After the disastrous launch of WWE 2K20, it's clear that WWE 2K games went back to the drawing board and came back stronger than ever. WWE 2K22, WWE 2K23, and the recently released WWE 2K24 all launched to great reviews, with a plethora of game modes, and continued improvements from the last. There's no denying that each WWE 2K game has improved upon the last and surprised fans. For example, Rey Mysterio's WWE 2K22 showcase was arguably a bit repetitive, but that was fixed with John Cena's 2K23 showcase by playing those who defeated him, and WWE 2K24's Showcase mode ensured this variety by focusing on WrestleMania.

Since WWE 2K24 just released, it may seem a bit early to be talking about WWE 2K25, but next March will be here before you know it. With next March most likely comes WWE 2K25, and across the board fans can expect continued refinement. However, the last two games have focused a lot on in-ring action by adding improvements such as WWE 2K24's Trading Blows Mini-games. Both games also introduced new match types, with WWE 2K23 adding WarGames and WWE 2K24 adding Special Guest Referee, Casket, and Ambulance Matches (as well as improvements to Backstage Brawl). The in-ring action and match type selection is enough, though, to carry the franchise for a few releases. Instead of WWE 2K25 adding more to this formula, it could benefit from giving extra love to another game mode, specifically MyGM Mode.

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WWE 2K25 Has to Continue WWE 2K24's Upward Trend

While the past few WWE 2K games have been praised, there's no ignoring the reality that it is an annualized franchise. It's only a matter of time before the common, and understandable, criticisms that it's "the same game with a roster change" begin rearing their heads. Once they do, it doesn't matter how good the product is if it stays in the shadow of its predecessors. As a result, it would be a good idea for the games to shift more focus. The in-ring action of WWE 2K24 feels so good that anything WWE 2K25 adds to that department will feel even more incremental than it may necessarily be; instead, that in-ring action could carry a title or two while other game modes got some additional love.

wwe 2k24 mygm save slots

That's not to say WWE 2K24 didn't bring improvements to MyGM Mode, to Universe Mode, to MyRise Mode, or to MyFaction mode, but that those improvements took a back seat to the continued focus of the in-ring action, understandably. It's in such a good state now that it's fine to be put on the backburner itself, at least for an entry or two, while the developers dedicated the time and attention of new match types and applied those to improving the other game modes.

Why MyGM Mode Should Be Picked

While the other game modes could certainly use some improvements, MyGM Mode is perhaps the most deserving. That's nothing against the others, but whereas every game mode is great, MyGM Mode is the only one discussed with an *asterisk by its name. It's sometimes hard to discuss how good the management aspects of MyGM mode are when the SmackDown vs. Raw games did it first, and in some cases, they did it better.

How WWE 2K25 Could Improve MyGM Mode

SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 would introduce MyGM Mode to the franchise, it would expand the game mode over a couple of entries, and then it was done. When MyGM Mode came back in WWE 2K22, it lacked many of the elements that made it great:

  • MyGM Match Types were extremely limited.
  • Premium Live Events were lackluster.
    • No special events like the Royal Rumble
  • No calendar organization.

WWE 2K23 and WWE 2K24 improved on the MyGM match types, ensuring more than ever could be used, and it introduced new features like the ability to level up superstars, adding some emphasis to the seasonal gameplay. However, each season is limited to 25 weeks and not a full calendar year, Premium Live Events are just bigger standard weeks, and things like the Royal Rumble remain absent. It has seen improvement, but the kind that it needs now are not the incremental kind—it's the leap forward kind.

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Triple H Needs a Talking To

One lingering issue from WWE 2K22 are Triple H's requests. These are a great way to earn Power Cards and feel the pressure from The Powers That Be, but at the same time, some of the requests make little sense. It doesn't make sense for a World Champion to take a morale hit because you want to book them in a tag team or to host a specific type of match with no real build. More extensive requests, given most of them are good but just ill-timed, coupled with more possible happenings week in and week out (like the wardrobe malfunction) add some variety.

How to Improve PLEs in WWE 2K25

As it stands, PLEs in WWE 2K24 are just one more promo slot and one more match. They're a great way to earn come cash, to further storylines, and to take advantage of match type bonuses, but otherwise they are just like any other week. Some PLEs, especially the big four, should have special matches and modifies, while cross-brand PLEs should definitely be a thing. For example, it would be great if SummerSlam would have a few different conditions or options like a cross-brand Title Unification Match, while the Royal Rumble should have a cross-brand Rumble. Money in the Bank would be great if this was a special match type to help set up future rivalries. More unique elements to each PLE, something special for the Big 4 PLEs especially WrestleMania, and a full calendar to support those builds would be great.

A Calendar in MyGM Mode

A standard season in MyGM Mode should last 52 weeks (or even 45-50 if there are "off-weeks" for holidays), with all the PLEs used in order and with any and all special elements at play. For Survivor Series, players should be forced to set up or participate in a WarGames match. For the Royal Rumble, there should be a Royal Rumble. Luckily, the trading system, the superstar journey system, the show logistics, and other adjustments to WWE 2K24's economy in MyGM mode would go a long way in supporting this, as would simply extending rivalry builds from WWE 2K24. It's something easier on paper than in practice, but it's just a matter of expanding it, balancing it, and making sure the play that feels good at 25 can be expanded, which is already possible to some degree given seasons don't end until players reach the Hall of Fame and choose to retire it.

What's more, if someone wanted to adjust the season length to 25 for some standard play, that should be an option too.

This would also be a great way to work in outside-show events, like stars appearing on a podcast. Impaulsive is essentially begging to be in MyGM Mode.

More Seasonal Gameplay Options

Beyond just season length, MyGM Mode should be fully in control of the player when it comes to seasonal rules. Beyond just season length, player should be able to make decisions regarding Power Cards at play, how often they can be used, and more. Some things, like stopping Power Cards from being played before PLEs should be a thing, but the standard set of rules should be as adjustable as possible. This is already a slight option given fans can choose to play a classic experience or have match types unlock as they unlock new show logistics. Beyond just these controls, it would be great if there were other seasonal options.

  • 52-season Length
  • Classic Experience
  • Gameplay Modifiers
    • Alternate gameplay rules that enforced more endless styles of play. Examples of gameplay scenarios for a WWE 2K MyGM Mode include Dominant Faction (which player can lead a faction to ultimate dominance in WWE), Supernatural Rules (limited pool of superstars, match types, and fun endings), and more.

Cinematic, Story-Like Content

Although this is more unlikely, perhaps a story experience could be added with a few cinematic options, more dramatic booking choices, and a more interesting scenario overall. WWE 2K24's MyRise mode got some attention in this regard, and combining that with a Universe-like calendar and MyGM Mode's core elements could be a lot of fun.

WWE 2K24's MyGM Mode is Really Good, But It Needs to Claim Its Championship Title

smackdown vs raw 2008 cover

As it stands, WWE 2K24's MyGM Mode is Cody Rhodes against Smackdown vs. Raw's Roman Reigns. Everyone knows how good Rhodes is, everyone wants him to be on the top, and everyone wants him to wear the belt that he deserves, but he still finds himself in second place to Reigns. A few key decisions could put Rhodes over, while a sharper focus could put MyGM Mode over. Hopefully, that changes after WrestleMania 40 for Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, and hopefully, MyGM Mode can claim that top spot with WWE 2K25.