10 Things AEW’s Video Game Must Learn From WWE 2K22
AEW's mission statement should include analysing WWE 2K22 and improving on it.
WWE 2K22 was a vast improvement on 2K20.
Sure, that's like saying not being slapped in the face is better than being slapped in the face, but it's nonetheless true. 2K managed to win back some of that lost affection from a fanbase soured on the team's glitch-ridden insult of a game back in 2019.
Let's hope AEW and Yuke's were paying attention. The longtime WWE game developer knows a thing or two about producing the goods, but even they might've looked on enviously at what 2K22 achieved. Here's the thing: AEW Games can learn a lot from ploughing through all the various modes in WWE's revamped franchise.
Early screenshots of the supposedly-titled AEW: Fight Forever weren't met with acclaim from fans on Twitter. No, that may not come as a huge surprise given that the social media network has become a haven for negativity, but people are expecting this 2023 release (or so the rumours say) to be something mega.
Everyone remains sensitive after 2K20's miserable failure, but both 2K22 and AEW's game could be giant leaps towards a brighter future. Here's everything Yuke's can learn from 2K's project...
10. Simplified Controls Are The Way To Go
2K previously got bogged down with overly-complex control schemes pre-2K22. Changing that up was one of the best decisions they've ever made; WWE 2K22's intuitive control layout helps give matches better flow, and everything seems a little less clunky than it once did.
Yuke's must pay attention.
Wrestling gamers out there wouldn't scoff if the developers borrowed from classics like No Mercy on N64 or SmackDown: Here Comes The Pain on PS2. People adore those games for a reason. They were simple to pick-up-and-play, and they didn't take months to master.
AEW's game has to make sure that everyone can pull off big moves/spots/moments at the drop of a hat. Nobody should be fiddling around for hours trying to figure out how to place a foe on the top rope then hurricanrana them to the canvas. The same could be said other things, like putting wrestlers through tables or diving over the ropes to the outside.