MLB 08: The Show on responsive AI functions and ‘situational awareness’
America’s favorite past time is set to wind up for another iteration into the MLB video game franchise with MLB 08: The Show from Sony Computer Entertainment America. In the latest dev blog entry by Chris Gill, he talks about how the new situational awareness feature steps up the game’s AI by creating realistic reactions for the players on the field, depending on what’s happening at the moment. For more information on the latest dev blog entry for the game (with matching video to boot), check out the full article!
The realistic feel of games in the sports genre have always astounded players year after year. The newest iteration to Sony Computer Entertainment America’s MLB 08: The Show definitely tries to outshine the rest with its amazing visuals and sensitive AI functions.
Chris Gill, Senior Producer in charge of Gameplay and Animation for the MLB franchise, talks about the latest dev blog entry for the game on the PlayStation Blog. He talks about some of the unique behaviors of how the players on the field act in response to the different situations happening at the time.
Coining the term as “situation awareness,” Gill explains that the intuitive AI behaviors respond accordingly to what’s currently happening on the field. For example, outfielders who catch an errant flyball don’t react to under pressure as much compared to when a runner is making it’s way for home after he catches the ball.
The newest iteration to the MLB series is a step above the average since it includes 500 more gameplay animations compared to the older titles. All in all, the realistic feel for the game is a definite improvement will all the new AI features and graphical updates in MLB 08.
MLB 08: The Show is set to be released this March 4 and will be featured on Sony’s PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Portable. Check out the full vid below to watch the devs discuss the AI of MLB 08:
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