Saturday, February 8, 2025

The Hard Questions SCI & Ash Habib Must Answer: Is Undisputed Still a True Boxing Sim or Just Empty Promises?



It seems like many fans of Undisputed—especially those who were excited about the early ESBC version—are growing frustrated with the way SCI and Ash Habib are handling communication, changes in direction, and the lack of transparency. If we cut through all the PR talk, deflections, and excuses, the real questions fans want answered are:

1. Why did the gameplay change so drastically from the ESBC version?

  • The ESBC version had momentum, foot planting, and better physics. Many believe Undisputed moved toward an arcadey feel rather than refining what made ESBC great.
  • Why were mechanics like realistic footwork, punches having weight, and natural movement altered?

2. Who is actually making the gameplay decisions?

  • Is it Ash Habib, the dev team, or external influences (investors, casual gaming consultants, esports push, etc.)?
  • Did external parties push SCI to make the game more casual instead of realistic?

3. Why does Ash Habib constantly promise one thing and deliver another?

  • He’s said they’re making the most realistic boxing game, but the gameplay doesn’t align with that statement.
  • Is SCI intentionally misleading fans with selective wording, or is there a disconnect between vision and execution?

4. What happened to foot planting and realistic movement?

  • Boxers now slide around, and loose footwork is universally accessible, which isn't realistic.
  • Why did they remove the grounded, momentum-based movement system that was in early ESBC?

5. Why does every update feel like it takes one step forward and two steps back?

  • Fans have noticed that each update either breaks something else or nerfs realistic aspects.
  • Why does SCI keep overhauling mechanics instead of refining them?

6. Why is Undisputed so restrictive compared to past boxing games?

  • Why can’t players adjust realism settings or create more boxers?
  • Why is offline gameplay so limited when it should allow full control?

7. Are they truly listening to the right feedback?

  • They claim they listen to feedback, but many fans feel like they’re ignoring sim-focused players and hardcore boxing fans.
  • Are they prioritizing feedback from casual players and influencers over actual boxing enthusiasts?

8. Why is clinching, inside fighting, and bodywork still not properly implemented?

  • Inside fighting is still weak, and clinching (a major part of real boxing) is barely present.
  • Why do they avoid discussing true inside-fighting mechanics?

9. Why do punch animations still look robotic and lack fluidity?

  • Many animations look forced, stiff, and lack proper weight transfer.
  • Why haven’t they focused on adding more punch variety, angles, and natural mechanics?

10. Is Ash Habib deflecting or shifting blame?

  • Some fans believe he is now avoiding accountability by making vague statements.
  • Instead of answering direct questions, why does he keep talking about “improving over time” without real specifics?

11. Are they even capable of making the game they originally promised?

  • Does SCI have the resources and expertise to execute a true sim boxing game, or have they been in over their heads?
  • If not, will they admit it instead of leading fans on with false hope?


Has Ash Habib Started Deflecting?

Yes, it seems like he is. When asked about major concerns, his responses often follow a pattern:

  1. Vague Promises“We’re working on improvements.”
  2. Deflection to Future Updates“We have big plans coming soon.”
  3. Reframing Criticism“It’s a process, and we’re listening to feedback.”
  4. Shifting Blame“Game development takes time, and we can’t please everyone.”

This is a classic deflection strategy. Instead of directly answering why certain features were changed or removed, he pushes the focus onto future updates, making fans wait while avoiding real accountability.


The Core of the Issue: Is SCI Still Making a Realistic Boxing Game?

One of the biggest problems fans have is that Undisputed started as a realistic boxing simulation and has since shifted toward a hybrid arcade approach.

  • Early ESBC had better foot planting, realistic weight behind punches, and momentum-based movement.
  • Now, footwork is floaty, boxers slide around, and mechanics feel more “gamey” than realistic.
  • Defensive movement is too universal instead of being tied to styles or skill levels.
  • Punching doesn’t have enough variety in angles, weight transfer, or natural reactions.

Ash Habib keeps saying Undisputed is aiming for realism, yet the gameplay updates contradict this. The disconnect between words and actions is why many fans feel misled.


The Unanswered Questions That Can’t Be Ignored

1. Why Did SCI Water Down the Simulation Elements?

  • Did they realize that true realism is too hard to develop?
  • Did investors push for a more casual game?
  • Did they scrap the original plan but don’t want to admit it?

2. Why Are They So Afraid of Transparency?

  • If they still believe in the original vision, why not show a roadmap?
  • Why not directly address concerns instead of generic PR answers?

3. Did SCI Ever Have a Real Plan for Career Mode & Offline Depth?

  • Career mode details have been vague.
  • Offline modes are extremely limited (no sliders, no deep customization).
  • Are they intentionally stalling career mode to avoid backlash if it’s shallow?

4. Why Are Animations & Physics Still Unpolished After So Many Updates?

  • Why do punches still look robotic?
  • Why does inside fighting still lack depth?
  • Why do some punch reactions look awkward and unnatural?

5. Will SCI Ever Let Fans Customize Their Experience?

  • Why can’t players tweak realism settings?
  • Why aren’t there more creation slots for boxers?
  • Why is offline play restricted instead of fully open?

Is SCI Actually Listening, or Just Pretending?

  • They say they listen to feedback, but the gameplay keeps moving in the wrong direction.
  • The most passionate boxing sim fans feel ignored.
  • Instead of refining a good base, they keep overhauling mechanics in ways that don’t improve realism.

If they were truly listening, they’d bring back the ESBC movement, foot planting, and more realistic punch variety. Instead, they seem focused on an esports-friendly, casual hybrid—which directly contradicts their original promise.


What’s Next?

  • Ash Habib and SCI need to stop dodging and start answering real questions.
  • They need to be honest about their direction—is Undisputed still a sim, or is it shifting toward a different audience?
  • If they are serious about realism, they need to fix movement, foot planting, and punch variety immediately.
  • Fans need to keep pressuring them to give real answers instead of accepting vague promises.

Right now, SCI seems afraid to admit that Undisputed isn’t what they originally pitched. The longer they deflect, the more fans will lose trust—and once that happens, it’s almost impossible to recover.

So the real question is: Will Ash Habib finally be honest, or will he keep running in circles?

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