Take-Two Says Take Off to ESPN Brand

Take-Two, now owners of all things third-party-MLB-videogame related, has officially begun the process of distancing itself from the ESPN brand, which is now heading over to the EA side of the sports gaming camp. Take-Two's baseball title, formerly titled ESPN Major League Baseball 2K5 has been officially renamed to Major League Baseball 2K5, despite the EA/ESPN deal not going into effect until next year. In effect, the move prevents Take-Two from providing EA with free advertising for their next season sports lineup.

Despite the name change, none of the ESPN presentation aspects of the game will be removed or changed. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan, and Karl Ravech will still be handling play-calling, color commentary, and game introductions respectively. Additionally, the broadcast network's familiar music and graphics will all remain intact. Finally, while no updated cover art has been released for the newly renamed game, it's a safe bet to assume, based on the recent announcement of Take Two's deal with MLB, that Derek Jeter will be the game's cover man.