Wrestling Games Should Expand To More Genres

It is considered a combat sport. Yes, it is scripted but what really matters is that two stars step into the ring to pretend they can beat each other. That’s why it’s been understandably boxed into the fighting/simulation genre. Outside of a few collectible card games and general manager sims, the genre has rarely strayed beyond its competitive roots, and I think that’s a shame. Video games can be so different from wrestling. 

WrestleQuest, which is due to launch in March 2017, shows what creativity can be done with games of wrestling. It transforms the basic concepts of wrestling into a 16 bit RPG, in the spirit of games such as ChronoTrigger and Final Fantasy VI. It’s such a refreshing idea, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out when it launches later this year. WWE has announced that they will be developing a role-playing gaming game. Whether or not that’s a response to WrestleQuest is unclear, but it’s welcomed news regardless. Now let’s keep that momentum going.  

WrestleQuest

Wrestling is a sport that requires drama. Highlight that aspect in a choice-driven narrative adventureyou can play the same caliber as a Quantic dream or Telltale Games game. Let me instead of emphasizing action and choosing alliances, champions to chase, heel/face alignment, or other crucial decisions. Think of the endless possibilities that games such as Heavy Rain and Detroit: Become Human offer. Based on my actions, there are multiple possible endings. Are I able to reach the top by being a part of an invincible faction and thereby get promoted? How does this affect the fictional world? Should I abandon my tag team partner and go it alone? WWE game modes such as 2K22’s MyRise have traditionally offered relatively barebones versions of this for years, but it can be fleshed out into a separate, deeper experience. This is the best part: anyone can play it. With a lighter touch of interactivity, there’s no need to memorize complicated movesets or button inputs. 

However, wrestling premises don’t have to be the cliche rags-to-riches stories of a rookie climbing the ranks, winning titles, and becoming a household name. You can see films like The WrestlerShow that it is possible to tell engaging stories about everyday life beyond the ring. Imagine a third-person action-adventure game set in the ‘70s/’80s starring a washed-up journeyman wrestler struggling to make ends meet. He travels the country “making the towns (brother)” while grappling with conflicts, internally and externally. The story could be considered a bigger crime drama due to the fact that the protagonist is involved with unsavory people a la Dino Bravo. This opens the door for gunplay and combat. A studio such as Naughty Dog, Rockstar could pull off this gritty period piece with a star wrestler. 

WWE Crush Hour

WWE Crush Hour: WWE’s bizarre take on Twisted Metal-style car combat? It was an extremely stupid idea. Let’s bring that back too because why not? Enter themes in rhythm music games! We can only upload Sami Zayn’s old song to Beat Saber for so long. You could create a Coffee Talk-like restaurant sim, where you operate a Waffle House. Traveling wrestlers will enjoy chicken breasts and eggs whites while you tell them road stories. Expanding the scope of wrestling games positions the sport in front of new audiences who may not encounter it otherwise. Even those who don’t love wrestling may find themselves drawn to its unique presentation and quirky quirks. Even diehard fans can benefit; some folks simply don’t excel at or enjoy a mechanics-laden grappling sim.

It’s possible to do a lot with video gaming sports entertainment. I just hope more developers – and wrestling companies, for that matter – see this potential and become more willing to take a chance.