Warner Bros. Discovery Sports and AEW Announce Partnership for New Mobile Game
Warner Bros. Discovery Sports and wrestling promotion AEW (All Elite Wrestling) have joined forces to develop a new free-to-play mobile game called AEW: Figure Fighters. This collaboration follows Warner Bros. Discovery Sports’ previous partnership with mobile game accelerator Immutable X and AEW’s collaboration with Crystallized Games for AEW Elite General Manager. The game is set to be released in early 2024 and already has a website featuring the likenesses of popular wrestlers Jamie Hayter and Darby Allin.
Bringing the Ring to Your Phone
The upcoming AEW: Figure Fighters game will feature 3D animated versions of AEW wrestlers engaging in epic battles in the ring. Fans will have the opportunity to expand their fandom and love for the show as they collect and level up their favorite wrestlers, play in various game modes, and tackle numerous challenges. This innovative gaming experience aims to enhance the connection between fans and their beloved wrestlers.
AEW’s Transmedia Strategy
AEW, founded by entrepreneur Tony Khan and bolstered by wrestlers Cody Rhodes and “The Young Bucks,” has adopted a transmedia strategy to compete with the established wrestling promotion, WWE. Their latest venture, AEW: Fight Forever, is set to be released soon and serves as a response to WWE’s long-running 2K series. The partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports and the development of AEW: Figure Fighters further solidify AEW’s presence in both the gaming and wrestling industries.
Building Rivalry and Elevating the Game
AEW has often been viewed as WWE’s main competitor, and this new mobile game demonstrates AEW’s determination to exert more pressure on the well-established wrestling promotion. While WWE already has a significant foothold in the mobile gaming market with titles like WWE Mayhem and WWE Champions, AEW aims to challenge their dominance and become a prominent player in the industry. Fans can expect an intense rivalry as both promotions strive to provide the ultimate wrestling experience on mobile devices.
Sports Promotions in the Mobile Gaming Landscape
Sports promotions have long embraced the mobile gaming platform to extend their brands to gamers worldwide. Although professional wrestling may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about sports promotions, brands like AEW, WWE, and NJPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling) are globally recognized. This partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery Sports and AEW demonstrates the potential of sports promotions in the mobile gaming market.
Conclusion
While sports promotions can be a lucrative venture in mobile gaming, success is not guaranteed. The recent closure of Nifty, a prolific sports game developer behind titles like NBA Clash and NFL Clash, serves as a reminder that even well-known names can struggle to sustain their presence. However, the partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery Sports and AEW shows promise and could pave the way for an immersive wrestling experience on mobile devices.