2k's yearly release model for the WWE 2k games had already started to show signs of fatigue before the ill-fated WWE 2k20 release in late 2019. Fans were starting to grow tired of the game's sports-simulation playstyle and focus on realism with its graphics. 2k seemingly heard these complaints, as WWE 2k20 would endeavor to take some critical steps in the right direction. However, it didn't really help that the rest of the game felt like several steps back.
WWE 2k20 was plagued with game-breaking bugs on launch that were only intensified by a confusing control scheme change, downgraded character model quality, a divisive career mode and the lack of any highly requested game modes. Even as 2k tried to patch the game, more issues (like a Y2K bug that caused the game to crash in 2020) forced many fans to start looking for alternatives to 2k's yearly wrestling game. However, the features implemented should be seen as a promising step in the right direction, even if technical bugs bog the experience down.
First off, it was clear that 2k listened when fans asked for a return to the older WWE titles' arcadey nature. This time around, they included several power-ups that players could equip to their characters that felt straight out of WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game, such as commanding hands from hell to grab their opponent. Whilst abilities like these were limited, it was certainly a step in the right direction towards providing more of the arcade-like experiences fans had been asking for.
In addition to supernatural power-ups, 2k also designed several fantastical maps for the game's career mode that got away from the standard sports arena feel of the series. There were rings in Hell, a Mad-Max inspired coliseum, a futuristic version of WrestleMania and supernatural swamps. These maps were, without a doubt, some of the most well-made environments the series has ever had, and it'd be a shame if the poor reception of 2k20 discouraged them from ever returning.
In a way, WWE 2k20 was able to capture the inherent dash of the supernatural professional wrestling has always had. Characters like The Undertaker have always had supernatural powers, so bringing those into a wrestling video game isn't too much of a stretch. It's easy to see why fans wanted to see WWE 2k start to move away from being a sports simulator when the actual medium itself has never really been too much about sports.
Another common complaint of the 2k series up until 2k20 was the series' approach to DLC content. More times than not, wrestlers from previous entries would be omitted from newer titles only to be sold back as DLC content. There's only so many different wrestlers that 2k could draw on before they had to start reusing names. At the same time, though, the 2k titles started to feel so similar that fans often only bought the newest entry for an updated roster.
In 2k20, however, 2k created a series of "2k Originals," which would feature themed redesigners of existing characters on the roster, along with new Showcase matches. These 2k Originals also provided fans with many of the previously mentioned originally designed arenas. These packs would often bring unique designs for existing superstars with characters such as a snake-skinned Randy Orton and a cybernetic Nia Jax, harkening back to older titles.
It would be a shame to see these elements of WWE 2k20 left behind. The usual time where the next entry in the WWE 2k series is typically around June, though with WWE 2k Battlegrounds filling the yearly release slot, the possibility of said release time changing is high. With wrestling promotion AEW set to showcase a new wrestling game on the 10th of November, 2k may throw their own hat into the ring with an official announcement of their own. If said announcement does come, perhaps fans will see how the extra year of development time paid off.
The changes to focus more on arcade/fantastical elements are the right steps towards changing the WWE 2k series for the better, proving that 2k listened to what fans wanted to see. Of course, these steps forward weren't really enough to make up for just how rushed the game felt on launch and, by many accounts, still is. Interesting character and arena designs never really made up for the lack of any new content from the previous installment, and the constant crashes and bugs kept WWE 2k20 from being one of the most promising games in the franchise.
The problems with WWE 2k20 weren't really the fault of the developers not caring. It was clear that they cared enough to listen to fans and start making the steps towards the game they wanted to see but simply didn't have the time needed to deliver a polished product. With 2k seemingly backing away from their yearly release model with the release of WWE 2k Battlegrounds, it seems as though they may have finally been able to convince publishers Take-Two Interactive to allow them the crucial time needed for the next WWE 2k game.