MLB is looking to expand the potential of its video game
MLB: Show 21 is on Xbox Game Pass due to a request from the licensee, Sony reported.
The baseball game is made by Sony’s studio in San Diego and has been exclusive to PlayStation platforms for 15 years.
However, in 2019 the license was renewable and MLB requested that the game be launched on more platforms in order to expand the scope of the franchise. But in addition, the game has also appeared on Xbox Game Pass subscription service, a decision that also went to MLB.
“As part of this year’s game goal, MLB decided to bring the franchise to more players and baseball fans,” the company told Inverse. “This decision provides a unique opportunity to further establish MLB The Show as the leading brand for baseball video games.”
It’s not uncommon to see a PlayStation game appear on other platforms, but the tactic has been successful in the past for its rivals. Microsoft’s Minecraft, for example, is one of Nintendo Switch’s most popular third-party games.
Meanwhile, sports games can be hugely lucrative, as the NBA 2K, FIFA and Madden franchises generate significant revenue for Take-Two and EA. In fact, the commercial potential of this genre saw a bidding war break out between Take-Two and EA by the F1 game developer codemasters. In this context, MLB’s interest in reaching more players through Game Pass and other platforms makes sense, which Sony could also benefit from.