The way forward for AEW video video games at the moment hangs within the stability.
A number of sources have advised me that the choice makers at AEW are “strongly contemplating” discovering a brand new growth accomplice shifting ahead. This comes after quite a few points surrounding the sport’s growth.
“They [AEW] is aware of that issues didn’t go the way in which they anticipated,” one supply stated. “The sport was over-budget and it beneath delivered when it got here out. It has AEW strongly contemplating shifting to a brand new developer for his or her video games.”
AEW Battle Eternally launched in June 2023 to combined response. Whereas the gameplay was enjoyable and straightforward to choose up, the shortage of depth and varied bugs was a turnoff for a lot of gamers. In April 2024, GPlayr was advised that there was strain on the builders to “ship one thing sooner than what it ought to’ve been”.
Now, AEW is making an attempt to determine the place to go together with their video games. The unique contract with Yuke’s referred to as for one 12 months of submit launch updates which got here within the type of 4 season passes that added wrestlers, strikes, sport modes, and venues. The final DLC pack sport out in July, including Jay White to the roster. There have been talks for releasing not too long ago signed wrestlers Will Ospreay, Kazuchika Okada, and Mercedes Mone to the sport’s roster, but it surely’s unclear the place these talks between AEW and Yuke’s stand.
The sources who spoke on the situation of anonymity say that the first focus is across the gaming future as a complete.
“Every little thing is on the desk,” GPlayr was advised. “There have been some positives with the Yuke’s relationship, and a few really feel that with a basis in place, one other sport might make issues higher slightly than giving up after one try. However you may’t argue that there are considerations with how issues went within the last 12 months of the sport’s growth.”
Points with Yuke’s and AEW date again to earlier than Battle Eternally was launched. There was plenty of butting heads between either side, together with involving AEW government vice chairman Kenny Omega. At one level, I used to be advised Omega was annoyed to the purpose of “hating” working with Yuke’s whereas others felt that Yuke’s was making an attempt to “take benefit” of Omega on account of his inexperience round serving to with sport growth.
“Nobody was actually blissful when the sport got here out,” a supply stated. “Even earlier than launch, inner talks began about whether or not to proceed with the sport with Yuke’s, deliver it over to a brand new developer and both construct on what’s been accomplished or begin from scratch, or depart the console market and proceed to give attention to cell.
“Lots of people within the firm need one other shot with a console sport, but it surely solely issues if the one signing the checks desires to belief them once more.”
When requested the place that sits, I used to be advised, “Nobody is aware of.”
AEW owns the engine used for Battle Eternally, and may deliver it over to a brand new developer in the event that they wished to construct on prime of what was made. It’s unlikely that, after Battle Eternally went nicely over funds and didn’t flip a revenue, the corporate would look to have one other sport constructed from scratch. However that comes all the way down to the form of deal made with a brand new accomplice.
It’s essential to make clear that these are at the moment within the discussions stage. No last choice has been made by AEW relating to a brand new accomplice or if there’ll even be a brand new sport any time quickly.
“There are feelers out to among the bigger builders within the area, together with some apparent ones, to see what the curiosity in wrestling video games are,” it was stated. “They’re doing their due diligence earlier than any choice is made.”
What do you assume the long run holds for AEW video video games? Be a part of the dialogue within the official GPlayr Boards.
For extra GPlayr, examine Tony Hawk’s newest tease relating to the way forward for the Professional Skater collection. And don’t neglect to join our weekly publication.