"Honestly what we were trying to do is become more photo realistic. Every year our goal is to be the ultimate broadcast simulation. You'll notice new subtleties in the textures on the uniforms and in the grass. Lighting techniques that basically make the game more photo realistic."
Achieving that isn't simple. Developers also try to incorporate the mannerisms and style of individual players whether they're playing third base or standing at the plate. One of the challenges is keeping up with roster changes….
"We have a submission deadline in which we have to have all our rosters submitted by that date. However, once the submission happens after the game launches we do downloadable rosters. So all you have to do is go online and download the latest roster. Now we update ours three times a week and that includes everything from trades to someone who has been called up from the minors. Along with that, our players also have attributes that are updated as well."
If you want to get a head start on spring training, you can always break out last year's version of the game. Bloomberg Boot Camp, I'm Fred Fishkin.