Skip to main content

‘MLB The Show 18’ throws some heat at in-game microtransactions

MLB The Show 18 - Feature Talk: Road To The Show Progression | PS4

Over the last few years, we’ve seen several well-established franchises add more microtransactions to their core gameplay, often undermining what made the games so engaging in the first place. Luckily, MLB The Show 18 is not doing that — in fact, you’ll be visiting Michael Transaction less frequently than in the past.

The single-player “Road to the Show” mode, which tasks you with bringing a new ballplayer through the minor leagues on his way to the titular “Show,” previously allowed players to spend real money in order to further progress their player. This option is being removed in MLB The Show 18, which senior game designer Steve Merka said would allow players to focus on a “more pure experience.”

Progression in Road to the Show is split into two segments this year. First, you’ll gain awards to improve your statistics through your on-field actions, with your accomplishments corresponding to the categories you raise — hitting a homer, for instance, could increase your power. Secondly, you’ll be given “focus training choices” in place of a pool of points to allot as you see fit. You’ll have access to four different facilities, each with different boosts to your statistics, and you’ll naturally progress in your chosen areas by training there.

Unlike past games, you’ll won’t be given a blank slate to distribute points at the beginning of your career, either. Instead, you’ll pick an “archetype” with particular strengths and weaknesses. “Ball Hawk,” for instance, is a defensive-minded player based on Dee Gordon and Kenny Lofton. Though weak in power, they’re great fielders with impressive speed.

There will be temporary attribute caps, as well, to stop you from raising a few statistics at a lightning-fast rate. These caps can be raised by observing a teammate, and it’s necessary for you to do so if you want to continue making progress toward the Major Leagues.

MLB The Show 18 isn’t completely dropping microtransactions. They’ll still be included in the Diamond Dynasty mode, which is similar to the Ultimate Team mode found in EA Sports games. But removing them from the single-player Road to the Show mode represents a change we’re hoping to see from other AAA publishers.

MLB The Show 18 launches exclusively for PlayStation 4 on March 27.

Editors' Recommendations

Gabe Gurwin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
PlayStation VR2’s best launch game isn’t the one you we’re expecting
fantavision 202x impressions hands on psvr2 outer space fireworks

With the PlayStation VR2 out now, all eyes are on Horizon Call of the Mountain. The action-adventure title is Sony’s first big exclusive for the platform, acting as its tentpole launch title. While it’s a must-buy for anyone picking up the device on day one, it's more successful as a strong technical showcase for the headset rather than as a fun game that stands on its own. If you’re looking for the latter, you’ll want to check out PSVR2’s real hidden weapon: Fantavision 202X.

『FANTAVISION 202X』 - ゲームプレイトレーラー

Read more
Get these 6 PlayStation VR2 launch games to showcase its features
A side view of the PlayStation VR2, which sits on a wood table.

If you're planning on buying a PlayStation VR2 at launch, be prepared for an intimidating process as you decide which games to pick up first. Early adopters will have a lot of options to choose from, as Sony's latest headset will support over 40 games at launch. The bulk of those, though, are ports of preexisting VR games from the past few years. That makes it a little tricky to figure out which games actually showcase what the PSVR2 is capable of and which will feel like a dated experience that doesn't benefit from new tech.

To help guide you, we've spent time playing through a wide variety of launch titles, from classics like Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge all the way to Horizon Call of the Mountain. While there are plenty of games that we've enjoyed, including charmers like What the Bat? and Jurassic World Aftermath Collection, six games in particular act as great showcases for various PSVR2 features. Whether you're looking to test its power, Sense controllers, or audio options, you'll want to put these six games in your digital shopping cart.
Horizon Call of the Mountain

Read more
MLB The Show 23 returns to Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch this March
Jazz Chisholm's cover art for MLB The Show 23.

Sony San Diego Studios announced MLB The Show 23 today, and confirmed that it will launch across all major PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo systems on March 28. 
No new platforms were added this year, so PC players aren't getting in on the fun. Still, this announcement makes it clear that MLB The Show is a multiplatform series across PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms for the foreseeable future. Xbox's version of the trailer also confirms that MLB The Show 23 will be on Xbox Game Pass at launch, making this first-party Sony series a day-one Game Pass title three years in a row. 
MLB The Show 23 - Cover Athlete Reveal
As is typically the case with sports games, MLB The Show 23's reveal was primarily focused on its cover athlete. We learned that Jazz Chisholm Jr., a second baseman for the Miami Marlins, will grace the cover of the game. Like last year, the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch versions of the game will cost $60, while players  on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S without Xbox Game Pass will need to pay $70. So far, no new gameplay features have been teased, although a blog post confirms that cross-platform multiplayer, saves, and progression across all versions of the game will return this year. 
So far, there's not a lot that actually seems new about MLB The Show 23, but this reveal concludes the genesis of a new era for the long-running baseball series. MLB The Show 23 will be released for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch on March 28. 

Read more