Dreaming Of AEW’s Video Game

There has been a lot of talk about what to expect from AEW’s eventual TV deal, but what about the first AEW video game?

Wrestling fans and avid gamers are anticipating a return to the glory days of wrestling video games. Everybody talks about AEW being an alternative to WWE, well listen, we need an alternative to the WWE 2K series. We’re tired of the same simulated gameplay, limited controls and predictable commentary that WWE 2K has presented for nearly a decade and charged an outrageous price for. Honestly, WWE 2K19 is the exact same thing as WWE 2K18, only with the NXT roster inserted.

I have faith in AEW creating a fun wrestling game like SmackDown: Here Comes the Pain or gold standard WWF No Mercy because we know Kenny Omega, an executive vice president of the company, is a passionate gamer. With his knowledge and enthusiasm, perhaps he can lead the initiative toward developing an exciting video game for AEW. Wishful thinking is a game engine similar to No Mercy with graphics similar to HCTP, but those are probably too outdated for modern gamers. Maybe we’ll see something completely fresh with never-before-seen features, easy-to-learn controls, combined with over-the-top action.

Giving credit where it’s due, WWE 2K perfectly sculpts the wrestlers’ graphics, 3D features and entrances. It’s 2019, wrestling games have to compete with every other franchise on the market. But the series’ commitment to emulating exactly what we see on WWE TV has also ruined the video game experience. Instead of playing a carbon copy of Raw and SmackDown, we want to be able to use our imagination and escape from McMahonland. With the second brand split in recent years, I was hoping for WWE 2K to resurrect GM Mode. It was the best feature of the old Raw vs. SmackDown games in the mid-2000s, allowing players to run their own show while competing for ratings against either another player or the computer. Obviously, AEW doesn’t have enough talent or broadcast platforms to split its roster right now, but maybe an AEW video game could feature a new version of GM Mode.

If AEW wants to score big on this play, then let the DLC just be coins for us fans to buy items for our customized arena or wrestler. There should also be a story mode with an AEW Shop to unlock hidden talent (perhaps from the indy scene), alternative apparel and maybe even Jacksonville Jaguars players. It’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility that Nick Foles could throw a dropkick.

There should be zero boundaries when it comes to developing this bad boy. Let your imagination run wild! What if finishers could happen at any time, having the ability to injure your opponent to the point where they are standing on one leg? Counter the WWE 2K series by producing a game rated Mature, allowing for vulgar language, risqué storylines and most importantly, intergender matches. I can’t stress how disappointed I was to not be able to play Asuka vs. Braun Strowman when she was undefeated and he was unstoppable. WWE 2K restricted that dream match, censoring what I could do with something I paid my hard earned money for. It’s like wearing an AEW shirt to SmackDown…let me live my life, Vince!

It would be cool if the AEW video game featured updated commentary like Madden has. Depending on how often the eventual TV show airs, maybe let the commentators record some new lines every other week or so. Another leap away from the confines of WWE 2K would be allowing players to choose whatever background music they like during matches. Customization is key, from creating wrestlers to entrances to movesets to environments. We should have the freedom to pit The Young Bucks against the Lucha Bros in Las Vegas, Mexico City or the damn beach.

It sure is fun to think about all the possibilities. Obviously a video game isn’t a top priority at the moment, but if AEW is truly focused on giving the fans what they want, a surefire way toward “changing the world” is saving us from WWE’s monopoly on the video gaming industry.

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Dan Corrigan

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