Konami Digital Entertainment and Major League Baseball (MLB) have officially announced a global partnership agreement aimed at enhancing the gaming experience for baseball fans. This collaboration is set to launch during the 2025 MLB season, with exciting new features for the mobile game eBaseball™: MLB PRO SPIRIT.
The partnership will see the 'MLB Opening Day by eBaseball: MLB PRO SPIRIT' logo prominently displayed on various MLB platforms, including MLB.com, as the new season kicks off in the United States. This move is expected to attract fans from both the gaming and baseball communities, promoting the sport and the gaming experience simultaneously.
As part of this partnership, Konami has rolled out a free update for eBaseball: MLB PRO SPIRIT on March 26, 2025. This update aligns the game with the 2025 MLB season, introducing new players, managers, and uniforms reflective of the current season. Notably, the update features the new '25 Cover Athlete: Shohei Ohtani' (batter), who has seen improvements in his abilities, including power and running speed.
In conjunction with the season's launch, Konami and MLB have introduced the original project 'STAR WATCH', which allows players to participate in predicting and voting for standout players each month. This interactive feature engages fans by allowing them to influence the game based on actual player performances. Players who perform well in real MLB games will have their abilities enhanced in the game, reflecting their real-world achievements.
Konami President Hideki Hayakawa expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to deliver KONAMI's baseball experience to more customers through our global partnership with MLB, which has been providing baseball games for over 30 years in Japan."
MLB's Deputy Commissioner, Noah Garden, echoed this sentiment, saying, "KONAMI has been innovating in video games for nearly half a century and has entertained sports fans for decades. With this partnership, we believe we can evolve eBaseball™: MLB PRO SPIRIT further and deliver a fantastic experience to our fans. KONAMI's commitment to enhancing customer experiences through technology and innovation aligns perfectly with MLB's vision, making them an ideal partner."
The 'STAR WATCH' event, which is now live, allows players to vote on which of the ten selected players will have the highest number of hits in a given month. The voting period runs from March 26 to April 2, with results announced on April 23. Players can earn rewards based on their participation and predictions, enhancing the interactive nature of the game.
Additionally, the '25 Showtime Login Bonus Round 1' campaign is currently active, allowing players to earn a Grade II '25 Cover Athlete: Shohei Ohtani' just by logging in during the promotional period. This campaign runs from March 26 to April 9, 2025, and offers players the chance to scout the highest rank, Grade III '25 Cover Athlete: Shohei Ohtani' (batter), based on his improved abilities.
Ohtani, who has gained significant acclaim for his dual-threat capabilities as both a pitcher and a batter, will see his abilities enhanced in this new version of the game. Compared to last season, Ohtani's left field ability has increased by +1, his power by +1, and his running ability by +3, making him an even more formidable player in the game.
Konami's commitment to delivering quality baseball content is evident, as they continue to expand their offerings in the mobile gaming market. With over 30 years of experience, the company has successfully launched several baseball games, including the popular Powerful Pro Baseball series, which has sold over 26 million copies worldwide. The mobile game eBaseball™: MLB PRO SPIRIT, released in October 2024, has already seen significant success with over 51 million downloads.
MLB, on the other hand, continues to be the premier professional baseball organization in North America, comprising 30 teams across the United States and Canada. Under the leadership of Commissioner Rob Manfred, MLB aims to maintain the sport's relevance and expand its global reach through innovative partnerships and engaging content.
As the 2025 MLB season begins, fans can look forward to a host of new features and interactive experiences in eBaseball™: MLB PRO SPIRIT. The collaboration between Konami and MLB promises to enhance the connection between the sport and its fans, bringing the excitement of baseball directly to mobile devices.
For more information about the game and its features, fans can visit the official website at KONAMI's website or follow their official social media channels.
The partnership between Konami and MLB marks a significant milestone in the world of sports gaming, combining the thrill of live baseball with the interactive nature of mobile gaming. As both organizations work together to create compelling experiences for fans, the future of baseball gaming looks bright.
