The release of WWE 2K25 is imminent, but the wrestling title isn't the only sports game set for a 2025 launch. NASCAR 25 is also set to hit the scene this year, bringing two incredibly popular sports brands back into the world of gaming. On the surface, these two games couldn't be more different, but both have featured legends in their respective franchises to help promote the projects, which has connected WWE 2K25 and NASCAR 25 in a fascinating way.
A recent dev diary from NASCAR 25 developer iRacing featured racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. As a spokesperson to help go over some of the features and details players can expect from the game at launch. Of course, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Doesn't really have anything to do with WWE, but WWE 2K25 has taken the same approach to promotion by including its own high-profile names in its marketing.
WWE 2K25 Almost Made Samoans Immune to Headbutts
WWE 2K25 almost made Samoan wrestlers like Roman Reigns and Jey Uso impervious to headbutts, replicating a recurring in-ring trope.
WWE 2K25 and NASCAR 25 Demonstrate How Intertwined Gaming Has Become in Sports Franchises
WWE 2K25 and Paul Heyman
WWE Hall of Famer and manager Paul Heyman is a massive figure in wrestling. As the manager and mentor of superstar Roman Reigns, Heyman continues to have a strong presence in the sport. At the most recent Sony State of Play, Paul Heyman announced WWE 2K25's The Island, an online hub that features extra content like quests, shops, and live events. Using a major WWE legend like Paul Heyman is a great way to help generate more hype for the game, as he's been with the company for over 11 years total now. Following this trend, NASCAR 2025 is also taking advantage of its most prominent figures.
WWE 2K25 launches on March 14. However, those who have early access can play a full week early on March 7.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Is More Than Just a Mere Spokesperson
It makes total sense for NASCAR 25 to use Dale Earnhardt Jr. As the official racer to promote the upcoming game, but he's played a far more integral role in the project than one might assume. He's also serving as an executive producer on NASCAR 25. Being so involved in NASCAR 25's development and promotion is an exciting indication that NASCAR is seeking to make gaming a bigger priority moving forward. Not only does it seem as though NASCAR is taking gaming more seriously, but it appears that the sports industry has truly embraced video games.
NASCAR 25 has yet to reveal a release date, but it's scheduled for fall 2025.
WWE 2K25 and NASCAR Showcase the Rise of Gaming
Sports games aren't new to the gaming industry, but over the years, gaming has become far more prevalent in mainstream pop culture. Gaming was once seen in a different light compared to other forms of entertainment, but it's now just as popular; even more in some cases. Now, the presence of major sports legends like Paul Heyman and Dale Earnhardt Jr. In their respective games' marketing is an exciting example of just how normalized gaming has become in other industries. The features of WWE 2K25 and NASCAR 25 could have been exciting enough if announced by a developer, but having actual high-profile names from each sport push the projects helps solidify these games as not just fun pastimes, but as memorabilia.
Both have featured legends in their respective franchises to help promote the projects, which has connected WWE 2K25 and NASCAR 25 in a fascinating way.
The upcoming arrival of WWE 2K25 and NASCAR 25 seems to have truly embraced the overlap of gamers and sports fans. Instead of just featuring sports stars on covers, playing a part in marketing and announcements adds an extra layer of excitement, marking a strong period for the genre. The willingness of athletes and major figures to promote games based around their sports shows enthusiasm from these massive companies, further proving the reach gaming has gained over time.
WWE 2K25
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 80 /100 Critics Rec: 87%
- Released
- March 14, 2025
- ESRB
- Teen // Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Visual Concepts
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Sports
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Wrestling, Sports
