WWE 2K22 was arguably the most successful game in the franchise published by 2K Sports. Following the disappointment of WWE 2K20, it proved that Visual Concepts can create great wrestling games. WWE 2K22 fixed many of the issues that the previous titles had and revitalized the franchise. With WWE 2K23 in development, fans are hoping for certain changes that could improve the overall experience of the game.
While WWE 2K22 did get more things right than wrong, there are certain issues that the next installment in the franchise will need to address to deliver a better game. Improvements to a few game modes, better creative options for fans, and changes to certain in-match mechanics would help make WWE 2K23 one of the best wrestling games on the market. Further, with competitor AEW set to release its own game soon, Visual Concepts and 2K Sports will need to show fans that WWE 2K22 was a stepping stone towards something much bigger and better.
Better Universe Mode
One of the biggest criticisms that WWE 2K22 was given was how short and repetitive Universe Mode was. This is an issue that has plagued the franchise and steering this mode as the main offline game mode for the series would be a major step in the right direction. While both MyRise and MyGM game modes were big improvements to the series, Universe Mode has the potential to become the Career Mode for fans who want to create their superstar and simply compete on their favorite shows.
There are many ways for WWE 2K23 to improve Universe Mode and one would be to include a more realistic path for new superstars. As it currently stands, a created superstar can quickly rise through the ranks and become the world champion after only a few hours of gameplay, which is what leads to the repetitive nature of the game mode. Another way would be to include a better rivalry system that could help create longer storylines within Universe Mode and give players a lot more to explore.
In-Match Improvements
WWE 2K22 vastly improved the in-game mechanics from previous titles making the game more accessible and entertaining. While the gameplay has a few bugs and glitches, the biggest problem is the detection system which often means that certain moves will completely miss the opponent and send the superstar crashing into the mat. This is most noticeable during top rope or springboard moves and can take out the entire flow of a match.
Another area that needs to be improved is enemy A.I. Which has been known to use the same move repetitively and often does not pick realistic choices. During ladder matches, for example, especially the Money in The Bank match, opponents will choose to fight the player rather than stop another superstar from getting the briefcase. Fixing these A.I. Issues could greatly improve the gameplay in WWE 2K23 and could give fans tons of enjoyment without frustration.
Improvements to MyGM Mode
Bringing back GM Mode was probably the smartest decision for WWE 2K22, but it also deserves the most improvements. The lack of options in matches, titles, and even superstars during the draft prevented the game mode from being the powerhouse it was in previous titles. Thankfully, MyGM mode shows a lot of promise, and if some concerns are resolved for WWE 2K23, it can return to its former glory.
One way that MyGM mode can be improved is by dialing back on the simulation-heavy aspects and giving players more arcade options. Adding in different match types will give players the chance to improve the variety of their show and ensuring that there are different titles other than the main male and female titles for each show will encourage more rivalries and create legendary matches. Further, only having three matches per show is very unrealistic and this should be fixed to give players more options and create more cinematic moments. Improving these features in MyGM mode would bring the game mode back to its former glory and give fans the game mode that they have been asking for.
Creation Suite
WWE 2K has always featured one of the most in-depth character creation systems in gaming allowing players to create any character they have in mind. WWE 2K22 carried on this tradition but fell short in one major way, creating an entrance. In WWE 2K22, players cannot create advanced entrances anymore, which means that created superstars are given generic entrances, not allowing players to add their own flair and creativity to every part of their custom superstars.
WWE 2K23 needs to bring back these advanced entrances as they add a lot of immersion into the game and give players the freedom that is required for any good creation suite. Combining different entrance motions with pyrotechnics, camera angles, lighting, and even screen movies is what made WWE 2K’s creation suite so good. Improving on past features such as adding in highlights of a superstar from matches to the movies or even importing music would be a great addition to WWE 2K23 and would help improve the customizability of superstars.
WWE 2K22 has successfully breathed life into a dying franchise and gave wrestling fans around the world a game that is reminiscent of heavy hitters like WWE Smackdown! Here Comes The Pain. With WWE 2K23 set to continue this rise but will need to make certain improvements and add a few more things that fans have been hoping for. With improvements to gameplay, more focus on the creation suite, changes to game modes, and hopefully even a new showcase WWE 2K23 could bring in yet another successful entry to the WWE 2K franchise.
WWE 2K23 is in development for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.