WWE 2K24 release date announced, cover star revealed

Here’s the official trailer for WWE 2K24, per 2K:

• 2K offer…for immortals: For 40 years, WrestleMania has captivated millions of fans around the world as WWE Superstars became legends and incredible moments – from Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant, to “Mr. WrestleMania” Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker having a match for the ages, and many more – cemented the legacy of WWE Hall of Fame. “The Greatest Stage of All Time,” eliciting an earth-shaking roar from over 100,000 in attendance, as WWE’s biggest icons made history, leaving every drop of blood, sweat and tears in the squared circle. 40 years in the making, WWE 2K24 showcased.. of the Immortals puts players in control, playing through the most iconic moments in WrestleMania history as 2K’s signature Slingshot Tech seamlessly transforms gameplay into live footage and back again for the most immersive WrestleMania video game experience yet. From the challenging unlockable content and replay value to this historic experience;
• Featured List: WWE 2K24 features a star-studded roster of WWE legends including “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Undertaker and Andre the Giant, alongside current WWE superstars including “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, John Cena, Rhia Ripley and Roman. Reigns, whose signature entrances and moves are enhanced by hyper-realistic graphics.
• New match types and improvements to existing match types: Players asked for it, and WWE 2K24 delivered, with four new chaotic match types: Special Guest Referee, Ambulance Match, Casket Match, and Gauntlet Match. Additionally, Backstage Brawl now features four-player support and new interactive environmental elements – including a working elevator, breakable control room glass, and a vending machine containing throwable sodas – while Royal Rumble now supports up to eight players online in 30-player Super Matches. Star Online. All the familiar WWE 2K match types also return, such as WarGames, Extreme Rules, TLC, Submission, Hell in a Cell, and many more. More details about each new match type will be shared soon;
• Play upgrades: WWE 2K24 features gameplay improvements throughout, including Super Finishers, the Trading Blows mini-game, top rope jumping onto a group of opponents outside the ring, dual title matches, new Paybacks and more. New weapon types, including trash cans, guitars, and microphones, as well as the ability to throw weapons, allow players to bring pain. There are also seven real WWE referees to add to the immersive experience;
• My GM: The popular WWE brand management simulation continues to expand with new General Managers and Brands to choose from, more match types, more dramas, more championships, talent scouts, Superstar trading between brands, Superstar contract management, and a new Superstar Journey. Which allows Superstars to earn XP, train and level up to obtain new benefits after participating in matches;
• My species: The Team Building mode in which players collect, manage and upgrade a group of WWE Superstars and Legends to create their own four-person factions returns with a new direct purchase card market and an updated multiplayer experience. Players can now compete in online ranked QuickPlay with unique rewards and seasonal leaderboards, challenge themselves with Weekly Towers, and take on the revamped Faction Wars 2.0, featuring more realistic factions, more 4v4 match types, and a Faction-specific reward shop Wars and more. . New themed card packs and objectives will continue to roll out regularly throughout the year with seasonal content updates;
• My Rise: In WWE 2K’s unique Career Mode experience, two new stories – Undisputed (men’s) and Unleashed (women’s) – put players in control of specially created Superstars looking to make a name for themselves and cement their legacy in WWE history. Featuring Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Mick Foley and others performing MyRISE voiceovers for the first time, along with other Superstars and legends, expanded bonuses, original MyRISE characters and unlockables carried over to other game modes and new environments, MyRISE is even more impactful on the overall WWE 2K experience more than ever;
• being: The ultimate sandbox mode for the WWE Universe that puts players in charge of Superstar rosters, feuds, champions, weekly shows and signature live events now features expanded rivalry action, including Showdowns, Money in the Bank, Scenarios and Brawls as well. Such as new cinematics, special guest referee support, dual title matches, and a stipulation that the loser leaves town;
• Creation wing: The crown jewel of the WWE 2K series returns, the best-in-class, most detailed and powerful creation suite, with all-new support for Create-A-Referee and Create-A-Sign, as well as new parts and design animations. Superstars, GMs, arenas, entrances, movesets, tournaments and more.

Wesley is IGN’s UK news editor. You can find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can contact Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.