Does Steel City Interactive Still Have a Valid Excuse for the Long Development of Undisputed?

Steel City Interactive (SCI) has spent years developing Undisputed, a game that was initially marketed as the first true boxing simulation in decades. However, despite the buzz surrounding its early access release, the game has remained in an extended development cycle, with many fans growing impatient. The question must be asked—does SCI still have a valid excuse for why it is taking so long to deliver a fully realized boxing game, especially considering the extensive history of boxing video games and the wealth of talent available in the gaming industry?

A Long History of Boxing Games

Boxing video games are not a new concept. The sport has been represented in gaming for over 40 years, with titles spanning from the arcade era to modern consoles and mobile devices. Games like Punch-Out!!, Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Boxing, Knockout Kings, Fight Night, Victorious Boxers, and even lesser-known titles like Boxing Legends of the Ring have all captured the sport in different ways. Some focused on arcade-style action, while others aimed for simulation-based mechanics.

Given that over a hundred boxing games have been developed across various platforms, it is difficult to accept the idea that making a high-quality boxing game in 2025 is an insurmountable challenge. The technology, resources, and game engines available today are far superior to those used to create past boxing titles. If studios in the 1980s, 90s, and early 2000s could produce boxing games under tighter deadlines and with fewer resources, why is SCI struggling to complete Undisputed?

The Availability of Veteran Developers

One of the most puzzling aspects of SCI’s development process is its apparent reluctance to bring in seasoned developers with experience in the sports gaming genre. The gaming industry is filled with veteran developers looking for employment, many of whom have worked on successful sports franchises such as Fight Night, UFC, WWE 2K, NBA 2K, and Madden.

A company aiming to create the most realistic boxing game in history should be eager to hire experienced talent who understand sports game mechanics, animation, AI, physics, and presentation. Instead, SCI appears to have taken a more insular approach, leading to questions about whether they fully understand the complexities of sports gaming development.

Early Access Concerns and Lack of Progress

SCI launched Undisputed in early access, a move that allowed them to collect player feedback and improve the game over time. However, after more than a year in early access, many of the game’s core issues—such as stiff movement, unconvincing punch reactions, and a lack of true boxing realism—still persist. This slow progress raises doubts about whether SCI has the capability or the necessary resources to bring their vision to completion.

The game has received multiple updates, but most of them have focused on minor adjustments rather than significant overhauls to core gameplay mechanics. If the development team lacks the expertise to implement realistic physics, AI improvements, and fluid animation, why not bring in industry professionals who can? The delay seems less about the challenges of making a boxing game and more about SCI’s unwillingness or inability to adapt.

No Excuse for a Lack of Realism

SCI originally sold Undisputed as a realistic boxing simulation, but as development has dragged on, the game has started incorporating more arcade-like elements. The introduction of unrealistic movement mechanics, exaggerated knockdowns, and animation inconsistencies has frustrated fans who expected a game rooted in boxing realism.

At this point, it is fair to question whether SCI still has a coherent vision for what Undisputed is supposed to be. If realism was the priority from the start, the game should be evolving in that direction. Instead, the updates have led to a more gamey experience, and realism is becoming less of a focus. This shift only adds to the frustration of fans who expected something closer to a Fight Night successor, not a hybrid of boxing and arcade gameplay.

Conclusion: Is SCI the Right Studio for the Job?

At this stage, SCI’s delays and developmental struggles are difficult to justify. The history of boxing video games proves that the genre is not impossible to develop. The gaming industry is filled with talent that could accelerate progress. The technology available today is far more advanced than what was used to make classic boxing games.

If Undisputed continues to stagnate or moves further away from realism, SCI will have no valid excuse left. The studio’s refusal to adapt, hire the right people, or stick to its original vision could ultimately be its downfall. Boxing fans have waited long enough for a proper simulation game, and if SCI cannot deliver, another studio may have to step in and do the job right.