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| All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Executive Vice President Kenny Omega during the virtual launch of AEW Games (Image Source: CBR.com/YouTube/All Elite Wrestling) |
Since its inception in 2019, All Elite Wrestling has revolutionized the professional wrestling industry and literally changed the perception of fans across the globe on the sport they love. Now, AEW is looking to reimagine the gaming world and take professional wrestling fans back to the golden age of wrestling video games headlined by the hit 1998 Nintendo 64 game WWF No Mercy with the launch of AEW Games. AEW's newest venture is set to initially deliver three new and upcoming gaming options including two mobile games and a highly anticipated console game being developed with renouned video game developer YUKE'S.
The birth of AEW Games was ushered in with a star-studded virtual keynote special event hosted on YouTube and held last November 10, 2020 featuring AEW Executive Vice-President Kenny Omega, who has been at the forefront of AEW's console game currently in development, along with AEW Executive Vice-President Cody Rhodes, Dr. Britt Baker, and AEW referee Aubrey Edwards who is also involved in the development of the said game due to her experience and expertise in the gaming world. The event also introduced wrestling gaming mastermind Hideyuki "Geta" Iwashita, best known for THQ's wrestling games released for fifth generation consoles, as the newest member of the AEW Games team.
Prior to the AEW console game, two mobile games will become available to fans in the coming months, namely AEW Casino: Double Or Nothing and AEW Elite GM. Developed by fast-rising independent operator KamaGames and slated for a winter release, AEW Casino: Double Or Nothing will feature AEW-branded versions of slots, blackjack, poker and roulette along with AEW music, sounds, videos, wrestler visual avatars, gift packs and more. AEW Elite GM, developed by Crystalline Games and set to become available in 2021, is the evolution of the GM simulator genre, taking the strategic elements of simulation and fantasy games to create a competitive and engaging space for the wrestling community to take part in, incorporating the expanded AEW brand and serving as a celebration of wrestling as a whole. Fans can take the role of a GM who can design a roster of wrestlers, set up matches and run the show to generate revenue, new fans and effects on wrestlers' stamina and morale.
"Every once in a while, a revolutionary company comes along and changes everything. AEW is doing that today," said AEW EVP Kenny Omega. "When I first signed with AEW, I asked Tony Khan to let me help assemble the best gaming team on the planet to make the best wrestling games ever. With masterminds like Geta and the incredible team at Yuke's, we are well on the path to deliver a fresh, vastly superior gaming experience that our fans deserve." "It's amazing to think that less than two years ago, we sent shockwaves through the professional wrestling industry with the launch of AEW, and we are now rolling out our new revolutionary games," said AEW President, CEO and General Manager Tony Khan. "We make a point to listen to our fans, and we know that a rejuvenated and immersive gaming experience is critical to the overall wrestling experience. It's going to be cool to see our fans enjoying a next-gen console wrestling game that actually implements their feedback. This is just the beginning of a new era of gaming for wrestling fans around the world. For Yuke's Senior Vice-President Hiromi Furuta, "it's a tremendous honor to be a part of writing the first page in a new history of wrestling games."
Gaming and wrestling fans can boost their anticipation for AEW's highly-anticipated next-gen console wrestling game as they can now purchase AEW Games merchandise online at ShopAEW.com. Meanwhile, Kenny Omega and AEW Games will consistently provide updates, including ongoing development content, to fans through AEWGames.com, @AEWGames on Twitter and YouTube, and @playAEWGames on Facebook and Instagram. Those who have missed out on the special event regarding the birth of AEW Games can now watch it below in its entirety.
