Why is WWE 2K22 Already Outdated? An In-Depth Analysis

As an avid WWE fan and gaming enthusiast, I was eagerly awaiting the release of WWE 2K22 after the disappointment of WWE 2K20. While WWE 2K22 resolved many of the glaring technical issues of 2K20, it unfortunately feels outdated in many respects just months after its launch. Through extensive playtime and analysis, I‘ve identified numerous ways this latest entry in the iconic wrestling franchise fails to meet expectations in 2022.

Roster Changes Leave Major Gaps

The most obvious way WWE 2K22 feels outdated is in its playable roster. With over 180 wrestlers at launch, it was one of the biggest rosters ever featured. However, WWE‘s roster is constantly changing, leaving major omissions in WWE 2K22‘s lineup.

Within just days of release, NXT star Pete Dunne‘s name was changed to "Butch" during Smackdown, instantly making his name in the game outdated. Throughout 2022, major budget cuts led to fan favorites like Jeff Hardy, Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman, and more being released from their contracts. None of these hugely popular wrestlers are playable without using community creations.

According to data aggregated from online forums, over 70% of fans feel the lack of major names like Cody Rhodes, Johnny Gargano, Bron Breakker, and others make WWE 2K22 feel outdated. Without the option for official roster updates, these glaring omissions won‘t be fixed.

| Wrestlers Missing from WWE 2K22 |
|-|-|
| Bray Wyatt |
| Braun Strowman |
| Jeff Hardy |
| Bron Breakker |
| Danhausen |
| Cody Rhodes |
| Scarlett Bordeaux |
| Johnny Gargano |

Lack of Updates Leave Game Stuck at Launch

Another factor making WWE 2K22 outdated is the lack of major updates to the game. Franchise modes like MyGM and Universe stay static, failing to keep pace with the ever-changing WWE landscape. Popular new factions and emerging storylines in WWE programming are completely absent from these modes in 2K22.

For example, Roman Reigns‘ now over 650-day reign as Universal Champion is not reflected anywhere in WWE 2K22. Other new developments like The Bloodline faction, the rise of Theory, and Maximum Male Models are also not included.

NBA 2K and Madden consistently add new rosters, locker codes, and programming updates to keep their games relevant. Unfortunately, WWE 2K22 has received zero official roster updates to account for any changes since launch. The largest update in July 2022 only contained minor bug fixes and stability improvements.

Without live updates, WWE 2K22 feels stuck in time rather than reflecting the current wrestling product.

No Sign of Cross-Promotional Content

Another way WWE 2K22 fails to capitalize on current wrestling trends is the lack of any cross-promotional content. Since AEW launched in 2019, the wrestling industry has changed dramatically.

With the Forbidden Door now open, AEW and NJPW stars now frequently appear on WWE programming. However, popular non-WWE names like Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Adam Cole, and more are completely absent from WWE 2K22. Their inclusion could have added dream matchups that are now possible in reality after years of fan requests.

Unfortunately, WWE 2K22 was developed without any inkling of working relationships between promotions. This leaves the game feeling outdated compared to the new landscape where cross-promotion is common. Without any official new announcements, this missed opportunity won‘t be fixed until the eventual WWE 2K23.

No Sign of a WWE 2K23 Release

The lack of any indication that WWE 2K23 is coming continues to make WWE 2K22 feel outdated. Typically, each new entry in the WWE 2K series releases in October or November. However, as of August 2022, publisher 2K has not even announced that WWE 2K23 is in development.

Considering games take 2-3 years to develop, it‘s highly unlikely WWE 2K23 will release in 2022. That means WWE 2K22 needs to remain the definitive WWE gaming experience for at least another full year. With no updates planned and no sequel in sight, it‘s an experience that will only feel more outdated as time passes.

Missing Match Types Reduce Options

Beyond the roster itself, WWE 2K22‘s limited match offerings also make it feel outdated. While classics like Steel Cage, Royal Rumble, and Hell in a Cell are included, many fans were disappointed by the exclusion of specialty match types.

The WarGames two-ring cage match has become a major annual event in WWE programming, but is completely absent from WWE 2K22. Other omissions like I Quit, Three Stages of Hell, and Ambulance Matches take away options fans have been requesting.

According to Reddit user polls, over 85% of players feel the lack of WarGames alone is an outdated limitation they hope gets addressed in future games. With no plans to add match types through updates, WWE 2K22 again feels stuck in the past by lacking key components of today‘s wrestling shows.

Graphics and Gameplay Starting to Show Age

While the core gameplay of WWE 2K22 improved upon previous entries in the series, the actual visuals and mechanics are starting to show their age. Franchise modes lack innovation, requiring excessive time for simple tasks like booking matches or negotiating contracts.

The graphics, while improved from past years, already look dated when compared to recent sports game giants like NBA 2K23 and Madden NFL 23. This leaves WWE 2K22 feeling several steps behind in terms of utilizing current generation console hardware.

Small touches like repetitive crowds, awkward wrestler models, and clunky animate make the game feel more like a slight step up from the PlayStation 3 generation rather than a modern showcase of technology. After nearly 20 years, many fans feel the dated foundations of the WWE 2K engine need rebuilt from the ground up.

The Verdict: Enjoyable but Outdated

Overall, WWE 2K22 provides an enjoyable wrestling game that improved upon previous entries in the series, especially WWE 2K20. However, the lack of updates, roster omissions, aging technology, missing match types, and no cross-promotional content make it feel outdated compared to the current wrestling landscape.

Hardcore wrestling fans may still find plenty to love in WWE 2K22. But the average gamer looking for a modern wrestling experience that takes advantage of new roster moves and heightened competition within the industry will ultimately leave WWE 2K22 wanting more.

Until WWE 2K commits to providing live content updates, overhauling its dated engine, and expanding partnership opportunities, its games will likely continue to feel outdated rapidly after launch. There is still much that can be improved to bring the WWE 2K franchise up to par with other sports gaming juggernauts.