WWE and 2K have jointly revealed this year's installment of their pro wrestling video game efforts, but it's maybe not what you'd expect. WWE 2K Battlegrounds will release this fall as the only WWE game available on consoles.
That confirms what we heard last week during a WWE investor meeting, in which the brand's CFO told investors there's "not going to be a launch of a game this year" when asked about the mainline, usually annual WWE 2K series. Last year's game received such poor reception due to its messy launch that it seems Visual Concepts is taking the extra time to get its next game right, which is especially important when you consider it will likely be the first next-gen version of the game.
As for WWE 2K Battlegrounds, those familiar with the publisher's other work may find it familiar. It's being developed by Saber Interactive, the same team behind NBA Playgrounds, and after a buyout, NBA 2K Playgrounds 2. This arcade-styled character models, power-ups, and arenas have all been moved from the court to the squared circle for Battlegrounds.
As for the main series, 2K said Visual Concepts has brought Patrick Gilmore on to the team to help rejuvenate the series. Wilson has decades of industry experience and has previously worked on games like Killer Instinct, Medal of Honor, and Amazon's upcoming MMO New World. According to 2K, Gilmore will be "overseeing WWE 2K development."
Lastly, 2K says the company has heard players' requests to keep servers up and running for WWE 2K19, and says they will remain active "for the time being." It's unclear whether that means they'll be receiving additional time online as it's usually around this time where 2K sunsets an annual series' servers from a year before.
No specific release date has been given for WWE 2K Battlegrounds but the company said to expect it this fall.
