Kenny Omega led us in for a reveal of the upcoming games developed by AEW Games. Cosplaying as Steve Jobs, he tells us a story of how he refused to sign a wrestling deal with Tony Khan unless he would be able to have creative control over the creation of an AEW gaming division. This is repeated by another individual to announce each upcoming game. These appearance are from Aubrey Edwards, Dr. Britt Baker, DMD, and lastly, Cody Rhodes. His made me laugh, as apparently Tony Khan refused his offer saying “You don’t know **** about video games.”
In case you didn’t know, referee Aubrey Edwards has an extensive background in game development for consoles, PC, and mobile. She is part of the development process for all AEW games.
First up is the long-awaited console game, announced to be for current and next-gen systems. While it goes unnamed, it is being developed with Yukes. Omega openly stated getting inspiration from No Mercy and Fire Pro Wrestling. Most fans of Kenny Omega and gaming knew No Mercy would be mentioned as to this day is still cited as being one of the best wrestling video games ever.
Some early gameplay footage showed Omega and Chris Jericho exchanging and even avoiding finishing moves. The next clip was a surprise, in an effort to show variety and ability to have a match with anyone as we see Kenny Omega being floored by Hikaru Shida.
Definitely looking like the No Mercy engine, but with modern designs which closely resembles Street Fighter. Announced at the end, but relevant for the console release is Legendary Game Developer Hideyuki Iwashita aka Geta who was the Director of No Mercy is hands-on working on the game.
The central premise is console gaming should be fun. 100% fun. It seems we may get the simplistic yet articulated style of the No Mercy controls as well.
Before this, was a swerve which I’m sure a lot of people got a laugh from, showing an 8-bit style game with Omega and Moxley cut outs flying over each other. Now that’s a throwback!
The second reveal was for their mobile game, Elite General Manager or Elite GM for short. A mobile platform game where you hire and book matches on a weekly basis to build ratings which rakes in points/money for more unlockables. This looks like a game for anyone to easily play and get accustomed to without the frustration of having to research how to play a game first.
Third, a reveal of what appears to be a gambling themed mobile game called AEW Casino Double or Nothing, using the name of one of the major PPV events. Fun promos showing various AEW wrestlers and crew at the tables. Not much shown on the reveal, but more information is given on the AEWgames website.
The random and unexpected reveal, which I thought was a joke, having Dr. Britt Baker reveal the AEWGames T-shirt. Her lead up to it was amusing. Sleeves and a logo?! What a novel idea!
Overall, it appears fans of wrestling console games are going to be happy with the final product. The No Mercy style did not take long to master and was the most fun game to play, thanks to the create-a-wrestler mode. I did like WrestleMania 2000’s create-a-belt mode too, but that sadly didn’t make the cut in No Mercy. Perhaps a return here? I eagerly wait more information and to see upcoming game trailers. Knowing the love Omega, the Bucks, and others in AEW having for gaming, there should be a high level of confidence fans will get the game they’ve been waiting for.
Check out https://aewgames.com/ for more.
Xavier Woods must be screaming with joy right about now.
