It's clear that something drastic needs to change with WWE video games. Their series didn't always get stellar reviews but most games were at least pretty good. That changed with WWE 2K20, which was filled with glitches, had disappointing graphics, and sold poorly due to the negative press that it received.
It got so bad that WWE 2K21 was shelved, giving the developer an extra year to prepare for WWE 2K22. In terms of changes to make to improve this new game, there are some totally new things they can try and some ideas worth pulling from wrestling games of the past.
10 Take From Old Game: Custom Music
It's kind of amazing that this is something gamers haven't been able to pull off in years. Technology has only improved, yet this simple concept from the days of past generations is now gone. Remember having Raw 2 on the Xbox?
You could download music onto your system and then apply it to your created wrestler. That allowed you to avoid generic themes. It was extra helpful when creating a wrestler from another wrestling company because you could implement their actual entrance music.
9 Fresh Idea: Behind-The-Scenes Aspect
Games have tried something along these lines in the past. Universe and GM mode allow you to book your own matches, pick winners, and choose who to push. But what if it actually went further than that? WWE loves to peel back the curtains with things like documentaries and storylines so it could be done in a game.
There could be something along the lines of NBA 2K's MyGM or Madden's Owner Mode. It would allow you to control every aspect of WWE, even going as far as to handle merchandise, ticket prices, contract negotiations, and more. You could actually feel like Triple H or Vince McMahon.
8 Take From Old Game: Free Roam Backstage
On paper, this might not seem like much but it was actually one of the most enjoyable aspects of the past. Smackdown: Shut Your Mouth on the PlayStation 2 allowed players to freely walk around the backstage area in the story mode before competing in the ring.
During this time, you could interact with random superstars in various areas or talk to the General Manager about title shots and more. Bringing this back would add a new twist. Plus, with improved technology, more could be done to really open up the possibilities.
7 Fresh Idea: New Gameplay Engine
There is no more obvious entry than this one. Even if you were a fan of the way WWE games typically played out, there's no denying that it grew stale over the years. Only relatively minor changes were made to it, making WWE 2K19 not feel much different from old Smackdown vs. Raw games.
After the disaster that was WWE 2K20, the franchise needs to basically start from the ground up. It should be something totally new and something that feels like the product fans watch on TV every week. It's a delicate balance but 2K has proven they can do it with their NBA series.
6 Take From Old Game: Non-CAW Story Mode
Due to the success of NBA 2K's MyCareer mode, it was brought over to WWE. The idea is a great one on paper as creating your own wrestler and moving up through the ranks until you hit the top of WWE is a blast. However, even with changes, it's already a bit tired.
It would be welcome if WWE 2K22 brought back old story mode concepts. Something like "Road to WrestleMania" where you got to take an existing wrestler and play out a fun storyline or go the Smackdown: Shut Your Mouth route and get wrapped up in whatever comes your way.
5 Fresh Idea: Realistic Commentary & Crowd
One of the biggest gripes that fans have had with these games is the commentary. It always seems like they're just spouting off randomness. Meanwhile, the NBA 2K series has seamless commentary that feels like you're watching a real game despite the action moving much faster than a wrestling match.
It's imperative that this gets fixed. The crowd is another issue, though 2K still struggles with this for basketball games as well. The audience just exists and fills out the screen. They need to be able to react accordingly to whatever is happening in the ring instead of just making noise.
4 Take From Old Game: Fire Pro A.I.
Fire Pro Wrestling has long been considered one of, if not the best wrestling game around. While it can't topple what WWE does in terms of graphics or presentation, it succeeds due to its deep customization and the A.I. Not only do the matches play out in a more realistic fashion than WWE games but they also allow you to adjust the A.I.
Basically, you'd be able to adjust the character's logic so they perform as they would in real life. That way you won't have Big Show wrestling like a mat technician or Rey Mysterio trying to press slam someone. Again, this is something NBA 2K offers already so it's possible.
3 Fresh Idea: Cinematic Matches
Due to the unforeseen events that changed the world in 2020, WWE had to get creative. With next to no live crowds in attendance, they opted for cinematic matches. This included AJ Styles vs. The Undertaker in a Boneyard Match or Bray Wyatt battling Braun Strowman in a swamp fight.
Not all of these were successful but they could be awesome in a game. Plenty of goofy, over-the-top things happened in these bouts that would play out great in video game format. It would be a way to keep the realistic simulation aspects and merge them with a wacky arcade style.
2 Take From Old Game: General Manager Mode
This has been the single biggest request from fans over the years. Back in the days of Smackdown vs. Raw, fans could play General Manager mode. Each player would control Raw or Smackdown (and ECW at times) and compete against each other. That included drafting rosters, signing wrestlers, and seeing who could put on the better show.
The concept has even become a highlight of Xavier Woods' UpUpDwnDwn YouTube channel. GM Mode was removed when the brand split went away. However, WWE brought the split rosters back in 2016, yet the mode remains missing. A return would bring a lot of old players back.
1 Fresh Idea: Roster Updates
Once again, this is taking something that NBA 2K does and applying it to WWE. In those games, the roster is constantly updating to reflect injuries, trades, and free agent signings. WWE games should utilize this for whenever someone debuts or moves between brands.
It would also be beneficial for wrestlers who get a new gimmick, entrance, or change their appearance. Far too often have WWE games seem outdated because a wrestler changes their character as soon as or before it hits shelves. Plus, overall ratings could go up or down based on someone's recent success.