2K Sports’ MLB® Front Office Manager Takes Fantasy Baseball to a New Level

[2K Admin Ron]

Legendary General Manager Billy Beane guides gamers to create, manage and lead an MLB Team to the World Series (TM)

New York, NY– October 9, 2008 – 2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), today announced that MLB Front Office Manager, the next step in competitive fandom for baseball enthusiasts, will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC this winter. According to Nielsen Media Research, over 3.5 million users signed on to fantasy baseball sites in 2007 and MLB Front Office Manager brings this popular American pastime to console while enhancing the fantasy baseball experience on PC.

MLB Front Office Manager lets gamers do everything a real-life baseball GM can do to develop a team from Spring Training (TM) through a full MLB season, into the playoffs and the World Series. Using Major League teams and players, gamers will create their own fictional baseball universe and build their reputation into elite status. Gamers can replace aging veterans with rookies, scout the Minor Leagues, make blockbuster trades, and even participate in bidding wars for posted players from Japan as they make their way to the Hall of Fame.

“If you have ever dreamed of running your team or thought you could do a much better job than the actual general managers out there then you’ll love MLB Front Office Manager,” said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development at 2K. “Baseball fanatics can now be in the general manager’s chair and see what it’s like to really try to build a World Series winning team.”

A true baseball general manager also acts as a mentor in MLB Front Office Manager. Legendary Oakland Athletics’ GM Billy Beane will offer advice, encouragement and guidance as gamers steer a team through the intense competition that is Major League Baseball. Billy Beane is considered one of the most talented GM’s in baseball today and has turned the Athletics into a consistent postseason contender since being named GM in 1997. Now, in MLB Front Office Manager, he passes that knowledge on to gamers.

“From negotiating trades to scouting new talent, MLB Front Office Manager has all the complexity and realism I could hope for in a game that is simulating what it means to be a Major League Baseball manager,” said Oakland Athletics’ General Manager Billy Beane. “I’m excited to be a part of a game that gives people a real world experience at what it’s like to be in my shoes and take on the responsibility of building a Major League Baseball team.”

MLB Front Office Manager offers two distinct game modes. Become the GM in Career Mode, and manage a team through a 30 year career that will hopefully lead to the Hall of Fame. As the gamer’s knowledge and skill progresses over time, gamers will gain points to improve various areas and help the team win games as a result. With Online Fantasy Mode, create an online head-to-head management experience. With up to 30 Managers in the league, gamers can compete against friends to see who has what it takes to be the best.

MLB Front Office Manager, developed by Blue Castle Games and published by 2K Sports, is not yet rated by the ESRB and will be available for Xbox 360, Windows PC, and PLAYSTATION 3 system this winter. For more information, please visit www.2ksports.com.

[chad0034]

nice ... sounds cool... i dont FULLY get it but it sounds fun

[GhostRider]

Can you watch games as you manage, or is it all text?

[The Mayor]

Can you watch games as you manage, or is it all text?

yes, you watch the games as you manage

[GhostRider]

yes, you watch the games as you manage


That is GREAT!!!!!

I am buying for sure.

Played my first coach mode game in NBA2k9 last night, and it was fantastic, so I hope this will be as good.

[Blake303]

Looks like a fantastic game from the screen shots but would love to know a release date? Also if it would be available for delivery to the UK?

[hobbitrjw]

I think it is kind of dissapointing that you guys are not releasing this for the PS2 or even the PSP (which this game would be a good idea for) so those particular gamers that have those systems and maybe a PC only can hope that the PC version works on their system with all the 3-D graphics and all,it kind of shts out the other gamers that cannot affrd to upgrade to a PS3 or whatever else,and yet still want to be able to play the game.

[GhostRider]

From Gamespot....

Although only the most hardcore fans may be able to stomach numerous seasons of watching every pitch, FOM's simulation engine includes a full 3D presentation including accurate in-game player models and stadiums. Fortunately, the simulations play out faster than a typical baseball game, with all of the annoying plate pauses and commercial breaks removed. According to the developer, without user interference, a game will typically play out in about 10 to 15 minutes. While this is an option, you will also be able to call the shots when you choose. You have the option to call down to the dugout and direct intentionally walking batters, make a bullpen changes, and alter defensive personnel and alignments. But you won't have the ability to select specific pitches, direct the stealing of a base, or order a bunt, as a manager would.

I could live without calling every single pitch and location, but I want the ability to call pitch outs, bunts, hit and runs....most everything.

Not sure what the point is of allowing the calling of intentional walks, but not bunts and things.

I realise this is a GM game moreso than a manager game, but not 'sure' I want this without a wee bit more control of games.

I could see playing 1 full season while managing, and then just playing select games and playoffs in subsequent seasons.

[pittstlrs95]

Like you said this is a GM game and personally i'm fine with sitting back and watching the game unfold. I'm sure there will be in game settings (rules) to adjust that the manager will follow. And if not, you always have the option of firing the manager and hiring one that more suits your style.

[The Mayor]

From Gamespot....

Although only the most hardcore fans may be able to stomach numerous seasons of watching every pitch, FOM's simulation engine includes a full 3D presentation including accurate in-game player models and stadiums. Fortunately, the simulations play out faster than a typical baseball game, with all of the annoying plate pauses and commercial breaks removed. According to the developer, without user interference, a game will typically play out in about 10 to 15 minutes. While this is an option, you will also be able to call the shots when you choose. You have the option to call down to the dugout and direct intentionally walking batters, make a bullpen changes, and alter defensive personnel and alignments. But you won't have the ability to select specific pitches, direct the stealing of a base, or order a bunt, as a manager would.

I could live without calling every single pitch and location, but I want the ability to call pitch outs, bunts, hit and runs....most everything.

Not sure what the point is of allowing the calling of intentional walks, but not bunts and things.

I realise this is a GM game moreso than a manager game, but not 'sure' I want this without a wee bit more control of games.

I could see playing 1 full season while managing, and then just playing select games and playoffs in subsequent seasons.

the comment about not being able to steal or bunt is not accurate. This has been corrected on GameSpot: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/sports/mlbfrontofficemanager/news.html?sid=6201447&mode=previews&om_act=convert&om_clk=previews&tag=previews;title;2

[GhostRider]

That is great news MAYOR..Thanks for the clarity

[Thrash13]

I'm looking forward to this game more than any other right now. The 30-team online league is going to be awesome for sure!

[billyd08096]

this game looks really cool. im addicted to NFL Head Coach, so this is right up my alley. can't wait for it to come out!!

[heels 2k6]

Any chance of a demo before release?

[go tigs12]

does it have a online franchise like ncaa 09 where you don't have to have 30 guys to run a franchise?

[The Mayor]

does it have a online franchise like ncaa 09 where you don't have to have 30 guys to run a franchise?

yes it does. you do not need 30 players to start an online league.

[Wildildlife]

Why does the game not have any of the minor league players names in it? This seriously ruins the game for, what I would imagine to be, a large chunk of players.

[Thrash13]

Some of the minor leaguers who have been in the majors before may be in, but the others who have never been to the majors can't be in. If players aren't a part of the player's association, I don't believe they can be included in video games.

I could be wrong, but I think that's the reasoning.

[wrightreyes12]

will you be able to sim any games in the season?

[Wildildlife]

Some of the minor leaguers who have been in the majors before may be in, but the others who have never been to the majors can't be in. If players aren't a part of the player's association, I don't believe they can be included in video games.

I could be wrong, but I think that's the reasoning.

MVP '05 had the minor league rosters filled.

[The Mayor]

will you be able to sim any games in the season?

for all of your team's games, you have two options: sim or manage.

[Germ]

Will we be able to correct the names on our own

[utexas]

Is the online mode a season or franchise? I hope that it is a franchise where we can play 30 seasons with the same guys!!!

[SFG MLB]

This is great that we don't need 30 people to run a league online so with that said will the CPU manage the other teams to keep it a full 30 team league?

More info about online would be great!

I would love it if 9 to 10 guys can run a league and control 1 or more teams and the CPU taking care of the remaining teams.

On the other hand I don't want it were a owner online can run more then 1 team and deal to himself within them teams.

[Keenlow]

The game looks great and the first Dev Diary really pumped me up for it

When can we expect to see the second dev diary? I really want to see how the drafting and scouting dynamic work

Thanks!

[loyal]

will you be able to sign managers in the game?

[MetalBeldo23]

Where do you start? Spring Training 09, or the start of Free Agency in Nov 08????

I hope its the start of FA

[WhiteSoxfan79]

I hope to start a league when the game comes out..let me know if you would like to join

[RNACOR12]

I'd love to see the New Yankee Stadum Preview!

[Driver1198]

Will Front Office be downloadable or do we have to go out and buy it at the stores? Every time a game like this comes out the stores sell out of them very fast and I never get a copy.

[WhiteSoxfan79]

pre order it

[jrmycmpfan]

Will Front Office be downloadable or do we have to go out and buy it at the stores? Every time a game like this comes out the stores sell out of them very fast and I never get a copy.

It's an actual game for consoles. So you must go to a store and pay $39.99 for the disc. Just go to Gamestop right now, and put $5 down(minimum to reserve a game) and reserve a copy. If you reserve any game, Gamestop will hold a copy for you, no matter how popular the game is, and will keep it for 2 days.

[The Mayor]

The game looks great and the first Dev Diary really pumped me up for it

When can we expect to see the second dev diary? I really want to see how the drafting and scouting dynamic work

Thanks!

#2 is coming soon!

[The Mayor]

Where do you start? Spring Training 09, or the start of Free Agency in Nov 08????

I hope its the start of FA

start of free agency

[SFG MLB]

What about my Online League question about if I had only 10 owners will the CPU control the rest of the teams so we still have 30 teams in the league and can make offers to CPU ran teams?

[Germ]

All of this secrecy is not getting me hyped up, but worried. Its like there hiding the game cause there not confident in it? I am also concerned with the accuracy of the rosters. When I get the game I want my team's roster to be right, and make decisions from there. If the point is to compare yourself to the real teams G.M., as it says in the overviews, why shouldn't we be given the same starting roster.

[d32123]

How soon is soon for Dev Diary #2 and I'm really glad to hear that it starts at the beginning of free agency. Time to stack my Yankees roster!

[krunchybox]

All of this secrecy is not getting me hyped up, but worried. Its like there hiding the game cause there not confident in it? I am also concerned with the accuracy of the rosters. When I get the game I want my team's roster to be right, and make decisions from there. If the point is to compare yourself to the real teams G.M., as it says in the overviews, why shouldn't we be given the same starting roster.

LOL...more like time to make sure C.C. signs with MKE

[Gamerdrw]

do you mean the mets? they are gonna get C.C and texiera in my game haha

[The Mayor]

What about my Online League question about if I had only 10 owners will the CPU control the rest of the teams so we still have 30 teams in the league and can make offers to CPU ran teams?

yes, the CPU will control any team not chosen by a user.

[DurantPwnsYou]

is it still coming out next week? I might pre order it tomorrow but i don't want to if its going to be delayed

[The Mayor]

is it still coming out next week? I might pre order it tomorrow but i don't want to if its going to be delayed

yes, it's coming out next week as planned.

[Ston3]

Will Front Office be downloadable or do we have to go out and buy it at the stores? Every time a game like this comes out the stores sell out of them very fast and I never get a copy.

Since there hasn't been an answer yet, I push it..

Because it would make it alot easier for people from europe to buy MLB:FOM..

[animaluk]

do not buy this game it is rubbish. i bought from the us and was so excited to have it. read these forums i have been robbed

[uharchmajor]

some would say the game is still not out yet.

[slurpster03]

Need to change the title of this thread.....should be 2k Sports MLB Front Office Manager Takes Fantasy Baseball to a New Level of crap.

[Jpripper88]

Terrible Game. DO NOT BUY THIS.