2K Games knows how to engage with its audience, and Grand Theft Auto V continues to be a best-seller years after its initial release (due largely to its online features) while NBA 2K getting a great deal of attention from the eSports community. But let’s not count out the grapplers.
Earlier this year, the publisher signed a multiyear licensing deal with World Wrestling Entertainment so that 2K Sports remains the exclusive publisher of WWE games, particularly the best-selling WWE 2K franchise. It’s done quite well for the company, as the games have sold well over 60 million units since 2000. Now, it’s pushing for its biggest entry to date, with a true juggernaut on the cover.
2K Sports formally announced that WWE 2K17 will release on October 11 with Brock Lesnar featured on its cover. Lesnar, who recently signed a multi-year deal to stay with the WWE, will be a playable character alongside other superstars, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena. He will also serve as the official ambassador for the game.
“My career has been defined by dominating every opportunity presented to me,” said Lesnar in a press release. “I am excited for my newest opportunity representing WWE 2K17 as the franchise’s ambassador and honored to serve as the WWE 2K17 cover Superstar.”
Lesnar has been making big waves since his re-signing with the WWE, appearing in traditional events like Wrestlemania, and is expected to return in time for SummerSlam. Additionally, he recently signed on in a unique cross-promotion where he’s set to fight at UFC 200 in July.
Having Lesnar on the cover is sure to be a popular choice with wrestling fans. But it’s not the only promotion that 2K Sports is putting behind the game. Last month, it revealed that Bill Goldberg, a popular face from the old World Championship Wrestling days, would be making his debut in the game, as a pre-order bonus.
Both 2K Sports and the WWE are expected to promote WWE 2K17 leading up to its release, including activities that tie in with SummerSlam in August. It’s expected to get some air time on WWE Monday Night Raw tonight as well, with the company setting aside time to showcase the cover.
