2K has revealed a number of features that will be part of WWE 2K22, including the long awaited return of a general manager mode and a brand new mode in which you put together a faction of superstars from across every era of the WWE.
General Manager mode has not been seen in a WWE game since WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, but it finally sees a return in WWE 2K22 under the new guise of MyGM. The mode will allow you to draft superstars, book matches, manage your contacts, and generally attempt to run the WWE. Creative Director Lynell Jinks notes that the journey of MyGM will see you “progressively working your way up from high school gyms to prime time TV.”
Where MyGM is the return of a fan favourite mode, MyFACTION is a brand new mode that’s a first for the WWE games. Your aim in this mode is to build a faction that rivals the likes of the nWO, The Hart Foundation, DX, and New Day. This is done by collecting, managing, and upgrading superstar wrestlers picked from every era of the WWE. Your squad of stars can then do battle in new game modes and challenges, supported by weekly events and challenges.
2K note that MyFACTION will make use of a virtual currency, but emphasise that it’s not required. “It is super important to note here that virtual currency does not offer any sort of competitive advantage, or put players in a play-to-win situation,” said art producer Christina Diễm Phạm. “The items you purchase with VC can also be purchased by MyFACTION points earned via gameplay.”
These two modes come alongside MyRISE mode, which allows you to experience the journey of a WWE Superstar from rookie to legendary, and the returning Universe mode. Creation Suit is also back, with “wild options and fantasy elements” and the ability to step into the ring anywhere in the world. Additionally, a new WWE 2K Showcase allows you to relive a legendary WWE Superstar’s most iconic matches.
All of this is built on a redesigned engine, with gameplay and animation rebuilt from the ground up. A new control scheme has also been implemented that 2K states allows for a more intuitive, controlled experience. “These updates enable folks to easily pick up and play while still allowing for higher skill expression,” says Diễm Phạm. “For less seasoned players our combo system enables you to string together lethal moves with ease. Faster response time and shorter lock outs means gameplay is faster and players learn a lot faster.”
WWE 2K22 is set to release in March 2022, and comes after the series was put on hold back in 2020 in order to allow extended development of the next game. No Mercy and Smackdown have been cited as influences for this latest entry in the series.
Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer.