It’s no secret thatWWE 2K20was a disaster for 2K’sWWEvideo game franchise, with the game crucified by critics and standing as one of the worst-rated pro wrestling video games ever made. The incrediblypoor reception forWWE 2K20reportedly translated into lower-than-expected sales figures, which has apparently resulted in the cancellation ofWWE 2K21.
This news comes from Justin Leeper, who used to work on theWWEseries of video games and has retain some reliable sources that are close to the franchise. According to Leeper, 2K is cancellingWWE 2K21, though a different WWE-themed video game will still release this year. This game is reportedly in the works from a different developer than Visual Concepts, though further details are unavailable at the time of this writing.
RELATED:WWE 2K20 Crashing and Virtually Unplayable Because of New Year Bug
This isn’t the first time Leeper has commented on the state ofWWE 2K21. Last December, Leeper released a video where he claimed that “double digit” developers quit theWWE 2Kdevelopment team afterWWE 2K20. He indicated in that video that theWWE 2K21budget was being slashedas well due to the poor sales forWWE 2K20. None of this was ever verified, though, so fans should still take the information with a grain of salt.
It should also be noted that even though Leeper is more reliable source than most people talking aboutWWE 2K21online, there is no evidence to back up his claims. It’s quite possible that Leeper is telling the truth, but it’s also possible that he has been given some false information from his sources. WWE usually unveils its next video game aroundSummerSlamtime, so whether or notWWE 2K21has been canceled should be clear within the next few months.
Then again, it’s possible that any plans to reveal and showcaseWWE 2K21are being delayed by other circumstances. Theongoing coronavirus pandemichas caused some serious issues when it comes to video game development, and it’s possible that it played a role inWWE 2K21’s cancellation as well.
WWE is only of the only sports organizations in the world that has continued releasing new content during the pandemic,airing WrestleMania 36 from the Performance Centerand planning to continue with live episodes of Raw and SmackDown. However, Vince McMahon is not in charge of theWWE 2K21video game development, and so he can’t force development on the game amid the pandemic in the same way he can continue pushing out new episodes of Raw.
