MLB hyped up a video game-like replay view from the Tokyo Dome and fans justifiably hated it

Though we still have a couple weeks left of spring training, the MLB regular season officially starts this week with the Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and Cubs. Both teams have been in Japan for exhibition games against NPB teams the past few days, and it's also given MLB an opportunity to test some new replay angles.

But let's hope we don't see this on-field replay view make regular appearances in MLB broadcasts because, seriously, nobody asked for this.

To showcase a slick diving play that Dansby Swanson made against the Yomiuri Giants, MLB posted a video game-esque replay view, claiming the "replay game has changed forever."

And sure, the idea was cool. But I'm not sure how a grainy video with no contrast or depth helps the viewing experience for fans. It looked like a video game, but worse.

The replay game has changed forever 😳

No, this is not a video game. This is an on-field replay from the Tokyo Dome 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pPS1ecEL8l
— MLB (@MLB) March 16, 2025

In this replay view, only Swanson was in focus, and the refresh rate couldn't keep up with his basic movements. It's bad and adds nothing to a broadcast.

MLB seemed to expect fans to love this new look, but the video was mostly mocked on social media.

This was how Twitter/X reacted

I don't dig this. Everything is flat - there's no depth to the background nor the surface, which makes the player feel unreal. https://t.co/xuPDmbydsy
— Jesse Goldberg-Strassler (@jgoldstrass) March 17, 2025

The fact that you have to clarify it’s not a video game is a problem. https://t.co/0MhAICvuyQ
— Aaron Morse (@MorseCode206) March 17, 2025

in the never ending quest to make video games look like real life, i never considered that the solution would be to make real life look like video games https://t.co/YkEdVfZawU
— Andrew Gruttadaro (@andrewgrutt) March 17, 2025

Why is everyone freaking out about this. The quality is atrocious https://t.co/o1vwwatTZC
— TB12 🐐 (@tedaverse) March 17, 2025

too early for me to be this annoyed https://t.co/aZGwatSh23
— tot 🍉 (@backdoor_sIider) March 17, 2025

If you think a real life video looks like a video game, then it’s not a good real life video https://t.co/2CYzJRyoek
— Counting down to opening day (@bseballguru) March 16, 2025

So they've made replays look.. worse? https://t.co/Lg1hhxoDVG
— Michael With Two Y’s (@SliccMick) March 17, 2025

This article originally appeared on For The Win: MLB hyped up a video game-like replay view from the Tokyo Dome and fans justifiably hated it

Topics

Ohtani's Tokyo airport arrival hidden from fans hoping to catch a glimpse of Japanese star

Hundreds of fans at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport lined up 10 deep and hoping to catch a glimpse of Shohei Ohtani as he arrived
ABC News - 4d
Tokyo Series preview: Everything you need to know before the Dodgers and Cubs begin the 2025 MLB season in Japan

Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers will face the Cubs on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Shohei Ohtani electrifies Tokyo Dome crowd as Dodgers slugger crushes home run in exhibition game

The Dodgers will open the 2025 MLB regular season against the Cubs in a two-game Tokyo Series starting March 18
CBS Sports - 2d
Ohtani thrills Tokyo fans despite hitless performance

Shohei Ohtani thrilled Tokyo baseball fans again on Sunday despite a brief hitless performance from the Japanese superstar as his Los Angeles Dodgers lost their second exhibition game.Ohtani is in ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Dodgers' Tokyo Series trip confirms the team's 'overwhelming' hold on Japan

More than 10,000 fans packed into the lower bowl of the Tokyo Dome on Friday to watch the Dodgers go through their first official workout.
Yahoo Sports - 3d
Hernández: Tokyo Series atmosphere shows Shohei Ohtani is more than 'a representative of Japan'

The response to Shohei Ohtani at the Tokyo Dome Friday re-established a longstanding truth about the Dodgers: In Japan's view, there is Ohtani and then there is everyone else.
Yahoo Sports - 3d
How to watch Dodgers vs Cubs MLB Tokyo Series 2025: TV/stream info, start times for season opener in Japan

Previewing the start of the 2025 MLB season as the Dodgers and Cubs square off in the Tokyo Series from March 18-19.
Yahoo Sports - 5d
Chicago Cubs notes from Tokyo: Matthew Boyd’s roots to Japanese baseball — and a healthy Julian Merryweather

TOKYO — Matthew Boyd’s appreciation for baseball’s popularity in Japan and its stars can be traced to his roots. Boyd grew up roughly 30 minutes outside Seattle and became a big Mariners fan when ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Sho-time in Tokyo: Ohtani, Dodgers prepare to open MLB season vs. Cubs on Tuesday

The Major League Baseball season kicks off Tuesday night at the Tokyo Dome when Shohei Ohtani and the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers face the Chicago Cubs. Ohtani, Yoshinobu ...
Yahoo Sports - 16h
Dodgers vs. Cubs odds, line, prediction, time: 2025 MLB Tokyo Series picks, March 18 bets from proven model

SportsLine's model simulated Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs 10,000 times and revealed its MLB picks for Tuesday's Tokyo Series matchup
CBS Sports - 3h
‘Go Cubs Go’ plays at Tokyo Dome after Cubs’ 4-2 win. Up next: Opening day vs. Dodgers.

TOKYO — Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd stays focused on checking all the boxes. Keeping his delivery sound. Staying behind the baseball. Driving down on the pitch. And in Sunday’s unique ...
Yahoo Sports - 22h
Shohei Ohtani merchandise is prompting long lines -- even in the rain -- in Tokyo

The Los Angeles Dodgers gave Shohei Ohtani an unprecedented $700 million contract hoping to drive interest — and the dollars that come with it — from fans across the Pacific. MLB calls the setup ...
Yahoo Sports - 4h
Shohei Ohtani and four other Japanese players come home to start the MLB season

It's only two games to start the Major League Baseball season — the World Series-champion Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome. For the record, the MLB ...
Yahoo Sports - 3d
Video replay review used for first time in MIAA hockey state championship

After a controversial ending in last year's MIAA Division 1 boys hockey final, replay review was added. It didn't take long for it to get used.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Thousands pay to catch glimpse of Ohtani practise in Tokyo

Thousands of paying fans in Tokyo clapped and cheered as they watched Shohei Ohtani make a brief appearance in practice with his Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday ahead of the Major League Baseball ...
Yahoo Sports - 3d
From tuna cutting to samurai warriors: Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki host welcome party for Cubs in Tokyo

TOKYO — Seiya Suzuki was too young and not yet into baseball when the Chicago Cubs last played at the Tokyo Dome 25 years ago. But the memory of being in the ballpark in 2004 and watching Japanese ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Shohei Ohtani and four other Japanese players come home to start the MLB season

It's the World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome to start the Major League Baseball season
ABC News - 3d
Hernández: Shohei Ohtani home run at Tokyo Dome delivers yet another moment seemingly on command

Years from now, people who weren't here will claim they were. The people who actually were here won't be complaining about the outrageous ticket prices.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Dodgers fall to Hanshin Tigers in final tuneup before start of season

Behind a superb start from Hiroto Saiki, the Hanshin Tigers didn't give up a hit until the fifth inning and defeated the Dodgers 3-0 at the Tokyo Dome.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Dodgers vs Cubs: How to watch the MLB Tokyo Series with Sling

For less than the breakfast you'll want to order after the game, tune into the MLB Tokyo series with Sling.
Yahoo Sports - 4d
Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers prepare to open MLB season vs. Cubs

The Major League Baseball season kicks off at the Tokyo Dome when Shohei Ohtani and the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers face the Chicago Cubs.
Yahoo Sports - 4h
Time for a change? Your views on Scotland's Six Nations campaign

Scotland fans, we asked for your views on Scotland's final Six Nations match against France, and the tournament as a whole. It's time for a shake up and time for a change; I'm fed up of finishing ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Wind-up merchant Henry Pollock adds to England’s embarrassment of back-row riches

Henry Pollock’s introduction to Test rugby justified the hype, which is another way of saying that the 20-year-old enjoyed a stunning entrance to the top level. Expectations on the impudent ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
WATCH: Video from Arkansas' 3rd spring practice

Watch 11 minutes of video from Arkansas football's third spring practice of 2025 on the outdoor practice fields at the Razorbacks' facilities in Fayetteville. NOT A SUBSCRIBER? SIGN UP TODAY FOR ...
Yahoo Sports - 3d
MLB Power Rankings: The top 10 most aesthetically pleasing baseball stadiums

Let's focus on the interior view from home plate this time
CBS Sports - 5h
Texans fan favorite draft target Tyler Booker viewed as 'safest pick'

Tyler Booker, a fan favorite to land with the Houston Texans, is viewed as one of the "safest picks" in this year's draft.
Yahoo Sports - 3h
Social media reacts after 4-star WR Brady Marchese's commitment to Georgia

Georgia football added another commitment in the class of 2026 in 4-star WR Brady Marchese and UGA fans are hyped up
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs: How to watch the MLB Tokyo series

The L.A. Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will kick off the 2025 MLB season with two games in Tokyo – here's how to watch all the international action.
Yahoo Sports - 9h
Mookie Betts to sit for exhibitions in Japan, Dodgers will re-evaluate for Tokyo Series

Mookie Betts will be re-evaluated during the team's off-day on Monday, and is questionable to be in the lineup for the club's two regular-season-opening games at the Tokyo Dome.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Dodgers' Mookie Betts ruled out of Tokyo Series vs. Cubs because of stomach virus

Mookie Betts will miss both of the Dodgers' season-opening games at the Tokyo Dome this week against the Chicago Cubs, manager Dave Roberts said Monday.
Yahoo Sports - 16h
Video: Megan Olivi names UFC's next crop of potential pay-per-view stars

UFC reporter and correspondent Megan Olivi has had an in inside look on the promotion's operation for more than a decade, so she knows what it takes for a fighter to rise through the ranks and ...
Yahoo Sports - 3d
When does the 2025 MLB season start? Here are important dates for the MLB and Iowa Cubs

With NCAA tournaments for basketball and wrestling taking place, sports fans are in for a treat this month, as the MLB regular season is starting.
Yahoo Sports - 34m
Buy The Dip: Fantasy baseball post-hype sleepers for 2025

Fantasy baseball analyst Fred Zinkie explains why you shouldn't give up on these six players.
Yahoo Sports - 3h
(Video): What Enzo Maresca did to Chelsea fans (and Jorginho) after dreadful defeat

Chelsea have just lost to Arsenal at the Emirates in one of the most unwatchable games of football we can remember watching.The quality was dire, from both teams. The injuries to attackers on both ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Rising to the occasion, Shohei Ohtani hits 2-run HR in return to Japan against Yomiuri Giants

Japanese star Shohei Ohtani showed off some prodigious power in his return to the Tokyo Dome on Saturday night.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
WATCH: Video from Arkansas' 4th spring practice

Watch 11 minutes of video from Arkansas football's fourth spring practice of 2025 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.Visit our homepage for more coverage of the Hogs' spring ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Mookie Betts lost 15 pounds from lingering illness and won't play in Tokyo Series

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts will not play in the two-game Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs because of an illness that’s lingered for the past week.
NBC News - 7h
Fantasy Baseball Rankings 2025: Busts via proven MLB model that nailed Jordan Montgomery's down season

SportsLine simulated the entire MLB season and identified 2025 Fantasy baseball busts that won't live up to their ADP
CBS Sports - 1d
Western Christian outlasts Grand View Christian in Class 2A boys state semifinals, 53-46

Grand View Christian put up a fight against defending champion Western Christian in the 2A state semifinals, but the Thunder fell just short, 53-46.
Yahoo Sports - 3d