WWE 2K22 is highly anticipated, as fans have been waiting for some time to experience the next chapter in the WWE 2K wrestling series. After taking a break last year to reassess the franchise, 2K and Visual Concepts are coming back with a new title that promises to address the issues seen in the last title. Among the improvements that WWE 2K22 could make, its campaign mode could stand to be refined. The campaign mode, called MyCareer in recent years, has generally been considered to be solid. For WWE 2K22 to stand out from its predecessors more, though, Visual Concepts should look to revise the MyCareer game mode.
The last title in the main series, WWE 2K20, had an almost universally negative reception. The game was criticized for its technical issues, graphics, and relative lack of gameplay options compared to previous year's titles. As such, WWE 2K22 has lofty expectations to meet in addressing the issues with the franchise while still pushing it forward. There hasn't been much gameplay shown as of yet, but fans are hopeful that the new game will be a marked improvement. A fresh take on the MyCareer mode could be an important part of getting wrestling fans interested in WWE 2K22.
WWE 2K22's MyCareer Should Feature Several Minor Changes
The WWE 2K series' MyCareer mode has performed well enough with fans over the years. The campaign mode tends to feature a similar format in every iteration in the franchise, with players creating a playable superstar who rises through the ranks of indie promotions and gets hired by WWE. The superstar moves through NXT, Raw, or SmackDown before eventually headlining WrestleMania and being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. This format certainly makes sense, as it has been the career trajectory of many legendary WWE stars, but WWE 2K22 would benefit from making tweaks to this framework.
One way that Visual Concepts can help MyCareer hit differently in WWE 2K22 is by changing up supporting characters. MyCareer tends to feature original characters who help the player on their journey, but they're rarely well-received. Most fans tend to consider characters like Tre from WWE 2K20 to be unconvincing, and it might make more sense to have established real-life WWE characters in these supporting roles. The flow to MyCareer tends to be unrealistic as well, as it often sees players going from training straight into working what would be considered classic matches quickly. This doesn't really happen on WWE television, and MyCareer would benefit from progression akin to what's shown on WWE programming.
Visual Concepts needs to go beyond just fixing the series' issues in WWE 2K22. As a way of evolving MyCareer, the developer should look at adding more replay value, which could mean taking inspiration from RPG games. MyCareer has historically been a pretty linear experience, and adding some key decision-making could help add replay value. Empowering the player to make decisions about alliances, rivalries, and their overall path could see gamers create some disparate careers. Where one player may choose to fight a superstar, another could choose to form a team with them. Allowing players to make important decisions and even choose long and short-term goals could really make WWE 2K22's MyCareer stand out.
WWE fans are expecting a lot from WWE 2K22, as they are hoping that the new game will finally bring the series forward. A more engaging MyCareer mode would be a major way to reinvest some fans in the series. With some tweaks related to its replayability, supporting characters, and logical career progression, fans could be in store for a far more comprehensive campaign mode. No game modes have been confirmed yet for WWE 2K22, but it's reasonable to assume that a career mode of sorts will feature. If it does come, it would be for the best if it made some improvements like these.
WWE 2K22 is currently in development.