For The First Time, PlayStation Is Making An Xbox Game
The console wars aren't what they used to be. If you need proof of that fact, look no further than how certain platform holders are treating their one-time exclusives. Microsoft has been fairly giving with some titles, giving the nod to Ori and the Will of the Wisps on Switch, and allowing staples like Minecraft to show up just about everywhere. Now Sony is getting in on that sweet multiplatform action with a release Xbox fans — especially those who love baseball — could be incredibly grateful for: MLB The Show 21.
In a tweet today, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg shared the announcement (albeit with an incorrect image) and talked about what players can expect from MLB The Show 21. According to Greenberg, Microsoft and Sony "have been working together on this launch," even teaming up to ensure cross-play between Xbox and PlayStation consoles is a reality for the game. News of the release isn't entirely surprising, as it's been known since late 2019 that Sony would take the franchise to other platforms. With that said, seeing a PlayStation logo on a green Xbox game case may take some getting used to. These companies have come a long way since competing with the original Xbox and the PlayStation 2 in the early 2000s.
For those who want more details, a few other tidbits about the title can be gleaned from its official Xbox store page. MLB The Show 21 will indeed be optimized for both Xbox Series X and S. It'll also support cross-gen multiplayer, so those on newer Xbox machines can play with those still clinging to their Xbox Ones. The Show will not support Smart Delivery, however, so you won't be able to buy one copy of the game that automatically optimizes for all Xbox consoles. A blog post from Microsoft makes it official: the Xbox One version of the game will cost $59.99, while the Series X/S versions will ring up at $69.99.
Even still, this is great news for Xbox owners who've suffered through years of low-budget and unlicensed baseball games. MLB The Show is arguably the best video game version of the sport out there. Perhaps Sony will get a taste of that multiplatform money and decide to bring more titles to other platforms. If not, Xbox fans can at least look forward to playing MLB The Show 21 on April 20, 2021.