WWE 2K22 is a professional wrestling video game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports. It is the twenty-second overall installment of the video game series based on WWE, the ninth game under the WWE 2K banner, and the successor to 2019’s WWE 2K20. It was released on March 11, 2022, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Gameplay
WWE 2K’s MyCareer mode was rebranded as MyRISE and focused on separate stories for both male and female superstars. Using created superstars, players can form alliances, make enemies, and branch into subplots based upon the players choices.
2K Showcase returned, featuring cover superstar Rey Mysterio, allowing players to play through the biggest moments of his WWE career. The 2K Showcase mode incorporated new features and updates. By progressing through, players are able to unlock new characters, attires, and arenas. At IGN Fan Fest 2022, a gameplay of the match between Rey Mysterio and Dolph Ziggler at SummerSlam 2009 featured a transition method between in game to real time action. The game also features a new mode called MyFACTION. In it, players are able to build a wrestling stable by collecting, managing, and upgrading WWE Superstars with regular updates and weekly events. MyFACTION features player cards from throughout WWE’s history.
Universe mode returned with several updates, including the ability to change camera angles while spectating matches. Other new features include playing exclusively as a single superstar, focusing only on their matches and storylines.
MyGM, formerly known as GM Mode, returned to the series for the first time since 2007’s WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008. Players can choose between Sonya Deville, Adam Pearce, William Regal, Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, or a custom character to take control of one of WWE’s four brands: Raw, SmackDown, NXT, or NXT UK. Players can book wrestling shows in high school gyms and on primetime television, draft superstars, manage contracts, and control costs, while trying to create the premier WWE brand.
Community creations in the creation suite were cross-platform. Custom images can also be used in character select screens, which allowing the player to put their own photo(s) on screen.
Development
After WWE 2K20 received a negative reception from critics and fans, WWE 2K franchise executive producer Patrick Gilmore promised that the title would rely more on the quality of the game. The game was officially announced after a teaser trailer, featuring Cesaro and Rey Mysterio, aired during WrestleMania 37 in April 2021, with a “Hit Different” tagline. The announcement came nearly a year after 2K Sports canceled a planned WWE 2K21 title.
During the July 23, 2021, episode of SmackDown, commentator Michael Cole revealed that WWE 2K22 would feature a rebuilt game engine and smoother controls; this was later confirmed by sources close to 2K. The second teaser trailer aired during SummerSlam in August 2021, announcing a release date of March 2022.
On November 18, 2021, a “Hit List” trailer was released, highlighting ten specific features emphasizing the game’s tagline. In the trailer, it was revealed that GM Mode (called MyGM) would be making a return to the series for the first time since 2007’s WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, and that the game would feature redesigned gameplay controls.
On February 23, 2022, rapper Machine Gun Kelly was announced as the official executive producer, accompanied by a short trailer which involved Kelly and WWE legend The Undertaker. The baseline soundtrack includes songs from artists such as Machine Gun Kelly, YUNGBLUD, Bert McCracken, Wu-Tang Clan, KennyHoopla, Motörhead, Poppy, Royal Blood, Bring Me The Horizon, The Weeknd, Turnstile, Asking Alexandria, and Bad Bunny.
Release
On January 20, 2022, an official trailer for the game was released alongside the official release date of March 11, 2022. Rey Mysterio was announced as the main cover star for the Deluxe and Standard editions.
The game has three official editions: the “nWo 4-Life” edition, the “Deluxe” edition, and the “Standard” edition. The “nWo 4-Life” and “Deluxe” editions were released on March 8, three days ahead of the release of the “Standard” edition on March 11.
Post-release content
WWE 2K22 DLC packs will be available through the Season Pass as well as available to purchase individually. The first DLC pack will be the ‘Banzai Pack’, launching April 26th 2022. This pack will includes Yokozuna, Umaga, Rikishi, Omos, and Kacy Catanzaro. On May 17th 2022, players the ‘Most Wanted Pack’ will launch, which adds Cactus Jack, The Boogeyman, Vader, Ilja Dragunov and Indi Hartwell. On June 07th 2022 the ‘Stand Back Pack’ will release adding The Hurricane, Stacy Keibler, A-Kid, Wes Lee, and Nash Carter. The final pack will launch on 28th June 2022 and will be named the ‘Clowning Around Pack’. This will include Doink the Clown, Ronda Rousey, The British Bulldog, Mr. T, Doudrop and Rick Boogs.
Reception
WWE 2K22 received “mixed or average reviews” for the Microsoft Windows version and “generally favorable reviews” for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions according to review aggregator Metacritic
