Did you have to think about why for too long? It is a pretty simple answer. The reason why Beat the Steak is a great fantasy (baseball) game, is because it is easy to play. Not only that, the instructions for the game are summed up in the title of the game. How many other fantasy baseball games (or just fantasy games) are presented and explained to consumers so elegantly? With baseball being such a global sport, this is a game that all baseball fans can easily play.

There is a lesson out here for everyone–Keep it Simple. It takes less than five minutes to play, or one minute if you already know who you want to use. This game is so simply designed that fantasy baseball players from eight to eighty can play the game. Simplicity is the very same reason why fantasy football is vastly more popular than fantasy baseball–football is just easier to play. For Beat the Streak, you do not even need to know too many baseball players. You can simply get away with knowing the big names and local heroes to play the game.

Further , I love the fact that MLB Advanced Media has resisted the temptation to complicate the game with private leagues, or game variations. Instead, it is focusing its efforts on making Beat the Streak more accessible, such as the new ability to play Beat the Streak froma smart phone. MLBAM has also made Beat the Streak better by increasing the top prize $10,000 every day, with the prize now sitting at a very seductive $1.23 Million. While these actions may not be appropriate for all fantasy games, this game is designed to be simple, and MLBAM seems adamant on keeping it that way.

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then MLB has hit this game right on the nose. Within the last year, ESPN has launched and is heavily promoting its own similarly-styled game, “Streak for the Cash.” Another similar game is CentSports, where you start with a play-money dime, and for each correct prediction you make, you double your bank account. Once you get to $20, they will send you a check for $20.

Tonight, I am working on a new streak, so I will be hoping that Joe Mauer slaps a single for me and gets me up to a magical 1-game hitting streak.