AEW Games made its big announcement on Tuesday, revealing early footage of the console game and more.
The biggest news coming out of the event was that Yuke's will be developing the AEW console game. Yuke's famously developed the WWE SmackDown series for PlayStation and the WWE WrestleMania and Day of Reckoning series for Gamecube.
Kenny Omega, who led the presentation, said he wanted to create a wrestling game that was fun to pick up and play, referencing NBA Jam, NFL Blitz, or Ken Griffey Jr's Slugfest along with No Mercy or Virtual Pro Wrestling.
Finally, Omega revealed some early footage from the console game featuring himself, Chris Jericho, and Hikaru Shida.
Holy @shidahikaru! #AEWGames
— TDE Wrestling (@tde_gif) November 10, 2020
https://t.co/5qDminrMRt pic.twitter.com/Ar36UVvmrW
#AEWGames pic.twitter.com/sRg6lhWx4h
— Ross Tweddell (@RossOnRasslin) November 10, 2020
Trailer for the upcoming AEW video game on current-gen & next-gen consoles. No release date given pic.twitter.com/85aXwejdBh
— PWUnlimited (@PWUnlimited) November 11, 2020
No release date or further details were given on the game.
Aubrey Edwards was out next to introduce the AEW Elite GM mobile game, which allows fans to run AEW as their own. It is unknown when the game will be released on mobile devices.
Developed by Crystallized Games, AEW Elite GM is the evolution of the GM simulator genre, taking the strategic elements of simulation and fantasy games to create a competitive and engaging space for the wrestling community to take part in. By incorporating the expanding AEW brand, AEW Elite GM serves as a celebration of wrestling as a whole. Fans take on the role of General Manager, who is responsible for managing a roster of AEW wrestlers, booking matches, and running the show in order to generate revenue, new fans and effects on wrestlers’ stamina and morale.
Finally, Cody Rhodes introduced AEW Casino: Double or Nothing, another mobile game that plays as a casino. The game is set to be released in winter.
Developed by KamaGames, winner of the ‘Best Social Gaming Operator at the EGR North America Awards 2020’, AEW Casino: Double or Nothing features AEW-branded versions of slots, blackjack, poker and roulette, along with AEW music, sounds, videos, wrestler virtual avatars, gift packs and more.
GAME FEATURES
TOURNAMENTS – Master your poker skills! Participate in WEEKLY Sit’n’Go and Shootout tournaments, where you can WIN unique AEW trophies or millions of chips and top our Leaderboard!
PLAY AGAINST THE CASINO – Try your luck at unique poker modes. Challenge the dealer in Split bet poker and Set poker!
MULTI-TABLE TOURNAMENTS (MTT) – The most popular offline tournaments are now available online! Play at several tables with lots of worthy competitors and reach the final table!
WIN BIG – Players can win REAL AEW merchandise and prizes in special tournaments and sweepstakes!
At the end of the presentation, Omega revealed that he also recruited Hideyuki Iwashita (aka Geta), who helped develop the No Mercy series and Def Jam series.
Geta is onboard. #AEWGames pic.twitter.com/H75on9YoR5
— Fightful Wrestling (@FightfulWrestle) November 11, 2020
There's also a t-shirt.
AEW sent out the following press release:
All Elite Wrestling Announces Launch of AEW GAMES
-- AEW’s Initial Gaming Offerings Feature Highly Anticipated Console Game and Two Mobile Games --November 10, 2020 – After revolutionizing the wrestling industry, AEW today shared its plans to reimagine the gaming world with the launch of AEW GAMES. The new venture will initially deliver three new gaming options to fans including two mobile games and the highly anticipated console game being developed with the renowned video game developer YUKE’S.
The birth of AEW GAMES was ushered in with a star-studded keynote special event hosted on YouTube, featuring Kenny Omega, who has been at the forefront of AEW’s console game, along with Cody Rhodes, Dr. Britt Baker and Ref Aubrey Edwards. The event also featured the introduction of wrestling gaming mastermind and the newest AEW GAMES team member, Hideyuki “Geta” Iwashita, best known for his work on the critically-acclaimed No Mercy for fifth- generation consoles.
“Every once in a while, a revolutionary company comes along and changes everything. AEW is doing that today,” said Kenny Omega, EVP of AEW. “When I first signed with AEW, I asked Tony Khan to let me help assemble the best gaming team on the planet, to make the best wrestling games ever. With masterminds like Geta and the incredible team at YUKE’S, we are well on the path to deliver a fresh, vastly superior gaming experience that our fans deserve.”
Two mobile games will be available even sooner for fans. AEW Casino: Double or Nothing is anticipated to launch this winter, and AEW Elite GM is anticipated to launch later in 2021. Developed by KamaGames, one of the fastest growing independent operators in the world, Double or Nothing will feature AEW-branded versions of slots, blackjack, poker and roulette, along with AEW music, sounds, videos, wrestler virtual avatars, gift packs and more.
Developed by Crystallized Games, AEW Elite GM is the evolution of the GM simulator genre, taking the strategic elements of simulation and fantasy games to create a competitive and engaging space for the wrestling community to take part in, incorporating the expanding AEW brand and serving as a celebration of wrestling as a whole. Fans take on the role of GM, designing a roster of wrestlers, setting up matches, and running the show to generate revenue, new fans and effects on wrestlers’ stamina and morale.
“It’s amazing to think that less than two years ago, we sent shockwaves through the professional wrestling industry with the launch of AEW, and now we are rolling out our new revolutionary games,” said Tony Khan, CEO and GM of AEW. “We make a point to listen to our fans, and we know that a rejuvenated and immersive gaming experience is critical to the overall wrestling experience. It’s going to be cool to see our fans enjoying a next-gen console wrestling game that actually implements their feedback. This is just the beginning of a new era of gaming for wrestling fans around the world.”
“It is a tremendous honor to be a part of writing the first page in a new history of wrestling games,” said Hiromi Furuta, SVP at YUKE’S.
Kenny Omega and the AEW GAMES team will provide updates to fans as well as ongoing development content on the following: YouTube.com/AEWGames, twitter.com/AEWGames, Instagram.com/playAEWGames, Facebook.com/playAEWGames and AEWGames.com.
Starting today, fans can also purchase new AEW GAMES merchandise on SHOPAEW.com.
You can watch the entire presentation by clicking here.
Fightful Gaming will continue to provide details on AEW Games as more is known.