Breaking the Gatekeeping Mentality: Embracing True Realism in Boxing Video Games

 

Gatekeeping in discussions about realism in a boxing video game is a problem because it limits innovation and prevents a truly immersive simulation. Some players act as if their definition of realism is the only valid one, dismissing features that others might see as essential. This can lead to a watered-down experience or a game that caters to a narrow audience rather than embracing the full spectrum of boxing styles, tactics, and nuances.

How Gatekeeping Affects Boxing Video Games

1. Misunderstanding Realism – Some players equate realism with difficulty, thinking that overly complicated mechanics make a game more authentic. However, realism is about accurately simulating the sport, not forcing unnecessary complexity.

2. Selective Realism – Some players support certain realistic elements while ignoring others. For example, they may demand realistic stamina but reject realistic height, reach, and body types affecting matchups.

3. Rejecting Innovation – When a game tries to introduce advanced AI, improved boxer tendencies, or dynamic career modes, some players resist, claiming it’s unnecessary or “not how boxing games used to be.”

4. Forcing One Style of Play – Some gatekeepers push the idea that a boxing game should only cater to one style—often a slugfest or a jab-heavy approach—ignoring the wide range of styles in real boxing, from counterpunchers to pressure fighters.

5. Ignoring Accessibility – Some players argue that realism means making a game hard to play, dismissing mechanics that balance realism with accessibility. In truth, a well-designed game should allow players to experience realism without forcing tedious controls.

6. Limiting Customization – True realism allows players to fine-tune settings, whether it’s fighter tendencies, AI behavior, or career mode depth. Gatekeepers often push for a one-size-fits-all approach rather than letting players adjust the experience.

The Solution: A Balanced Approach

A realistic boxing video game should embrace depth without forcing limitations. This means:

• Giving players options to customize realism levels.
• Allowing AI-driven tendencies to make CPU fights more organic.
• Implementing mechanics that naturally encourage realistic boxing without requiring players to fight a certain way.
• Including realistic movement, punch variety, clinching, and defensive tactics rather than just adding “harder” mechanics.
• Ensuring that realism isn’t just about visuals but also physics, fighter strategy, and career progression.

Gatekeeping only holds the genre back. True realism isn’t about making the game harder for the sake of it—it’s about capturing the essence of boxing and allowing players to engage with it in meaningful ways.

How to Combat Gatekeeping in Realistic Boxing Video Games

To move past the restrictive mindset of gatekeepers, developers and players need to focus on open discussion, balanced mechanics, and customization. Here’s how:

1. Prioritize Comprehensive Realism Over Selective Realism

Some players push for realism only in ways that benefit their playstyle, like wanting footwork to be sluggish for all fighters or stamina to drain unrealistically fast. However, realism means authenticity across all aspects:

• Height, reach, and body type should matter—just as in real boxing.
• Boxers should fight according to their real-life tendencies—if a fighter is a pressure fighter, the AI should behave that way.
• Training and conditioning should play a role—not just button-mashing mechanics.
• Physics-based interactions—a wide punch near the ropes could lead to arm entanglement, or footwork balance could be affected based on movement.

Gatekeeping often ignores these details in favor of one-dimensional "hardcore" mechanics.

2. Let Mechanics Naturally Encourage Realistic Boxing

One of the biggest flaws in past boxing games (and even Undisputed’s current direction) is that they rely on players to "choose" to fight realistically instead of making the mechanics reward realism.

For example:

• A boxer with great defense should be able to rely on it naturally, rather than forcing a defensive player to constantly press buttons to "manually" avoid punches.
• Tendencies should dictate how a boxer reacts to situations—not forcing players to memorize animations.
• A well-timed counter should naturally hurt more than just throwing random haymakers.
• Loose footwork should not be universal—not every boxer should be able to move like Ali.

Instead of forcing a specific playstyle, the game should encourage real boxing behavior by making strategic play more rewarding than reckless button-mashing.

3. Avoid the Myth That Realism = Extreme Difficulty

Some players argue that a game isn't "realistic" unless it’s extremely difficult. This is flawed because:

• Real boxers train for years, but a game should be playable and accessible without requiring players to memorize complex button inputs.
• Real boxing is about intelligence, strategy, and adaptability—not just mechanics that artificially make things harder.
• A well-designed game should scale realism with difficulty settings, allowing players to tailor their experience.

A great example is how Fight Night Champion had simulation sliders—allowing players to adjust stamina, damage, and movement. A truly realistic boxing game should take this even further.

4. Customization is Key to Building a Realistic Experience

One of the best ways to fight gatekeeping is to give players options:

• Customize AI tendencies so boxers fight true to life.
• Adjust realism sliders for stamina, movement, damage, and more.
• Allow for different control schemes—not everyone should be forced into overly complex button layouts.
• Enable rule customization—so players can replicate different boxing eras.

A hardcore sim player might want full fatigue, realistic injuries, and strict physics, while a casual player might want a mix of realism and fun. The game should allow both.

5. Ensure CPU vs. CPU Fights Look and Feel Realistic

Gatekeepers often dismiss CPU fights, but in a true sim game, AI should be as realistic as player-controlled boxing:

• Boxers should adapt mid-fight.
• Strategy should matter—fighters should pace themselves, adjust tactics, and exploit weaknesses.
• Defensive boxers should fight defensively, while aggressive sluggers should look for knockouts.

A great boxing sim should be watchable even when not playing, just like real boxing.

6. Presentation and Career Mode Should Reflect Realism

Gatekeepers often focus on gameplay but ignore how important career depth and presentation are in a simulation boxing game:

• Fighter progression should be realistic—boxers should rise through the ranks, face realistic challenges, and deal with factors like promotional disputes, injuries, and rivalries.
• Winning a championship should feel meaningful, with improved belt presentations and realistic celebrations.
• Judging should be realistic and varied—not every fight should be scored the same way.
• Trainer and gym selection should matter, affecting a boxer's development.

A realistic boxing game is not just about mechanics—it’s about capturing the sport’s essence.

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The Future of Realism in Boxing Video Games

For boxing gaming to evolve, developers must stop listening to gatekeepers who want a narrow vision of realism. Instead, they should:

1. Focus on authenticity across all areas, not just selective realism.
2. Encourage realistic gameplay through mechanics, not forced player behavior.
3. Offer deep customization options for different realism levels.
4. Ensure AI fights are as immersive as player-controlled fights.
5. Make career mode and presentation as realistic as gameplay.

Gatekeeping has held boxing gaming back for too long. A truly realistic boxing game should be built for all boxing fans—hardcore, casual, and everyone in between—while staying true to the sport.