Wrestling Gamers Crave Something Fresh

After a near 20-year monopoly on pro wrestling video games, WWE’s clutch has been broken.

Sure, Impact Wrestling put something out and the Legends of Wrestling series received critical acclaim, but WWE has truly dominated the wrestling game space. Perhaps the juggernaut got too cozy on the throne because as evidenced by the disastrous WWE2K20, fans demand an alternative. In a rare instance of WWE listening to its audience, the company has scrapped plans for WWE2K21, presenting an opportunity for a new entity to step in and corner the market.

We’re all salivating over AEW’s eventual product, especially with avid gamer Kenny Omega leading the charge. In the meantime, Fire Pro Wrestling continues to pick up steam, as New Japan Pro Wrestling builds momentum in the United States. The popular simulated series Total Extreme Warfare has recently released its latest incarnation and buzz continues to grow for RetroMania.

.@SeanRossSapp shout out for the awesome video covering our up-coming independent Pro- wrestling game! https://t.co/pCjzJOMIWw
— Virtual Basement® (@VirtualBasement) May 28, 2020

And then there’s Virtual Basement, an indie game production studio that is bringing a 3D modeling approach to the wrestling space. Consisting of simulation and quick arcade fundamentals, the game is expected to release on the PlayStation 5 next-generation console. Similar to Fire Pro and RetroMania, the game should have a wide variety of characters to choose from, cherry-picking top names from around the wrestling world. Unfortunately, Impact Wrestling has allegedly asked its contracted talent to pull out of the game, a disappointing request considering Impact’s affinity for partnering with other promotions. Regardless, familiar faces like Ken Shamrock, Enzo Amore, Brian Cage, Brian Pillman Jr., Matt Sydal, Cryme Tyme and more have been announced for Virtual Basement.

What I’m most excited for is Ultraviolence, a deathmatch wrestling-style video game in development by indie designer Gackdaw. We haven’t had a truly innovative wrestling game in quite some time, and this could fill that void. Ultraviolence could conquer all contenders by offering players an endless amount of creativity. After all, that is the reason people play video games, to escape from the real world (especially these days) and transcend into a realm of fantasy and adventure.

I’ve been hard at work capturing animations and starting on systems. I have a ton of work to do but I am really happy with how Yeet Simulator 2020 is going, and I can’t wait to see the future.#ULTRAVIOLENCE #indiedev #ue4 pic.twitter.com/s6450nvisz
— Gackdaw (@gackdaw) August 23, 2019

Imagine if this game permits players to create their own match type and utilize whatever comes to mind. For example, a wrestler (player or com) vs. mascot (player or com) in a non-sanctioned zoo match with animals running around in the background. Throw your opponent into the lions’ den, ride a rhino around or lock them in a tiger cage (Carole Baskin belongs in there). The entire gaming community could upload their creations for fellow gamers to easily download and enjoy. With cinematic wrestling being the hot trend during the coronavirus pandemic, these outside-the-box settings would mirror what we’ve been seeing on TV.

Furthermore, an insane, backyard wrestling-style game would be a huge hit. Something gritty, bloody and ultraviolent (pun intended) to let fans release their frustrations over the current WWE product and go back to the Attitude Era that we sorely miss. No barriers, no restrictions. Anything should be possible in the name of fun.

The wrestling landscape has changed, so it’s time for the wrestling video game landscape to follow.