WWE 2K22 – First Look At How Visual Concepts Is Repackaging Its Annual Wrestling Sim

WWE fans are well aware that WWE has been in an unstable state of affairs lately. Dozens of roster cuts this year have not only put fans on edge about the long-term fates of their favorite Superstars, but they’ve also brought into question the status of WWE 2K22. It’s the first wrestling sim since 2019’s ill-received 2K20, and the game is forgoing the series’ usual fall release window for a March 2022 launch. That extra time seemingly gives Visual Concepts time to polish up a few holds, so what can fans expect? Visual Concepts will not reveal much information beyond the January announcement, but it gave a glimpse into some of its features and enhancements. 

Lapsed fans may be happy to hear that Visual Concepts has rebuilt WWE 2K’s engine from the ground up. New animations, a revamped move list with 30,000 return attacks and 5,000 additional moves are all part of this overhaul. The control scheme has also been overhauled with the intent of being easy enough for anyone to pick up while packing depth for experienced grapplers. Furthermore, Visual Concepts promises improved control over the action while feeling smoother overall. 

The graphics have received a shot in the arm thanks to Visual Concepts adopting the same character scanning and rendering technology used for the NBA 2K series. Superstars look better than ever. Visual Concepts has also consulted with WWE showrunners to make the presentation feel as immersive and authentic to TV as possible, such as adding new camera angles. 

WWE games have as many modes as it does the matches. Visual Concepts did not discuss 2K22’s types of matches, but they did list some other options that players have. 

MyGM: The popular mode returns and, like previous iterations, allows players to book shows, draft superstars, manage contracts, and more. 

The Universe Mode A staple of the series, 2K22’s Universe Mode promises more control than ever over how players manage brands, PPVs, rivalries, and more. 

2K Showcase Mode WWE 2K’s playable documentary has been a series highlight. It allows players to follow the career of a legendary wrestler or a historical period, such as Stone Cold and the Women’s Revolution, by playing pivotal matches and watching well-made video packages courtesy of WWE’s production team. 2K22’s showcase appears to focus on the career of Rey Mysterio. 

MyFaction:This new series allows players to manage and create their own stable. Assemble a group that rivals the Four Horsemen, nWo, or Bullet Club by recruiting superstars of your choice, then raise their stock by completing regular challenges and special events. 

MyRise: These are the best new spin on MyCareer presents a choice-driven adventure about guiding a WWE prospect from rookie to main eventer to Hall of Famer. You can choose to be a male or female superstar, and your choices will impact the storyline. 

The Creation Suite Whereas 2K20’s creation options were lacking, 2K22’s promises to be bigger than ever. While Visual Concepts didn’t divulge many specifics, it did state the game includes more body types to be as representative as possible. Those who don’t have time to spend hours crafting the perfect superstar can use the new persona creator, which essentially provides a pre-built template to expedite the creation process. The return of popular features such as creating arenas, entrances, and championships is not yet known. 

Lastly, let’s discuss the roster. The running joke regarding WWE’s months-long spree of surprise releases is that there won’t be anyone left to play in 2K22. While we don’t have the complete list of wrestlers, we can confirm the following superstars based on today’s footage and previous videos:

• AJ Styles
• Apollo Crews
• Austin Theory
• Bayley
• Bianca Belair
• Big E
• Bobby Lashley
• Cesaro
• Chad Gable
• Dolph Ziggler
• Dominik Mysterio
• Drew McIntyre
• Edge
• Finn Bálor
• Goldberg (WCW).
• Jeff Hardy
• Joaquin Wilde
• Kane
• Kevin Owens
• Kofi Jamaica
• The Miz
• Montez Ford
• Mustafa Ali
• MVP
• Raquel González
• Rhea Ripley
• Ricochet
• Rey Mysterio
• Roman Reigns
• Samoa Joe
• Seth Rollins
• Shayna Baszler
• Sheamus
• Shelton Benjamin
• Shinsuke Nagamura
• Tamina
• Tyler Bate

While it’s good to finally have some idea of what to expect from WWE 2K22, we’ll have to wait until January for a possible release date as well as its planned platforms. 

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