coming to the plate?
Super Mega Baseball 3 had a simulation feel that felt inconsistent with the previous two games in the series. But without an MLB license and realistic graphics, it’s hard to be an immersive simulation. The Super Mega Baseball series comes to a point where it differs from the way it is played. It looks like a game that would have silly games and bonuses, but plays like regular baseball. EA could differentiate itself by creating a serious full simulation game or by creating an arcade-style board game instead.
MVP Baseball 2005 was EA’s last MLB game, so perhaps a throwback to that in 2022 or later is what the developers have in mind. It would become a direct competitor of an established MLB The Show series. EA has experience of returning to a sports game competition late with the recent acquisition of NBA Live looking to compete with NBA 2K. Perhaps trying to do something similar with a baseball game wouldn’t be the best option after the unsuccessful run that NBA Live is back with, so a completely fresh start would be an option to make a strong contender.
The next step for EA Baseball: simulation or arcade?
EA has a successful history of creating non-simulation sports games such as NBA Street and NFL Street. Infusing this almost arcade style of play with MLB would be an exciting and different mashup. Something that has the look of Super Mega Baseball with silly gameplay and fun animations could make a series unique. You may have to look for elements similar to a Mario Baseball game with creative powers and game modes.If EA really wanted to stand out from the pack, a good arcade idea might be needed.
While MLB The Show has held a strong position in the simulation market for a while, a little healthy competition could benefit fans. Seeing a new series could also be exciting for fans of the branch outside of their comfort zone. However, the purchase of Metalhead Software could not bring about any change of direction for the studio. Either way, it will be exciting to see if EA’s latest baseball game is Super Mega Baseball 4, MVP Baseball 2022, or a new series.
