Pro wrestling fans have a long history of great video games associated with the sport, but less so in modern years. As such, expectations are heaped on top of AEW's announced 3D wrestling game that's said to take inspiration from classics like WWF No Mercy for the Nintendo 64. It's no surprise then that fans are anxious to see more of AEW's game, with a release date or window being most important. While AEW hasn't made an official announcement, it's comfortable saying it's looking at 2022.
AEW EVP and the company's current World Champion Kenny Omega was recently interviewed on the Wrestling Observer Radio show. During the show, Omega provided a brief update on the game's development, which he's helping to oversee. Regarding the game's release window, Omega is surprisingly forthwith, saying that that AEW plans to "hopefully get it out by next year." However, he acknowledges that they aren't able to "commit to a solid date, just in case."
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Beyond its release window, Omega also discussed some of what AEW's been working on for the game's development. He described how work on character models, like the previously revealed Darby Allin, is progressing but isn't 100% complete yet. He also says that gameplay for it has been slowly coming together, with individual character move-sets beginning to be implemented. Omega says that what he's seen is "really exciting."
In the grand scheme of things, AEW is a very young company. It was founded in 2019 and rushed to start working on multiple AEW games, which it has put millions of dollars into making happen. Which is to say that AEW is learning on the job when it comes to game development. A 2022 release is aggressive, but not impossible given veteran wrestling game developer YUKE's is behind the project. However, talking about the game's release date so early rarely works out to a game's benefit.
So far, AEW's released two games. The first, AEW Casino: Double or Nothing, isn't a new game but rather a reskin of an existing casino app. The second, AEW Elite GM, launched just recently and lets fans book and manage fantasy wrestling shows. AEW set an aggressive pace for the development and release of its AEW manager game and ultimately delivered. The game's received some criticism regarding its polish, but that's paled compared to the excitement for its release.
While AEW does seem to be anxious to share more information about its upcoming 3D wrestling game, it also seems comfortable acknowledging that game development doesn't always go as planned. The priority is making a great new wrestling game and AEW wants to give YUKE's the time and resources to make that happen.
AEW's 3D wrestling game is currently in development.
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Source: Ringside News