WWE 2K22
A rebuilt game engine and smoother controls.
WWE 2K22 is a professional wrestling sports video game from 2022, created by Visual Concepts and released by 2K. It marks the twenty-first main entry in the WWE video game series, the eighth title under the WWE 2K label, and follows 2019's WWE 2K20. The game launched on March 11, 2022, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Its successor, WWE 2K23, arrived on March 14, 2023.
In terms of gameplay, the MyCareer mode was renamed MyRISE and offers separate storylines for male and female wrestlers. Players use custom characters to form alliances, create enemies, and explore subplots based on their choices. The Advance Entrance option for creating custom entrances was removed, leaving only the Easy Entrance setting. The 2K Showcase Mode, now simply called Showcase, centers on cover star Rey Mysterio. Players can relive key moments from his WWE career, starting with his WCW Cruiserweight Championship match against Eddie Guerrero at Halloween Havoc 1997 (as Rey Mysterio Jr.) and ending with a tag team match at Payback 2020 alongside his son Dominik against Seth Rollins and Murphy. Progressing through Showcase unlocks new characters, attires, and arenas. At IGN Fan Fest 2022, a gameplay demonstration of Rey Mysterio versus Dolph Ziggler at SummerSlam 2009 showed a transition between in-game action and real-time footage, with the referee's face blurred. It used Greg Hamilton's ring announcer recordings and archived audio, a change from previous games where commentary was re-recorded and archived audio appeared only in certain cutscenes. A new mode, MyFACTION, lets players build a wrestling stable by collecting, managing, and upgrading WWE wrestlers through regular updates and weekly events, featuring player cards from across WWE history.
Universe Mode returned with updates, including the ability to change camera angles while watching matches, and the option to play as a single superstar focusing only on their matches and storylines. MyGM, previously known as GM Mode, made a comeback for the first time since WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008. Players can choose from Sonya Deville, Adam Pearce, William Regal, Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, or a custom superstar to manage one of four brands: Raw, SmackDown, NXT, or NXT UK.
- Developer
- Visual Concepts
- Publisher
- 2K
- Release date
- March 11, 2022
- Platforms
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Series
- WWE 2K
- Cover superstar
- Rey Mysterio
Lore & Background
After the negative reception of WWE 2K20, executive producer Patrick Gilmore promised a greater focus on quality, leading to the cancellation of WWE 2K21 and the release of WWE 2K Battlegrounds in 2020. WWE 2K22 was officially announced after a teaser trailer during WrestleMania 37 in April 2021, with the tagline 'It Hits Different.' A second teaser aired during SummerSlam in August 2021, confirming a March 2022 release. On November 18, 2021, a 'Hit List' trailer highlighted ten features, including the return of GM Mode (called MyGM) and redesigned gameplay controls. On February 23, 2022, singer Machine Gun Kelly was announced as executive producer.
Reader's Guide
WWE 2K22 marked a significant recovery for the franchise after the troubled WWE 2K20. It introduced a rebuilt game engine and smoother controls, as promised by the developers. The game rebranded MyCareer as MyRISE, offering separate stories for male and female wrestlers. Showcase mode focused on cover superstar Rey Mysterio, allowing players to relive key moments of his career. MyGM mode returned for the first time since 2007's WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008, letting players manage a brand across 12, 25, or 50 weeks. MyFACTION allowed players to build stables by collecting and upgrading wrestler cards. Community creations gained cross-platform support for users with a verified 2K account. The game's online features were discontinued on January 3, 2024, and the game and its DLCs were delisted from online stores later that month. The follow-up title, WWE 2K23, was released on March 14, 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WWE 2K22?
WWE 2K22 is a 2022 professional wrestling video game developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K. It serves as the twenty-first mainline title in the WWE franchise and the eighth installment under the WWE 2K banner, picking up where WWE 2K20 left off.
Who is on the cover of WWE 2K22?
Rey Mysterio is the cover superstar for the game.
What platforms can I play WWE 2K22 on?
The title launched on March 11, 2022, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC.
What is MyRISE in WWE 2K22?
MyRISE is the rebranded career mode that replaces the old MyCareer, offering distinct narrative tracks for male and female wrestlers. Players create a custom character and shape their journey by forging alliances and building rivalries.
What major technical upgrade does WWE 2K22 bring over previous entries?
The game runs on a rebuilt engine that delivers noticeably smoother controls and overall responsiveness compared to earlier titles in the series.
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