Take-Two CEO Optimistic About Growth Potential for 2K's WWE Franchise

The boss of Take-Two believes 2K’s WWE video games could be much more successful than they currently are, pointing to “ongoing opportunities to improve the quality of the game.”

The CEO of Take-Two Interactive, Strauss Zelnick, expressed optimism about the growth potential of 2K’s WWE franchise, highlighting possibilities for enhancing the game's quality. While the WWE series is profitable, it is overshadowed by 2K’s NBA games, which are major revenue generators for Take-Two. Both franchises are developed by Visual Concepts, based in California. The latest installment, WWE 2K26, received a 7/10 rating from IGN.

According to Take-Two's recent financial report, WWE 2K26 saw a 20% increase in recurrent consumer spending year-over-year, with over 85 million matches played, a 7% rise from WWE 2K25. Zelnick emphasized the potential for significant growth in the WWE franchise, stating that Visual Concepts is committed to continuous improvement. The upcoming WWE 2K27 is expected to be released in March 2027.

Zelnick praised the game's performance and Metacritic score, acknowledging the collaborative efforts with TKO, led by Nick Khan. He highlighted the team's dedication to enhancing the WWE brand and expressed the belief that the franchise has room for substantial expansion. Zelnick emphasized the importance of meeting consumer expectations by delivering innovative experiences consistent with the beloved WWE brand.

As Visual Concepts aims to elevate the WWE gaming experience, the focus shifts to potential game changes that align with Zelnick's vision. Recent discussions around monetization in WWE 2K26 led to adjustments in the Ringside Pass mechanics following player feedback. The introduction of a new battle pass system raised concerns among players regarding roster access and playtime requirements.

Season 2 of the Ringside Pass introduced immediate unlocks for premium track characters and reduced XP thresholds for tier progression. Each season pass is priced at $9.99/£8.99, with an annual pass available at $49.99/£44.99. With WWE 2K27 on the horizon, the community eagerly anticipates the enhancements Visual Concepts will implement to broaden the game's appeal.