Image via Complex Original
With the slugging of Prince Fielder and the pitching of American League MVP Justin Verlander, the Detroit Tigers are a favorite to win the World Series. Verlander, fresh off his 2011 Cy Young Award-winning season, has parlayed his on-the-mound success into a cover gig for 2K Sports’ Major League Baseball 2K12. With the 2012 MLB season now in full swing – as well as 2K Sports Major League Baseball 2K12 Perfect Game Challenge – we caught up with the starting pitcher to ask 10 gaming questions in this engaging interview.
For more on the "2K Sports Major League Baseball 2K12 Perfect Game Challenge" click here.
Interview: 10 Questions With Justin Verlander
With the slugging of Prince Fielder and the pitching of American League MVP Justin Verlander, the Detroit Tigers are a favorite to win the World Series. Verlander, fresh off his 2011 Cy Young Award-winning season, has parlayed his on-the-mound success into a cover gig for 2K Sports’ Major League Baseball 2K12. With the 2012 MLB season now in full swing – as well as 2K Sports Major League Baseball 2K12 Perfect Game Challenge – we caught up with the starting pitcher to ask 10 gaming questions in this engaging interview.
For more on the "2K Sports Major League Baseball 2K12 Perfect Game Challenge" click here.
What videogames did you play growing up?
(Image: Justin Verlander pitching in MLB 2K8)
Growing up, I played Ken Griffey, Jr. Baseball and just whatever I could get my hands on. When I was really young, I was a big fan of Mario and that type of stuff. I still play videogames now so it was really cool for me to be able to play as myself on 2K6 or 2K7 I believe it was, when I was a rookie. I got beat around a little bit, so I stopped playing. Now I play first-person shooter games like Call of Duty.
Do you have a favorite memory when it comes to playing videogames?
Oh, gosh. I think my favorite memories are playing with my brother and beating him pretty bad.
Where do you rank when it comes to gamers in the Detroit clubhouse?
Right up at the top, man, of course.
After a bad game on the real mound, do you ever go home and kick that team’s butt in the video game?
[Laugh] No.
What’s your favorite piece of technology?
Oh, man. I really like the iPad. I think that’s pretty cool.
Do you ever play games on it?
(Image: CJ Wilson of the Anaheim Angels)
Yeah, every now and again. For me, seeing the progression of video games and consoles--whether it be PlayStation, Xbox, or whatever--I think just seeing how good they’ve gotten from the days when I first started playing is just amazing
Games are a lot better now the iPad than when you were growing up huh?
(Image: Jay Bruce of the Cincinnati Reds)
Yeah, no kidding.
What’s your favorite new feature in Major League Baseball 2K12?
Pitching using the analog stick is about as lifelike as you can make it. You have to have a good seal and if you mess up, it’s going to be a pretty hittable pitch. For me, that’s special because I had input in developing that for the game.
Kinect, Wii and PlayStation Move changing the way we play games. What are your thoughts about getting kids off the couch and actively playing?
Actively doing anything is better than just sitting on the couch but I think the ultimate goal is to kids out and do it on the field. I believe if kids are having fun playing the video game and they like the game of baseball, then they’ll be more willing to go out and actually do it. That’s all positive stuff but getting off the couch is the first step.
What role do you think that baseball games like "MLB 2K12" play in helping to grow your sport?
I think video games are a huge part of our society now. Having kids play baseball video games helps them understand and love the game. It could actually push them to get out there and play the game for real. That's great for the sport.