On March 18, 2025, Com2uS Japan unveiled its latest mobile baseball game, Pro Baseball RISING, with high-profile promotional campaigns featuring Tsuyoshi Shinjo, the recently appointed Chief Baseball Officer (CBO) for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. The highly anticipated game is set to officially launch on March 26, 2025, and it promises to transform the mobile gaming experience for baseball enthusiasts.
This new application, geared for both iOS and Android platforms, has already begun its pre-registration phase. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Pro Baseball RISING is distinguished by its exceptional graphics, developed through 360-degree face scans and motion capture of sports professionals. This technique aims to recreate the likeness and movements of real-life players engaging their pitching and batting forms realistically. Notably, the graphics feature athletes from all 12 teams within the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), representing authentic representations of players and stadiums.
The promotional TV commercial (TVCM) titled Kakeagare, New Generation commenced nationwide broadcasting on March 18, coinciding perfectly with the game’s launch strategy. The commercial uniquely showcases Shinjo on the pitching mound at Escon Field HOKKAIDO, dressed formally, to symbolize the transition to this new digital era of baseball.
Shinjo, who gained tremendous acclaim as the coach of the Samurai Japan team during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where they secured the world title, engages the audience with his iconic presence. His portrayal emphasizes the arrival of innovative concepts encapsulated within the game's tagline of celebrating youth emergence within the sport.
Viewers can revel in cinematic experiences as the TVCM utilizes dynamic 360-degree rotating footage to spotlight Shinjo's pitching skills, encapsulating the essence of the game. Following this initial airing, another promotional piece entitled Katsuzo is scheduled for release on March 26, 2025.
Reflecting on his involvement, Shinjo expressed his enthusiasm, noting, "It was truly enjoyable. Normally, coaches don’t perform at the mound, but today, I had the chance to showcase my skills, which was delightful." This sentiment demonstrates how pivotal role-playing aspects of the game resonate with his coaching philosophy. Train the players just like how he would expect to manage them on the field.
He elaborated, stating, "Using players on games is just like being the real coach. It is important to thoroughly understand each player's abilities and how to formulate the desired game strategy accordingly." Shinjo’s insights reveal how the strategies used within the game parallel real-life coaching techniques.
Shinjo shared his eager anticipation of battling with players who have managed to form strong teams within this game framework: "I want to face those who are constructing strong teams within the game. If they are successful, it means they may have different perspectives than I do on player selection." His competitive spirit shines through as he looks forward to spirited engagements between gaming enthusiasts.
Aside from his personal insights, Shinjo encourages baseball fans to engage with this innovative gaming option as he declared, “For baseball fans across Japan, I am excited to introduce Pro Baseball RISING. The game allows you to experience high-quality 3D graphics, and player statistics change based on real-time performances during the actual seasons."
The real-time adaptive features of the game allow fans to immerse deeply as team dynamics and player performance are updated bi-weekly based on current season statistics. It assures players of lively roster management akin to traditional coaching methods.
Pre-registration comps and bonuses during its launch period are available on their official website https://prorising.com2us.com/, where players can learn more about the game and apply for access to this exciting opportunity.
With Shinjo at the forefront, Pro Baseball RISING is not merely another addition to the ever-growing catalogue of mobile baseball games but symbolizes the commitment to future gameplay innovation intertwining the real with the virtual experience, aiming to captivate audiences far and wide.
