So, by now, you probably realize that WWE 2K20 ended up being a disaster for 2K Sports. The game underperformed in sales numbers; and its comical glitches have since become the stuff of YouTube legend. Unfortunately, that forced 2K to make a rash decision – continue with the status quo, or shake things up.
Fortunately, it chose to try something new, giving the WWE 2K “serious” franchise to rest. Saber Interactive stepped in to introduce WWE 2K Battlegrounds, an over-the-top, arcade-style wrestling game featuring a who’s who of male and female superstars alike. Along with special techniques and wild wrestling moves, the game also features some terrific modes, highlighted in the video below.
To get more insight in terms of what the game will have to offer, we sat down with executive producer Sean O’Connor. He breaks down more of the multiplayer, how many wrestlers included, and what its future could have in store.
First off, WWE Battlegrounds definitely looks like it channels an old-school favorite in the WWE legacy, WWE All Stars from 2012. Was this a decision made by the publisher, or did Saber Interactive make the suggestion?
As the developer of WWE 2K Battlegrounds, Saber Interactive has taken inspiration from many games, even some outside of the wrestling genre. The over-the-top, crazy arcade style direction was a decision made by Saber, but fully supported by 2K. We feel this is a great addition to our WWE games lineup and gives players a new way to interact with their favorite Superstars.
There’s some gameplay tactics that we saw hints at in the trailer. Tell us about how you can get “souped up” to slam opponents into the ground (or the turnbuckle or whatever).
In the various gameplay trailers and such we’ve put out, anytime you see a Superstar with a colorful glowing effect, they are either doing a combo attack, a special move or a finisher. Combos can be done at any time, as long as you have enough stamina. Special moves and Finishers are available when you build up your Heat bar, which fills as you inflict damage, taunt or even a little as you take damage. All these different moves add to the strategy and chaos inside the ring.
The interactive arenas look like they play a huge part in the game. Do they inflict additional damage to opponents, or provide some sort of “turnaround” for the match? (Also did John Cena provide any notes ever since he saw himself nearly getting fed to an alligator?)
They do inflict damage and can definitely turn the tide of a match. I’m not sure if John Cena has seen his fate in the jaws of a gator!
4How does it feel to bring the WWE brand back to the Switch for the first time since WWE 2K18? Fans are sure to be excited for this one.
It feels great to bring WWE back to the Switch and we’re very proud of the quality that Saber has achieved here. This is a perfect platform for brawling on the go.
So, how big is the roster in Battlegrounds? We saw male and female wrestling superstars alike, but how many will be in the game in all? Will more be available via DLC, or can you talk about that yet?
The roster at launch is over 70 current and legendary Superstars with more to come on a regular cadence post launch through free updates to the game.
How has reception been for the game thus far? Are people thrilled that it’s replacing the usual traditional entry in the WWE 2K series?
Reception to the game has been fantastic, but we don’t see this as a replacement or competition to the WWE 2K series. This is an expansion of our WWE offerings that gives players a new, fun and exciting way to be part of the WWE Universe.
Did you get a lot of feedback from WWE superstars and behind-the-scenes people to improve the game overall? Has Xavier Woods/Austin Creed taken it for a test drive yet?
We’ve worked very closely with the folks at WWE to make the game authentic while also being over the top and not fully realistic.
Do you intend to have WWE superstars streaming matches once the game arrives, or maybe before? I’m sure you guys have worked out something with UpUpDwnDwn at this point.
Of course we’d love to have WWE Superstars stream the game as we get into the launch window. Some of this will happen organically when the game launches, but stay tuned for any events we may coordinate.
If Battlegrounds takes off, can you possibly see future versions coming out in the years ahead? Or is it one step at a time for this franchise?
If the game is as well received and fans want more, then this is absolutely something that could grow into a bigger franchise. However, we do not currently see this as an annual release like some of the other 2K sports franchises.
What’s probably the most exciting thing players can look forward to in Battlegrounds? Multiplayer? Will there even be online multiplayer?
Multiplayer is the most exciting way to play the game. While playing against AI is fun, the game really shines when you get to brawl with your family and friends. You can do this locally or online.
Finally, while we’re talking about quirky WWE games that are due for a comeback… how about a sequel to Crush Hour?
Cool idea, but right now we’re focusing on getting WWE 2K Battlegrounds introduced to the world and continuing to support the community with more content after launch.
WWE 2K Battlegrounds arrives on September 18 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC.
