2K Announces Agreement with WWE

WWE and 2K Games officially announced a multi-year agreement giving the exclusive rights of the WWE license to 2K.

Scheduled to release this Fall, the first game under the partnership is expected to be rebranded to WWE 2K14.

The game will continue to be developed by longtime series developer Yuke’s. The Japan-based company has been making licensed professional wrestling games since 1999. 2K Sports developer Visual Concepts is expected to work with Yuke’s on the game’s development.

2K Sports expects Yuke’s to continue to improve the signature gameplay that has enhanced the most recent WWE games with Visual Concepts adding the same authenticity it has brought to other 2K Sports franchises.

Platforms were not announced for the next WWE title. It is presumed it will be available on both current and next generation consoles when it releases.

Although the official announcement from 2K refers to the first title under the agreement as WWE 14, it has since been confirmed it will be entitled WWE 2K14. The company expects to officially unveil the name change, along with more details on the game, as the release date approaches.

Take-Two, the parent company of 2K Sports, took over the rights to produce WWE video games after the fall of THQ. The former WWE rights holder dissolved under bankruptcy. Last week, court filings revealed the details of an agreement between THQ, Yuke’s and WWE to end the relationship so a new deal with Take-Two could be reached.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

2K Sports has experienced significant success with the NBA 2K series. The top-selling basketball sim has pushed EA Sports to scrap their NBA Live franchise for the time being. The company has not had the same overwhelming success with the MLB 2K series, although they did extend their deal with MLB to provide a new installment of the game this year.