WWE 2K22 brings the world of sports entertainment back to consoles after a brief hiatus, but what can we expect to see?
WWE 2K22 is coming and its slogan is promising that it «hits different», suggesting that the series’ hiatus period might have been just the thing to reinvigorate it. Fans will certainly be hoping that WWE 2K22 is a significant improvement over the disastrous WWE 2K20, which led to WWE 2K21 being canceled. But what do we know about WWE 2K22 so far? Well, we know the game is expected to release in March 2022, bucking the series’ October release trend. We also know that when it does release, it’ll feature new controls, updated graphics, and a redesigned engine. The game also uses a new facial scanning technology, and 2K claims that 85% of the in-game roster has taken part in having their likenesses scanned into the game. WWE 2K22 will also include more than 3,400 new animations but more details about the game will be detailed in January 2022 in a full reveal. In the meantime, we’ve gathered everything we’ve learned so far about the game below for your perusal. WWE 2K22 is definitely happening, but it won’t be out this year. During SummerSlam 2021,2K and developer Visual Concepts revealed that WWE 2K22 will release in March 2022, which goes against the game’s usual October release date trend. The game’s release will line up with the run up to Wrestlemania, where WWE fandom is at fever pitch, but it means that the WWE Universe will have to wait a little longer before a proper wrestling game arrives. We hope, though, that this extra time will mean that when it releases WWE 2K22 might actually be a great wrestling game. Back in April 2020,2K released a statement explaining the sudden cancellation of WWE 2K21, and how it planned to make WWE 2K22 the best game yet. “We hear you and we know you want more from the franchise, so we are applying what we’ve learned to the next WWE 2K simulation game with a renewed focus on quality and fun,” the publisher said. “As part of that commitment, we are extending the production timeline and will not be releasing a WWE 2K simulation game in 2020. We want to ensure the development team can create a great game that will entertain grizzled WWE 2K veterans, as well as newcomers who want to climb through the ropes and step into the ring for the very first time.” There are high hopes, then, that WWE 2K22 will be a return to form for the franchise, but also that it will dramatically improve upon previous entries, which have been rather lackluster. We’ve rounded up all the WWE 2K22 trailers below for your viewing pleasure, including some interesting insights from the development team which show some of the game’s new technology in action. WWE 2K22 SummerSlam trailer The second trailer for WWE 2K22 was unveiled at WWE SummerSlam, and showcased the game’s new lighting engine. We also got a glimpse of some superstars who have been confirmed for the game, including Roman Reigns, Bobby Lashley and Kane. WWE 2K22 teaser trailer The first trailer for WWE 2K22 dropped during Wrestlemania 37 and stars a photorealistic-looking Rey Mysterio and Cesaro battling it out.
