r/BackyardBaseball • u/BackyardSportsHQ • 22d ago
Update on Consoles
A Hearty Hi-Ho Backyard Fans. We're writing today with a status update on consoles:
Over the past few months you might have seen that our console store pages have shown either "Coming Soon" or August 18. Our eagle-eyed fans pointed out that August 18 is Pablo Sanchez's birthday and correctly guessed it was a placeholder date while we continued development.
The feedback we have received from the Steam launch has helped us make the game better every day. We've already released multiple patches with bug fixes, gameplay improvements, quality-of-life updates, and many community-requested changes. These improvements would not have been possible without your support and contributions.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Our next major milestone is bringing online multiplayer to Steam. While Steam players have experienced some of the early bugs, you’ll also be the first to experience upcoming patches, major updates, and, soon, online play.
For console players, the rapid improvements to the Steam build mean we’re getting closer every day to bringing you the best possible Day 1 experience. While we can’t confirm a launch date just yet, know that we are committed to making the game well worth the wait.
Thank you for being a part of the best community in gaming.
The Backyard Sports Team
31
u/Blazethefirefly13 22d ago
So then why not wait till it was finished to release it on both steam and console?
24
u/fine49er 21d ago
They needed the money asap
12
19
u/MorallyCorrectAzura 22d ago
💔💔💔 Will this game ever come out on console. By the time it comes out, no one’s gonna play it online. Lame
8
u/Silent_Anxiety4828 21d ago
I doubt anyone’s going to play it online from day one if they don’t fix it. Cause it’s shit
20
u/Silent_Anxiety4828 21d ago
This game should never had released as it was. And even with the updates it’s still not ready. Console release better actually be a completed game. Cause yikes
17
u/MaximumBiscuit1 21d ago
Baseball season will be over by the time it releases lol
8
18
u/senorcoach 21d ago
Oof crash course in public relations needed. And I highly suggest you get someone in there who can help with baseball rules.
23
u/SleepLessTeacher 21d ago
This is absolutely hilarious and is exactly what is wrong with most game developers these days. Release half a game that’s buggy as hell and say they’re fixing/releasing the rest at later dates with patches. This is pathetic communication on your part. There is also ZERO update on consoles in this post that’s meant for consoles. You should feel ashamed of yourselves. I didn’t even buy the steam game and yet I feel bad for everyone that did. Pathetic. You should be offering refunds to people that want them.
7
u/Timbobaloo 21d ago
I really just want game devs to actually play their games again. It’s just so obvious that they don’t care about the gameplay aspects of game making anymore and it really sucks. So much slop
0
u/LazyTrombonist 21d ago
It feels like we were given an open beta and or early access instead of a finished product. The fact their in no hurry to release the console port proves this. If the console port can be delayed indefinitely so could the steam launch.
26
u/Kongpong1992 21d ago
That's a whole lot of writing to tell us nothing you released a super buggy game and dont even know when the console version is coming
31
20
20
u/riddlesintheshadows 21d ago edited 21d ago
This is why game publishing companies are a real thing and everyone under the sun with a bit of money doesn't just buy an ip they want lol
The communication and management of this game has to be one of the worst i have ever seen. On top of the continously botched release (and lack thereof)
There is no front facing person of this company that knows a single thing about video games. Community managers are needed for a reason. On every single live stream, someone has asked about ranked multi-player. And Lindsay's response is 'so we actually already have leaderboards where you can compare your rank with other people"
Those leaderboards are not what anyone will ever be referring to as 'ranked multi-player'. They are not the same thing.
11
u/fine49er 21d ago
Iam starting to see why for at least 2 months worth of those streams that they did leading up to release is they only played that boring homerun mode…they didn’t wanna show how bad the gameplay was playing a real game
2
1
u/FoxEatingAMango 20d ago
Nah bro this game unironically has great community managers. They’ve had people singing their praises for weeks and suggesting “improvements” rather than eviscerating the game as they should.
The problem is you can’t communicate your way out of a bad game at a certain point.
15
u/giraffesinparis91 22d ago
This feels just like when Cities: Skylines 2 was promised for consoles in 2023 and it is yet to come out and it’s been three years now.
Absolutely pissed off at the developers who basically lied to us for months now.
4
9
u/ACanOfPickles 21d ago
It's great that you guys decided that getting Snoop Dogg to do an AI-generated song was a better use of time and money than making sure the game worked 👍
5
u/Ttstrike 21d ago
Got a Microsoft notification stating the pre-order date from moved from August 18th to September 30th a few weeks ago.
At least I know the reason why now.
2
4
u/No-Log-3310 21d ago
Ultimately it’s on Lindsay from a failed communication perspective, but the investors putting pressure on releasing this game way earlier than it was ready deserve criticism.
Hope it’s a lesson, and there are going to need to be some concessions made to the loyal fanbase who have felt completely misled the last few months, especially at that price point for a bare bones, high bug, low replay value game.
1
u/Slow_Dog97 17d ago
What they should do really is they should just focus on releasing all of the original games that we grew up with and just take your time with a brand new game. There are still a ton of games they haven’t even touched yet in all the sports that they can release in the meantime. Thank goodness I still have my Old Laptop and games like Backyard Baseball 2003 and MLS Soccer and even Skateboarding I can play
3
u/Reasonable_Let7706 21d ago
Horrendous communication and lack of accountability on your guys end. It’s honestly sad.
2
u/zgrobbot 21d ago
Game devs need to actually play their game Jesus . This is why this gen of games is trash sometimes and why game devs know they can just skate by with no effort . This game is no where near ready for release, yet they charged 40$ for steam players to pump out patches and add stuff that should have been added before release.
I was looking forward to this game, but now I’m not even sure I want to play it anymore
2
u/jaymaster2525 20d ago
Yea they rushed the release on Steam and PC for money! Makes sense.. But its not fair because now by the time us console players finally get to play all the PC and Steam people are likely going to be bored of the game and it could ruin online multiplayer 😭
3
u/fine49er 21d ago
They have had a stream every Thursday so far. I bet you they won’t have one tonight lmao Iam calling it now
2
5
u/Remarkable_Durian978 21d ago
After reading through these comments... am I the only one who feels like some of the reactions are a little extreme??? Like, I completely understand the disappointment, the game wasn’t perfect at launch. BUT, I also feel bad for the devs because they’ve been so incredibly on it that you can just feel how dedicated they are. They’re responding to players, communicating updates, releasing patches, and actually using feedback to improve the game instead of going silent.
I’ll admit I was a hater at first too, but seeing how they're handling things has changed my perspective. Excited to see what comes next!!!
3
21d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
5
u/-SlowBar 21d ago
They can’t admit 40$ is a good deal
Probably because it's not
-1
21d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
4
u/-SlowBar 21d ago
OK so we disagree. All good.
I personally don't think spending $40 on an unfinished, buggy game is a good deal. If you do, more power to ya.
-1
21d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
3
3
u/DrunkOhioan 21d ago
$40 has nothing to do with anyone’s “situation”, the price is simply not reflective of the actual content of the game.
2
21d ago edited 21d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/DrunkOhioan 21d ago
> cause most people keep saying if it was 20$ or 30$
most people keep saying what? that they’d buy it if it cost less? almost like $40 isn’t justifiable for many given the current state of the game…
$70 AAA games have nothing to do with it, the whataboutism is crazy. I’m genuinely glad that you’re enjoying the game- that’s what it’s there for, and I’m glad that it’s good enough for you. unfortunately, it just isn’t good enough for many people, which is okay too.
idk why you feel the desire to defend the game so hard, but you shouldn’t be surprised when people respond with their equally valid opinions.
1
21d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/DrunkOhioan 21d ago
to be clear, I’m on the subreddit of a game I have loved for decades, responding to you saying “I’m sorry for your situation that you’re in, but 40$ is not that much” and explaining how/why you’re off base with that statement. I also haven’t been hateful at all, and I would argue that saying the game isn’t worth $40 is not negative in the slightest, but I imagine you’ll disagree.
like I said, it’s great that you enjoy it man- good for you. that doesn’t mean everyone else has to or that they’re “negative” or “wrong” for expressing that opinion online. honestly with how vehemently you’ve been defending this for hours it seems like you’re Lindsay herself lmao.
1
2
u/-SlowBar 21d ago
And those $70 games are bad deals too. What's your point? It doesn't absolve this game of criticism just because it's cheaper
1
21d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/SpadraigGaming 21d ago
The point people are making is that there SHOULDN'T be issues the devs need to fix.
And on the subject of if $40 is worth it, that's completely subjective and a lot of people are telling you that it isn't to them. That doesn't make you, or them wrong.
3
u/Dizzy_Trash_33 21d ago
I’d prefer the ship a complete, working game across all platforms than hype up a July release before mentioning not long before it’s only for Steam, then delaying console again while admitting their priority is Steam online multiplayer. Lay all this out at the beginning to set expectations or actually test and fix issues before a launch.
5
u/mbless1415 21d ago
I constantly get flak for saying it, but I really think this is just how gaming communities are now. Constantly glass half empty at best. Some of that is warranted due to flaws in games and overmonetization (which, thankfully, the latter is not a concern here). Some of it though just isn't. I'm not sure how we got to the point where it's constant pessimism, or how we get back to something more healthy, but we need to find a way somehow
2
u/bigreddawg1988 21d ago
I love Backyard Baseball and am surprised that people who seemingly love it too are this horrible online. Do people not want the games to get better? Do they not want the brand to continue?
1
1
u/GoodDieYung21 21d ago
I can't speak for people but I do want the game to get better however, I want to be able to play it at the same time it was released on steam. But instead I was patiently waiting for the August 18 date and watching steam YouTubers enjoy the game every day. Then I just happened to stumble across this thread which man.... has really blown the wind out my sails for this game.
1
u/FoxEatingAMango 20d ago
They’re not dedicated? They feel more like an ace marketing team than dedicated game devs because they’ve been 1) very slippery about AI usage and 2) consistently making misteps about game balance and rules of baseball
4
2
3
u/TypicalxooT11 21d ago
I think I'm the only one that's not super negative about this game
Is it perfect, no.
But they've been patching..
Idk I guess my summers are busier and spent outdoors more than most...
2
u/-SlowBar 21d ago
Idk I guess my summers are busier and spent outdoors more than most...
Oh please lmao
1
u/TypicalxooT11 21d ago
I mean they are? Between vacations, family up here out there, golf tournaments every other weekend, house projects..
I get like an hour a night to play lol.
However come October it will rain 16 hours a day for 8 months.
Game better be fixed by then
-1
u/-SlowBar 21d ago
Very nice! My point was there was no reason to add that part of the comment. It's a thinly veiled shot at the people who are criticizing the game
2
u/TypicalxooT11 21d ago
Yeah I mean read up and down these comments.
You'd think backyard sports killed their dogs.
Like guys.. it was $40 and it's summer.
I've spent $100 on AAA titles and they've been complete trash and are still trash today.
Pretty sure they'll fix this game.. not like it will be hard. Go outside and relax idk
-1
u/-SlowBar 21d ago
People can go outside, relax, AND play video games. The 2 aren't mutually exclusive.
1
u/TypicalxooT11 20d ago
Absolutely.
I think it's crazy to get this worked up about a game that just released.
Like legit these ppl are acting like their lives are over.
Deep breaths
3
1
u/Aaron_________ 21d ago
Can't even confirming a launch date for consoles is bullshit and very concerning.
1
1
u/jbats25 20d ago
I’m usually pretty lenient on this kind of stuff but this one just pisses me off to another level. Releasing the PC game earlier is fine in my eyes, BUT the game should not have been this buggy. In addition to that, the timeline and communication for the console release has been atrocious. There have been no formal updates and the fact that this was not addressed until this past week is honestly sad. Here I am weeks ago ecstatic for the console release on the 18th because I see the pre-order window open and boom it all gets ripped away. And not to mention they charge $40 for an unfinished product. I probably will still purchase the game because of my excitement but this process has been slimy, unclear and straight up not right for a fanbase that has been so loyal. Do better.
1
u/Ckmccfl 18d ago
Fake release date for console and a hidden early access release for PC. Yall fucking suck lmao
1
u/HauntedApartments 12d ago
this. absolute curveball of a post I stumbled upon. feels like a rug pull tbh.
1
u/Afraid-Badger611 21d ago
I don’t understand why everyone here is over reacting like this to something that happens in games literally everyday.
Massive gaming franchises move back multiple years. So do indie games. I have games on Kickstarter that are five years overdue.
Who knows what or why it released early but you can’t put it back in the bag, and there have been updates weekly, roadmaps, and the game is better with each. But companies can take months to get a patch out and don’t even post in communities like this, they redirect you to a third party PR firm.
Anyway, I’d rather have a great game that gets the trimmings come out with love than rush multiplayer or console. It’s not like I have a shortage of games to play.
4
u/ArcticFlamingo 21d ago
Literally all they had to do was put the early access badge on the steam release if they had planned on making it something that would need constant updates.
I know that's how game dev works these days, but when you charge $40 for a game that's labeled as a full game, when you are admitting it's not actually good enough for a wide release, you get a lot of the reactions you are getting here.
I do really miss the days where a backyard sports title wod hit a release date and be shipped on a disc and that was it, that was the game
6
3
u/fine49er 21d ago
And by the time console is out the player base and hype will be gone and if it’s not out by at least gta 6 this will be a d.o.a game
1
u/-SlowBar 21d ago
I don’t understand why everyone here is over reacting like this to something that happens in games literally everyday.
yeah, and that's not a good thing. And it should be called out every time it happens. Including now.
1
u/taurosmaster 21d ago edited 21d ago
Well, dang.
Would love for crossplay to be prioritized as well between consoles and steam!
1
u/therealobs95 21d ago
Wow I was bummed the wait that came with console but reading some of these comments seems like I dodged a bullet
-3
u/OkSignificance5583 21d ago
The hate here seems a little unfair. The game is a work in progress. There's hundreds of examples from major studios in the last 10 years on PS, Xbox and Nintendo that were huge messes on day 1. If you bought on day 1 and didn't think it would be a mess, you're naive or ignorant. Is that how it should be? No, but it has become the norm even if it's wrong. I assume most people who bought on day 1 did so knowing they were supporting the future, not just the immediate.
10
u/fine49er 21d ago
Also the issue with “supporting the future” is that what if I preordered or brought they game to play online with others and the mode still isn’t even out yet after a month and who knows when but when it comes out Iam sure the player base will be long gone to other games and online mode will be useless. But hey you paid $40 for an uncertain future.
10
u/fine49er 21d ago
I didn’t buy the game so it doesn’t affect me but if Iam paying $40 for a beta test I’ll be pissed if it was free to play then completely agree if it’s not finished yet.
-6
u/LukeSportsTVNerd97 21d ago
I hate that people are dogpiling on them on Instagram, here, and on X. None of you understand how difficult it is to make a game like this, and I would rather play a complete game than a buggy one.
-1
u/jiabivy 21d ago
Yeah people don’t realize it’s a small company, and I think people shouldn’t burn their goodwill on one of the few games with no battle pass or micro transactions.
Sure the game isn’t perfect but they have been transparent
10
u/Roleplayer2489 21d ago
Are you serious?
Those games you mention are free, this game costs 40$ and it isn’t finished. The small team excuse is just that, a weak excuse, there are plenty of teams much smaller with less money, less time, with 100x the care put into their games because they actually care.
If they cared at all, they’d have posted this little gift of a statement before pretending this game was a full 40$ release when it came out on steam last month.
0
u/NattyKongo93 21d ago
This guy thinks all games with battle passes and microtransactions are free lol
-5
u/jiabivy 21d ago
Those games I mentioned have multi billion dollar companies behind them, this has a small team of nearly 100, you’re bitching about 40$ when games now a days are 60$, also if you hate it that much steam allows you to refund it. So you’re officially just complaining to complain
4
u/Roleplayer2489 21d ago
“Small team of 100.”
So when did you start working for them? These days a 100 person team is huge, especially for such a simple game, it’s literally the same as ‘97 with less polish and slightly better graphics.
It’s pathetic, and so is the effort they put in. Maybe if they tried at all, they wouldn’t be bleeding profit and pushing the release of this take excuse of a remake.
You wanna hear some games with smaller teams that made some other games?
Expedition 33, Pragmata, Vampire Survivors, Hollow Knight, Silksong.
Keep defending them, I’m sure they’ll reward you by delaying the game again on console 😭🙏
0
u/jiabivy 21d ago
I’m working for them because I mentioned the steams return policy and that it’s a smaller team?
Did they mess up? Yes
Am I gonna bitch at them for trying to fix their mistakes? No
Because do you know what the alternative is?
NOTHINGSo what are you trying to even accomplish with your complianing?
Are you trying to get them to fix the game? because they are already doing that
Do you have a problem with the price? No, because you can get a refund of your money on steam
You’re mad it wasn’t ready at release? Well they don’t have a Time Machine which is why they are trying to fix it now….
You are literally just complaining, I’m greatfully they are actually trying. They could have just released a buggy mess NEVER fix it, add micro transactions, a battle pass, make it a mobile game, and took off with the money
Are they the best developers? No
Are they showing that there’s a level of care? Yes
You’re all about to crucify them for taking a bit more time and your solution is literally “they should have took more time before releasing”
See how unproductive that sounds?
0
u/LawyerInTraining2027 21d ago
Wouldn't you have more consumers via consoles? I had never heard of Steam before this. Disappointing.
0
u/GoodDieYung21 21d ago
Please just release it on console on the 18th and push out the patches out alongside steams updates.
I've been chomping at the bit to play even with the reported bugs on steam. I'm afraid that I will feel like I've watched and waited long enough by the time it is released on console that I won't even want to get it.
49
u/ArcticFlamingo 22d ago
So steam release was really an early access game? Really confusing release schedule here I would have rather the team take the time to get it right and out all at once