MLB Dugout Heroes Interview: A Home Run For Everyone!
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Published by gamesCampus, San Jose-based online game publisher, MLB Dugout Heroes started its open beta test on March 20th around North America. Today we present you an exclusive interview with GamesCampus to get a deeper understanding of MLB Dugout Heroes.
MMOsite: I am glad that we have this opportunity to do an interview with you. First off, please make a brief introduction about yourself and your company GamesCampus to our readers. What kind of background do you have in game development and publishing? GamesCampus: Chris Yamauchi - Producer MMOsite: Can you say something about MLB Dugout Heroes to give our readers a general idea? How will it distinct itself from other baseball-themed games? GamesCampus:MLB Dugout Heroes is the first fully licensed and online based PC baseball game in North America. You're able to draft your favorite players from any MLB era, level up, complete missions, compete in tournaments, and purchase new uniforms, bats, pitches, and more! MMOsite: MLB Dugout Heroes boasts the first online-based PC baseball game that's fully licensed by Major League Baseball Advanced Media in North America. Would you please elaborate more for us? GamesCampus: Because we are licensed by Major League Baseball Advanced Media, we are able to tap into a wide roster of players, uniforms, and stadiums from the past and present! MMOsite: What kind of leveling system will be available in MLB Dugout Heroes? Some players said it's unique and realistic. GamesCampus:Users will be able to level both their team level, as well as their player's stat levels. The team level is their overall level, and goes up depending on how well you play games as a team. Individual player's stat levels go up depending on how well they play during a game. Player's have 5 stats: Power, Accuracy, Run, Throw, and Defense. For example, say you have Ryan Howard on your team and he hits a grand slam. He will most likely level up his "Power" stat at the end of the game. MMOsite: Does MLB Dugout Heroes only support mouse control, or also supports Keyboard, Gamepad or Joystick? As you know mouse control is not so common for sports-themed titles. GamesCampus: MLB Dugout Heroes uses a combination of keyboard and mouse controls. Aiming for both batting and pitching are controlled using the mouse. Fielding and baserunning are controlled by the keyboard. It's actually really intuitive and we believe this arrangement allows for better control than any gamepad or joystick.
MMOsite: You imported Dugout Heroes from South Korea-based Neowiz, signed an online interactive licensing agreement with MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM) and renamed it into MLB Dugout Heroes. What led you to import such a baseball-themed game into the North American market and any story to share with us about the signing of the MLB agreement? GamesCampus: Answered by David Change, EVP of Business Development and Marketing - We are trying to focus on sports titles at GamesCampus and we felt that a baseball game would do very well here in America as it is called the "American Pastime" and is the oldest professional sports league in the US. When we saw the success of Slugger (the Korean title) in Korea, we began speaking with NeoWiz to figure out a way to bring it to America. Both GamesCampus and NeoWiz felt very strongly about being able to allow people to play as real teams and real MLB players, so we also began a conversation with MLB's online operation - MLB Advanced Media. Fortunately we were able to get all of the necessary agreements in place to bring what we feel is a ground-breaking game to the US - I think everyone will be surprised about how good this game really is! We have worked extensively with NeoWiz to localize the game to re-create an authentic MLB experience that we expect people will really enjoy. |
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MMOsite: When will the OBT start? What will be the major content to be added in OBT? And any rough schedule for the commercial launch? gamesCampus: The MLB Dugout Heroes Open Beta Test started on March 19th, at 3PM PDT. The major content includes a current 2009 roster along with an item mall and inventory. We'll be adding new updates weekly including additional draft cards which allow you to draft new players from different teams and years.
MMOsite: Can we expect regular season and champion tournament in MLB Dugout Heroes? GamesCampus: Yes, we'll be hosting a variety of player vs player tournaments and GM vs player tournaments! We will also be implementing an AI tournament system called the Pennant Race where you play against AI teams in a bracket tournament. MMOsite: Why did you decide to adopt a micro-transaction model for MLB Dugout Heroes? GamesCampus: What types of items will be available in the cash shop? Only alternate uniforms and cosmetic stuff, or there is the must buy to complete cs model or the like? We believe the micro-transaction model is the best model to get the largest player base. We want all baseball fans to be able to play our game regardless of whether or not they want to spend anything. In the Cash Shop, we'll have additional draftcards, coaches which improve your stats, an item that tally's your opponents pitches and location, plus many more!
MMOsite: Do you have anything more we didn't involve in this interview about MLB Dugout Heroes that you'd like to tell our readers? GamesCampus: Our Open Beta started on March 19th and we have lots of exciting events with giveaways going on for the next month so be sure to come and play! We'll be giving out real, tangible MLB gear from your favorite teams, as well as awesome in-game items! If you ever see us in the game, be sure to challenge us!
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