Gamerpops was recently invited to participate in a Developer call by 2k for the newest version of their MLB game. Participating in the call were the following:

• Ben Bishop, Producer, 2K Sports
• Jonathan Rivera, Gameplay designer, 2K Sports
• Sean Bailey, Gameplay designer, 2K Sports
• Chase, Moderator, Access Communications

One of the main topics of conversation was the changes the game underwent from last year.

“2k9 was a challenging year for us, bringing the game in with a new develop team and were all learning a new code base,” said Bishop. “2k10 has come a long way.”

“We rewrote everything from fielding, swapped out animations, over 200 for infielders alone,” Bailey said. “Rather than just trying to touch up last years game, everything from the ground up is different”

The developers also touched on some of their newest modes, including MLB Today and My Player mode. MLB Today is similar to NBA Today, and allows for up to the minute rosters, pitching rotations, and lineups.

My Player mode is different from the standard franchise and season modes. Here the focus is on the individual player you create. You’ll be able to create an individualized player, from a slow slugger to a fleet footed centerfielder. My Player has players working towards the ultimate goal of reaching Cooperstown, and even have meters that let you know how far you have to go before you reach the Majors and what you have to do to make the Hall of Fame.

But the areas that received the most work were the on-field ones. Pitching, hitting and fielding  have all been revamped, allowing for a truer to life experience.

“We needed the core gameplay to improve across the board,” Bishop said. We went beyond trying to improve the pitching and hitting. The physics were all rewritten. Nothing is random. Every loss, every win is something you did.”

“We wanted to build on the simplified version of pitching in 2k9,” said Rivera. You’ll never run into a situation where you’re trying to throw a slider and you throw a curveball by accident. If you over-rotate your curve it will move downward, if you under-rotate you’ll eventually hang a curve.”

One of the additions to the pitcher-hitter match-up is the Batters Eye. Taking into account a players rating at reading pitches and draw walks, some hitters will have the advantage of knowing what pitching is coming and the location.

“We were trying to make certain players who are better at reaching base and drawing walks in real life better in the game,” stated Bailey. “Guys that take a lot of walks have a high batters eye rating and you’ll see it more often.”

Franchise mode has seen some improvements as well, with 40-man rosters now a reality. In addition, compensation picks for losing free agents adds a level of authenticity that wannabe GM’s will love. In addition, the First-Year Player Draft has been moved to mid-season, where it belongs.

All in all, MLB 2k10 is shaping up to be a promising outing. The hardest part will be convincing PS3 owners to skip MLB 10: The Show, and pick up 2k10. But Ben Bishop hopes you’ll give it a try.

“I think MLB 2k10 offers a different experience. I think it’s worth giving 2k10 a shot. I know The Show is a good game. Our My player experience is completely different. The gameplay has been revamped and it’s a lot more fun and realistic. You have a lot more control over pitching and batting.”

MLB 2k10 will be in stores March 2, and will be released on Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii, PSP, DS, and PC. Gamerpops expects to have a review of the game sometime next week.