AEW may be looking elsewhere for the developers of its future video games following the mixed response to its inaugural game, Fight Forever, which was released on all major consoles and PC in June 2023.
While the gameplay was fun and easy to pick up, fans voiced their frustration with the lack of depth in the game, game modes, and bugs that the game had. In April 2024, it was reported that the developers were pressured to “deliver something faster than what it should’ve been,” leading to the issues.
Mike Straw of Insider Gaming reports that sources have told him the decision makers at AEW are “strongly considering” finding a new development partner moving forward as the future of the AEW games hangs in the balance.
“They [AEW] knows that things didn’t go the way they expected,” one source said. “The game was over-budget and it under delivered when it came out. It has AEW strongly considering moving to a new developer for their games.”
The promotion wants to see where else they can go with their games. Their original deal with Yuke’s called for one year of post-launch content, which included four season passes that added wrestlers, moves, game modes, and venues. Yuke’s last released a DLC game pack in July, adding Will Ospreay, Kazuchika Okada, and Mercedes Mone.
Sources told the media outlet that the primary focus is on the gaming future as a whole, and everything is on the table regarding the future. The two sides reportedly butted heads before the game was released, including problems with AEW EVP Kenny Omega, who was at the point of “hating” working with Yuke’s.
Others felt that Yuke’s was trying to “take advantage” of Omega due to his inexperience in helping with game development.
