Recently announcing three new video games slated to debut in the next few years, AEW has well and truly put itself on the map when it comes to gaming adaptations. From a GM-focused mobile title that allows players to build their own roster of talent and book matches to the cryptic AEW Casino: Double or Nothing app that is allegedly slated to debut very soon, the company delivered a number of surprises back in November.
However, the biggest reveal was, of course, the official AEW video game, which will be developed by Yuke's and have WWF No Mercy creative director Hideyuki Iwashita on board as a collaborator. Although the game is still in the early stages of development, AEW World Champion Kenny Omega premiered a stream focusing on the title yesterday, sitting down with fellow wrestler Kip Sabian to answer some pressing questions about the upcoming game.
The first thing Omega reveals is that the game will not be in fans' hands for a while, telling Sabian: "we're hoping next year, maybe the year after that." According to Omega, the team really wants to get the game right, claiming that AEW and Yuke's want to make the release as "legendary" as titles like WWF No Mercy. As it stands, Omega says he's played the "building blocks" for what's to come, telling viewers that it's beginning to feel a lot like the iconic titles it's influenced by.
The second question he's asked is whether the game will feature a create-a-wrestler mode, with Omega answering with a resounding yes. According to the world champion, the ability to customize a created character was a "high priority" for the team, with Omega assuring fans that Yuke's and AEW are trying their hardest to "make sure it's really robust, make sure there's a lot of options, [and] a lot of maneuvers for you to add to your character." He's then asked whether there will online competitive play, with Omega clarifying that there will definitely be online multiplayer. According to the wrestling legend, Yuke's is even trying to add crossplay, so those on different consoles can fight against one another. He even hints that there may be exclusive features for those battling online.
Omega goes on to also clarify that the game will be neither arcadey nor simulation-based, finding a sweet spot in between with fast-paced gameplay but intricate countering, submissions, and moves that make you feel like a real AEW superstar. The questions end with the wrestler recounting how he came to work with WWF No Mercy director Hideyuki Iwashita, revealing that the pair began talking even before the first-ever AEW show. It seems the upcoming game is shaping up to be something very different and is definitely one to watch for wrestling fans.
The AEW video game is currently in development for current and next-generation consoles.