Greetings from Com2uS! 

Thank you to all users who are supporting MLB RIVALS. 

This dev note will discuss the long-term update plans mentioned in the previous dev note.

Please understand that the details shared today are subject to change during development.

[Long-term Update Plans] 

1. Special Card and Team Balance

- We have balanced the number of special cards per team based on each player’s contribution and performance. However, this approach has sometimes led to the introduction of special cards with underwhelming stats due to factors such as team league standings.

- Currently, the method used to calculate stats, Potential, launch angle, hot/cold zones, etc., reflecting players' real performance, does not fully resolve team imbalances, even with an expanded player pool.

- We introduced FA Cards for use across all teams to address this issue, but this solution has not fully satisfied those focused on team-specific rosters.

- This brought us to the decision that MLB RIVALS needs a new type of card that can balance out stats among teams and diversify rosters.

- The new cards will feature players with unique themes and specific criteria. We’re designing them to maintain the value of Signature Cards while prioritizing team balance.

- This new card type will pave the way for unique lineups and specially-themed rosters.

- More details will be shared in future dev notes. 

2. New Players

 - We’ve introduced various player cards featuring active and retired players but acknowledge that we haven’t met everyone’s expectations.

- We are working to introduce more popular players from the past, so stay tuned for new additions in the 2025 updates.

- Look forward to exciting new names for your collections and rosters. 

3. More Special Card Acquisition Routes and Preferred Player Development Support 

- We will add more ways to acquire special cards, such as we did previously with the Postseason Play Event, Back-to-Back Skill Change Event, Postseason Scout Event, GM Billy's Event Games, and various special packages added since Dev Note #8.

- Although we initially worried that an oversupply of FA Cards might cause inconvenience to users due to their use in both the current progression system and the new Transcendence feature, we have decided to add new workshop recipes for FA Cards, allowing users to convert unused FA Cards into other valuable cards.

- We will introduce a new player recruit system and related events as soon as possible, increasing the rarity (grade) of cards that have reached the MAX Transcendence level.

- We also plan to add progression content that allows users to develop an Impact Card up to a Signature Card, bringing enjoyment to both new and existing users.

- Stay tuned for more chances to acquire your favorite players. 

4. New Content Addition and Existing Content Improvement

- We believe the Ranked Battle revamp, which allows users to adjust their starting pitcher rotation based on their opponent’s lineup, has added excitement to the game.

- However, some users have intentionally assigned a weaker pitcher against specific opponents to gain unfair advantages.

- Rather than overhauling the entire system, we plan to introduce new PvP content, "Ranked Battle Tournament.”

※ Note: This name is tentative and may change

- The Ranked Battle Tournament will allow users above a certain ranking to compete after the Universe Ranking season ends. (The Universe Ranking tally method may be adjusted for the tournament.)

- We will continue reviewing and improving other content, prioritizing entertainment and user convenience. 

5. Live Card Usability Improvement

- To improve Live Card usability, we introduced Rival Series, Live Player stat +2 buffs, the Rival Pick system, and lowered progression difficulty in 2024. In 2025, we’ll implement further improvements to boost Live Cards' value.

- Our goal is to design a new system that adds excitement to including Live Players in rosters without reducing the value of existing special cards.

6. Unique Form and Unique Face Update 

- We plan to actively add unique forms and faces of players moving forward. Any of the new updates of this kind will be posted alongside with images and/or gifs in each of the Notices to allow all users to preview the Unique Form and Unique Face Updates. 

7. Improved Realistic Gameplay

- The pitcher substitution logic, base running, and fielding will be upgraded to be more sophisticated.

- We will continue to improve and optimize in-game graphics and commentary. 

8. New User Attraction and Settlement Support 

- We’re improving the team creation tutorial, guide missions, rewards, and gameplay guidance for new users to help them settle into the game.

- Furthermore, we will continue optimizing and stabilizing the game to provide a better experience. 

Again, please understand that the details addressed today are subject to change during development. 

Our team will do our best to let our users enjoy MLB RIVALS for the remainder of the year and make more memories with the game in 2025. 

Thank you for your continued support.