Fans Have Given Up on SCI: The Decline of Faith in Undisputed
For years, boxing video game fans have waited patiently for a true simulation of the sport—one that captures the sweet science in all its technical, strategic, and brutal glory. Undisputed, formerly known as ESBC (eSports Boxing Club), was once seen as the answer to this long drought. Developed by Steel City Interactive (SCI), the game generated significant hype with its initial trailers, promising the most realistic boxing game ever made. However, after years of delays, gameplay changes, and questionable decisions, it seems the majority of fans have given up hope, with only a small fraction still believing in SCI's ability to deliver.
The Downward Spiral of Undisputed
What started as an exciting promise has turned into an agonizing wait filled with disappointment. SCI initially captured fans’ attention with their ambitious vision—featuring licensed fighters, detailed movement, realistic punch mechanics, and a deep career mode. But after multiple delays, the transition from ESBC to Undisputed, and inconsistent development updates, many fans feel like the project has lost its direction.
Here’s where things took a turn:
1. The Beta Was a Wake-Up Call
When the Undisputed beta was released, fans expected a polished, near-final product. Instead, they got an incomplete, arcade-leaning experience filled with unrealistic movement, poor hit detection, and questionable balancing choices. What was supposed to be a hardcore boxing simulation felt more like a hybrid of a boxing and arcade game—far from what fans had been led to believe.
2. Lack of Transparency and Communication
A major criticism of SCI has been their lack of consistent communication. Initially, they engaged with the community, taking feedback and making promises. But as the months went by, updates became scarce, and when they did arrive, they were vague or filled with marketing fluff rather than real progress. Fans have grown tired of waiting with little to no insight into the game’s development timeline.
3. Too Many Changes, Not Enough Stability
SCI continuously changed fundamental aspects of the game, causing concern that they didn’t have a clear vision. From altering punch mechanics to tweaking movement systems, many fans feel like the game has lost what made it special in the first place. It doesn’t help that some features expected in a boxing sim—like realistic clinching, dynamic punch animations, and fighter tendencies—still aren’t fully realized.
4. A Lack of Urgency or Panic from SCI
Despite the dwindling support, SCI seems to be operating as if they have all the time in the world. Fans have expressed frustration at the slow development pace and the lack of an official release date. Meanwhile, the boxing gaming community has largely moved on, with some turning back to old games like Fight Night Champion or embracing modding communities to create their own experiences.
SCI doesn’t seem to feel the pressure, but they should. The longer they take, the harder it will be to win back those who have lost faith.
Is There Any Hope Left?
There are still a few fans clinging to hope that Undisputed will eventually deliver. Some believe that SCI is working behind the scenes to refine the game and bring it back to its original promise. Others think that if SCI reverts to the ESBC version and builds on that foundation, they could still turn things around.
But with every passing month of silence or underwhelming updates, that hope fades. What was once a game with the potential to revolutionize boxing video games is now on the verge of being forgotten before it even launches.
Final Thoughts
SCI once had the full support of boxing fans who were desperate for a proper simulation. Now, they are hanging by a thread, with only a handful still holding faith in their ability to deliver. The question is: Will SCI wake up and realize that they’re losing their audience, or will they continue down this slow path until no one is left waiting?
If Undisputed is ever going to succeed, SCI needs to show urgency. They need to prove they are serious about making a true simulation, communicate more clearly with fans, and most importantly, get the gameplay back to the realistic, hardcore boxing experience that was originally promised. Otherwise, they risk going down as yet another failed attempt in the history of boxing games.
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