How to Get EA or 2K to Make a Boxing Video Game: What Would It Take?

Boxing video game fans have been yearning for a new high-quality title from a major publisher like EA Sports or 2K for years. The last major boxing game from EA was Fight Night Champion (2011), and since then, the genre has been largely dormant in the hands of AAA developers. With the rise of Undisputed and increasing demand for a true simulation boxing experience, the question remains: what would it take for EA or 2K to return to boxing?

1. Demonstrating Market Demand

Boxing’s Popularity and Engagement

One major reason boxing games have been overlooked is the belief that the sport lacks mainstream appeal compared to MMA or traditional team sports like basketball and football. However, the growing popularity of fighters like Tyson Fury, Canelo Alvarez, and Gervonta Davis, combined with the rise of influencer boxing, has helped boxing stay relevant.

• A dedicated push by fans through petitions, social media campaigns, and active engagement can demonstrate demand.

• A successful boxing video game (Undisputed or an indie title) could further prove there is an audience.

• Crowdfunding campaigns or pre-order commitments could showcase direct financial interest in the genre.

2. A Clear Business Model for Profitability

EA and 2K are massive corporations that prioritize profit. They need to see a financial incentive before investing in a boxing game.

DLC and Microtransactions

• Boxer DLC Packs: Selling historical and modern fighters separately could be a revenue stream.

• Customization Packs: Outfits, gloves, trunks, and fight entrance customization could be monetized.

• Career Mode Expansions: Additional gyms, training routines, and coaching staff could be premium content.

• MyTeam/MyCareer-Like Mode: Similar to NBA 2K’s MyCareer, a mode with in-game purchases for gear, training boosts, or venue expansions.

Esports and Competitive Gaming

• If a boxing game had ranked online play and an esports scene, it could generate ongoing revenue through sponsorships and tournament events.

• 2K’s NBA 2K League has shown how competitive gaming can create community engagement and business opportunities.

3. Overcoming Licensing and Fighter Representation Issues

Unlike team sports, boxing is an individual-based sport with multiple promotional companies and sanctioning bodies. Getting a license for every major boxer and organization is challenging. However, solutions exist:

• Focus on fictional or no-name boxers with deep customization tools.

• Work with select boxers willing to sign licensing deals.

• Include promoter-backed rosters: If EA or 2K partnered with Top Rank, Matchroom Boxing, or PBC, they could secure multiple fighters at once.

• Community Creation Tools: Allowing users to create boxers and share them online (similar to WWE 2K) could bypass licensing limitations.

Boxer Licensing is Not as Difficult as EA Made It Seem

One of the biggest misconceptions is that acquiring boxers for a game is overly complicated. However, EA Sports, a multi-billion dollar company, only managed to include a maximum of 54 fighters in Fight Night Champion. Meanwhile, Undisputed, developed by indie studio Steel City Interactive, has already secured over 200 licensed boxers, with more being added. This proves that licensing boxers is achievable with the right approach, making EA’s past excuses seem weak by comparison.

4. Technological Advancements to Appeal to Hardcore Fans

A modern boxing game must emphasize realism, innovation, and dynamic gameplay to attract both casual and hardcore fans.

Gameplay Mechanics

• Realistic Physics-Based Punch Reactions (varied knockdowns, damage effects, and stamina impact)

• Dynamic Footwork and Movement (fluid stepping, pivots, weight shifting)

• Punch Variety and Styles (unique boxer animations, signature punches, and historical fighting styles)

• Strategic Clinching and Defense Mechanics (realistic clinch interactions, blocking variations, and defensive awareness ratings)

Next-Gen Graphics and AI

• Motion Capture or AI-Based Boxer Movement: Accurately replicating boxer tendencies without overreliance on scripted animations.

• Realistic Damage and Facial Expressions: Cuts, bruises, swelling, and fatigue must reflect real fights.

• AI Fighters with Unique Styles: Each boxer should fight true to their real-life tendencies (e.g., Floyd Mayweather’s defensive style, Mike Tyson’s aggressive pressure, etc.).

5. A Strong Career Mode with Depth

A career mode is crucial for longevity and replayability. EA and 2K would need to make sure this mode offers:

• Deep Customization: Player-created boxers should have extensive options for appearance, fighting style, training, and personality.

• Managerial and Promotional Aspects: Choosing fights, handling contracts, building a team, and dealing with promoters should be strategic elements.

• Rivalries and Storylines: Dynamic narratives that change based on wins, losses, and decisions made inside and outside the ring.

6. Community Involvement and Feedback

One major issue with sports games is the lack of direct involvement from fans during development. If EA or 2K were to return to boxing, they must:

• Create early access or beta testing phases to get feedback before launch.

• Work with boxing content creators and community leaders to gauge expectations.

• Develop a live update system that allows gameplay tuning based on real-world boxing trends.

7. A Strategic Rollout Plan

If EA or 2K were to announce a boxing game, it would need a well-thought-out marketing and development strategy:

• Announce the game early to generate hype and collect community feedback.

• Showcase gameplay mechanics rather than rely on cinematic trailers.

• Use influencer marketing with boxers, trainers, and gaming personalities to drive interest.

• Beta Test with the Boxing Community before finalizing mechanics and game balance.

Conclusion: Is It Possible?

The demand for a realistic boxing game exists, and the gaming industry has evolved to where a title from EA or 2K could be financially viable. If fans remain vocal and Undisputed proves there is a market, it may push a major publisher to return to boxing. However, EA and 2K would need to approach the game with a commitment to realism, depth, and community engagement rather than a rushed, casual-friendly experience. If the right balance of gameplay innovation, financial viability, and boxing authenticity is struck, a return of boxing video games from AAA publishers is not just possible—it’s inevitable.