In a disappointing turn of events for fans of the WWE 2K franchise, 2K Games has recently announced that the WWE 2K22 servers will be shutting down on January 3, 2024. This means that all online modes and functions, including matches and community creations, will no longer be available. While the intention behind this decision seems to be encouraging players to upgrade to the newer WWE 2K23 or the upcoming WWE 2K24, it has brought forth a host of complications and frustrations for the dedicated fanbase.
One of the major drawbacks of the WWE 2K22 shutdown is the roster disparity between WWE 2K23 and its predecessor. Numerous wrestlers have either left the company or been released between the two game releases, resulting in a significant difference in the available roster. Even at the time of WWE 2K22’s launch, approximately 30 of the included wrestlers were no longer associated with WWE, rendering the game already somewhat outdated. However, it is worth noting that the roster still boasts big names like Toni Storm, Sasha Banks, Billy Kay, Peyton Royce, Jeff Hardy, and others, making it an enjoyable experience for fans.
WWE 2K22 holds the unfortunate distinction of having one of the shortest shelf lives among recent WWE games, yet it is also one of the most crucial titles in the modern history of the franchise. Following the highly criticized WWE 2K20, which was plagued with bugs and glitches, fans had lost faith in the series. To recover from this setback, 2K Games took a year off and released a spin-off game called WWE 2K Battlegrounds, buying time for the development of WWE 2K22. The game was met with great reception and was considered a phoenix rising from the ashes, as it addressed the shortcomings of its predecessor and delivered a refreshing gameplay experience. It breathed new life into the franchise and paved the way for the equally impressive WWE 2K23.
While WWE 2K23 is undoubtedly a fantastic addition to the series, it fails to bring substantial changes compared to WWE 2K22. The two games are strikingly similar in terms of gameplay and presentation, with the main differences lying in the roster and available game modes. This makes the upgrade from WWE 2K22 to its successor merely incremental. Many fans would have been content to continue playing WWE 2K22 for years to come, as it still offered an enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, the decision to shut down the servers and push players toward newer releases has dashed these hopes.
The shutdown of WWE 2K22’s servers sets an unfortunate precedent for future WWE 2K releases. It suggests that players may no longer have the luxury of enjoying a game for an extended period before being forced to transition to the latest installment. This decision leaves fans feeling frustrated and disappointed, as they have invested time and money into WWE 2K22, only for it to be short-lived and prematurely terminated.
The shutdown of WWE 2K22 servers marks a missed opportunity for fans to continue enjoying a game that breathed new life into the WWE 2K franchise. The inclusion of fan-favorite wrestlers and the significant improvements to gameplay and presentation made WWE 2K22 a standout title. However, the decision to cease online support and encourage players to upgrade to newer releases has left fans disheartened. The limited shelf life and lack of substantial upgrades in WWE 2K23 raise concerns about the future direction of the franchise. It remains to be seen how 2K Games will address these frustrations and whether they will learn from this experience to better serve their dedicated fanbase in future WWE 2K releases.
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