2K wanted to release a different kind of wrestling game this year, and they did exactly that in WWE 2K Battlegrounds.
Earlier we reported that this year’s 2K wrestling game was all but certainly cancelled. This is the confirmation that it is true and we won’t get WWE 2K21, but we will still get a wrestling game this year.
“As part of that commitment, we are extending the production timeline and will not be releasing a WWE 2K simulation game in 2020 (T2 fiscal year 2021).”
WWE 2K20 received a lot of criticism and 2K wanted to give the developer, Visual Concepts, more time to take in the criticism and fix the issues to ensure the next simulation WWE game will be excellent.
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However, in order to free up the time needed and have a wrestling game out this year 2K gave the wrestling reins to Saber Interactive. The studio is probably best known for NBA 2K Playgrounds games.
2K describes the game and what they hope it will bring to wrestling fans.
“We’re thrilled to introduce you to WWE 2K Battlegrounds, a completely new WWE gaming experience that will feature arcade-style action and over-the-top Superstar designs, environments and moves. We’re focusing on social pick-up-and-play fun, but with plenty of depth for those who want to get way into it.”
What Makes This Game Different
WWE 2K Battlegrounds is made for both the hardcore wrestling fan as well as the causal gamer new to wrestling. The other 2K games are probably pretty intimidating to younger gamers or those who are unfamiliar with the intricacies of the squared circle. However, this game provides the perfect opportunity to have the hardcore and casual gamers face off on a leveled playing field.
Is This A $60 Game?
A big question I have about this game is price. This simply doesn’t look like a $60 game. It looks like a digital only $20-$30 game and if they try to charge more I don’t think it will do well at all.
Personally I am not excited for this game at all. I like my wrestling deep and complex. An arcade style wrestling game is not the type I want. However, if the game is fun I will play it and the fun factor is the single most important quality in any video game. With that being said I am apprehensive about WWE 2K Battlegrounds.
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All I want is another WWF No Mercy style video game by Aki. They changed their name to Syn Sophia, but I know who they really are. If you aren’t familiar with the Aki wrestling games then just Google “best wrestling video games of all time.”
2K wanted to address their continued support of WWE 2K20 and that they are trying to fix the issues the fans have pointed out to them.
“Next, we want to address WWE 2K20. We’ve heard and appreciate your feedback, and continue to listen to you closely. Since launch, we’ve released five title updates, addressing hundreds of reported concerns, and have released four WWE 2K20 Originals DLC expansions to build on and improve the experience. We’ve also heard your requests to keep the WWE 2K19 servers running; they will remain active for the time being.”
How Does His Experience Relate To Wrestling Games?
In order to make sure the development of WWE 2K22 is a smashing success 2K has brought on Patrick Gilmore as the Executive Producer. Gilmore has over 25 years of experience and has worked on games like Disney’s Aladdin on Sega Genesis, Killer Instinct, Medal of Honor, and Amazon’s New World. However, none of those are wrestling games or combat sport games or even sports games. I have a hard time seeing how the Aladdin video game translates to a wrestling video game. Killer Instinct is the closest because it is a fighting game, but very different from pro wrestling.
Look for WWE 2K Battlegrounds to be released this Fall. The platforms the game will be released on was not mentioned, but I would bet Playstation and Xbox as per usual. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if this gets a Nintendo Switch release as well. It just seems perfect for Switch.
What do you think of WWE 2K Battlegrounds? Are the graphics or arcade style too off-putting for you? Do you also wish they just had another Aki style WWE video game? Elbow Drop those comments below and on social media.
Source: 2K
