We’re almost at the end of the baseball season, and so far this year we’ve had some monumental games. Those of us who follow our favorite baseball teams know that this fire-fuelled game comes with many challenges and a truckload of strategy. For a player, every decision counts, whether it may be to steal a base, where you stand on the field, or where you predict that next pitch may go — you’ve got to keep your eye on the ball.
To be a baseball player, you need great levels of strategic gameplay, which we regular folk can only dream of achieving. This strategic thinking is important to stay sharp on the field, and grab the win against the opposing team, but what are easy ways to improve your strategy? The answer may surprise you (unless you read the title up above): gaming.
What if some of the training to become a top baseball player could be done off the pitch? Well, not quite training per se, but video games have been proven to level up your strategic ability immensely.
No matter if you need to make decisions under pressure in high-speed pursuits (gaming version of course) or get involved in certain storylines and navigate yourself out of tricky situations — all of these types of games contribute to a great level of strategy. In this article, we’re going to take a look at how gaming can help athletes of all games, whether football or baseball, improve their strategic gameplay. Ready to grab the competitive edge the next time you’re on the field? You’re in the right place.
How gaming and strategy work together
Though it may be hard to believe, baseball and gaming are quite closely related. You need quick reflexes to play in any field sports, but a gamer needs them during gameplay, too. When you play baseball, you have milliseconds to make a decision that can make or break the success of your team, and this is true of many video games as well. They’re both quick-paced, highly demanding, and provide a great level of fun for the player.
If you were to look at some of the fun things to do in GTA 5 story mode,you would see that it comes with plenty of technical challenges that require a lot of skill. These include things from winning money playing quick-speed casino games to infiltrating a military base — either way, there’s a whole lot of strategy involved within the GTA game. This open-world action-adventure game features fast-paced and multifaceted gameplay, which perfectly mirrors the quick thinking required in sports.
One of the central elements of GTA 5’s story mode is the planning and execution of heists. Just like in baseball, where a team’s success often hinges on meticulous planning and split-second decisions, GTA 5’s heists require players to strategize and act swiftly.
Ultimately, the entire concept of story mode means that you are tasked with making decisions, much like when you play baseball. One moment you’ll be planning heists to get to the next level; the next you will be testing your patience under pressure.
Video games baseball players love
Now, we aren’t trying to take away the true skill that comes with being a baseball player or hitting a home run, but we are trying to draw links between the strategy of athletes and gamers.
We know that when the players are off the pitch, they’re more than likely having some downtime on their favorite console. We’ve rounded up a quick list of some of the biggest games out there that the baseball players of today will love. They’re packed with strategy and come with all the thrill of being on the pitch.
MLB The Show
We wouldn’t be the one-stop shop for all things baseball without a small mention of the biggest baseball game out there. Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, MLB The Show has been around since 2014 and gives wannabe baseball players the chance to be the next big thing.
It is the leading Major League Baseball simulation video game on the market and comes with great levels of detail and accuracy. As you would on the field, you need to make decisions fast, with split-second calls — it truly is the real deal.
2. GTA 5
We know, we know — everyone is waiting for GTA 6, but we just can’t deny the joy that is GTA 5. Grand Theft Auto V was launched in 2013 and is an action-adventure game that is loved by everyone, everywhere. While it may not focus on sports, it’s still a game that requires plenty of strategy and planning.
The story mode comes with an abundance of challenges, where you need to navigate complex situations and act fast. This type of pressure during GTA is the exact requirement that translates perfectly on the field — it’s a must-play in our opinion!
3. FIFA
For the sports lovers out there, nothing can quite compare to FIFA. Focused on playing soccer, the game has all the strategy and skill elements that MLB does — only soccer (obviously). It’s ideal for athletes who are off duty, and who want to unwind after a long day, while brushing up on their mental capabilities. It’s a 10/10.
Overall, video games are a full-on pastime and a huge market, with some major positives relating to technical skill. Baseball players need a high level of focus and strategy and there is no harm in polishing up their skills via the digital realm!
