WWE Announces 2K25 Cover Stars,Special Editions and More
WWE® 2K25, the latest installment in the popular WWE video game series, is set to make waves when it drops worldwide in March 2025. This year, Roman Reigns, the reigning “Tribal Chief” of WWE, takes center stage as the cover star of the Standard Edition. As part of an exciting new chapter for the franchise, 2K has also introduced a trio of special editions—each packed with exclusive content, limited-time bonuses, and major gameplay upgrades. From the legendary Bloodline saga to the iconic Deadman Edition, let’s dive into everything you need to know about WWE 2K25’s covers, features, and editions! Cover Stars and Editions 1. Standard Edition: Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman For the first time, Roman Reigns appears as the cover star for WWE 2K25, marking a new era for the franchise. Reigns is immortalized alongside his “Wiseman,” Paul Heyman, a perfect representation of his reign over WWE. The Standard Edition includes the base game with dual-gen entitlement for PlayStation®5 (PS5®), PlayStation®4 (PS4®), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Pre-order Bonus: Pre-order the Standard Edition, and you’ll receive the Wyatt Sicks Pack, which includes five playable Superstars—Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan. Additionally, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players get exclusive cosmetic items for “The Island” mode—Uncle Howdy and Nikki Cross mask items. 2. The Deadman Edition: A Tribute to The Undertaker To celebrate 35 years of The Undertaker, the Deadman Edition of WWE 2K25 brings the legendary Superstar to the forefront. This edition includes everything from the Standard Edition, plus bonus content to make any Undertaker fan’s dreams come true. What’s included in the Deadman Edition: For fans who pre-order the Deadman Edition, you’ll also get a digital copy of WWE 2K24 as a bonus—allowing you to jump into the action right away! 3. The Bloodline Edition: For the Ultimate WWE Family The most exclusive edition of all is The Bloodline Edition. This edition is a tribute to Roman Reigns and his extended Anoa’i family, capturing the essence of The Bloodline faction, which has dominated WWE for years. In addition to all the content from the Deadman Edition, this version is packed with even more exclusive items. What’s included in The Bloodline Edition: The Bloodline Edition offers the most comprehensive WWE 2K25 experience, celebrating the legacy of Roman Reigns and the Anoa’i family in a way no other edition can. Key Features and New Content in WWE 2K25 WWE 2K25 isn’t just about the cover stars and special editions—it’s packed with exciting new features and gameplay innovations. Here’s a look at what you can expect: 1. 2K Showcase: The Bloodline’s Dynasty The biggest addition to WWE 2K25 is the 2K Showcase, where players can dive into the epic saga of The Bloodline faction, led by Roman Reigns and including The Usos, Solo Sikoa, and more. Hosted by Paul Heyman, this interactive journey through the history of the Anoa’i family allows players to relive classic matches or rewrite history in thrilling “what-if” scenarios. 2. The Island: A New Interactive WWE World Only available on PS5® and Xbox Series X|S, The Island is a groundbreaking, immersive online world where players can explore, complete quests, challenge others, and earn their place in The Bloodline faction. Customization and upgrades are key here, with plenty of cosmetic items, quests, and unlockables to keep you engaged. 3. Roster: Over 300 Superstars and Legends With over 300 playable Superstars, Legends, and Hall of Famers, WWE 2K25 features an unprecedented roster. From current stars like Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley, and LA Knight to legends like The Rock, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and Trish Stratus, there’s a fighter for every fan. 4. Intergender Matches and New Match Types For the first time ever, WWE 2K25 introduces intergender matches, allowing male and female Superstars to battle it out across all match types. New stipulations like the Underground Match, Bloodline Rules Match, and the return of Chain Wrestling provide endless possibilities for creative battles. 5. MyGM and MyRISE: Expand Your WWE Universe MyGM mode has been enhanced with online multiplayer support for up to four players, allowing GMs to battle it out in drafting Superstars and managing their brands. Meanwhile, MyRISE offers new storylines with fan-favorites like Kevin Owens and Bayley, where players can rise through the ranks and shape their own WWE journey. 6. Creation Suite: Limitless Customization WWE 2K25 continues to push the boundaries of customization with its robust Creation Suite. Players can create custom Superstars, arenas, and even entire wrestling shows with unprecedented detail. Release Dates and Special Edition Details WWE 2K25 will be released globally on March 14, 2025 for the Standard Edition, while the Deadman Edition and The Bloodline Edition will be available a week earlier on March 7, 2025. Fine Print and Terms:Pre-order bonus offers are available through March 13, 2025. Players who pre-order the Standard Edition will receive the Wyatt Sicks Pack (available in both physical and digital editions). Digital pre-orders include the WWE 2K24 Cross-Gen base game, while physical pre-orders come with a code. The Deadman and Bloodline Editions include a variety of exclusive content such as Mattel Elite Persona cards, Season Passes, and additional cosmetic items for The Island. DLC content, including the WrestleMania 41 Pack, will be released post-launch, with exact dates to be announced. Players can access online features by creating a linked account on platforms that support these options. WWE 2K25 brings fans closer than ever to the heart of WWE, with an incredible lineup of cover stars, special editions, and brand-new features. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of The Undertaker, Roman Reigns, or The Bloodline, or you’re simply looking to experience the most immersive WWE video game to date, WWE 2K25 offers something for everyone. So, which edition will you choose, and how will you prove you’re worthy of The Tribal Chief’s attention? Let the games begin!
Shortly After Releasing On PC, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Is The Most-Played Single Player Entry On The Platform
Originally, Square Enix’s reputation was built on the relationship it has maintained with PlayStation for decades. Despite the cordialship between both firms, the publisher has started to suffer based on its exclusive arrangement. With a net total of ¥22.1 billion lost, the firm is adamant to change its course. Since then, there has been a shift to multiplatform for the Japanese publisher. While the company shares to be contempt with its performance on PlayStation 5 for its latest major release, plans are not to continue in this direction, it was confirmed. Square Enix has been on the record and its actions prove to be exploring more platforms with PC releases. Already, titles including Final Fantasy XVI has already release. This month, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is also meeting the same fate. Now in a new discovery online, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is showing to be the most popular single player entry for the entire franchise. Although titles before it were a bombastic surprise to be receiving a PC port, its engagement has been tamer in comparison. But, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on SteamDB reveals to be meeting an all-time high with 40K players. In comparison, Final Fantasy XVI is nearly half of that with just around 27,508 players. Even less is Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade where the game’s all-time peak is at 13,803 players. However, despite the overtake by Final Fantasy VII Rebirth in comparison to the others is on 50 percent of the MMO. Final Fantasy XIV Online is just over 90K on SteamDB. And that is just the start for Square Enix’s success in its multiplatform refocus. Recently, Nate the Hate – the leaker correct about the reveal for the Nintendo Switch 2 – did share that 2025 will be the year both Final Fantasy XVI & Final Fantasy VII Remake are coming to Xbox. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you surprised by the performance of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth? Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is currently available for PlayStation 5 & PC.
EA Minimizing Chances Of Failure For Next Battlefield With More Internal Playtests, Report Says
The conversation surrounding Battlefield is how will the series return after Battlefield 2042. While an exciting announcement more so left players underwhelmed with the final product. In one statement, Electronic Arts CEO said the IP will show its face in an “entirely new way”. Anticipating what the next entry will be, it is certainly massive. Enough so that EA Motive was added to the roster of studios behind the game’s development. Additionally, the title was also remarked to be a title with longevity. Again from a separate comment from Wilson, he told that the newest Battlefield is shaping to be a “tremendous live-service’; expecting plenty of post-launch support for returning players. Not too long after, the firm did address that the series is to return to its Battlefield 3/Battlefield 4 roots for this newest game to rekindle the flame that once was. According to InsiderGaming, sources familiar with the current development shares that there is a hesitancy to not make the same mistake again. In that, there has been an more than normal amount playtests with external players. Especially with the new push for the 64-player, the new project certainly is platforming “player first”, the source says. Even more, it is also being considered that DICE return the Battlefield Community Test Environment pressured by this new effort to offer a resurge for Battlefield. All in all, the next installment is already considered the most resourceful when it comes to the amount EA is backing the game’s development. This plays in part with the separate record for the amount of player feedback gathered as well internally. The outlet also understands that another wave of playtests has begun as of this month in anticipation for prepared announcements coming in 2025. Not only that, Ripple Effect is also told to be hosting playtests for its free-to-play Battle Royale alongside the multiplayer for the new Battlefield game also. Are you interested in this new development for Battlefield? Source: InsiderGaming
Ubisoft Latest Wave Of Layoffs Hits 180+ Employees And Shutters One Of Its UK Studios
In the recent string of months, many are to believe Ubisoft is in dire trouble thanks to the performance of its releases from 2024. From the official closure announced for xDefiant to the underwhelming reception of Star Wars Outlaws, reports did circulate on the uncertainty of the publisher. It was understood a potential buyout from Tencent is a possibility if not addressed effectively by its executives. Although other reports did indicate team closures like for Ubisoft Montpellier, it was later confirmed that the team is moving on to new projects. In the vein of Assassin’s Creed, the IP is said to have nearly a dozen titles underway after its upcoming new release. And even that is still awaited after revealing a second delay for the game now fixed on March 2025 later this year. Amid that, Ubisoft is now taking actions to reduce its costs and almost 200 jobs were taken from its latest wave of layoffs. According to Eurogamer, the publisher has reduced staffing at studios in Düsseldorf, Stockholm, Newcastle. What’s more, the move did properly shut down one team based in Leamington with a total of 185 jobs now removed from Ubisoft’s roster. “As part of our ongoing efforts to prioritise projects and reduce costs that ensure long-term stability at Ubisoft, we have announced targeted restructurings at Ubisoft Düsseldorf, Ubisoft Stockholm and Ubisoft Reflections and the permanent closure of Ubisoft Leamington site,” the outlet received in a statement from a Ubisoft spokesperson. “Unfortunately, this should impact 185 employees overall. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and are committed to supporting them through this transition.” Among the big budget disappointments, titles like Skull and Bones proves to be one of the reasons for Ubisoft’s latest decision. While the firm was chasing after quadruple A, it has proven to be more damaging than rewarding. Are you surprised by this recent firing string by Ubisoft? Source: Eurogamer
Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz, and Gunnar Henderson Confirmed Cover Athletes For MLB The Show 25, Coming This March
While the business model for Sony Interactive Entertainment has shown to be a success for PlayStation 5, the firm is redirecting its trajectory for the approaching future. Although the success of Helldivers 2 did show promise, titles like Concord did rub the firm the wrong way. Enough so that internal plans on a live-service Horizon Zero Dawn is the latest project to be canceled for the firm. Despite that, there is promise for other beloved IPs. This week, it was reported that PlayStation Santa Monica Studio is already working away on a new God of War title utilizing Egyptian mythology. Additionally, there is also the expected annual release from San Diego Studio for its yearly MLB The Show series. Last year, MLB The Show 24 featured Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as its cover athlete. This week, Sony Interactive Entertainment announced MLB The Show 25. Unlike prior entries, this year’s release features three cover athletes: Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz, and Gunnar Henderson. The decision for three starring players is to commemorate 20 years for the MLB The Show franchise. While originated as a PlayStation exclusive, the series is now a regarded multiplatform release. “In 2025, MLB The Show is celebrating its monumental 20th anniversary, a milestone that honors two decades of baseball history, innovation, and unforgettable memories for baseball fans around the world. To mark this special occasion for San Diego Studio and PlayStation Studios, MLB The Show 25 proudly features not one, nor two, but three cover athletes for the first time ever — Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz, and Gunnar Henderson.” San Diego Studio product development communications and brand strategist Ramone Russell added: “These rising stars join a rich history of legendary cover athletes, symbolizing the future of baseball as we celebrate 20 incredible years of the franchise.” Additionally, it is also revealed that players that pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition will be granted 4-day early access for MLB The Show 25. What has you most excited for MLB The Show 25? MLB The Show 25 launches on March 18, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Source: PlayStation Blog
DLC ‘Enchantment Under The Sea’ Out Today For Atomic Heart
Nearly two years ago, developer Mundfish officially launched Cold War dystopia experience Atomic Heart. Upon release, Rectify Gaming scored the title an 8/10 at the time. “Overall, Atomic Hearts is an enjoyable experience and introduces several new mechanics. I won’t mind showing up in the inevitable sequel if it does well. Atomic Heart is an easy recommendation if you’re a fan of Wolfenstein, Bioshock, or immersive first-person shooters.” Since then, the developer has went on to feature more post-launch support for Atomic Heart. In August 2023, the game studio launched DLC ‘Annihilation Instinct’ which is a follow-up to the core plot of the base game. And in 2024, add-on ‘Trapped in Limbo’ is another alternative ending that strays off the main story of the official conclusion for Atomic Heart. Now this week, Mundfish returns with yet another DLC release for Atomic Heart – ‘Enchantment Under The Sea’. You can watch the gameplay trailer in the video below: “‘Enchantment Under the Sea’ goes back to the spectacular combat gameplay that made Atomic Heart one of the highlights of 2023 as players will continue the main storyline with the Twins’ consciousness at their side and new weapons in their arsenal. Meet new and returning characters and dive into the underwater Neptune Research Center to explore its mysteries and find a way to save humanity from a dismal future,” the blog post reads. “Players will also revisit familiar locations of Facility 3826 that have changed beyond recognition, like the flying city of Chelomey, now under the robots’ total control.With new challenges comes the need for new tricks! In addition to the expanded storyline, season pass owners get two new weapons: the Thunderclap, a motorized buzz saw that amps up damage with electrical current, and the KM-4 Kuzmich, a crowd-clearing double-barrel shotgun with customizable bullet spread. “They’ll be complemented by two new glove abilities courtesy of the Twins’: Blaze, a burning polymer skill letting players drop red-hot fireballs and deal area-of-effect damage; Whip skill, a grapple-hook tool allowing P-3 to pull himself towards the enemies and deal damage while also giving him access to unreachable areas or letting him quickly dodge away from danger.” How excited are you for the third Atomic Heart DLC? Atomic Heart is available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. Source: Focus Entertainment
Xbox Boss Argues Cross-Buy & Hardware Is The Seller For Its Business Model
Although the platform is not at the height it once was, Xbox remains a contender alongside PlayStation & Nintendo. Despite that, Microsoft is taking new approaches to bring in larger audiences from all fronts. The ongoing push for Xbox Cloud Gaming is the latest example of that. This past fall, Microsoft enabled private library streaming for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate users on a select number of titles. Even more, the firm is also chasing after exploring Xbox on other hardware. Part of its ‘This Is An Xbox’ campaign has advertised playing titles on devices like smartphone, Amazon Fire Stick, and even Meta Quest. Previously, CEO Satya Nadella even stated that a new initiative for the Xbox company is to redefine what determines an Xbox user as well. When speaking on the topic of drive to engage users on its platform, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer argues that the systems to feature cross-buy as well as the in-house hardware provided for Xbox is its strong suit. You can watch the segment of the interview in the video below: “You’re going to be able to play your games that you buy with us in many different places; your state; your save game […] the simple thing of like logging in and seeing my save game from 2011 kinda populate and I still get to go play,” Spencer explains when speaking to Dustin Legarie on what makes Xbox a platform appealing to consumers. “You know like the experience that you’re going to have on Xbox is we respect your progress on our platform and the games that you own with us we’re going to make available in more places whether it’s buy to stream and you can stream to the devices that are near you on console or PC, like I think that- I thin that’s our value proposition of Xbox.And on the hardware side, I want us to innovate and make the hardware the differentiator. Like we’ve got into this space where the differentiation on the hardware has gone down and it’s really been locked games that you’ve tried to make the identity of the hardware. “I want our hardware to compete in power and on innovation: so let’s have our platform continue to innovate with services and hardware work that we’re doing whether its control; whether its power; mobility; whatever it is that we’re focused on and let’s have our games reach you as the person who’s investing your time and your money in our games wherever you want to go play. I think that’s our identity going forward .” Another topic that Spencer elaborated on greatly is its titles on more devices – including those not from Microsoft. Elsewhere during the same interview, Spencer disclosed that there is no defining red tape that withholds an Xbox game going to any platform. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you convinced by Spencer’s statement?
Phil Spencer Confirms There’s No Defining Barrier For Its Titles Releasing Outside Of Xbox
To those gathering around Xbox’s future plans, it is no secret that the Microsoft is approaching multiplatform release. Not only do pre-existing titles like Hi-Fi Rush & Sea of Thieves apply to this already, but the approaching Doom: The Dark Ages as well as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are also coming as well for PlayStation. Previously, it was understood that only the four games would be contenders, but that clearly has changed for Xbox. Since then, executives have continued to urge delivering its platform-defining entries to be also applied to competing hardware as well. Previously, Matt Booty expressed the decision to be centered on a game by game basis. However, CEO Satya Nadella went on to iterate that the definition for being an Xbox fan will be re-tuned as you can play Xbox outside of the titular console now. Although Phil Spencer did express that titles Indiana Jones and the Great Circle & Starfield would not be part of this equation, he explained in an interview with Destin Legarie that there are no longer any ‘redlines’ that refrain from Microsoft releasing its titles on opposing platforms. You can watch the segment of the interview in the video below: “There’s no specific game that- this goes back to my redline answer, like there’s no reason for me to put a ring fence around any game and say, ‘this game will not go to a place’; that it would find players where it would have business success for us. What we find is we’re able to drive a better business that allows us to invest in great game lineup like you saw and that’s our strategy. “Right, our strategy is to allow our games to be available; Game Pass is an important component playing the games on our platform. But to keep games off of other platforms, we don’t thin it’s a path that we’re- that’s not a path for us. It doesn’t work for us. What we’re doing now we think really enables us to build the best platform for the world’s best games cause the world’s biggest games are available in multiple places.” Originally, Spencer’s response was triggered about Starfield in particular. But, as we learned recently, entries like Halo: The Master Chief Collection is reaching to systems like Nintendo Switch 2. And, Spencer is a separate interview was adamant on Xbox’s continued relationship with Nintendo moving forward. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you for or against Spencer’s statement?
Sledgehammer Games Allegedly Planned to Bring Halo Maps to Modern Warfare 3
It had been reported in the past that a collaboration between the Halo franchise and Call of Duty was in the works, but was canceled. In November 2024, insiders claimed that Black Ops 6 would have crossovers with DOOM, Halo, and Gears of War. While this has not been confirmed by Microsoft or Activision a new report has come out. Halo Maps In Modern Warfare 3 According to known Call of Duty leaker on X, TheGhostOfHope, Sledgehammer Games had plans to bring a huge collaboration to Modern Warfare 3. This would have been a collaboration with the Halo franchise that would bring various maps from the series. Another leaker responded to the post on X, HeyImAlaix saying one day he may share some of the screenshots he has of this collaboration. In the post by TheGhostOfHope he shares an image of The Pit from Halo 3, which is one of the most iconic maps from the Halo series. It remains unknown what maps were being considered to be featured in Modern Warfare 3. It’s tough to guess because Halo has a wide variety of maps to choose from and it’d be interesting to see how they’d play in Call of Duty. In the previous rumors, Master Chief was planned to also join Modern Warfare 3 as an operator. However, those plans were scrapped for the time being. With Microsoft now owning Halo and the Call of Duty IPs there will probably be a collaboration down the road. With rumors of Halo: The Master Chief Collection coming to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2, this could be the moment for this collaboration to materialize.
