5 Things Sports Games Should Learn From WWE 2K24

With WWE 2K24 finally releasing, I’ve realized something — there are a lot of things that his game does right that other sports titles could learn from. The WWE franchise is overtaking other sports games on the market easily, and these are just a few of the reasons why.

Quality and Quantity Can Go Hand in Hand

WWE has a massive roster, with each player looking more frighteningly realistic with each new iteration. But, here’s the thing — it’s also filled to the brim with content. With new modes, and new game types, alongside multiple storylines and a showcase mode, you could continue playing the same numbered version of this title for years to come. Alongside a dedicated group of fans who continuously keep pushing out new Created Wrestlers to keep the roster more stacked than ever before, I’m confident you could be playing WWE 2K24 far into the future, unlike other sports titles that lose their luster even before the year is done.

Even the addition of things like the MyRise mode in WWE 2K23 has been improved and built upon even further in 2K24, giving players plenty to do while they’re enjoying every moment of it. The sheer amount of content here is staggering, and other games should take note of this.

New & Returning Fan Favorite Modes Keep Things Exciting

Fans are the most important critics of a product, especially since every fan has such varied thoughts on different parts of individual games. WWE is no exception, but the vocal majority are finally getting their wishes granted when it comes to features, options, and everything in between. Just this year, for example, we saw the return of Special Referee alongside multiple other modes helping make this a more rounded-off package than ever before. Rather than removing features from previous games, adding new ones and refining previous features helps fans grow to love and appreciate each subsequent game in the franchise rather than saying an older version is better.

They’re Not Afraid To Get Weird With It

Everybody knows that WWE is all an act, even if the actors on stage can sell their injuries and battles better than the best of them. The drama unfolding before our eyes may be melodramatic and high-impact, but WWE 2K24 isn’t afraid to let loose and let things get a little strange. This year in particular, the addition of more Persona Cards that allow players the chance to unlock new gear and… action figure wrestlers that can take center stage in a battle of glory is something I never knew I needed, but love nonetheless. Plus, the general persona of these larger-than-life characters is always a bit wacky, and they’re not afraid to embrace that either.

A Clash of Past and Present

The WWE has had a very cherished and proud history, with plenty of Wrestlers who are beyond even a household name at this point. Having the chance to pit classic Superstars like Macho Man Randy Savage against new names like Logan Paul in an all-out brawl is indicative of something that should be available in every sports game — pairing up historically prominent figures against new names. Imagine if you had the chance to take the to the Gridiron in Madden 25 as Brett Farve and the 1997 Superbowl-winning Green Bay Packers? Understandably, licensing can be hard to come by, but imagine the possibilities if it could happen.

There’s Money To Be Made, But It Isn’t Required

Ironically enough, one of 2K Sports’ additional titles in their portfolio is consistently maligned for the sheer amount of microtransactions implemented into the game, with NBA 2K24, in particular, allowing players to dump cash into their character to help them win in online games featuring custom players. Sure, WWE 2K24 isn’t perfect when it comes to microtransactions either with a shop littered full of them, but here’s the thing — you don’t need to buy them to enjoy the online portion of the game. MyFaction gives players cards that they can use, but even if a Wrestler is rated lower than their competition, they can still emerge victorious.

It’s wild to me to think that just a few years ago, WWE was one of the most stale franchises on the market, but after a small hiatus, it’s back on top and ready to deliver a Stone Cold Stunner to the rest of the sports world. There are still things that could be better, but as it stands, they’re easily the kings of the ring at the moment, and the competition needs to step up their game to keep up with the quality they continuously deliver.