All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) video game franchise is at a crossroads. Sources close to the company reveal that AEW is “strongly considering” partnering with a new developer, following numerous issues surrounding AEW Fight Forever’s development.
Development Woes
AEW Fight Forever, released in June 2023, received mixed reviews due to:
– Lack of depth
– Various bugs
– Over-budget production
– Underwhelming performance
Contractual Obligations
AEW’s original contract with Yuke’s included one year of post-launch updates, which concluded with the fourth season pass in July. Talks about adding new wrestlers, including Will Ospreay, Kazuchika Okada, and Mercedes Mone, remain uncertain.
Future Plans
Sources indicate that AEW is reassessing its gaming strategy:
– Exploring new developer partnerships
– Considering building upon Fight Forever’s foundation
– Weighing the option to leave the console market
Internal Tensions
Issues between AEW and Yuke’s date back to before Fight Forever’s release, including:
– Creative differences
– Frustrations with Yuke’s
– Concerns about exploitation
AEW’s Options
AEW owns the rights to Fight Forever’s build, using Unreal Engine 4:
– Can bring the build to a new developer
– May opt for a new game built from scratch
– Uncertainty surrounds the company’s next move
No Final Decision
AEW is currently in discussions with prominent developers, including:
– Exploring interest in wrestling games
– Conducting due diligence
The future of AEW’s gaming franchise hangs in the balance, awaiting a decision that will shape the company’s console gaming presence.