AEW Fight Forever, launched in June 2023, was meant to be the wrestling game that would evolve over time, with downloadable content (DLC) adding wrestlers, game modes, and fresh features. Unfortunately, the game’s rocky start and limited post-launch support have led AEW to consider finding a new development partner, moving away from their current collaboration with Yuke’s. The main issue at hand? A lack of consistent updates, buggy gameplay, and unfinished content, which left fans feeling let down.
Why Did AEW Fight Forever Fall Short?
One of the game’s biggest downfalls was its lack of frequent and substantial content updates. Though there were initial promises of multiple DLC packs, including new wrestlers and game modes, only minimal updates came after launch. By July 2023, the DLC pipeline had all but dried up, leaving players without fresh content and new wrestlers like Will Ospreay, Mercedes Mone, and Adam Copeland absent from the roster.
At launch, Fight Forever was criticised for its numerous bugs and unfinished feel. Players encountered glitches that ranged from minor annoyances to game-breaking issues, which contributed to a negative first impression that was hard to shake.
According to reports, Fight Forever ran significantly over budget during its development. This budget overrun hampered the ability to continue updating the game with fresh content, leading to a lack of new game modes and wrestlers.
There were also reports of friction between Yuke’s, AEW, and key figures like Kenny Omega. These tensions may have contributed to the breakdown in post-launch support, with both sides failing to maintain the game’s content schedule.
| Key Issues | Description |
|---|---|
| Lack of Content | Few updates after July 2023, missing wrestlers and game modes. |
| Bugs and Unfinished Feel | Numerous bugs and glitches made the game feel incomplete at launch. |
| Over Budget | Development went over budget, reducing capacity for post-launch content. |
| Developer Tensions | Reported issues between AEW and Yuke’s slowed down development. |
Insider Tip: Always plan for consistent post-launch content updates when developing live-service or sports games. Players need fresh content to remain engaged and invested.
Missed Opportunities and Lack of Player Retention
Despite early excitement, Fight Forever missed several key opportunities to keep its player base engaged. Many wrestling fans were left disappointed by the absence of major AEW stars and the lack of significant new game modes.
Fans were particularly disappointed by the absence of some of AEW’s most popular stars, including Will Ospreay and Mercedes Mone. These key figures could have brought fresh excitement to the game, but with no new DLC announcements after July 2023, players were left wanting more.
While there were promises of new game modes to keep gameplay exciting, only a handful of minor updates were delivered. This left the game feeling stagnant, and without new features, many players moved on to other titles.
The lack of content, combined with persistent bugs, led to a rapid decline in player engagement. The game’s initial player base dwindled, as there wasn’t enough new content to bring them back for repeat play.
| Missed Opportunities | Description |
|---|---|
| Missed Wrestlers | Popular stars like Will Ospreay and Mercedes Mone weren’t added. |
| Lack of New Game Modes | Only minor updates to gameplay, leading to a stale experience. |
| Player Engagement Decline | Lack of updates resulted in players abandoning the game quickly. |
Insider Tip: In wrestling games, regularly adding new wrestlers and game modes is essential to keep the fanbase engaged. Continuous updates drive retention and ensure a game remains relevant.
AEW’s Future in Gaming: Time for a New Development Partner?
Reports suggest that AEW is now exploring the possibility of partnering with a new game developer. The company still owns the rights to the Fight Forever engine, so they could either continue building on this existing framework with a different team or pivot to mobile games, an avenue they are reportedly considering.
AEW is said to be putting out feelers to gauge interest from other developers who may have the expertise and capacity to deliver on the game’s potential. The goal is to find a team that can not only provide regular updates but also polish the gameplay to make it more enjoyable.
Another possibility for AEW’s gaming future is a shift toward mobile platforms. Mobile games require less development time and budget compared to console games, and with the global growth of mobile gaming, this could be a lucrative pivot for AEW.
| AEW’s Future Options | Description |
|---|---|
| New Development Partner | AEW could find a new developer to continue building on Fight Forever. |
| Mobile Gaming Strategy | Exploring the option of mobile games, which require less budget. |
Insider Tip: For franchises like AEW, diversifying across multiple platforms, including mobile, is a strategic move. Mobile gaming can tap into a broader audience and generate additional revenue streams with less investment.
Final Thoughts
AEW’s Fight Forever had great potential but was ultimately hampered by a lack of content updates and post-launch support. With the possibility of a new development partner on the horizon, AEW may yet salvage its gaming ambitions. However, the lesson here is clear: regular updates, fresh content, and bug-free gameplay are critical to sustaining a live-service sports game. Without these, even the most anticipated titles can quickly lose their shine.
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