MLB The Show 17 to Feature MLB Network Broadcast Presentation

MLB The Show 17 will feature an overhaul of its in-game presentation this year. The long-running game franchise is adding an MLB Network style presentation package, featuring Harold Reynolds and Dan Plesac in the commentary booth alongside Matt Vasgersian.

Sony’s MLB The Show franchise is receiving an overhaul this year not only to its graphics, but its in-game presentation, too. MLB The Show 17 will feature an MLB Network broadcast as a way to revamp the game’s stale broadcast style.

The game will now feature MLB Network analysts Harold Reynolds and Dan Plesac – both of whom enjoyed long playing careers in MLB – alongside longtime play-by-play announcer for The Show, Matt Vasgersian. Reynolds and Plesac have worked as analysts on MLB Network since its launch in 2009. Reynolds also works on FOX Sports and has experience broadcasting games, though it’s worth noting that FOX removed Reynolds from his broadcast position after viewer criticism during the 2015 World Series.

Polygon noted that this won’t be Reynolds’ first time contributing to a video game, as he provided commentary for EA Sports’ Triple Play Baseball and MVP Baseball games in the early 2000s.

While the commentary overhaul is a significant new feature for the game, the rest of the presentation package will see a complete revamp. “Everything from the announcers to the on-screen displays to the theme music will emulate what MLB Network does when they broadcast a real live game,” Kirby St. John, a designer and scriptwriter on the game, said in the developer diary.

Now, in-game graphics for lineups, defensive alignments and box scores will feature MLB Network branding. In addition, Sony San Diego, the game’s developer, is adding MLB’s Statcast technology, with major plays featuring a “ShowTrack” graphic.

Sony San Diego has been slowly unveiling new features from the game before its release in late March – and more features from Diamond Dynasty, Road to the Show and Franchise mode will all be shown off in March. Below is the full schedule.

The developers have already featured the game’s revamped player graphics, Retro Mode and new gameplay animations.

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MLB The Show 17 is slated to release on March 28, exclusively for PlayStation 4.