WWE 2K22is a unique entry in the pro wrestling series in that it’s had more development time than any game in the franchise has had for decades. FollowingWWE 2K20’s disastrous launch, the decision was made tocancel plans forWWE 2K21so the developers could focus on makingWWE 2K22the best that it could be, with the game currently slated to launch March 2022, right around WrestleMania season.
WWE 2K22finds itself in an unique spot for other reasons as well. Namely, WWE has been on a talent releasing spree, letting go some of its most recognizable superstars like former world championsBray Wyattand Braun Strowman. This has undoubtedly had an impact on theWWE 2K22roster, and it seems that these releases have messed with the game’s post-launch DLC plans as well.
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This report comes from Sports Gamers Online, who claim that the first DLC forWWE 2K22was supposed to be based on NXT wrestler Bronson Reed, with otherNXT wrestlersplanned for DLC as well. According to SGO, “a minimum of four” of the NXT wrestlers released this past August were meant to be DLC forWWE 2K22, so the releases have thrown the game’s DLC plans into uncertainty.
Some of SGO’s sources believe thatWWE 2K22may ditch the franchise’s typical DLC model in favor of roster updates, and that these updates may even be free. Whether or not there’s any truth to these claims remains to be seen, but it’s an interesting prospect, to say the least.
WWE talent releases have caused problems forWWE 2K22, but wrestlers leaving on their own volition couldn’t have been helpful either. One of WWE’s top stars was Daniel Bryan, who is now wrestling under his real name in AEW as Bryan Danielson. Reports indicate thatDanielson was planned for theWWE 2K22roster, but his jump to AEW has obviously made that impossible.
While this report aboutWWE 2K22’s scrapped DLC plans may worry some fans, there have been many positive behind the scenes reports about the game’s progress. Reports have praised the game’s new engine and have hyped it up as a return to form for the pro wrestling franchise. And withWWE 2K22bringing back General Manager modeand seemingly making a number of other fan favorite decisions, it seems like it could very well redeem the franchise in the eyes of WWE fans.
