Ultimate Baseball Online
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ultimate Baseball Online | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Developer(s) | Netamin |
| Publisher(s) | Netamin |
| Designer(s) | Netamin |
| Engine | VREE |
| Latest version | 1.088 |
| Release date(s) | April 12, 2006 |
| Genre(s) | Baseball MMOSG |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Rating Pending (RP) |
| Platform(s) | Windows |
| Media | Free Download |
| System requirements | Recommended
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| Input | Keyboard, Mouse |
Ultimate Baseball Online, also known by its acronym UBO, is the first free-to-play baseball based massively multiplayer online sports game (MMOSG). It is being developed and published by Netamin Communication Corporation of Diamond Bar, CA with the assistance of former Major League Baseball player and World Series champion Darrell Evans.
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] UBO Open Beta
After releasing two mini-games as teasers to the full-feature Ultimate Baseball Online, open beta testing sign-ups were announced on March 2nd, 2004. The game allowed a revolution in gaming technology in which baseball enthusiasts and gamers were able to actually compete in real-time in a 3D virtual stadium. The version included league play, pick-up games and practice mode. The release of the full game was expected to be around Fall 2004; however, those plans fell through.[1]
[edit] ESPN Spring Training
On April 27th, 2005, Netamin Communication Corporation and ESPN announced a partnership to produce ESPN Spring Training and Ultimate Baseball Online.[2] ESPN Spring Training was officially released on May 11th, 2005. ESPN Spring Training was meant to be played offline as practice in preparation for the main game, Ultimate Baseball Online. Participants of ESPN Spring Training were able to see and compare their hitting averages and status on the ESPN Leaderboard.[3]
[edit] ESPN UBO
The full-feature version of ESPN Ultimate Baseball Online (ESPN UBO) was released on ESPN360 on May 12th, 2005. Fans with broadband capability were able to download the world's first massive multi-player online sports game from ESPN.com. Among the enhancements included in the new version are enhanced graphics, new pitching and fielding practice, enhanced crowd reactions, and better artificial fielding intelligence. The beta version of ESPN UBO features a new graphics engine that runs at 60 frames per second and more than 100,000 polygons per frame - double the quantity of the previous version. Other visual enhancements include dynamic RGB lighting, soft-edged shadows, and natural reflections.[4]
[edit] UBO 2006
Returning to independent development, the release version of UBO 2006 brought completely automated tournament game play. It featured tournament record keeping and tournament-specific Leader Board statistics, extending player information beyond the previous edition's pick up game statistics and Leader Board statistics. Tournament statistics were posted to the UBO Website in real time so players can track their own and their teammates' statistics and scout out the performance of opposing players during the course of the tournament. Significant player achievements are also posted to personal character Web pages.[5]
On September 25th, 2006, Netamin Communication Corporation announced the adoption of a pay-to-play monthly subscription model for its game.[6] The plan was scrapped shortly before the new subscription model came into effect. It was announced that Netamin will instead adopt an free-to-play in-game advertising model instead.[7]
[edit] UBO 2007
Featuring new mini-games and a power ranking system, Ultimate Baseball Online 2007 was rolled out on March 1st, 2007. In addition to mini-games, Free Agent Tournaments were also added, allowing for tournament play outside of the team structure, and extending the opportunity for gamers to meet other players.
UBO 2007 included the awarding of Power Ranking Points for teams, based on their performance in a wide variety of UBO leagues and tournaments. Points were accumulated throughout the year, with the top 64 UBO teams earning a berth in competition dubbed "The Best of UBO 2007". The global event features $10,000 USD in cash prizes and will run from November 26, 2007, to December 21, 2007.
UBO 2007 also featured a number of graphical upgrades and changes, including new effects and real-world advertisers in the stadiums, courtesy of a partnership with in-game advertising company Double Fusion.[8]
[edit] Ambassador
Darrell Evans, a two-time Major League Baseball All-Star (1973 & 1983) and World Series champion (1984), serves as UBO’s Baseball Ambassador and Principal Baseball Consultant. Sharing his 21-year MLB experience with staff enables the programmers to enhance the Ultimate Baseball Online software and database in order to close the gap between reality and the virtual user experience. "Ultimate Baseball Online really does capture the feeling of being a member of a team,” said Darrell Evans. “Video games are usually a solitary experience. UBO gives players a great appreciation for the nuances of each position, as well as an understanding of the teamwork that is involved in playing the sport of baseball successfully. And best of all, as an online game with three virtual seasons per year, you can play competitive baseball year round.”[9]
[edit] Gameplay Elements
[edit] MyUBO
MyUBO, introduced in November 2006, is designed to give personalized information to each player upon game entry in order to keep them informed and educated about the possibilities of event participation and community networking. The informational hub is dedicated to keeping each UBO gamer up to date on all things UBO that pertain to his or her characters. MyUBO includes:
- MyEvents - which highlights events including team activities and tournament schedules that are either available to or assigned to each character
- MyCharacters - which displays the game statistics for each player's characters, and the Experience Points each character needs to "level up"
- MyNews - which displays UBO-wide news updates as well as personalized messages dedicated solely to the individual character.
The MyUBO portal also serves as the launch point of the Ultimate Baseball Online client.[10]
[edit] Virtual Trophy Case
Characters can unlock and display a variety of colorful and meaningful virtual trophies based on the accomplishments of their online game baseball characters. The trophy case gives additional visibility to prestige awards, such as UBO Player of Month, which is selected by the entire UBO community. UBO baseball characters will automatically earn trophies for batting accomplishments, such as hitting 10 home runs, and pitching feats, such as throwing 100 strikeouts. A third category is for awarded trophies, such as recognition for league play or MVP selection.[11]
[edit] Character Creation
Players can create and customize their avatar as a unique baseball character, selecting their baseball position for playing and viewing all game play from the unique perspective.[12] Some of the many avatar customization options that Ultimate Baseball Online offers are:
- Primary position
- Gender
- Faces
- Throwing Arm Angle
- Throwing Arm Side
- Batting Side
- Batting Style
[edit] Pitching
Ultimate Baseball Online offers a dynamic pitching system, featuring 12 pitches and varying speeds. Pitching is affected by the Arm Strength and Throwing Accuracy statistics. The twelve pitches available in-game are:
- Fastball
- Change Up
- Cut Fastball
- Two-Seam Fastball
- Rising Fastball
- Slider
- Curve Ball
- Screw Ball
- Sinker
- Fork Ball
- Splitter
- Knuckle Ball
[edit] Batting
Hitters control everything in the hitting mode from swing power to hit location. Just like in real life, timing and accuracy is everything. Players can determine what type of swing they want (from bunt to all types of contact levels). Based on the speed of the pitch and reaction time to start the swing, a player can hit a Home Run out of the park or miss on a breaking ball low and away.
[edit] Fielding
Running, catching, throwing; all in the same play. Fielders must complete plays, make the outs, and prevent runs from scoring, much like in real life baseball. Players are not limited to their positions, as players can choose positions prior to the start of each game as well as during each game. From outfield to infield to foul ground, players can make plays just like real baseball players do, as well as dive and jump for the ball. In the event a full game is not reached, the AI takes the field and plays the position.
[edit] Advertising
In 2007, leading independent in-game advertising provider Double Fusion announced they have teamed with publisher Netamin Communication Corporation to be the exclusive provider of dynamic in- and around-game ads for Ultimate Baseball Online. The advertisements will support the free-to-play model, joining amongst many other games to adopt such programs. Advertisements are expected to adorn billboards of the stadiums.[13]
[edit] Tournaments
Tournaments are designed to provide quick and intense competition between teams and individuals. Most tournaments are free and hosted weekly by Ultimate Baseball Online's development team. Any team, pending if requirements are met, can join tournaments and compete against each other at the specified time of the tournament. Entire tournaments may last several days, pending on how many teams are entered.
[edit] Pay-to-Play
UBO pay-to-play tournaments costs an small entry fee, but the winners take home valuable prizes. There have been three prize tournaments featuring the Apple iPod mini[14], Nike Sunglasses[15], and Sony PSP's[16]. Prizes were awarded to each individual player of the teams who won the tournament.
Netamin has also announced the "Best of UBO 2007" competition, featuring a total of $10,000USD.
[edit] UBO Leagues
Ultimate Baseball Online features seasonal leagues that feature multiple teams of different levels playing against each other for the championship as well as prizes. There are currently two leagues; Elite and All-Star. Seasonal leagues costs $14.95 per player and usually feature a 10-game regular season, 3 wildcard playoff games, 4 division final games, and a 5-game league championship. UBO Press Coverage and Awards are also presented during the league seasons.
[edit] History
| Year | League | Champion | Season Wins | Season Losses | Division | Defeated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Beta | Storm | 7 | 0 | CHMP | Defeated Stigma, 4-3 in single game |
| 2006 | Beta | Redhorns | 4 | 2 | MAJ | Defeated Cyclone, 10-9 in single game |
| 2006 | Best of UBO | Stigma | 8 | 2 | ELITE | Defeated Siege, 3-1 in best-of-5 series |
| 2006 | Best of UBO | Defense | 8 | 2 | MAJ | Defeated Blacksox, 3-0 in best-of-5 series |
| 2007 | LG 2007-1 | Flight* | 8 | 2 | ALLSTAR | Defeated Blacksox, 3-1 in best-of-5 series |
| 2007 | LG 2007-1 | Stigma* | 5 | 5 | ELITE | Defeated Storm, 3-0 in best-of-5 series |
*qualifies for the Best of UBO 2007 competition
[edit] Best of UBO 2007
On January 8th, 2007, Ultimate Baseball Online launched its year-long competition to determine the team that will be considered the “Best of UBO 2007.” The Best of UBO 2007 is a global event open to UBO players worldwide and will be the first cash-prize tournament for UBO, featuring $10,000USD.[17]
64 teams consisting of five to nine players will qualify during the year to compete in the tournament, which will run from November 26 to December 21, 2007. Each round will be a best-of-three series, and the championship round will be a best-of-five series. A team may qualify for a berth in the Best of UBO 2007 Tournament in any one of three ways:
- Winning a UBO league (season) - There are four seasons in 2007, and three levels of play for teams (Minor, Major and Elite)
- Winning a UBO Pay-to-Play Tournament - These are entry-fee events, held throughout the year, for each of the three skill levels above
- Power Ranking – To fill out the 64 team field, the remaining teams will be chosen from those that have accumulated the most Power Ranking Points (PRP) based on UBO event participation.
Playing in UBO events will earn each team PRPs that accumulate throughout the calendar year. Participation in free and pay-to-play events earn teams the valuable points necessary to receive their “Best of UBO 2007” invitation.
Members of the winning team in the Best of UBO 2007 Tournament will split a $4,500 cash prize. The second place team will take home $2,250, and third place will receive $1,125. Additional cash prizes will be paid to teams finishing through eighth place.
The Most Valuable Player of the Best of UBO 2007 tournament series will be selected by popular vote of all UBO members, and will receive a $200 cash award plus a virtual trophy for that player’s Trophy Room.
[edit] References
- ^ Netamin (2004). World’s First Online Virtual Reality Baseball Experience to be Launched Fall 2004 by Netamin Corporation. Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Netamin (2005). ESPN and Netamin Join Forces. Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Netamin (2005). ESPN SPRING TRAINING 101. Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ ESPN360 (2005). ULTIMATE BASEBALL ONLINE BETA RELEASED ON ESPN360 AND ESPN.COM. ESPN360. ESPN360. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Netamin (2006). “Ultimate Baseball Online 2006” Announced for the PC. Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Netamin (2006). Ultimate Baseball Online Subscription Begins. Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Netamin (2006). Ultimate Baseball Online 2006 to Remain Free for All Players. Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Netamin (2007). Spring Is In the Air. Netamin Rolls Out Ultimate Baseball Online 2007. Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Ultimate Baseball Online (2006). Darrell's Dugout. Ultimate Baseball Online. Ultimate Baseball Online. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Netamin (2006). Ultimate Baseball Online Adds "MyUBO" for PC game players. Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Netamin (2006). Ultimate Baseball Online Adds Virtual Trophy Case. Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Ultimate Baseball Online (2007). Character Development. Ultimate Baseball Online. Ultimate Baseball Online. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Netamin (2007). DOUBLE FUSION GROWS NETWORK OF SPORTS GAMES WITH NETAMIN'S "ULTIMATE BASEBALL ONLINE". Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Netamin (2005). Online Gamers Win Apple iPod Mini's During Free "Ultimate Baseball Online" Beta Tournament. Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Netamin (2005). Tournament Prizes Announced for Double-Up Tournament". Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Netamin (2006). Netamin Announces First "Ultimate Baseball Online 2006" Pay-To-Play Tournament. Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Netamin (2007). Ultimate Baseball Online Launches Year-Long Best of UBO 2007 Competition. Netamin PR. Netamin Communication Corporation. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
[edit] External links
[edit] Official websites |
[edit] Reviews |
[edit] Team Sites |
[edit] Fan Sites |
