While publisher 2K Sports and developer Visual Concepts have yet to announceWWE 2K24, expectations for it are already high. After the disastrous launch ofWWE 2K20, the franchise took a hiatus, coming back stronger than ever withWWE 2K22and then withWWE 2K23. Neither game is perfect, though, and each has laid the foundations for future features. Fans can reasonably expectWWE 2K24to be announced at the Royal Rumble in January, but anticipation will remain high between now, then, and the full release.
The biggest question on everyone’s mind is probablywho the cover star ofWWE 2K24will be, and it’ll be interesting to see how that superstar’s career is likely covered in the Showcase mode. But following John Cena’sWWE 2K23Showcase mode will be as hard as following him on a promo. The creative choices made in his Showcase Mode ensured that it was top-notch, and it’ll be hard forWWE 2K24to improve on that.
Interestingly, one important rivalry missing from WWE 2K23’s John Cena showcase is his feud with CM Punk. Now that CM Punk is back in WWE, it seems likely that fans will at least be able to reinvent it in standard matches or MyGM Mode in WWE 2K24.
John Cena’s Humility Made WWE 2K23 Better, But WWE 2K24 Harder
In a twist of fan expectations,John Cena’sWWE 2K23Showcase Modefocused on matches that he lost, not those that he won like Rey Mysterio. It’s a bit ironic to be heavily featured in a game, but for that to be someone’s losses instead of the victories. It works for Cena because he has always been humble and has always pushed the idea of never giving up, and that’s easy for someone who wins all the time to say. However, it stands to reason that many other WWE Superstars would not want an entire game mode focused on the losses of their career. The benefit of this Showcase Mode, unlike Rey Mysterio’s inWWE 2K22, is that players got to play as many superstars. Not just John Cena. This introduced some much-needed variety in the game mode that focusing on a superstar’s wins can’t achieve.
Therefore, it’s a tough position forWWE 2K24. The easiest route is a cover star who has some great matches and wins, yet fans will be playing as this WWE superstar for a dozen or so matches, ensuring some degree of repetitiveness in the Showcase Mode. Depending on who it is, it could just be a letdown in comparison toWWE 2K23,but that’s still a hard starting position. There has been some discussion among fans thatWWE 2K24should feature Bray Wyatt as the cover star, in memory of thepassing of Windham Rotunda, and that would most likely be the best single superstar that could be chosen. It would immediately skirt these possible criticisms because of how emotional it would be, replacing variety with tons of love. At the same time, it seems likely thatWWE 2K24would have chosen its cover star before his passing. It’s not impossible, but game development is a train that doesn’t really slow down.
Another possibility would be to feature a faction. It might be a bit premature forWWE 2K24to feature The Judgment Day or The Bloodlinewhile they may both still have some great matches ahead of them, but this would give fans a roster of wrestlers to play as. It could even feature some unique tag matches for The Usos or some fun ringside interactions a la The Judgment Day.
It’s not an enviable position to come back after John Cena, but thus far,WWE 2K24developer Visual Concepts hasn’t given fans any reason to doubt. Fans just have to wait and see what it does for its Showcase Mode, as well as what it does in the game as a whole.
WWE 2K23
WHERE TO PLAY
Expanded features, gorgeous graphics, and the ultimate WWE experience. Hit the ring with a deep roster of WWE Superstars and Legends including Roman Reigns, “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, Ronda Rousey, Brock Lesnar, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and more!2K SHOWCASE: INTERACTIVE SPORTS DOCUMENTARY: Play through the key moments and toughest opponents of John Cena’s storied 20-year WWE career. And in a franchise-first, take on the role of each marquee opponent - some of WWE’s greatest of all time - as you aim to take down Mr. Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect.IT’S WARGAMES: The fan-favorite action-packed WarGames makes its debut in WWE 2K23 and delivers heart-pounding 3v3 and 4v4 multiplayer mayhem inside two side-by-side rings, surrounded by a double-steel cage!YOUR SHOW, YOUR CHOICESWith MyGM: take the reins of a weekly show and compete against rival general managers for brand supremacy. Now featuring more GMs to choose from, additional show options, multiple seasons, expanded match cards, and more match types for up to 4 players.YOU HOLD ALL THE CARDS: Collect and upgrade cards of WWE Superstars and Legends to build the ultimate faction and compete for global dominance in MyFACTION, now featuring online multiplayer!DEFINE YOUR FUTURE IN MyRISE: Walk through the curtains for your WWE debut and shape your career as a WWE Superstar with the decisions you make along the way through distinct storylines - The Lock and The Legacy.THE UNIVERSE IS ALL YOURS: WWE Universe Mode is the ultimate sandbox that puts you in charge of WWE, from Superstar rosters, feuds, champions, weekly shows, and more!
