Setup Guide

So, you want to play Backyard Football and Baseball online?
Here is a simple guide to help you get started!


The new developers of Backyard Sports have teamed up with us at Backyard Sports Online to help bring the games back! It's now easier than ever to play these games online by purchasing them through Steam. Please support these official re-releases linked below!

• Buy Backyard Baseball 2001!
• Buy Backyard Football 1999!

How to play Online with Steam Backyard Baseball 2001 Video Guide

• Find the hegames.ini file within AppData\LocalLow\Mega Cat Studios\Backyard Baseball 2001\[folder with a ton of numbers]
• Add the line of code below [baseball2001] of "OnlinePlay=TooCrashyCrashySorryWeTriedOurBest"
• The online play button should appear in the clubhouse when starting up the game!
• *Scummvm users will need to update the Scummvm.ini file located at "C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\ScummVM"
• **If you are using scummvm for Baseball 2001 with the steam files you’ll need to open the game and then press crtl+alt+D and type in "room 37" and press enter. This bypasses the missing online play button.

How to play Online with Steam Backyard Football 1999

• Find the hegames.ini file within AppData\LocalLow\Mega Cat Studios\Backyard Football 1999\[folder with a ton of numbers]
• Add the line of code below [football] of "OnlinePlay=TooCrashyCrashySorryWeTriedOurBest"
• The online play button should appear in the clubhouse when starting up the game!
• *Scummvm users will need to update the Scummvm.ini file located at "C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\ScummVM"
• **If you are using scummvm for Football 1999 with the steam files you’ll need to open the game and then press crtl+alt+D and type in "room 27" and press enter. This bypasses the missing online play button.

If you would like to play these games online using your old discs and ScummVM you can follow the steps below to use ScummVM's BackyardSports.online service!

⚠️ We do not condone piracy and it is against our terms of service.

1. Register Your Coach Name: Register your coach name here so that you can access online play with any of the games compatible with backyardsports.online.


2. Install ScummVM: Visit the ScummVM website and download the latest version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, or Android). If you're tech-savvy, you can also choose to compile the project yourself by accessing the source code provided here. Follow the instructions in the README file.

** WARNING, latest releases of Scummvm's Online Play capabilities may not work on Windows 11. You will need to use the latest online capable build SCUMMVM 2.9



3. Add Games to ScummVM: Open ScummVM and click on the "Add Game" button. Navigate to the location where your game files are stored. If you have the game on a disc, you can point ScummVM to your disc drive. For better performance, consider copying the game files to your hard drive and direct ScummVM to that location.


4. Play Online!:
   • After launching the game in ScummVM, click on the JrSN or Online Play buttons in the middle of the clubhouse.
   • Login with your backyardsports online username and password.
   • Navigate to different areas of the game map and play vs other player online!
   • Find opponents, join leagues, and compete in tournaments on our discord (see below).


5. Troubleshooting and Tech Support:
   • Ethernet or hard wired connections are best for quality gameplay and to reduce lag. Long distances between players can also cause desync and lag.
   • Make sure you are using the correct version of scummvm, it is possible you downloaded a newer version but are still opening the older version of scummvm.
   • Some internet providers, particularly shared networks like school or work connections will not allow connection to other players. This will need to be sorted out by your isp or institution that provides your internet service.
   • For tech support on online play you can message us in the Backyard Sports Online Discord server or email team@backyardsports.online.
   
   For issues with the re-releases in the Backyard Sports franchise join the Backyard Sports Official Discord and say hello!

Custom Teams
You can set up custom teams for Backyard Baseball 2001 online play! These teams can include your favorite backyard kids, pros, and even the "generic" players you face in single-player season play. First, login and go to the teams page. Then, create a team with whatever players you want and make sure it's active . Then in ScummVM, select your game, click and "Game Options" and check the "Enable online competitive mods" setting. Find an opponent in our Discord server or in the online play lobby; make sure they have their own custom team set up, active and also has the competitive mods settings enabled. Challenge them to a game in Prince Rupert to play with your custom teams!

If you want to join a community to find fellow players who are usually up for a game or two, you can join our Discord server! we also share news about the service, and even host tournaments and leagues! If you're don't feel like joining this discord, that's no problem. This is completely optional and not a requirement to play in this service, but we always welcome new visitors though! Feel free to drop by!