The WWE has long had video game franchises based on their in-ring product. From the WrestleMania arcade game to the SmackDown vs. Raw series, the company has produced several titles. Currently, the WWE is having their video games created by 2K, after THQ sold the rights.

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The WWE 2K franchise is a bit of a mixed bag among wrestling fans. While some titles have been well-received and praised, the series has also had a lot of stumbles along the way. However, for wrestling fans that don't actively play the WWE 2K video games, there are several things that they don't know about the franchise.

10 2K Bought WWE Video Games Rights in 2013

WWE Smackdown vs Raw cover

For 13 years, THQ solely developed WWE titles. While they mainly created the SmackDown vs. Raw franchise, they also experimented with other genres. The best example is when they released the arcade-style WWE All Stars title in 2011.

However, in 2013, THQ ran into financial difficulties and dissolved. With that, all of their franchises and properties became available for purchase, which led to 2K acquiring the rights to the WWE video game rights.

9 WWE 2K14 Was The First Game in The Series

WWE 2K14

WWE 2K14 released at the end of 2013, was the first video game under the 2K branding. However, it's worth noting that the branding was the only thing that was 2K-centric about the title, as it had been in development long before the deal.

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Nonetheless, the title, which featured The Rock on the cover, was praised by fans and reviewers alike. The game featured several unique modes, such as '30 years of WrestleMania,' where fans played through important matches in the history of the pay-per-view.

8 MyCareer

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With the release of WWE 2K15, the development team debuted the 'MyCareer' mode. The mode was one of the most popular from the NBA 2K franchise, hence why it was added to the pro-wrestling franchise. MyCareer features players creating a character and rising from the indie scene to becoming WWE Champion.

These days, MyCareer is a staple of WWE 2K titles. While there have been good and bad storylines in the mode over the years, fans generally know that the mode will feature a good amount of fun.

7 2K Showcase

WWE 2K Showcase Mode

Along with MyCareer debuting in WWE 2K15, so did the 2K Showcase mode. While the former features players creating a character and playing through their entire career, the latter sees players play through important moments in WWE history.

Specifically, the mode will shine a light on either a rivalry or just important matches in a wrestler's career. For example, 2K16 saw fans play through Stone Cold Steve Austin's career and the most important moments in it.

6 Creation Suite

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One of the staples of WWE video games has long been the ability to customize characters, match types, entrances, and more. Ever since the release of SmackDown! in 2000, developers have focused on letting players play their way.

The 2K WWE games have been no different. In each of their titles, there has been an expansive creation suite, as fans are able to create everything from customized belts to custom pay-per-view events and venues.

5 Community Creations

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Along with the expansive creation suite, the WWE 2K titles have decided to allow fans to share their content online. By using Community Creations, players are able to upload or download anything created by other creators.

The mode has helped massively with keeping their titles alive. While most characters and wrestlers are outdated by the time the game drops, fans are able to keep things up to date with Community Creations. While Bray Wyatt might've missed the window to be in 2K22, fans could still play as him thanks to Community Creations.

4 The Series Has Had Several Developers

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When 2K bought the rights to create WWE video games in 2013, they decided to take Yuke's along with them. The company had developed WWE games since 2000, but exited the franchise after 2K19. Following that, Visual Concepts became the sole developer.

However, Yuke's and Visual Concepts aren't the only ones to work on the franchise. N-Space developed a WWE 2K mobile game in 2015, while Saber Interactive created WWE 2K Battlegrounds in 2020.

3 WWE 2K20 Nearly Ended The Franchise

WWE 2K20 Becky Lynch glitch

WWE 2K20 was a first for many reasons. The title was the first WWE game to be overwhelmingly panned, it was the first title not developed by Yuke's, and it was also the first title that put the franchise in danger of being canceled.

The title was bug-filled, rushed, and most importantly, not fun. WWE 2K20 was so poor that the franchise was put on hold, and 2K21 was canceled. All in all, the game was considered one of the worst in 2020, and one of the worst pro-wrestling titles ever released.

2 WWE 2K Battlegrounds Replaced 2K21

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After the cancelation of WWE 2K21, the company felt like it had to release something in 2020. Their idea was to create WWE 2K Battlegrounds. The arcade-style game was somewhat of a spiritual successor to WWE All Stars.

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To their credit, Saber Interactive's title did better than 2K20, but not by much. The game received mixed reviews, getting credit for its unique art style, but bland gameplay and lack of modes.

1 WWE 2K22 Was Praised

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via WWE 2K

The gamble of skipping WWE 2K21 was a big one. Skipping a yearly title is big deal considering that it was the first time that WWE skipped a year since 2000. However, the gamble paid off in a big way.

WWE 2K22 was released in March and received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. While it's not the greatest pro-wrestling game ever released, it's regarded as one of the best in the franchise.