AEW’s Upcoming Video Game Promises Notable Improvements

All Elite Wrestling stepped into the gaming arena with its debut title, AEW Fight Forever, a move met with mixed reactions. Launched in 2023, it was the most ambitious wrestling game outside the WWE franchise in decades, a much-needed alternative since attempts by smaller promotions and the disappointing TNA title had left fans wanting. While the game gave wrestling aficionados a fresh option, it also laid bare the challenges of crafting a new giant in wrestling gaming.

AEW teamed up with the video game company Yuke’s to produce a roster packed with big names like Kenny Omega, CM Punk, and Bryan Danielson, aiming to kick off on a high note. Despite this star-studded lineup, the game lost steam quickly, partly due to its pricey DLC offerings failing to revitalize it. Speculation is rife about a sequel, hinting at possible changes—and potentially a new developer—ready to breathe new life into a future AEW title.

Behind the scenes, the development of AEW Fight Forever saw its fair share of turbulence. Fans eagerly awaited updates only to find Yuke’s and AEW weren’t always on the same wavelength, complicating the production of what was hoped to be a landmark wrestling game. Reports surfaced that top AEW talent, Kenny Omega, often disagreed with Yuke’s developers, adding to the rocky journey.

When the game hit the shelves, it didn’t quite make the number one contender spot, with sluggish sales and dwindling DLC interest. Many gamers ended up paying significantly less or snagging it as part of subscription deals once AEW lowered its presence. Expectations from both fans and AEW insiders weren’t met, and gamers pointed out issues with core mechanics, an outdated roster, and various other shortcomings that left many disillusioned.

The onus for decisions on future games seems to rest on AEW, as Yuke’s has frequently sidestepped questions about a potential sequel. Although AEW has ventured into mobile gaming, the spotlight remains on producing another console game. Thankfully for fans, it seems that wish might not be far off.

Tony Khan, AEW’s President, has made it clear he desires to keep AEW’s gaming aspirations alive. He’s shown great enthusiasm following a renewal of AEW’s TV rights, signaling that he’s eyeing more significant gaming projects next. In an interview, Khan expressed optimism about continuing support for Fight Forever and pointed to a promising future for more AEW gaming adventures: “I think eventually, absolutely we’ll still keep putting AEW games into the world.”

Yuke’s, on the other hand, appears to be playing the waiting game, leaving it up to AEW’s decision-making. Khan’s proactive stance suggests AEW will keep exploring new gaming opportunities, perhaps with a partner more aligned with their vision, though a timeline remains elusive as changes are expected before moving forward.

Rumors about friction during the game’s development and vague future plans have led fans to believe the AEW and Yuke’s partnership may be nearing its end. The collaboration was marred by misaligned goals, which undoubtedly impacted the game.

For AEW, finding a new developer could be the ticket to an outstanding gaming hit. The wrestling promotion’s talent pool and new recruits offer rich possibilities for another game, yet achieving greatness in a non-WWE wrestling game demands more than just good content; it requires visionary execution.

Patience, even through long delays, may rub fans the wrong way, as experienced with Fight Forever’s release. However, rectifying past mistakes calls for finding a developer who shares AEW’s creative vision. Detaching from Yuke’s might be the crucial step needed to ensure the next console game’s success, something that recent reports seem to support.