Major Changes Ahead for the Future AEW Video Game

All-Elite Wrestling (AEW) is contemplating a change in developers for its next video game following the mixed reception of AEW Fight Forever, released in June 2023. To compete with the WWE 2K franchise, AEW enlisted Yukes, the studio famous for classic wrestling titles like WWF No Mercy, aiming to capture the arcade-style action reminiscent of earlier wrestling games.

However, AEW Fight Forever failed to resonate with fans as expected, garnering a mixed critical response at launch and a divisive reception that has persisted despite Yukes’ efforts to introduce new playable wrestlers and game modes.

While some players appreciated the retro gameplay style, many wrestling enthusiasts have expressed disappointment over the game’s lack of polish and limited presentation features, notably the absence of in-match commentary. Earlier this year, AEW owner Tony Khan assured fans that Fight Forever would continue to receive support, but more recent reports suggest a potential shift in direction.

According to Insider Gaming, multiple sources indicate that AEW’s management is "strongly considering" hiring a new developer for its next mainline console game due to issues encountered during the development of AEW Fight Forever.

One insider revealed that Fight Forever exceeded its budget and struggled to perform well at launch. This revelation comes amid reports of numerous challenges and delays that plagued the game’s development, with earlier accounts suggesting that Yukes faced pressure to release the game earlier than it should have.

AEW's Next Game: A Potential Change in Direction

AEW’s original agreement with Yukes included a commitment to provide at least one full year of updates for AEW Fight Forever, which appears to have been honored with the latest DLC pack that introduced popular AEW wrestlers like Jay White, Samoa Joe, and WWE Hall of Famer Adam Copeland.

Despite this, several notable AEW stars, such as Will Ospreay and Mercedes Mone (formerly known as Sasha Banks), remain absent from the game’s roster, leaving fans wondering if Yukes plans to develop any additional DLC content.

If AEW is indeed moving forward with a new developer for its future licensed video game, it raises questions about the future support for AEW Fight Forever. As WWE continues to solidify its presence in the gaming realm with successful titles like WWE 2K24, AEW may find itself reassessing its approach after the lukewarm response to its initial venture into virtual wrestling.