Sony San Diego Studio revealed their MLB The Show 24 gameplay improvements and 30 second trailer today. This year the team will introduce roughly 400 new animations and logic improvements. The focus is on refining fielder urgency, ensuring seamless integration into various gameplay scenarios. From routine plays to high-pressure moments like rundowns and run-saving double plays, every animation has been fine-tuned for maximum realism.
Here’s a brief rundown of the gameplay improvements this year.
- New Animations: Roughly 400 new animations and logic improvements meticulously address any remaining areas needing attention focusing on fielder urgency.
- New Throws: Added a variety of new 1B throws from the ground to all bases, that enable 1B to efficiently make throws from all overstretch scenarios.
- Pitcher Animations: To combat the new disengagement rule, additional animations will allow pitchers to step off to fake throw and potentially nab the runner trying to take advantage of the third disengagement.
- Base Sizes: Fans will also notice the new base sizes in ’24, and of course we’ve captured new logic and tag animations to account for the extra coverage needed.
The mission this year was to give players complete control over the athletes on the field, allowing them to leverage their attributes and tendencies in every play. They are committed to constant refinement, analyzing community feedback to enhance mechanics and address pain points. For instance, the PAR mechanic (Perfect Accuracy Region) has been refined to provide precise pitch execution guidance, ensuring breaking pitches like the 12-6 curveball consistently hit the mark.
Pinpoint Pitching has seen notable enhancements, including four new pitching gestures, bringing the total to 14. Adjustments have been made to the sinker, reflecting community feedback to increase its difficulty. These updates underscore the importance of user skill, with gestures now mirrored for left-handed pitchers, offering a fresh perspective and added challenge.
With overwhelmingly positive feedback received on most aspects of gameplay in MLB The Show 23, hitting has been recognized as being in a solid place. To maintain this momentum into MLB The Show 24, hitting balance has remained largely unchanged.
A double feature is scheduled for March 7 with the ratings reveal show starting at 2:00 PM ET and the Diamond Dynasty Feature Premiere at 6:00 PM ET.
The MLB The Show 24 Standard Edition will release on March 19 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch. It will also be included with Game Pass on Day One. The MLB The Show 24 Negro Leagues Edition costs $124.99 with early access starting on March 15. The MVP and Digital Deluxe Editions will also get 4 days of early access. Also of note, the MLB The Show 24 Negro Leagues Edition won’t include the disc on PlayStation 5, but will on Xbox Series X|S.
