The initial foray into the video game arena by All Elite Wrestling with “AEW Fight Forever” saw a rollercoaster of reactions since its 2023 release. Prior to this, the wrestling video game landscape had largely been dominated by WWE, with only minor titles and a lackluster TNA game trying to make a mark since the WCW days. So, for wrestling enthusiasts, AEW’s game was a breath of fresh air, offering a new choice. However, it became clear that creating a flagship wrestling game presented its own set of challenges and shortcomings.
The renowned video game company Yuke’s joined forces with AEW, gearing up for launch with prominent names such as Kenny Omega, CM Punk, and Bryan Danielson. Even with this star-studded lineup, the project faltered in gaining substantial traction, largely due to costly downloadable content (DLC) packs that failed to invigorate the game as expected. However, there’s buzz around a possible sequel, sparking hope that a new developer might bring AEW’s vision to digital life more effectively than before.
### AEW & Yuke’s: A Rocky Partnership
As development unfolded, fans were left in a cloud of confusion about updates and progress. The collaboration between Yuke’s and AEW was hardly seamless, with clashing philosophies creating tension in what was hyped to be the largest non-WWE wrestling game in years. Rumor also has it that AEW star Kenny Omega wasn’t entirely on the same page with Yuke’s during the initial game-making phases.
When “Fight Forever” finally hit the shelves, it didn’t exactly set sales on fire and the DLC intrigue fizzled out within a year. Many players ended up snagging the game at discounted prices or even free through various subscription services AEW later tapped into. Expectations from fans were high, and the finished product didn’t quite meet them. Players pointed to several flaws, including an outdated roster, a limited variety of match types, and a mediocre Create-a-Wrestler feature.
When asked about a sequel, Yuke’s diverted the pressure back to AEW, stating it’s up to AEW to decide its gaming future. AEW has dabbled in mobile gaming, but the anticipation for a major console game remains high. An eventual sequel seems likely, much to the delight of their fanbase.
### AEW Boss Tony Khan Eyes More Gaming Ventures
Uncertainty may loom at Yuke’s regarding future AEW titles, but Tony Khan, the head honcho of AEW, sees a gaming future. Known for his optimism, buoyed by a recent lucrative TV deal, Khan hinted at grand plans for upcoming games in an interview with YouTuber Mr. Wright Way. He reassured fans that the current “Fight Forever” would continue to receive support while keeping the pipeline open for more games in the future. He remarked:
> “I think eventually, absolutely we’ll still keep putting AEW games into the world.”
Yuke’s has been more cautious, waiting for AEW to make the next move. Khan, however, is proactive about exploring new opportunities, underscoring the chance to partner with a different developer. With no set timeline, significant shifts in planning and execution seem likely before any development kicks off.
### AEW Might Thrive Without Yuke’s
Given the rumored misunderstandings and silent stagnation about what lies ahead, speculation is rife that AEW’s partnership with Yuke’s might be nearing its end. The discord during development highlighted the mismatch in vision, contributing to the game’s downfalls.
Securing a new developer could be the magic key AEW needs to hit a home run in the gaming sphere. The talent pool within AEW is immense, and adding their fresh signings could potentially establish a formidable game. However, success in the wrestling game genre, particularly without the WWE brand, demands exceptional quality and innovation.
Initial delays and a lengthy wait for the first AEW game tested fan patience, and AEW will need to make this next wait worthwhile. Addressing prior complaints about “Fight Forever” is crucial, and as they gear up for a follow-up title, aligning with a developer who shares their vision is a vital step. Breaking away from Yuke’s, AEW seems ready to seek a partnership more suited to crafting a blockbuster sequel, and recent whispers in the wrestling and gaming communities suggest this might just be on the horizon.
