Shortly after WWE 2K20 was released last year, some fans suggested 2K take a year off. Rather than spend the next few months fixing a terrible and broken game in 2K20, leaving less time to develop 2K21, get the latest game at least playable and then focus on WWE 2K22. Otherwise, the developer would run the risk of putting out increasingly terrible games with each passing year as they have less and less time to work on them.
We're not sure whether 2K and WWE took that advice or if there are other factors at play, but it has now been confirmed that there will be no WWE 2K21. The first time since 1997 that there will not be a release in WWE's mainstream video game series. That doesn't mean there won't be anything at all, though. There could be a different game released by WWE later this year, or maybe fans will have to wait until 2021. Here are some of the options WWE has going forward.
WWE x Fortnite
Just because WWE isn't going to have its own video game this year doesn't mean it has to step away from gaming altogether. Crossover events are the order of the day in many popular games and considering WWE's global reach, we're sure a developer would be interested in working with them. The white whale would, of course, be Fortnite, the king of the crossover event. WWE has strong links to the video game world within its ranks, such as Xavier Woods who has his own gaming channel, and AJ Styles who is ever-present on Mixer. Perhaps they could be the gateway to a WWE x Fortnite crossover event.
Another Developer
WWE was pretty vague when it came to the brief announcement informing there will be no WWE 2K21. Officials did not go on to say that there won't be any game at all. While it's highly unlikely due to the contract WWE almost definitely has with 2K, there's an outside chance the company has gone with another developer for this year's game. That 2K20 was such a disaster, WWE cut ties with 2K and is working with another company. Maybe THQ is back in the picture. Wouldn't that be something?
An NXT Spin-Off Game
This one also might not be possible due to contractual obligations and ties, but an NXT-specific video game would almost definitely be a big hit with a lot of fans. Just the rosters from NXT and NXT UK (and maybe 205 Live) and a focus on the developmental brands. They always tend to be overlooked in the main series of games in favor of filling the roster with legends and legacy stars. The lack of NXT UK representation was a particular sticking point last year. Forget the DLC packs and give the black and gold brand its very own video game.
Nothing At All
Honestly, the most likely course of action right now seems to be creating and releasing nothing at all. There would be good reason to do that too. As mentioned above, it would give 2K so much more time to make a far better game in 2021. There's also a chance AEW will be releasing its first video game that year too, so WWE will need to up its game if it has serious competition in that arena for the first time this century. The only gamble with that? If a game worked on for two years is bad, WWE 2K will lose the little faith its fans have left in what they can achieve.