After the disastrous launch ofWWE 2K20, it’s clear thatWWE 2Kgames went back to the drawing board and came back stronger than ever.WWE 2K22, WWE 2K23, and the recently releasedWWE 2K24all launched to great reviews, with a plethora of game modes, and continued improvements from the last. There’s no denying that each WWE 2K game has improved upon the last and surprised fans. For example, Rey Mysterio’sWWE 2K22showcase was arguably a bit repetitive, but that was fixed with John Cena’s2K23showcase by playing those who defeated him, andWWE 2K24’s Showcase mode ensured this variety by focusing on WrestleMania.
SinceWWE 2K24just released, it may seem a bit early to be talking aboutWWE 2K25, but next March will be here before you know it. With next March most likely comesWWE 2K25, and across the board fans can expect continued refinement. However, the last two games have focused a lot on in-ring action by adding improvements such asWWE 2K24’s Trading Blows Mini-games. Both games also introduced new match types, withWWE 2K23adding WarGames andWWE 2K24adding Special Guest Referee, Casket, and Ambulance Matches (as well as improvements to Backstage Brawl). The in-ring action and match type selection is enough, though, to carry the franchise for a few releases. Instead ofWWE 2K25adding more to this formula, it could benefit from giving extra love to another game mode, specifically MyGM Mode.
WWE 2K25 Has to Continue WWE 2K24’s Upward Trend
While the past fewWWE 2Kgameshave been praised, there’s no ignoring the reality that it is an annualized franchise. It’s only a matter of time before the common, and understandable, criticisms that it’s “the same game with a roster change” begin rearing their heads. Once they do, it doesn’t matter how good the product is if it stays in the shadow of its predecessors. As a result, it would be a good idea for the games to shift more focus. The in-ring action ofWWE 2K24feels so good that anythingWWE 2K25adds to that department will feel even more incremental than it may necessarily be; instead, that in-ring action could carry a title or two while other game modes got some additional love.
That’s not to sayWWE 2K24didn’t bring improvements to MyGM Mode, to Universe Mode, toMyRise Mode, or to MyFaction mode, but that those improvements took a back seat to the continued focus of the in-ring action, understandably. It’s in such a good state now that it’s fine to be put on the backburner itself, at least for an entry or two, while the developers dedicated the time and attention of new match types and applied those to improving the other game modes.
Why MyGM Mode Should Be Picked
While the other game modes could certainly use some improvements, MyGM Mode is perhaps the most deserving. That’s nothing against the others, but whereas every game mode is great, MyGM Mode is the only one discussed with an *asterisk by its name. It’s sometimes hard to discuss how good the management aspects ofMyGM mode are when theSmackDown vs. Rawgames did it first, and in some cases, they did it better.
How WWE 2K25 Could Improve MyGM Mode
SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 would introduce MyGM Mode to the franchise, it would expand the game mode over a couple of entries, and then it was done. WhenMyGM Mode came back inWWE 2K22, it lacked many of the elements that made it great:
WWE 2K23andWWE 2K24improved on the MyGM match types, ensuring more than ever could be used, and it introduced new features like the ability to level up superstars, adding some emphasis to the seasonal gameplay. However, each season is limited to 25 weeks and not a full calendar year, Premium Live Events are just bigger standard weeks, and things like the Royal Rumble remain absent. It has seen improvement, but the kind that it needs now are not the incremental kind—it’s the leap forward kind.
Triple H Needs a Talking To
One lingering issue fromWWE 2K22areTriple H’s requests. These are a great way to earn Power Cards and feel the pressure from The Powers That Be, but at the same time, some of the requests make little sense. It doesn’t make sense for a World Champion to take a morale hit because you want to book them in a tag team or to host a specific type of match with no real build. More extensive requests, given most of them are good but just ill-timed, coupled with more possible happenings week in and week out (like the wardrobe malfunction) add some variety.
How to Improve PLEs in WWE 2K25
As it stands, PLEs inWWE 2K24are just one more promo slot and one more match. They’re a great way to earn come cash, to further storylines, and to take advantage of match type bonuses, but otherwise they are just like any other week. Some PLEs, especially the big four, should have special matches and modifies, while cross-brand PLEs should definitely be a thing. For example, it would be great if SummerSlam would have a few different conditions or options like across-brand Title Unification Match, while the Royal Rumble should have a cross-brand Rumble. Money in the Bank would be great if this was a special match type to help set up future rivalries. More unique elements to each PLE, something special for the Big 4 PLEs especially WrestleMania, and a full calendar to support those builds would be great.
A Calendar in MyGM Mode
A standard season in MyGM Mode should last 52 weeks (or even 45-50 if there are “off-weeks” for holidays), with all the PLEs used in order and with any and all special elements at play. For Survivor Series, players should be forced to set up or participate in a WarGames match. For the Royal Rumble, there should be a Royal Rumble. Luckily, the trading system, the superstar journey system, the show logistics, and other adjustments toWWE 2K24’s economy in MyGM mode would go a long way in supporting this, as would simply extendingrivalry builds fromWWE 2K24. It’s something easier on paper than in practice, but it’s just a matter of expanding it, balancing it, and making sure the play that feels good at 25 can be expanded, which is already possible to some degree given seasons don’t end until players reach the Hall of Fame and choose to retire it.
What’s more, if someone wanted to adjust the season length to 25 for some standard play, that should be an option too.
This would also be a great way to work in outside-show events, like stars appearing on a podcast. Impaulsive is essentially begging to be in MyGM Mode.
More Seasonal Gameplay Options
Beyond just season length, MyGM Mode should be fully in control of the player when it comes to seasonal rules. Beyond just season length, player should be able to make decisions regarding Power Cards at play, how often they can be used, and more. Some things, like stopping Power Cards from being played before PLEs should be a thing, but the standard set of rules should be as adjustable as possible. This is already a slight option given fans can choose to play a classic experience or have match types unlock as they unlock new show logistics. Beyond just these controls, it would be great if there were other seasonal options.
Cinematic, Story-Like Content
Although this is more unlikely, perhaps a story experience could be added with a few cinematic options, more dramatic booking choices, and a more interesting scenario overall. WWE 2K24’s MyRise mode got some attention in this regard, and combining that with a Universe-like calendar and MyGM Mode’s core elements could be a lot of fun.
WWE 2K24’s MyGM Mode is Really Good, But It Needs to Claim Its Championship Title
As it stands,WWE 2K24’s MyGM Mode is Cody Rhodes againstSmackdown vs. Raw’s Roman Reigns. Everyone knows how good Rhodes is, everyone wants him to be on the top, and everyone wants him to wear the belt that he deserves, but he still finds himself in second place to Reigns. A few key decisions could put Rhodes over, while a sharper focus could put MyGM Mode over. Hopefully, that changes after WrestleMania 40 forCody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, and hopefully, MyGM Mode can claim that top spot withWWE 2K25.
WWE 2K24
WHERE TO PLAY
FORTY YEARS OF WRESTLEMANIAWrestleMania is the biggest event in sports entertainment, where Superstars become WWE Legends. Experience a gripping retelling of WrestleMania’s greatest moments in 2K Showcase of the Immortals, where you can relive a collection of some of the most unforgettable, career-defining matches.AN ICONIC ROSTERWWE 2K24 boasts a star-studded roster featuring WWE Legends like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Undertaker, and Andre the Giant, alongside current WWE Superstars like “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Rhea Ripley, and Roman Reigns, whose larger-than-life entrances and signature moves are heightened by ultra-realistic graphics.NEW MATCH TYPESFrom Guest Referee to Casket, Gauntlet, and Ambulance matches, there are a bevy of new match types to experience in WWE 2K24, including support for multiple Superstars in Backstage Brawl.PROVE YOURSELF IN MyRISEUnleash your raw talent and become the undisputed champ in MyRISE, featuring two thrilling career arcs and original storylines chronicling your ascent to WWE stardom from the men’s and women’s divisions.BUILD YOUR FACTIONAssemble your favorite WWE Superstars and Legends in MyFACTION. Acquire cards, build a dominant faction, compete in online multiplayer and the all-new ranked quickplay. Plus, earn exciting promotional and final rank rewards as you climb the new seasonal leaderboard!
