In UBO, baseball enthusiasts and gamers compete in 3D virtual stadiums. With stunning graphics and surround-sound audio reactions from the crowd, participants control customized characters for each position and compete together against other UBO gamers. Players use an avatar to bat, pitch, field, run, steal and perform any baseball action. Participants can practice, play pick-up games, join or found their own teams, compete against rival teams, play in specialized tournaments, and win league championships in post-season play. Gamers create their own characters and build their skill level (player stats) through successful play on the field against other real human players. Unlike current video games that aim to simulate professional sports, UBO delivers a first-person perspective of a character, created and developed by the player, interacting online in real-time with teammates and opponents.
Over the past four months, UBO 2006 total game play hours have increased by 50%, making the game a hot commodity for leading consumer companies. With the help of a leading in-game advertising agency, the overall UBO experience will become even more realistic as ads begin to appear on billboards in UBO stadiums and in other UBO venues.
“The success of a unique gaming concept like Ultimate Baseball Online is driven by its community of players,” commented Judy Key Johnson, chief operating officer of Netamin. “It’s a win-win situation for our company and for the UBO gaming community if advertising revenue can continue to keep our game free to play for all. Market research has shown that in-game advertising in sport games is not only accepted by players as a preferred alternative to subscription fees, ads provide a more realistic sports game experience as they mirror the real sports world.”
Ultimate Baseball Online will offer a tiered system similar to the many fantasy leagues services. A basic free version of UBO offers unlimited character leveling through pick up games and some free tournaments.
For a $7.95 entry fee, players can participate in a 10- game UBO “Season”, featuring cash prizes, regular season and post season awards, exclusive news coverage on the UBO website, and double experience points during league games. There will be five seasons during each calendar year, with a competition at the end of each season, and an annual Best of UBO playoff.
Players who have already subscribed to UBO may choose either a refund, or to apply their subscription fee towards the first official UBO league, which starts in early November 2006, and crowns the winning team as the Best of UBO 2006.