Sony is causing a stir, among other things Play station owners because of a hugely controversial recent announcement that it claims is completely beyond its control.
For those who need some context, MLB: The Show, the long-running baseball game series developed by San Diego Studios, will head to Microsoft’s Xbox for the first time later this month, a move that amazes fans and experts alike. Of course, a reputable real estate renegotiating exclusivity agreements is not uncommon, but this time things are different. For starters, San Diego Studios is a subsidiary directly owned by Sony, which means that in gaming, the MLB brand is synonymous with PlayStation in every way.
Legally, the US-based Major League Baseball organization naturally owns the brand and license and has final say on platform and availability matters. If so, MLB – and not Sony – has the power to dictate where linked video games eventually appear, and it looks like the association is looking to expand the franchise’s reach into a previously untapped market, AKA Xbox.
Undoubtedly an unprecedented move in itself, but all the more after confirmation from Microsoft MLB 2021 will not only be available on their console, but will be essentially ‘free’ through Game Pass (subscriptions cost $ 10 per month).
Conversely, the title is not intended to be recorded Playstation plus or some other alternative promotion, meaning the only way baseball fans can take ownership when MLB: The Show 2021 launches on April 20 will pay the full asking price of $ 70. Obviously, this has sparked a huge uproar on social media, with reactions ranging from dumbfounded to harsh criticism, and you can check out an example for yourself below …
I can’t make this up! https://t.co/CWO5NWnjql
– Colin Moriarty (@notaxation) April 2, 2021
I’ve paid for MLB the Show every year at launch for the past decade and now Sony is giving it away for free on Xbox ?? Their own game?
I’m happy for baseball fans, but this leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I think Games Pass is basically a better service than PlayStation Plus https://t.co/XJzgzihHJI
– Brian English 🏆 (@ PS5Trophies_) April 2, 2021
Time to call @Play station here. I can’t be quiet anymore. We’re paying £ 70 for these games, but they’re in game pass day one. For the record, I’m not interested in MLB, but Sonys’s silence gets annoying here.
– Chris🎮 (@Nintendad_) April 2, 2021
So wait even Sony sees the value in Gamepass? MLB The Show 21 Day one on game pass wow! Sony must have given good money to agree to this 😂Crazy Sony-made game is free on game pass and $ 70 on Playstation. That must sting 😂
– DEE (@Dee_Batch) April 2, 2021
* PS guys see Xbox Game Pass get MLB The Show 21 on day one *
PS Plus: “Sorry, the best I can do is Oddworld Soulstorm” pic.twitter.com/zdJknAdz6G
– 𝙄𝙫𝙖𝙣 𝙎.⚓ (@MultiverseShow) April 2, 2021
@Play station a game published by PlayStation is coming to Game Pass and NOT to PlayStation Plus ??… https://t.co/6PrVPaFRPT pic.twitter.com/kJulEALuT8
– Zac 🙃 (@ Zacagawea19) April 2, 2021
you are joking @Play station https://t.co/Xvyz5GjX9T
– Luke 🧢 (@MarcusSmarf) April 2, 2021
I have a PS4, PS5, PS Plus and PS Now. But since I don’t own an Xbox Game Pass, won’t I receive the same benefits of PlayStation-made games at launch? Okay.
– Ryan Willcox (@Dereklions) April 2, 2021
PlayStation users take to the skies pic.twitter.com/lRQnKNl9SA
– Chris Byrne (@ ChrisBy92451824) April 2, 2021
Sony Fanboys Melt !!!
– Cameron Rodgers (@ cam_rod10) April 2, 2021
I am a Playstation user and owner … and all I want is one @Xbox and @XboxGamePass
– ⭕ IRO-Bot16 (@ iro_bot16) April 3, 2021
So … Not only is a Sony First Party being developed for Xbox, but the game will also be on Gamepass. I wonder what the behind the scenes look like.
– Jason (@FFoP_Jason) April 2, 2021
But tell us what your opinion is on the situation? Let us know in the usual place below.