The WWE 2K series will undergo a change this year as the realistic WWE 2K21 game won't be released due to the poor performance of WWE 2K20. Instead, WWE and 2K will release WWE 2K Battlegrounds, an arcade-style wrestling game with over the top action.
Speaking to Sarah O'Connell, 2K Battlegrounds Executive Producer Sean O'Connor provided further details on the game.
When asked about the development of the game, O'Connor said, "It's been in development for just under two years. We originally wanted to make a wrestling game that is accessible and easy to pick-up and play. Less serious, kind of over the top."
He went on to note that there are over 70 WWE superstars, past and present, in the game. Each wrestler will have a different "class/style" that comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Each wrestler will also have at least one alternate attire.
There will be multiple environments in the game and location-based environments such as New York, Scotland, and the Everglades will have interactive elements.
Jerry Lawler and Mauro Ranallo provided commentary for the game.
There is a "story mode" in the game where the user takes a group of seven superstars led by Paul Heyman and builds them as the next legends. It's not a gauntlet-styles story and does include an overall narrative. Both Create A Wrestle and Create An Arena are present in the game.
Those who pre-order will unlock Edge while those who purchase the deluxe edition will unlock Steve Austin, The Rock, and Ronda Rousey along with receiving extra game currency. O'Connor said fans won't be charged for anything in the game and everything is unlockable using currency earned in the game and through various modes.
He also stated there will be no paid DLC, but instead, 2K will provide fans with regular free updates that include additional superstars and items.
WWE 2K Battlegrounds is set to release on all major platforms on September 18.
