How WWE 2K25’s Island is Breathing New Life into Wrestling Video Games
Summary
- WWE 2K25’s The Island is a first of its kind, free-roam experience for the series.
- On the latest episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, Creative Director Lynell Jinks explained how this new feature came about.
- WWE 2K25 launches early access on March 7 with the Deadman Edition and The Bloodline Edition. Players around the world can jump in on release day, March 14.
For decades, video games and WWE have formed an undeniable bond. Beyond being the most painless and advisable way to live out your dreams of becoming a WWE Superstar, the two have also shared a similarly passionate fan base. From the greatest wrestling game of all time (my opinion), No Mercy on Nintendo 64, to the iconic SmackDown series, developers around the world have repeatedly returned to recreate the magic of the squared circle. And now, the WWE 2K series walks down the ramp once again with WWE 2K25, launching with the Deadman Edition and The Bloodline Edition on March 7, and the WWE 2K25 Standard Edition on March 14.
The folks over at 2K Games and Visual Concepts have the massive task of bringing players something fresh every year. And to be sure, with the all-new Showcase featuring The Bloodline’s Dynasty, intergender matches, over 300 playable characters, improvements to fan-favorite modes like MyGM mode and so much more, they’re doing just that.
But the team wanted more. A mode that would require them to step out of their comfort zone (and the ring). Enter… The Island, a first-of-its-kind feature to let WWE 2K players rule beyond the ring. This brand-new online mode available on Xbox Series X|S allows you to enjoy a free-roam, WWE-inspired experience that can include up to 50 players at a time on Xbox Series X|S. To see this new feature in action, I was invited to WWE 2K25 Creator Fest, an annual event for creators and community, and spoke with some of the team behind the creation of The Island.
Fans of the WWE 2K series’ sibling franchise, NBA 2K, may recognize the concept from “The City,” but on the latest episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, Lynell Jinks, Creative Director of WWE 2K25, explained how it was really a starting point from which to build – but also touched on the creative dilemma this raised.
“It’s trying to figure out how the hell we not only develop a game that people are extremely passionate about, and support all the modes that they’re accustomed to — and add new match types and new stories — but build an online environment with 49 of your other closest friends on [a] server [to] play matches, go through the story and progression, and unlock cool things,” Jinks says.
Upon starting The Island you’re presented with a backstage report from WWE announcer Cathy Kelley that fans have been left reeling from an announcement made by Roman Reigns earlier in the day. Cut to the Original Tribal Chief (OTC) himself, with The Wiseman Paul Heyman ever by his side, announcing that there’s a vacancy on The Island of Relevancy, a name fit for the ever-present struggle of a WWE Superstar.
Heyman then goes on to drive home the true motivation for you as the player — a competition like no other will soon take place. You will be thrust on to The Island and the winner will be granted a WWE contract and, of course, the respect of your OTC. And in that moment, I truly couldn’t help but wonder which prize was more valuable — the prospect of a life-changing WWE contract, and its seeming equivalence to gaining reverence from Roman. This entire segment felt so much like it was pulled straight from an episode of “Monday Night Raw,” which contributed to giving the mode the proper motivation and the necessary weight.
The experience starts with crafting your MySuperstar. WWE fans know that it takes more than executing fancy moves to make a name for yourself – it’s about the whole package, including your presentation. The greatest WWE Superstars all have notable levels of flair and aura.
It’s at this point that The Island almost becomes a role-playing game to me. You truly build your MySuperstar from the ground up, selecting options and moving sliders across several different categories including gender, background, archetype, body type, weight class and more. My build is a high-flying, heavyweight, social media influencer who specializes in speed named Malik Millions. With 49 other players joining you in this space, I felt that MySuperstar specs and background would not only look the part and turn heads, but be respected as I roamed across the mode’s districts.
And then you’re off, free to explore The Island. If you’ve ever been to WWE World at WrestleMania, think of The Island as the virtual representation of that but taken to a whole new level. In addition to other players, you’ll see NPC members of the WWE Universe roaming around, branded shops like Nike for you to drip-out your Superstars, pop-up shops that play on the various gimmicks of other WWE Superstars and much more. At the center of this opening location is a towering reminder of why you’re competing on The Island of Relevancy — a looming golden statue of OTC Roman Reigns towers over the hub as if almost to remind you that he’s always watching.
The locations of The Island are just as flashy as the players who roam it. Taking place across four distinct, themed districts from the neon-lit Arcade of Tomorrow to the Undertaker-inspired Deadlands. Each location brings with it unique vibes and challenges for players to explore. My time at the event was limited so I didn’t get to dive into each district as deeply as I wanted, so you can bet exploring each will be near the top of my to-do list when the game releases. From a quick glance, they’ll of course be welcoming players who don’t keep up with WWE programming, but members of the WWE Universe will get the most out of it.
“[We’re] trying to focus on making sure that people are having fun with their friends in this online world where it’s just WWE pop culture, right? There’s so much fanfare in there. You’re just like, ‘oh, look at that Easter egg,’” says Jinks.
And as with any great rivalry in WWE, all roads lead back to the ring. You’ll compete in arenas themed after the district they’re located in and come with pre-defined match types. In Arcade of Tomorrow, an Extreme Rules match was presented where you’re tasked with winning by any means necessary. Once selected, you’re put into matchmaking to take on another real-life player’s MySuperstar.
Themed arenas aside, it’s once I stepped in the ring for a match that it became apparent that that’s where years of constant innovation and refinement pays off with WWE 2K25. From the moment I locked-up against my opponent, I was hit with new and returning aspects of gameplay.
My favorite by far was chain wrestling, a visual ballet-esque dance between competitors that has become a staple of early match strategy in WWE bouts. You and your opponent compete across a series of controller inputs that require you to outwit your rival. You use the left stick to select one of a few different maneuvers and then compete against your opponent to fill up a circular meter that allows you to either execute that move or counter.
Attacks turn into submission holds, which then get reversed and allow you to re-take control. It felt like the most rewarding game of rock-paper-scissors (that also happened to allow you to inflict pain on your opponent and showcase a high level of in-ring technique). Seeing MySuperstar use a cartwheel to get out of an arm wrench and seamlessly enter a hold of his own and knowing I was in control as the player the whole seemingly provided a new dimension of agency.
As you progress through each match, you can continue to take your opponent to school in the way you see fit or fulfill in-match objectives that will increase the score of your match which is graded on a 5-star system. Whether it’s on The Island or just in exhibition matches, the gameplay feels as polished as it’s ever felt in any wrestling game I’ve played in my 25 years of playing, dating back to WrestleMania 2000.
Every emotional up and down can be experienced in one of these matches. From a triumphant comeback to a classic David vs Goliath upset, to the build up to a sick announcer table spot. When you see tiny details like a wrestler using the ropes to drag themselves off the mat to their feet, it’s one of countless reminders of why I love the art form of professional wrestling and why WWE 2K25 simply gets the storytelling right. Perfectly leaning on its simulation roots but allowing you to be as wild as you want to be within those bounds.
Another result of The Island’s inclusion in the game is that, for the first time in WWE 2K franchise history, intergender matches are allowed. I played a match in which Rhea Ripley took on her ex-lover Dominik Mysterio and got all the payback she’s been due – a storyline that historically wouldn’t have been possible in previous games. Even small details such as the commentary adjusting were accounted for.
For years the WWE 2K games have added modes and matchups to sweeten the offerings but it’s hard not to walk away from this event and my time with The Island feeling like this is one of the most impactful additions in a long time, if not ever. The team continually communicated the influence that this mode had on their development cycle. It’s not just adding a mode. It’s the time it takes to build each space, the insistence to build out the infrastructure for a stable open-roam space, the dedication to study WWE history for the hardcore fans, the level of dedication to the scripting within the mode and fleshing out the personalization and customization. It’s ensuring all these pieces come together to accomplish the goal of “fun” that the team was laser-focused on.
All of that barely scratches the surface of the time you’ll spend on The Island. As I was playing, it truly dawned on me that the yearly task of building a game that can live up to the expectations of WWE video game fans is a daunting yet rewarding one. However, Producer of WWE 2K25, Bryan Williams best stated what continues to drive the team. The answer is a relentlessly passionate group of developers: “This is the best group of people that I’ve worked with…and I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years.”
The Island is merely one of the many experiences you can expect when WWE 2K25 launches in early access on March 7 with the Deadman Edition and The Bloodline Edition, then March 14 for WWE 2K25 Standard Edition. Players who purchase the Deadman Edition on Xbox Series X|S will walk away with something even more special from the team at Visual Concepts: a dynamic background featuring The Undertaker.
WWE 2K25 The Bloodline Edition
2K
The Bloodline Edition includes:
•The Bloodline Edition Bonus Pack
-MyFACTION Persona Card: Mattel Elite Collection Greatest Hits Roman Reigns
-MyFACTION Persona Card: Mattel Elite Series 114 Jey Uso
-The Island Cosmetics (Xbox Series X|S only): Family Above All Hoodie, OTC Shirt, Yeet Tank Top + Sunglasses
•WrestleMania 41 Pack (Available Summer 2025)**
-WrestleMania 41 Arena
-MyFACTION Persona Card: New playable Superstar (TBA)
-MyFACTION Persona Card: WrestleMania Main Event #1 (TBA)
-MyFACTION Persona Card: WrestleMania Main Event #2 (TBA)
•The Rock Nation of Domination Pack
-MyFACTION Persona Card: The Rock (Nation of Domination) (not available for individual purchase)
•Ringside Pass
-Season Pass
-5 post-launch DLC Character Packs
-SuperCharger
-Superstar Mega-Boost
-MyRISE Boost
-100K VC
•Deadman Edition Bonus Pack
-MyFACTION Persona Card: Undertaker ‘90
-MyFACTION Persona Card: Mattel Elite “Greatest Hits” Undertaker**
-Usable Urn**
-Brother Love Manager
-The Island Cosmetic (Xbox Series X|S only): Undertaker ‘95 Mask
•Wyatt Sicks Pack
-MyFACTION Persona Cards: Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Erick Rowan
-The Island Cosmetics (Xbox Series X|S only):
-Uncle Howdy Mask
-Nikki Cross Mask
•15,000 VC
RULE BEYOND THE RING
In a franchise first, step outside the ropes and onto The Island for Xbox Series X|S—an immersive WWE-themed world with epic arenas, challenges, and live events. Fight to join the Bloodline with “The Original Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns, as you upgrade and customize your MySUPERSTAR.
2K SHOWCASE: THE BLOODLINE’S DYNASTY
The all-new Showcase, hosted by “The Wiseman” Paul Heyman, celebrates one of the most historic family dynasties in wrestling. Relive legendary showdowns or dream matches between The Bloodline and WWE Superstars and Legends.
EXPANDED GAMEPLAY
Intergender wrestling makes its long-awaited debut in the WWE 2K franchise! Chain wrestling makes a return, plus Underground and Bloodline Rules match types, barricade diving and more.
MyGM GOES WORLDWIDE
Take your show on the road with MyGM 4-player online multiplayer! Draft WWE Superstars and Legends to your show’s roster and lead your brand through multi-week seasons.
YOUR UNIVERSE, YOUR WAY
New upgrades give greater control over your Universe experience. Promos are back with multiple types and outcomes featuring new cutscenes and branching choices.
A UNIFIED MyRISE
Your Superstar takes center stage in an all-new intergender storyline with new brawl environments, unlockable arenas, characters, objects + more.
A ROSTER FOR THE AGES
WWE 2K25 brings you an unparalleled lineup of current Superstars, Legends and Hall of Famers. The 300+ stacked roster spans multiple generations and features Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Undertaker, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Jade Cargill, and more.
*Pre-order bonus offer available through March 13, 2025. Digital copy of WWE 2K24 will be automatically entitled to the platform account used to pre-order WWE 2K25 and available to download within 24 hours following pre-order. Offer is non-transferable and not available to platform accounts that already own WWE 2K24 on the same platform. Canceled pre-orders will result in removal of digital copy of WWE 2K24 from platform account. Terms apply.
**Exact release date of the WrestleMania 41 Pack content, Mattel Greatest Hits Undertaker and Usable Urn to be announced post-launch and subject to change.
Certain features of the game, including online multiplayer, communication and other online features, may not be accessible by child accounts. A child means players under the age of 13, unless local laws specify differently.
Purchase grants a license to the digital product subject to the Terms of Service (“ToS”) and Privacy Policy in game and at www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy. Access to special/bonus/online features, content, services, or functions (“Special Features”), may require single-use serial code, additional fee, and/or online account registration (minimum age varies). Special Features may require internet connection, may not be available to all users or at all times, and may be terminated, modified, or offered under different terms in accordance with the ToS. See https://bit.ly/2K-Online-Services-Status for availability of certain Special Features. Violation of the ToS may result in restriction or termination of access to game or online account.
WWE 2K25 Deadman Edition
2K
Deadman Edition includes:
•Deadman Bonus Pack
-MyFACTION Persona Card: Undertaker ‘90
-MyFACTION Persona Card: Mattel Elite “Greatest Hits” Undertaker**
-Usable Urn**
-Brother Love Manager
-The Island Cosmetic (Xbox Series X|S only):
Undertaker ‘95 Mask
•Season Pass
-5 post-launch DLC Character Packs
-SuperCharger
•Wyatt Sicks Pack
-MyFACTION Persona Cards for:
Uncle Howdy
Dexter Lumis
Nikki Cross
Joe Gacy
Erick Rowan
-The Island Cosmetics (Xbox Series X|S only):
Uncle Howdy Mask
Nikki Cross Mask
•15,000 VC
RULE BEYOND THE RING
In a franchise first, step outside the ropes and onto The Island for Xbox Series X|S—an immersive WWE-themed world with epic arenas, challenges, and live events. Fight to join the Bloodline with “The Original Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns, as you upgrade and customize your MySUPERSTAR.
2K SHOWCASE: THE BLOODLINE’S DYNASTY
The all-new Showcase, hosted by “The Wiseman” Paul Heyman, celebrates one of the most historic family dynasties in wrestling. Relive legendary showdowns or dream matches between The Bloodline and WWE Superstars and Legends.
EXPANDED GAMEPLAY
Intergender wrestling makes its long-awaited debut in WWE 2K! Chain wrestling makes a return, plus Underground and Bloodline Rules match types, barricade diving and more.
MyGM GOES WORLDWIDE
Take your show on the road with MyGM, now featuring online multiplayer! Draft WWE Superstars and Legends to your show’s roster and lead your brand through multi-week seasons.
YOUR UNIVERSE, YOUR WAY
WWE 2K’s sandbox mode receives new upgrades to give players greater control over their Universe experience, including the long-awaited return of Promos! The new system includes multiple promo types and outcomes with new cutscenes and branching choices.
A UNIFIED MyRISE
Your Superstar takes center stage in an intergender storyline, infiltrating NXT to fight for dominance over the entire WWE Universe. Includes new brawl environments, unlockable arenas, characters, and new storylines involving Bayley, Kevin Owens, Jey Uso, Bianca Belair, and other Superstars.
A ROSTER FOR THE AGES
WWE 2K25 brings you an unparalleled lineup of current Superstars, Legends and Hall of Famers. The 300+ stacked roster spans multiple generations and features Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Undertaker, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Jade Cargill, and more.
*Pre-order bonus offer available through March 13, 2025. Digital copy of WWE 2K24 will be automatically entitled to the platform account used to pre-order WWE 2K25 and available to download within 24 hours following pre-order. Offer is non-transferable and not available to platform accounts that already own WWE 2K24 on the same platform. Canceled pre-orders will result in removal of digital copy of WWE 2K24 from platform account. Terms apply.
**Exact release date of the Mattel Elite Collection Greatest Hits Undertaker and Usable Urn to be announced post-launch and subject to change.
Certain features of the game, including online multiplayer, communication and other online features, may not be accessible by child accounts. A child means players under the age of 13, unless local laws specify differently.
Purchase grants a license to the digital product subject to the Terms of Service (“ToS”) and Privacy Policy in game and at www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy. Access to special/bonus/online features, content, services, or functions (“Special Features”), may require single-use serial code, additional fee, and/or online account registration (minimum age varies). Special Features may require internet connection, may not be available to all users or at all times, and may be terminated, modified, or offered under different terms in accordance with the ToS. See https://bit.ly/2K-Online-Services-Status for availability of certain Special Features. Violation of the ToS may result in restriction or termination of access to game or online account.
WWE 2K25 Standard Edition
2K
Wyatt Sicks Pack includes:
•MyFACTION Persona Cards for:
-Uncle Howdy
-Dexter Lumis
-Nikki Cross
-Joe Gacy
-Erick Rowan
•The Island Cosmetics (Xbox Series X|S Only):
-Uncle Howdy Mask
-Nikki Cross Mask
RULE BEYOND THE RING
In a franchise first, step outside the ropes and onto The Island for Xbox Series X|S—an immersive, WWE-themed world filled with epic arenas, challenges, and live events. Fight to join the Bloodline with “The Original Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns, as you upgrade and customize your MySUPERSTAR through multiple storyline chapters.
2K SHOWCASE: THE BLOODLINE’S DYNASTY
The all-new Showcase, hosted by “The Wiseman” Paul Heyman, celebrates one of the most historic family dynasties in wrestling. Relive legendary showdowns or dream matches between The Bloodline and WWE Superstars and Legends.
EXPANDED GAMEPLAY
Intergender wrestling makes its long-awaited debut in the WWE 2K franchise! Additional features include the return of chain wrestling, Underground and Bloodline Rules match types, barricade diving, and more.
MyGM GOES WORLDWIDE
Take your show on the road with MyGM, now featuring online multiplayer. Draft WWE Superstars and Legends to your show’s roster and lead your brand through multi-week seasons.
YOUR UNIVERSE, YOUR WAY
New upgrades give greater control over your Universe experience featuring commentary-driven promos with new cutscenes, branching choices, and multiple outcomes.
A UNIFIED MyRISE
Take control of your Superstar from the women’s or men’s divisions in a singular multi-gender MyRISE storyline where Bayley, Kevin Owens, and other Superstars infiltrate NXT in an attempt to take control of the entire WWE universe. Featuring new brawl environments, unlockable arenas, characters, and more—plus new ally storylines involving Jey Uso, Bianca Belair, and other WWE Superstars.
A ROSTER FOR THE AGES
WWE 2K25 brings you an unparalleled lineup of current Superstars, Legends and Hall of Famers. The 300+ stacked roster spans multiple generations and features Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Undertaker, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Jade Cargill, and more.
*Pre-order bonus offer available through March 13, 2025. Uncle Howdy Mask cosmetic and Nikki Cross Mask cosmetic included for Xbox Series X|S version of WWE 2K25 only. Items will be automatically entitled in-game. The Wyatt Sicks Pack is included with Deadman and The Bloodline Editions. Terms apply.
**Pre-order bonus offer available through March 13, 2025. Digital copy of WWE 2K24 will be automatically entitled to the platform account used to pre-order WWE 2K25 and available to download within 24 hours following pre-order. Offer is non-transferable and not available to platform accounts that already own WWE 2K24 on the same platform. Canceled pre-orders will result in removal of digital copy of WWE 2K24 from platform account. Terms apply.
Certain features of the game, including online multiplayer, communication and other online features, may not be accessible by child accounts. A child means players under the age of 13, unless local laws specify differently.
Software Terms of Service (ToS) in game and at www.take2games.com/legal. Non-transferable access to special features, such as exclusive/unlockable/downloadable/online & bonus content/services/functions/multiplayer services, may require single-use serial code, additional fee, and/or non-transferable online account registration (minimum age varies). See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details. Online and certain special features require internet connection, may not be available to all users or at all times, and may be terminated, modified, or offered under different terms without notice. For more information on the availability of online features and services visit https://bit.ly/2K-Online-Services-Status.
The post How WWE 2K25’s Island is Breathing New Life into Wrestling Video Games appeared first on Xbox Wire.
