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MLB The Show 21 Beta Announcement, Roadmap for New Feature Reveals, New Video

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MLB The Show 21

MLB The Show 21 Beta Announcement, Roadmap for New Feature Reveals, New Video

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On Wednesday, San Diego Studio pushed out a new blog post detailing what’s to come in the lead up to the release of MLB The Show 21 on April 20, including information on an MLB The Show 21 beta.

Like most years, a regular stream of information will flow each week leading up to the release, but this year, it’ll be presented a little differently. Every Tuesday and Thursday in the month of February, SDS be releasing a new video bit that showcases a different aspect of the game. The videos will be presented from the PlayStation 4 build, though the next-generation consoles will have a gameplay reveal in the coming weeks.

This should excite MLB The Show fans as SDS is all but confirming the next-generation build of the game will have enough improvements to warrant its own showcase. From this chair, I would expect the leap from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X to be significant — even if the year after this is maybe when we see the “full” jump.

Elsewhere, a new home run robbing mechanic was hinted at in the video today. It would appear a new visual cue will help players time when to jump at the wall. It looks like it could be a solid quality of life change for what was a pretty confusing mechanic to properly engage in-game. The trailer also showed better fluidity involving plays at the wall, a more realistic animation for balls off the wall, as well as a relay into the cut-off man that better represented big league play.

A new pitching meter was shown off, and it appears to be an old stick-accuracy type of input akin to what was used in the MLB 2K series. Pitching in MLB 2K was always fun and well received back in the day, so this could be another welcome change. Players have been clamoring for a pitching input system that rewarded perfect accuracy for a few years now. We’ll have to wait and see if the new analog toggle system teased here will achieve that plea.

SDS also announced an MLB The Show 21 beta and tech test for users beginning in two weeks. Starting on February 23 and lasting for about a week, this closed beta will involve a limited number of selected users who will be chosen to participate in a “technical test” for the game. This test will help stress test the servers, online matchmaking, cross-platform play, as well as gather miscellaneous feedback on the game itself. Anyone who wants to participate in the closed technical test, can sign up today.

When will I be able to play in the Tech Test?
You will be able to connect and play the Tech Test on 2/23/21 at 10 AM PT and the servers will close on 3/01/21 at 10 AM PT.

Will I be able to download the Tech Test before the servers open?
Yes. The Tech Test will be available to download before the servers go live.

How will I know I’ve been selected to participate?
You will receive a notification on your console when it is available to download.

How can I talk about the Tech Test and submit feedback?
A private forum will be available for those who were selected to participate. The private forum will open shortly before the test servers go live on 2/22.

Can I stream, share video, or share pictures of the Tech Test?
No. Doing so may result in your account being suspended from the test, and possibly future tests or release versions of the game. Don’t do it!

Which modes will be available to play?
(Diamond Dynasty) vs CPU, (Diamond Dynasty) Events, (Diamond Dynasty) Casual, (Diamond Dynasty) Play with Friends; Battle Royale

Will any of my stats, items, or progress made in the Tech Test transfer over to my account at launch?
No. Everything in the Tech Test will be wiped prior to launch. Nothing will carry over.

Are the player attributes we see in the Tech Test final?
No.

Rounding out the news of the morning, San Diego Studio’s new “Feature Premiers” will air Thursdays at 3 PM PT starting March 11. Here’s the presumed schedule for the premiers to come:

  • March 11: “Tailored Gameplay, Pinpoint Pitching, and Hitting engine updates”
  • March 18: “Complete Fielding Overall”
  • March 25: “Ball Player introduction, more variety, and ways to play and ever before”
  • April 1: “Franchise and March to October empowers you to make decisions for the future”
  • April 8: “MLB The Show goes Next Gen”
  • April 15: “Diamond Dynasty streamlined with new paths to rewards”

Personally, there’s something very unsettling about franchise news dropping on April 1 — but I digress.

We’ll be sure to have any and all MLB The Show 21 news coming for you as it continues to trickle in.

89 Comments

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  1. Showing comments 1-89 of 89 comments
    countryboy
    Really looking forward to seeing what they've done in regards to outfield play and plays at the wall. This is an area of gameplay that was in need of some TLC and improvements.
    Obviously am looking forward to the franchise premiere
    Also signed up for the technical test.
    dbekoscke
    Feature Premier Schedule
    * Tailored Gameplay, Pinpoint Pitching, and Hitting engine updates
    * Complete Fielding Overall (yes we are specifically talking about plays at the wall 😊)
    * Ball Player introduction, more variety, and ways to play and ever before
    * Franchise and March to October empowers you to make decisions for the future
    * MLB The Show goes Next Gen
    * Diamond Dynasty streamlined with new paths to rewards
    The Kid 24
    Doesnt Will Smith wear Nike catchers equipment? In the short video they showed a Dodgers catcher with generic blank protector.
    ****!!!!!!!!!!! Looks like another without it... I just dont get it anymore why they cant add that in the game.
    Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports
    BigOscar
    Not a whole lot to take from that trailer, as usual it's more annoying puppets than actual useful gameplay, but the new pitching meter looks interesting. Not convinced home run grabs were a major area for improvement but I guess that's nice, especially if it means the computer isn't getting it perfectly every time, regardless of the fielder.
    The simulation/competitive thing remains a bit of mystery, as to whether that's actually a gameplay thing or just a collection of pre-existing settings (difficulty/input options). Again not something I was really thinking the game needed, but with the move to new platforms and the push for eSports I can see why they've prioritised that.
    dbekoscke
    countryboy
    I’m going to say there is your first “look” at gameplay on the PS5
    Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

    Doubt it's game footage from PS5. SDS will want to make a feature video specifically showing next gen updates/upgrades.
    BigOscar
    dbekoscke
    Doubt it's game footage from PS5. SDS will want to make a feature video specifically showing next gen updates/upgrades.

    Doesn't it say something like "PS4 game(work in progress) played on PS5" at the top of the screen? So it's not the PS5 version?
    LastActionHero
    BigOscar
    Not convinced home run grabs were a major area for improvement but I guess that's nice, especially if it means the computer isn't getting it perfectly every time, regardless of the fielder.

    I disagree, homerun grabs needed an update so bad, i robbed like 3 homeruns in playing The Show since “08!
    countryboy
    BigOscar
    Doesn't it say something like "PS4 game(work in progress) played on PS5" at the top of the screen? So it's not the PS5 version?

    It does, I missed it.
    BigOscar
    LastActionHero
    I disagree, homerun grabs needed an update so bad, i robbed like 3 homeruns in playing The Show since “08!

    Oh I never succeed either (unless you have auto field on), just not convinced home run robberies are that common a thing in real baseball either. It's not an area that I think is particularly important in the grand scheme of things. (I think fielding has a lot more major issues than a one in 20 game event being a bit too hard) I don't really want to get the point where home run robberies are as common for human players as they are for the computer, as they are far too prevalent imo.
    I'd hope any work done on them includes making them more infrequent and more difficult depending on the fielder, rather than just easier to do in general.
    tabarnes19
    BigOscar
    Not a whole lot to take from that trailer, as usual it's more annoying puppets than actual useful gameplay, but the new pitching meter looks interesting. Not convinced home run grabs were a major area for improvement but I guess that's nice, especially if it means the computer isn't getting it perfectly every time, regardless of the fielder.
    The simulation/competitive thing remains a bit of mystery, as to whether that's actually a gameplay thing or just a collection of pre-existing settings (difficulty/input options). Again not something I was really thinking the game needed, but with the move to new platforms and the push for eSports I can see why they've prioritised that.
    I just hope it allows the bunt mechanic to work more like prior to DD. I want sac bunts to work and have strong bunters be effective in getting hits.
    I hope it doesn't bleed over to Simulation mode where perfect contact is a guaranteed hit etc..
    Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
    tnixen
    soxnut1018
    It’s not. According to the video, it’s the PS4 game captured on the PS5.

    My bad your right I was so excited to see MLB The Show 21 news today and I did not pay any attention to the top of the video where it says it's the PS4 version running on PS5 hardware :)
    Having said that MLB The Show 21 PS4 version still looks very nice in it's own right so I can not wait to see the new PS5 version! :)
    bayman
    tnixen
    Please for the love of god tell me that is NOT PS5 footage? :eek:

    If only they put a clear as day description when they played the footage so people didn't immediately overreact, oh wait....
    tnixen
    bayman
    If only they put a clear as day description when they played the footage so people didn't immediately overreact, oh wait....

    Yep I missed it somehow :) lol
    Tomba
    tnixen
    Please for the love of god tell me that is NOT PS5 footage? :eek:

    Graphics have seen NO improvement.
    really looking forward more to RBI at this point. It has new day to night transitioning etc
    soxnut1018
    Tomba
    Graphics have seen NO improvement.
    really looking forward more to RBI at this point. It has new day to night transitioning etc

    Until we see PS5 footage, I’m not sure how you can say graphics haven’t been improved.
    beau21
    Any chance the PS5 sign up will be demo-ing the next-gen version? Or probably a safer bet that it will be the PS4 version just played on the PS5?
    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    LastActionHero
    They always wait until the very last month or so to implement the graphical improvements. They’re probably working their asses off as we speak and that’s why the “next gen” blog is pretty late in the schedule.
    I remember years ago Ramone at one point posted that they cracked the lighting code and that was just weeks before the game went gold.
    So basically what I’m trying to say is that we probably won’t see any graphical (PS5) improvements before that specific blog.
    Archie56
    Just the gesture pitching mechanic alone has me hyped up for this year's game. It was my favorite thing about the 2k series. Glad to see they reworked the catches at the wall as well since it was time for a bit of a change for that. Maybe it's just me but on that line drive Tatis hit out to right field, it looked like a new swing follow through. All in all, I'm pumped for this year's game!
    Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
    Therebelyell626
    Personally, I am pretty upset with the late release this year. One of my favorite parts of getting the show is running my own spring training in tandem with real spring training, and letting my roster battles play out. Getting the game weeks after opening day is definitely stifling my excitement 
    Berserker2020
    D13
    if chise wasnt touched after promising some change, they will have some very upset customers.

    I unfortunately have no faith they will make franchise what it should be after all these years. Of course I absolutely hope I am wrong but DD is the big money maker and primarily the way the game is played so I just don't see any major changes coming.
    The Kid 24
    bayman
    Where did you see this?

    March 11: “Tailored Gameplay, Pinpoint Pitching, and Hitting engine updates”
    March 18: “Complete Fielding Overall”
    March 25: “Ball Player introduction, more variety, and ways to play and ever before”
    April 1: “Franchise and March to October empowers you to make decisions for the future”
    April 8: “MLB The Show goes Next Gen”
    April 15: “Diamond Dynasty streamlined with new paths to rewards”
    DanH35
    beau21
    Any chance the PS5 sign up will be demo-ing the next-gen version? Or probably a safer bet that it will be the PS4 version just played on the PS5?
    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    I would think it is, otherwise why ask what generation you have? If they didn’t have the next gen version for the test, there would be no need to ask if you are on PS5 or Series X.
    KnightTemplar
    I dunno. I love this game, gameplay is super for me, but their advertising??
    If they really want to get people hyped, do this with a smidgen of PS5 graphics, don't care if it's a 2 second clip. After all, this year is really about the PS5.
    Already knew what they were doing with the gameplay difficulty, so this was underwhelming to me.
    Money99
    Analog pitching ala MLB2K? Oh yeah baby. (Now if only they'd add Hitters Eye!)
    This will be the first Show I've purchased in years. Can't wait.
    BigOscar
    mariner690
    Why does the date of the franchise stream cause concern? This is the first stream to even mention franchise mode in years.
    Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

    I am almost certain there was a franchise stream last year, to announce "relocation" and real contracts. Either that or I am having a stroke
    Qb
    mariner690
    On April 1st there is actually a stream dedicated to franchise mode!
    Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports
    That's a nice little birthday present to me. Being chosen for the technical test for once would be even better.
    .
    knucklecutter
    Therebelyell626
    Personally, I am pretty upset with the late release this year. One of my favorite parts of getting the show is running my own spring training in tandem with real spring training, and letting my roster battles play out. Getting the game weeks after opening day is definitely stifling my excitement*

    In my franchise I like to mimic real life trades on the day they happen along with using the correct uniforms and game weather for a particular day so I actually need stuff to happen in real life prior to me playing it in my franchise. Plus we all know that there will be multiple game play patches, so I'm in no hurry to play the game at all.
    BigOscar
    etched Chaos
    Uh, Road to the Show?

    I could be wrong, but I suspect that is what that "Ball Player" stream is about, considering they are letting you use your Rtts player in other modes. I do fear that means linking it to DD, which, as MTO showed, means less customisation allowed, but hopefully not.
    etched Chaos
    BigOscar
    I could be wrong, but I suspect that is what that "Ball Player" stream is about, considering they are letting you use your Rtts player in other modes. I do fear that means linking it to DD, which, as MTO showed, means less customisation allowed, but hopefully not.

    RTTS has some serious problems that haven't been addressed in years (rookies and offensive stats sky-rocketing as current players retire) and the fact we're getting a ballplayer only vlog doesn't bode well for those issues.
    ninertravel
    tnixen
    Please for the love of god tell me that is NOT PS5 footage? :eek:

    I hope not because I don't see any difference at all graphical wise.
    Still though I got to find out about franchise and gameplay before I think of buying it, I am still enjoying 20 right now with 21 rosters
    Archie56
    ninertravel
    I hope not because I don't see any difference at all graphical wise.
    Still though I got to find out about franchise and gameplay before I think of buying it, I am still enjoying 20 right now with 21 rosters
    It's not PS5 footage. It's PS4 footage of the game running on PS5. Says so right in the video
    Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
    bcruise
    baconbits11
    Where ??
    Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

    1:04 of the video, and you can only see a bit of it in the lower right behind the overlay.
    beau21
    Blzer

    Would love to see a Fox Sports inspired scorebug. Hard to tell but this one seems like it could be close, though the team logos are an immediate difference between the two.
    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    baconbits11
    beau21
    Would love to see a Fox Sports inspired scorebug. Hard to tell but this one seems like it could be close, though the team logos are an immediate difference between the two.
    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Hopefully they keep old ones as options too.
    Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
    lemarflacco
    The Kid 24
    Doesnt Will Smith wear Nike catchers equipment? In the short video they showed a Dodgers catcher with generic blank protector.
    ****!!!!!!!!!!! Looks like another without it... I just dont get it anymore why they cant add that in the game.
    Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

    They dont usually show updated accessories in these videos
    Archie56
    lemarflacco
    They dont usually show updated accessories in these videos
    Yeah you never see new gear and equipment in these early videos
    Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
    Caulfield
    * Franchise ... empowers you to make decisions for the future

    my mind is racing 90 to nothing in a hundred different directions wondering where this is going. pretty excited.
    SDS, I'm teased... and I like it :)
    The Kid 24
    Archie56
    Yeah you never see new gear and equipment in these early videos
    Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

    Ok, I hope you guys are right.
    Guess we’ll see.
    Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports
    jimmy13
    Tomba
    Graphics have seen NO improvement.
    really looking forward more to RBI at this point. It has new day to night transitioning etc

    I thought that too, then I played the show 15. The graphics have gotten better and the face scans are just amazing. Could definitely improve player models though.
    rudyjuly2
    The gesture pitching seemed very similar to the old 2K slider gesture for the brief look we had. But the user also had to finish it off by bringing the stick to an end point? Very intrigued as to how this will work. Praying for a batters eye mechanic like 2K (which had a slider and would tip pitches occasionally to batters. Was never close to 100% and batters with a better eye got tipped more often).
    jrivera34
    SashaBanksFan4Ever
    March To October is my thing, wonder how it’s been improved.

    If they make it with all the flexibility of Franchise, I am all set. I really liked MTO but not allowing me to use custom rosters, call up any player or make an trade, was a bit of a bummer.
    Take a page from 2K and merge many of these game modes.
    Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports
    baconbits11
    jrivera34
    If they make it with all the flexibility of Franchise, I am all set. I really liked MTO but not allowing me to use custom rosters, call up any player or make an trade, was a bit of a bummer.
    Take a page from 2K and merge many of these game modes.
    Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports
    Really want custom rosters for MTO.
    Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
    TheDarkKnightRises
    With the new pitching and hitting options being added I’m just happy they aren’t removing the classic options. Meter pitcher and button hitting. If they ever do that the game will be awful.
    prey2god
    I'm just so happy this finally came through on Xbox One, Series X no less. Only reason why I bought a PS4 was because of MLB The Show. Bought every single title since it came out.
    I like the Xbox controller better.
    Archie56
    prey2god
    I'm just so happy this finally came through on Xbox One, Series X no less. Only reason why I bought a PS4 was because of MLB The Show. Bought every single title since it came out.
    I like the Xbox controller better.
    I'm so excited it's coming on the Series X as well. The Show and Uncharted were the only reasons I've bought PlayStations. But now I'm enjoying games like God of War and Ghost of Tsushima as well. I pre-ordered The Show for both my PS5 and Series X like a crazy person, but I'm just so darn excited to play a true baseball game on Xbox.
    Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
    Caulfield
    I hope one day we get softball players in the show.

    Pretty sure this is a baseball game.
    ‘‘you know, in my life, I never thought I'd say 'look at the butt on that second baseman',
    but look at the butt on that second baseman’’ - Buttermaker
    brobamigo
    Will the beta actually be the next gen version on the ps5? Or the ps4 version like in the videos? Just curious as they are not revealing the next gen versions to the public in closer to release date
    Archie56
    brobamigo
    Will the beta actually be the next gen version on the ps5? Or the ps4 version like in the videos? Just curious as they are not revealing the next gen versions to the public in closer to release date
    I think it'll be current gen on PS4 and next gen on PS5. The reason I'm guessing that is bc when you signed up for the beta, they specifically asked what console you played on. If they didn't have two different versions of the game, then I don't know why they'd ask that. That is just my educated guess though.
    Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
    Blzer
    Archie56
    I think it'll be current gen on PS4 and next gen on PS5. The reason I'm guessing that is bc when you signed up for the beta, they specifically asked what console you played on. If they didn't have two different versions of the game, then I don't know why they'd ask that. That is just my educated guess though.
    Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

    Stress test online servers for PS5 people playing PS4 version before it releases? I don't really know.
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