First, let’s clear up some misnomers:
• RNG = The dice roll that happens in every simulation sports game. Even if you and your opponent both make “perfect” swings, hidden probability tables determine if it’s a hit or an out.
• DDA/DDS = A separate mechanic that adjusts difficulty mid-game or between games to keep outcomes closer. This can mean making the winning player’s outcomes slightly worse or giving the losing player small boosts.
• You can have RNG without DDA, but if DDA exists, it uses RNG as its lever.
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Why things can feel “over the top” sometimes:
• Baseball is already a high-variance sport — in real life, the best hitters fail 70%+ of the time.
• This natural variance means SDS wouldn’t need huge boosts or nerfs to create the feeling of momentum swings — small changes can flip games.
• Online lag and PCI/timing interpretation can compound this, making any DDA effect (real or perceived) feel more extreme.
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The combo effect:
RNG absolutely exists — SDS has said so repeatedly. If DDA also exists (and I believe it does — EA has confirmed using it in their sports games, and it’s not inherently bad), then some players can get caught in both:
• You’re a good player with consistent inputs…
• You hit a bad RNG streak (lineouts, perfect swings that die at the wall)…
• And, if DDA is active, you might also be on the “handicap” side due to a win streak or skill gap vs. opponent.
When RNG variance and DDA bias stack, it can feel like you’ve been nerfed — even if your skill hasn’t changed.
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If SDS uses DDA, it could be for:
• Player retention — Keep weaker players from rage-quitting forever.
• Matchmaking stability — Avoid constant mercy-rule blowouts that thin the online pool.
• Long-term engagement — Close games are more memorable and keep people coming back.
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My view:
DDA isn’t necessarily bad if it’s subtle and still lets the better player win. I think SDS uses it, but doesn’t always rein it in, especially during extended bad RNG streaks. That’s where frustration builds.
There’s not enough hard evidence to prove or disprove either side completely, so while people may disagree on whether DDA exists online, no one should deny that players sometimes have valid reasons to feel frustrated