2K and Visual Concepts officially announce WWE 2K23, revealing a plethora of details like its cover star, release date, improvements, and more.
2K and Visual Concepts officially reveal WWE 2K23, the next entry in the long-running franchise, as well as details regarding its cover star, game modes, release date, and more. WWE 2K23 releases on March 17, 2023, and it will feature John Cena (in three iconic poses) as the cover star on its standard, Deluxe, and Icon editions.
Following the successful format set up by WWE 2K22, this new entry continues to iterate and improve its core content. WWE 2K23 promises «incredibly realistic graphics, animations, camera angles, and lighting, plus accessible controls and a new optional pinning mechanic will add to the highly immersive experience.» Beyond base improvements, it also features a new game mode called WarGames, a unique twist on the 2K Showcase featuring John Cena, and improvements for MyGM Mode.
WarGames is a 3v3 and 4v4 single-player or multiplayer match where players will compete in two side-by-side rings, surrounded by a steel cage. Exact game rules are not yet certain, but WWE has held annual WarGame matches since 2017 under its NXT brand, with SurvivorSeries WarGames 2022 being the first time it featured in a WWE PPV in this time. Meanwhile, the 2K Showcase makes its return with the same Slingshot Tech used in WWE 2K22, with the showcase spanning Cena’s 20-year WWE career and is narrated by Cena himself. The twist, this time around, is that players will not be John Cena. Instead, «players will step into the boots of several of Cena’s toughest competitors with one goal in mind: defeat the man who will ‘Never Give Up.'»
“It is a pleasure to tell the story of my career through the WWE 2K23 Showcase,” said John Cena. “2K has done a fantastic job capturing and invigorating the WWE 2K franchise through this concept, and I am honored to grace the cover of WWE 2K23.”
MyGM mode features a handful of improvements, like more GMs to choose from as well as a custom GM. Perhaps the biggest improvement is the inclusion of «multiple seasons,» as WWE 2K22’s MyGM mode ended after one season. Other improvements include additional show options, expanded match cards, and more match types, all with the goal of beating the rival GM in weekly ratings. MyFACTION, MyRise, Universe, and the creation suite all return with a plethora of improvements too, such as the ability to play MyFACTION online and Universe expanding with a reworked story system.
Overall, it seems like another step in the right direction for the WWE 2K brand, after the universally panned release of WWE 2K20. It all remains to be seen, of course, but fans will know themselves in just a few weeks’ time.
WWE 2K23 releases on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X on March 17.
