It looks like we now know what the roster size will be for the upcoming AEW console game.
AEW Games and Yuke’s are hard at work with the AEW Fight Forever title. Back in April, Fightful Select reported that the timeframe for the game’s release is late September.
In a new report, Fightful Select says the game will feature around 50 playable characters. The report noted that there will be some “disappointing omissions.” With that said, DLC has been discussed.
On top of that, CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, Sting, Adam Cole, and Ruby Soho have all been confirmed for AEW’s debut console game.
Here is a list of wrestlers confirmed for AEW Fight Forever so far:
2022 could end up being a very good year for wrestling video games. WWE 2K22 has been released to a lot of positive reviews, and the latest reports indicate that AEW’s first console video game offering could be coming before year’s end.
So far, our looks at the AEW video game have been few and far between. The game was first announced a little over a year and a half ago.
Speaking on the Put Your Quarters on the Glass YouTube channel, Omega discussed the game’s pending arrival and updated fans on when we can see some more footage from the game.
“I mean we’re working real hard on trying to get something that is presentable, trying to get something that is gonna be complete, ASAP and hopefully that means this year,” Omega said (h/t ComicBook).
He continued, “Hopefully we’re also gonna have more materials to show everyone real soon and I know that there should be something actually really soon being released. I’m not sure when this will release but you may have already seen it by now and that’s just a little taste for things to come but there should be something more expansive, something a little more of an in-depth look, I would say in the upcoming months for sure. Just keep everyone up to speed let everyone know where we’re at.”
Jungle Boy in the AEW Video Game
In a report a couple of week’s back, Fightful Select noted that the AEW video game is expected to release this year among talent and staff. The target date is September. They recently had a cutoff for the roster’s theme music entries and the roster itself that will make it into the game. The company and developers have also reportedly reached an agreement with a publisher. That announcement should be made officially very soon.
Make sure to check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news: Apple – Spotify – YouTube.We discussed the updates on the AEW video game a couple of weeks ago on the show.
“Downloadable game software; Downloadable computer game software; Downloadable electronic game software; Downloadable interactive game software; Video game discs; Downloadable video game programs; Downloadable video game software; Recorded video game programs; Recorded video game software.”
Here are some more recent articles chronicling the game’s development:
The AEW console game apparently has a tentative release window and it’s a lot closer than you might think.
Fightful Select reports that the timeframe for AEW’s first foray into console gaming is late September. The report makes note that this is a tentative release window, meaning it’s entirely possible that the game can be pushed back if need be.
Some newer AEW talents have said on social media that they may have missed the time period to make it into the game. This indicates that the game is on track for that late September window but many factors will determine if that plan can be executed.
The upcoming AEW video game is being developed by Yuke’s, the former longtime developer of past WWE games.
A new trademark filing may be used for All Elite Wrestling’s highly anticipated AEW console video game.
On Monday (3/21), AEW filed an application to secure the phrase, AEW: Fight Forever. According to the US Patent & Trademark Office database, the Goods & Services usage is listed as:
“Downloadable game software; Downloadable computer game software; Downloadable electronic game software; Downloadable interactive game software; Video game discs; Downloadable video game programs; Downloadable video game software; Recorded video game programs; Recorded video game software.”
AEW also filed to trademark the term “Undisputed Elite” this week. The Goods & Services usage for Undisputed Elite is described as:
“Fan clubs; Providing a website featuring entertainment information in the fields of sports and entertainment; Providing entertainment information in the fields of sports and entertainment via a website; Conducting entertainment exhibitions in the nature of wresting exhibits and performances by professional wrestlers; Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network.”
AEW Video Game
AEW is expected to release its first console video game later this year. Below are some recent articles chronicling the games development:
AEW fans have been clamoring for new information regarding an upcoming console game and they might get it soon.
Back in Nov. 2020, it was revealed that AEW handed Yuke’s the keys to develop a console game. Yuke’s used to be the developers of the WWE 2K series before cutting ties with 2K Games.
Fast forward to 2022 and while we’ve had some details and gameplay footage emerge, things are still being kept under wraps with the game. Could we be in for some fresh info and an update on the roster?
More AEW Video Game News Soon?
Kenny Omega appeared on Wrestling Observer Radio and while he didn’t make any promises, he did say that the hope is that something can be shown off as soon as the AEW Revolution PPV, which is set for March 6 (h/t Wrestle Purists).
“I don’t wanna promise at the PPV or in that PPV week but we were hoping to possibly show a little more of where we’re at & little bit more progression, reveal possibly new characters”
Kenny did mention that the goal was for matches in the game to have a fast pace similar to what fans witness on TV every week.
“We want it to feel like how a match would flow but within a video game, so the matches will probably, in general, go a little bit quicker. But we want them to feel like the user is able to assume the role of their favorite AEW Superstar.”
SEScoops will keep you posted when any new info on the AEW console game surfaces.
The love of video games within the AEW roster is no secret. Many of their wrestlers make frequent references to video game characters in their matches or during their promos. Several are also active on Twitch and other video game communities. It also came as no surprise that an AEW video game was in the works. That market is largely dominated by WWE titles, several of which have not been favourably received in recent years.
The first AEW video game developers Yukes just released a new sneak peek at their work in progress. It is the second bit of gameplay footage for the title, this time involving Darby Allin.
The footage was also given a voiceover by world champion, and video game fan, Kenny Omega.
The teaser shows Darby’s in-ring moves including a coffin drop inside and outside of the ring, and his backflip dropkick.
AEW All In for AEW Video Game Production
Talking in a recent interview, Tony Khan said that not only was AEW committed to developing the AEW video game franchise but that their 8-figure investment in the project was keeping the company from making profits.
That doesn’t scare the chairman and shows the level of commitment the Khan family have to the AEW brand. Computer games and wrestling go hand in hand, and while they are still in the early days as a company, AEW has established itself as a big-name brand. An AEW game is a sensible move. It fits with the brand and will help expand their brand and bring new eyes and ears to their product.
Kenny Omega has provided new details regarding the AEW video game that is currently in development.
During his recent interview with TalkSport, AEW’s World Champion provided some updates on the game’s progress. He also revealed the timetable for its eventual release.
Omega first explained how they are trying to make a game that will be enjoyable for casual and hardcore gamers alike.
When is the AEW video game coming out?
The AEW video game is currently scheduled to be released during the first quarter of 2022.
“I would say in a perfect world, give it about a year’s time,” said Omega. “We’re working really hard and we’re lucky to have two teams. One in America and one in Japan, working on this almost around the clock.
He continued, “We do know that time is of the essence. We can’t let this sit around forever and people want a game like, yesterday. We do want to release something as soon as we feel it’s ready and representative of what our brand should be and what will make fans happy.”
More on the AEW video game
AEW wants to create a game fans will love, but do not want to keep people waiting forever. They want to avoid a Street Fighter 5 or Cyberpunk situation. Those games were delayed repeatedly.
Apart from this, Kenny Omega also talked about the technical aspects of the game. They are working diligently to capture the essence of the different wrestling styles represented by AEW’s roster.
There’s much more to the interview. If you’re interested in AEW’s video game, visit TalkSport to read all the quotes from their chat with Kenny Omega.
Click below to learn more about the AEW video game:
The AEW Games Youtube channel has launched 2.Show, a new digital series hosted by AEW World Champion Kenny Omega. On the premiere episode, Omega and Kip Sabian spoke discussed the AEW console video game currently in development.
Sabian asked Omega the top 5 most common questions about the game that AEW has received from fans. Topics discussed include:
Gameplay: Arcade or simulation?
Estimated release date
Features: Create-a-Wrestler and Online
WWF No Mercy creator Hideyuki “Geta” Iwashita’s involvement
Gameplay: Arcade or Simulation?
When asked if the AEW console game style will be simulation or arcade, Kenny Omega replied, “Neither.” He explained that if you look at a pure simulation game, the best example is the Fire Pro Wrestling series. This is a beloved franchise with a devoted fanbase. However, there’s a high learning curve and it makes it less fun for people who want to simply pick up and play with their friends.
AEW is looking to incorporate the speed of arcade play with the movs and countering systems of a simulation game. They are looking to create a wrestling game that lets players feel like they’re actually in the ring with their opponent. Players will have the areal offense of Rey Fenix and can perform variations of the Canadian destroyer.
A clip was shown of the Young Bucks’ Meltzer Driver tag team move in development.
Release Date
Kenny Omega said they are attempting to create the greatest pro wrestling video game of all time. They want it to be fun and last for a long time. To create a game that improves upon WWF No Mercy, it takes time and effort.
Omega made some jokes at the expense of WWE 2K20. “Sometimes, when games are rushed, they encounter a lot of bugs. They become almost unplayable, and then they become a meme in themselves. We don’t want that! We want people to have fun with this thing.” They’re working with the best game developers and producers. AEW Games will release a complete, playable, unbroken package.
Unfortunately, they can’t give a release date just yet. Omega hopes the game will be out “maybe next year, maybe the year after that.” He assured viewers that they will receive regular updates on the AEW Games channel.
Omega says he was impressed when he played an early build of the AEW video game.
Features: Create a Wrestler & Online Play
The game will absolutely have a Create-a-Wrestler mode. AEW understands this is a beloved feature and it’s a high priority to them as well. They know some fans like to use the CAW suite to create themselves, fictitious characters and wrestlers from other promotions.
There will “absolutely” be online play. Wrestling fans can play with their friends or against their friends. They are exploring ways to incorporate cross-play functionality, so [example] gamers who own the AEW video game on Xbox can play against people who own the console game on Playstation. Online mode will involve all match types and specific functions will be exclusive to online play.
Geta’s Involvement
Finally, they asked about the process of getting Hideyuki “Geta” Iwashita on board with this project. Geta was the driving force behind WWF No Mercy (N64), the 2000 classic that is considered by many to be the best wrestling video game ever.
Kenny Omega says he did a lot of footwork on this game before AEW even launched. When he was still over in Japan, he visited the AKI studio, creators of WWF No Mercy. He spoke with the one remaining team member who worked on the game. Much of the original team has moved on. Many of them are developing mobile games. They all loved working on wrestling video games.
Omega received a message from someone he met at E3. This friend informed him that he was friends with Geta, who heard about the visit with AKI. Geta was eager to meet. Omega flew to Japan, where they decided to make a game together ‘when the time is right.’ They had additional meetings. AEW then linked up with Yukes and Geta was excited to join the team.
You can watch the the premiere episode of AEW Games: 2.Show below. Kenny Omega and Kip Sabian discuss the AEW game:
Tuesday’s AEW Games 1.0 Special Event saw Kenny Omega officially announce three AEW video games. At the conclusion of the keynote presentation, Omega shared “one more thing” with fans: Hideyuki “Geta” Iwashita is officially on board to help develop games with AEW.
Iwashita was the director of the beloved Nintendo 64 game, WWF No Mercy, which was released back in 2000.
In an AEW press release following the event, the promotion discussed Iwashita’s involvement in the team:
“The event also featured the introduction of wrestling gaming mastermind and the newest AEW GAMES team member, Hideyuki ‘Geta’ Iwashita, best known for his work on the critically-acclaimed No Mercy for fifth-generation consoles.”
Hideyuki ‘Geta’ Iwashita
AEW Games
In the statement, Kenny Omega reflected how every so often, a “revolutionary company” comes along and changes everything.
He claimed that this is precisely what AEW is doing. Omega noted the ambition was as valid for pro wrestling as much as it was for AEW’s video games:
“When I first signed with AEW, I asked Tony Khan to let me help assemble the best gaming team on the planet, to make the best wrestling games ever. With masterminds like Geta and the incredible team at YUKE’S, we are well on the path to deliver a fresh, vastly superior gaming experience that our fans deserve.”
During AEW Games 1.0 Special Event, Omega was joined by Aubrey Edwards, Dr. Britt Baker, and Cody. Over the course of the event, they announced they had partnered with former WWE video game developer Yuke’s Co. Ltd. for its console games.
The highly-anticipated console games will be available on both current and next-generation hardware. They also announced mobiles games, AEW Elite General Manager, and the upcoming AEW Casino: Double or Nothing.
The AEW video game is in development, but do not expect to play it any time soon.
AEW referee Aubrey Edwards was Chris Jericho’s guest on the latest installment of the Talk is Jericho podcast. During their discussion, Edwards revealed that she is involved in the game’s development.
Edwards not sure what she was authorized to reveal, aside from saying that the game is “very, very early on” in the development cycle. “It’s definitely a way’s out,” she said.
AEW Executive Vice President Kenny Omega, an avid gamer, is also involved. Edwards says she talks to Omega a lot about the project.
Chris Jericho asked what makes a good wrestling game. They know expectations are high. “It has to kick ass.” They are listening to feedback and will give the people what they want. They spoke about the importance of a robust Create-a-Wrestler suite.
She spent several years working on mobile games and believes that experience will help AEW deliver a great product. WWE’s release of 2K20 was an all-out disaster. Edwards talked about what went wrong with that game.
Her gaming console of choice is the Nintendo Switch. She likes that it affords her the flexibility to play from home or while on the road traveling. This bodes well for a Switch release of the AEW game.
Cody Rhodes took part in an “AMA” (Ask Me Anything) on Wednesday with Bleacher Report where he addressed the status of the fabled AEW video game.
Cody gave a candid update on the project. He let fans know this is a big project and they are taking it seriously. AEW does a great job with their “Road To” hype videos for pay-per-views and big events. They plan to take a similar approach with this game.
“I’ll give the honest update: the AEW video game will be something all fans know about as we begin the process and as we move forward. If we were to make a very good game, which is our intention, it’s going to take time.”
He continued, “Game development is arduous, it’s a very creative space, and we want to do it right. We will keep people updated, it won’t come as a surprise, we want them to take the journey with us. Be extra patient so we can deliver.”
The discussion of a possible video game for All Elite Wrestling started back in July 2019 when Matt Jackson confirmed there had been talks of a potential game for the promotion but didn’t disclose any other details.
Fast forward, Kenny Omega, who is a big video game fan, has also stated that he’s made it his personal mission to bring back the classic AKI game engine used for famous wrestling games.
Games such as No Mercy and WrestleMania 2000. Back in March, Cody also talked about the game at C2E2. This is where he noted that there is a very specific type of game that people want.
He also pointed out that there is a very specific engine that people want and Omega would make an announcement about it soon. Thus, it appears we’ll just have to wait for it.
AEW star Kenny Omega took part in a Twitter Q&A session on Thursday morning. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion addressed a number of topics, including the latest on an AEW video game, how long he intends to continue wrestling and more.
Kenny Omega on…
Here are some highlights of what Kenny Omega said about:
Why he’s taken a reduced role in AEW so far:
“I lived out mostly all of my dreams during the last run I had and now a big part of my current dream is seeing a new generation thrive.”
“Was fun to have two incredibly large scale shows to look forward to back to back.”
If he prefers working dome shows, big arenas or more intimate venues:
“I’ve grown to love the 10-15k size. Ryogoku or Osaka jo are incredible.”
Which wrestlers he wants to see in AEW:
“Anyone with enthusiasm that’s can step up and hang with the top guys.”
Fans on Twitter being critical of AEW’s Women’s Division:
“Lately, most ‘criticisms’ I read are incredibly ignorant. Depressing the amount of fans that have absolutely no class. That being said, I do try to sift through those to get to the actual constructive criticism.”
How long he plans to continue wrestling:
“I always say 5, but I’ve been saying that for close to 10 years already.”
If he would be interested wrestling Tessa Blanchard, who challenges for the Impact Wrestling world title this weekend at Hard to Kill:
“She’s great, I think the match would rock.”
Who he considers to be the face of AEW’s women’s division:
“Still developing the face of the division, but Riho’s proven to be an inspiration to many, Shida is the complete package, and Kris has shown that she has the tools to take the div to another level.”
The latest on an AEW video game:
“Coming (hopefully) soon!”
When fans can expect another Kenny Omega vs. Xavier Woods video game battle:
“He tends to need months of practice before attempting to challenge my natural ability, so I’m just hanging out on stand by.”
I’ve given you every opportunity to play me in something but you wanna relive the glory days talking about old wins. Resting on your laurels sir pic.twitter.com/8xoqyeeYnv
AEW has not officially confirmed an AEW video game is in the works, but Kenny Omega has been outspoken about the topic. During a live panel at Starrcast III back in August, Omega said that an AEW game is one of his top priorities.
“I can’t share anything right now,” Omega said at the time, “but I wouldn’t be surprised if there was something to announce by the end of the year. Be ready. Be ready for that, guys.”
We’re still (eagerly) awaiting an announcement.
Kenny Omega states an AEW video game is top of his priority list, and we may have an announcement by the end of the year.
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Executive Vice President Kenny Omega has teased more information about the promotion’s interest in creating an AEW video game. He spoke about the prospect during a special Being The Elite Mailbag Live panel at Starrcast III.
“You know I’ve been globetrotting a little bit, and I’ve been trying to assemble and piece together some people who might be in the know the vision of what this needs to be,” he explained, before confessing that a video game for AEW is at the top of his priority list.
“I can’t share anything right now,” Omega added, “but I wouldn’t be surprised if there was something to announce by the end of the year. Be ready. Be ready for that, guys.”
Kenny Omega states an AEW video game is top of his priority list, and we may have an announcement by the end of the year.
This isn’t the first time that key figures of AEW’s management team have hinted at a video game. In a previous interview with Chris Van Vliet, fellow EVPs Matt and Nick Jackson also stated their interest in expanding into games.
When asked, they both replied “Yes.” Nick Jackson then added “We’re gonna have a little bit of everything.”
It’s no secret that Kenny Omega is a mega video game fan. He has infused video game references into his character from his move set through to his entrance at this year’s Wrestle Kingdom 13.
Matt & Nick Jackson are gearing up to take on Cody and Dustin Rhodes this Saturday at Fight for the Fallen. The Young Bucks recently spoke with Chris Van Vliet about a wide variety of topics related to All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Check out Chris Van Vliet’s YouTube Channel for more of his recent wrestling interviews with stars like Batista, Jimmy Havoc, John Cena, Kelly Kelly, Jungle Boy and more.
CM Punk in AEW:
The brothers were asked about CM Punk during the interview. They echoed sentiment previously express by Cody that the door was open for Punk if he ever wants to return to wrestling. According to the Young Bucks, however, there is no indication Punk is interested.
Nick: We’ll be honest. Of course, we would love him to come to our company. At this time, I just don’t think he wants to.
Matt: When he wants to come back to wrestling, it’ll be his decision.
Nick: Matt talks to him all the time about it but the timing is not right, I guess.
Matt: Professional wrestling is the most demanding thing in the world. You can’t just find yourself back in it one day and be like ‘okay, I guess I’m doing this again.’ You really have to want to do it and that’s up to him.
The “gimmicked” Cody Rhodes chairshot at Fyter Fest:
Shawn Spears hit Cody in the head with a chairshot at Fyter Fest. The result was Cody needed staples to close a wound the chair opened up on his head. Spears will be interviewed by Jim Ross regarding the incident. The interview will play on a future episode of “the Road to Fight for the Fallen.”
Nick: The chair, the middle of it was so thin, it should have probably broke over his head if it was right in the middle. The edge of it happened to nail him right in the back of the head and that’s what cut him up … It would have felt like a cooking sheet, as thin as that. So it should have been like that but it didn’t.
Matt: It hit him at the wrong angle and it busted him open … The lip caught him and it got him good.
Nick: Either way, we knew it would carry controversy.
Matt: We warned him and we were like ‘this is going to be a big thing’ and it was and it had its effect and it worked but I’m just glad he’s okay. It’s scary. Anything messing with your brain, it’s freaky. Everyone was freaked out either way. I’m just glad he’s okay.
Nick: I don’t think Tony will allow that again.
Matt: He was pretty upset about it.
Their Executive Vice President roles in AEW:
Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, Cody, & Kenny Omega are all Executive Vice Presidents of AEW. During the interview, the brothers mentioned that Omega in particular was perhaps a little overworked at Fyter Fest.
Matt: We’re such a baby company, still. I think we’re still just trying to figure that out. We’re all wearing 20 hats each.
Nick: We are behind the tag teams that are getting hired and signed. There’s different categories, you could say. Kenny is taking his time on the women’s division. He’s got his hands all over that.
Matt: You should have seen him at Fyter Fest. He worked 3 different matches he had to coach. Plus he had to do our match. He was nuts that day … At the end of the night, he just passed out.
The impact they are having on the wrestling business:
The success the Young Bucks have had in recent years has had a large impact on the wrestling industry as a whole. This fact has not been lost on Matt & Nick Jackson. They had the following to say on their impact on the business:
Nick: We’ve changed the whole pay scale for everyone in wrestling, which is awesome. A lot of our friends are getting paid and they’re finally making money for the first time in their careers. It feels good, it feels awesome.
Matt: The pressure has been put on everybody in the professional wrestling business … Everybody is trying harder now. It’s very competitive again. We need competition again. The industry needs it to survive.
If Being The Elite will continue when AEW TV starts:
It’s not clear if BTE will continue in the fall when AEW weekly TV begins. Matt Jackson indicated there could be formatting changes to BTE if the show does continue in the fall.
Matt: We always say we don’t know but how could it not in some way? I don’t know if it’s going to be the same format. Who knows? I don’t think that we can just get rid of it because it’s so powerful of a tool for us. I think it’s always going to have to be around in some fashion.
The latest on PAC and AEW:
PAC was originally scheduled to face Hangman Page at Double or Nothing. His deal with DragonGate prevented it from happening, however. The brothers indicated it is still likely we see PAC in the promotion, however.
Matt: He’s coming. I mean, eventually.
Nick: It’s a work in progress. It’s obvious that Matt and I are big fans of his. We met him like 10 years ago over in Japan so we’ll always have ties with him and we wanna work things out with him.
Matt: It’s a priority for us and I think we’re gonna make this thing work.
Nick: I think it’s just a matter of trying to fit his schedule with ours and hopefully, things will work out.
What would they be doing if there was no AEW?
The Young Bucks negotiated with WWE before signing with AEW.
Nick: The last options we had before AEW became a thing was going to WWE or starting our own thing and we were probably going to start our own thing.
Was WWE an option?
WWE was an option for the brothers. In fact, Matt Jackson said that at one point they and Omega thought they were going to end up there. Here is what they said about their negotiations with WWE:
Matt: We talked to them endlessly. At one point, I remember me, Nick and Kenny were in a room because all of our deals were up at the same time. We got off the phone one day and we looked at each other and we said ‘I think we’re all going to WWE.’ It was that close. Tony came to us at the right time and he made the right offer. I’m not talking financially, I’m talking ‘hey, you guys can run this thing’ and ‘I want you guys to hire your people.’ It’s like someone saying ‘I want you to make a movie and you can hire all the cameramen. You can hire all the writers, all your friends to be with you.’ He gave us the keys to this thing. You can’t say no to this.
Nick: One thing that took out of the race for going to WWE was the amount of dates that they wanted us to do.
Matt: They even offered us a limited schedule.
Nick: We have young families. Even with the limited schedule, it was like ‘God, I can’t imagine being home [just] for 2 days for my kids.’
WWE’s view of AEW as competition:
According to Matt & Nick Jackson, both WWE and New Japan are not happy with them. In fact, the word “hate” was used.
Matt: I think everybody looks at AEW as competition because we’re this new thing. People are afraid of the unknown. They’re like ‘who are these guys’ and every day you see a new headline about something we’re doing. It’s intimidating. People are fearful of change, I get it.
Nick: We’re gonna stay that way. We’re gonna be the alternative and we really do mean it. We want to be different from every other company that you see. I feel like the first 2 shows that we’ve done, we’ve given a different type of shoe every time we’ve done it.
Is there any talk about making an AEW video game?
Perhaps not surprisingly, the Young Bucks responded enthusiastically that they hope for there to be an AEW video game in the future.
Matt & Nick: Yes
Nick: We’re gonna have a little bit of everything.
