After revolutionizing the wrestling industry, AEW today shared its plans to reimagine the gaming world with the launch of AEW GAMES. The new venture will initially deliver three new gaming options to fans including two mobile games and the highly anticipated console game being developed with the renowned video game developer YUKE’S.
The birth of AEW GAMES was ushered in with a star-studded keynote special event hosted on YouTube, featuring Kenny Omega, who has been at the forefront of AEW’s console game, along with Cody Rhodes, Dr. Britt Baker and Ref Aubrey Edwards. The event also featured the introduction of wrestling gaming mastermind and the newest AEW GAMES team member, Hideyuki “Geta” Iwashita, best known for his work on the critically-acclaimed No Mercy for fifth-generation consoles.
"Every once in a while, a revolutionary company comes along and changes everything. AEW is doing that today," said Kenny Omega, EVP of AEW. "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."
Two mobile games will be available even sooner for fans. AEW Casino: Double or Nothing is anticipated to launch this winter, and AEW Elite GM is anticipated to launch later in 2021. Developed by KamaGames, one of the fastest growing independent operators in the world, Double or Nothing will feature AEW-branded versions of slots, blackjack, poker and roulette, along with AEW music, sounds, videos, wrestler virtual avatars, gift packs and more.
Developed by Crystallized Games, AEW Elite GM 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 expanding AEW brand and serving as a celebration of wrestling as a whole. Fans take on the role of GM, designing a roster of wrestlers, setting up matches, and running the show to generate revenue, new fans and effects on wrestlers’ stamina and morale.
"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 now we are rolling out our new revolutionary games," said Tony Khan, CEO and GM of AEW. "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."
"It is a tremendous honor to be a part of writing the first page in a new history of wrestling games," said Hiromi Furuta, SVP at YUKE’S.
You can watch an early teaser for the AEW game coming to consoles below: