Did 2k transfer MLB '09 development to Visual Concepts?

[e0820]

Be careful what you say about Mr. Brinkman, I know from past experience.

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by bigfnjoe96

Visual Concepts is 2K Sports. KUSH Games, Venom & Blue Castle are developers in the VC/2K Sports Portfolio. So that Job Listing doesn't mean VC is taking over MLB, it just means VC is looking for a programmer for the MLB Series. The bigger question to be answered: Is KUSH developing 09 or Blue Castle?

Technically, neither.

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by Fatalah

Good job! You've uncovered it! Now someone go post a new thread about it, this is kind of huge news. The savior has left, but WHY? We can only speculate. Either: A.) He was let go due to the subpar quality of MLB2K7 and MLB2K8. B.) He jumped a sinking ship, with the looming EA merger.

Neither.

[duke776]

Quote: Originally Posted by Fatalah

Good job! You've uncovered it! Now someone go post a new thread about it, this is kind of huge news. The savior has left, but WHY? We can only speculate. Either: A.) He was let go due to the subpar quality of MLB2K7 and MLB2K8. B.) He jumped a sinking ship, with the looming EA merger.

If this is true that he left or whatever, I doubt he would be let go by 2k because 2k7 and 2k8 were extremely better than 2k5 and 2k6, even if they were just subpar games overall.

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by duke776

If this is true that he left or whatever, I doubt he would be let go by 2k because 2k7 and 2k8 were extremely better than 2k5 and 2k6, even if they were just subpar games overall.

He left of his own free will. Kush moved offices from LA to SF. Ben and his family have settled in SoCal, so he chose not to follow. Since he left EA on good terms, I very much doubt the prospect of 2K being bought by EA distressed him (though of course it would've affected what game(s) he'd be working on).

[bigfnjoe96]

Quote: Originally Posted by DrJones

Technically, neither.

& the plot thickens......

[brendanrfoley]

This is sad news.

I understand that putting a game together requires a full "team." That said, Brinkman as front and center with the MVP series for four years. And each year showed marked improvement than the last.

As for the 2K series, his guidance led to a much prettier product as well as a title that showed signs of playing a much better game of baseball. Where it goes from here is anyone's guess.

In the last four months, the 2K team has lost two vital components. First, KushGamer left. If I remember correctly, he was responsible for the game's hitting engine. Now the senior producer is gone.

People don't walk away from jobs they love and that treat them well. I only hope Kush puts together a solid team for next year.

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by bigfnjoe96

& the plot thickens......

Well, it ain't gonna be Blue Castle. Look up "Kush Games" on Wikipedia.

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by brendanrfoley

People don't walk away from jobs they love and that treat them well. I only hope Kush puts together a solid team for next year.

Well, "real life" considerations do come into play. One of the reasons that Ben left EAC in the first place is because he and his wife are native Californians. And I think KushGamer left for NYC, and that's where he's from, right? I'm a Vancouverite, lived here all my life. If the game I was working on packed its bags for Edmonton, or Toronto, or LA, I'd certainly think twice before following, even if it was a game I enjoyed working on.

[bubba4]

If somehow MLB2K9 gets moved to the VC studio, that would be tremendous!! These guys have already made the best Football and Basketball games on the planet. I am certain that they would do the same for Hockey and Baseball.
Bubba4