Sunday, July 6, 2025

The Sweet Science Digitized: Character and Combat Design for True Boxing Fans

I. CHARACTER DESIGN: REPRESENTING THE BOXER

1. Physical Attributes & Appearance

Detailed Body Types: Ripped, wiry, stocky, heavyset—reflect how different builds affect reach, movement, and punch recovery.
Face Scan/Creator Options: Use high-quality scan or creation tools. Scar tissue, broken noses, cauliflower ears, old cut marks—all add history.
Era-Authentic Gear: From bare-knuckle wraps to modern gloves, customization should allow for period accuracy.
Damage Retention System: Scars and facial features should evolve with time—show wear and tear across career mode.

2. Boxer Identity System

Style Archetypes (with room for deviation):
- Out-Boxer
- Pressure Fighter
- Counterpuncher
- Swarmers
- Slick Defensive Masters
Personality Traits:
- "Gets more dangerous when hurt"
- "Mental breaks after being rocked"
- "Adrenaline charger after knockdown"
Stance & Rhythm Customization:
- Southpaw vs Orthodox vs Switch Hitter
- Bounce rhythm (Ali) vs Flat-footed forward lean (Tyson)

II. GAMEPLAY MECHANICS: THE SCIENCE OF SIMULATION

1. Punching Mechanics

Physics-Driven Punch System:
- Mass Transfer + Speed + Technique = Power
- Include body torque, planting of feet, fatigue, and weight class effects.
Punch Timing & Windows:
- Reward well-timed counters, punish spam.
- Include shoulder rolls, parries, check hooks.
Varied Punch Animations per Boxer:
- Different jab styles (piston, pawing, flick)
- Looping vs compact hooks
- Hybrid straight-uppercuts (à la Roy Jones Jr.)

2. Stamina, Fatigue, and Recovery

Multi-Zone Stamina Bars:
- Overall Stamina
- Explosive Energy (burst punches/movement)
- Mental Focus / Adrenaline
Breathing & Heart Rate System:
- Realistic pause before throwing another flurry
- Sluggishness after wasting energy early
Corner Round Recovery:
- Recovery tied to corner advice, cutman skill, and traits like “Second Wind”

3. Footwork & Ring Control

Momentum-Based Movement:
- Lateral hops, pivots, ring circling, rushes
Ring Geometry Awareness:
- AI and player movement around the ropes, into corners, out of traps
Slipping + Footwork Flow:
- Real-time control over slips, dips, and shoulder rolls into foot movement

III. AI BEHAVIOR AND FIGHT TENDENCIES

1. Tendency Slider System

Traits like:
- Aggression vs Patience
- Head vs Body focus
- Counter-focus vs Lead-initiation
- Risk-taker vs Calculator
Allow players to create nuanced AI that mirrors real boxer behaviors.

2. Adaptive AI Mechanics

Learn patterns
Change gameplan if losing
Use clinching to recover
Go for broke when desperate (Rocky-like rally)

3. Trait-Based AI Reactions

AI should "remember" that it was dropped by a body shot and protect it more
If AI has the “Brawler” trait, it should ignore pain more and chase knockouts recklessly

IV. CAREER & LONGEVITY SYSTEMS

1. Damage History System

Career wear affects resistance, speed, and appearance
Accumulated trauma should affect retirement choices

2. Rivalry and Motivation

Boxers should build grudges (cut stoppage loss, controversial decision)
Fighters could lose passion or gain hunger from losses or victories

3. Weight Management & Training Camps

Moving up/down should affect power/speed
Add training camps with sparring, conditioning, and diet choices that affect fight-night traits

V. IMMERSION & CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE

1. Visual and Audio Cues

Ropes shake after heavy shots
Crowd surges during flurries
Breathing audibly changes during fatigue
Gloves squeak, bodies grunt, sweat flies

2. Referee and Clinch Mechanics

Real clinch control, ref breaking it up
Ref counting knockdowns, warning for low blows, checking cuts

3. Commentary and Coach Interaction

Dynamic commentary reacting to patterns, damage, and history
In-corner advice ("He's open to the body!" / "Use your jab!")

VI. DESIGN SUMMARY CHECKLIST

Feature Category	Must-Have Features
Boxer Identity	Traits, Style, Personality, Historical Accuracy
Combat System	Realistic Physics, Individual Animations
Stamina/Fatigue	Multi-layered system with realistic recovery
Movement & Footwork	Momentum-driven, dynamic pivots/slips
AI Behavior	Adaptive, Tendency-Slider Based
Career Mechanics	Long-term damage, training impact, rivalries
Cinematic Immersion	Referee, commentary, crowd swells, corner control

VII. INSPIRATION FROM REAL LIFE

🗣 “Boxing is chess with pain.”

Lennox Lewis

Your boxing game should feel like that. Let the footwork be the setup, the feints be the bait, and the gameplay become the psychological warfare that makes boxing so compelling.

Building the Boxer: How to Make Characters and Mechanics Matter in Boxing Game

Approaching character design and gameplay mechanics in a boxing video game—especially a realistic one—requires a marriage of authenticity, strategy, and personality.

I. CHARACTER DESIGN IN BOXING GAMES

A. Boxer Archetypes & Styles

Real-World Inspired Archetypes:
- Swarmer (e.g., Tyson)
- Out-Boxer (e.g., Ali)
- Counterpuncher (e.g., Mayweather)
- Slugger (e.g., Foreman)
- Switch-hitter (e.g., Crawford)
Fighting Style Blueprint:
- Base stance (Orthodox, Southpaw, Switch)
- Signature combinations (3–5 default combos)
- Guard type (peek-a-boo, Philly shell, high guard, cross-arm)
- Range preference (inside, mid-range, outside)

B. Unique Boxer Attributes (Quantitative Stats)

Power (by punch type: jab, hook, uppercut)
Speed (hand speed, foot speed, reaction)
Stamina (short-term output vs long-term endurance)
Chin (resistance to clean shots)
Recovery (between rounds and after knockdowns)
Defense IQ (how well they evade, guard, clinch)

C. Traits and Tendencies (Qualitative Layers)

Clutch Boxer – performs better under pressure
Slow Starter – low early output, grows stronger
Volume Machine – high output, cardio-dependent
Glass Cannon – heavy hitter, weak chin
Rattled Easy – loses composure after taking damage

D. Visual Identity

Body Type (weight class, musculature)
Facial Features & Scars (including damage history)
Gear & Colors (shorts, gloves, wraps, mouthguard)
Animation Personality (swagger, stance bounce, taunts)

II. GAMEPLAY MECHANICS IN BOXING GAMES

A. Core Movement

8-directional locomotion (pivoting, circling, advancing)
Step-in, step-out, slip-step variants
Smooth transitions between stance shifts, guard states, and range

B. Punch System

Punch Categories:
- Jabs, Crosses, Hooks, Uppercuts
- Body vs Head targeting
- Feints, Probes, and Range-Finders
Variables Affecting Punches:
- Speed (varies by fatigue and type)
- Impact (linked to weight transfer + accuracy)
- Risk (counter windows, exposed frames)

C. Defense Mechanics

Blocking (high/low, stationary vs active)
Slipping (manual + reactive-based)
Ducking/Weaving
Clinching (strategic tool, not a button-mash escape)
Footwork defense (distance control)

D. Stamina & Fatigue System

Short-term energy bar (depletes and recovers rapidly)
Long-term stamina bar (reduced by overexertion or body shots)
Fatigue affecting: punch speed, foot speed, accuracy, guard integrity

E. Damage System

Accumulated Damage (per zone: eyes, jaw, ribs)
Flash Knockdowns vs Accumulative Knockouts
Get-up mini-games affected by traits, fatigue, damage

F. AI & Tendency Engine

Adaptive opponent styles
Tendency sliders (e.g., jab frequency, counter rate)
Psychological states (confident, desperate, cautious)

G. Dynamic Commentary & Coach Feedback

Reacts to pacing, tactics, momentum shifts
Suggests counters, combos, or strategies mid-fight

III. DESIGN PHILOSOPHY & USER EXPERIENCE

A. Respect the Sweet Science

Boxing is not just about punches; it’s timing, rhythm, ring IQ, mental warfare

B. Reward Skill and Strategy

Players should feel the learning curve: spacing, baiting, tempo control

C. Allow Expression

Let users fight their fight – from slick defensive artists to volume brawlers

D. Accessibility without Sacrificing Depth

Layered mechanics (easy to punch, hard to master)
Difficulty settings or assists (autoblock, simplified combos)

IV. BONUS: FUTURE-READY CONSIDERATIONS

A. Real-Time Cut Reactions (dynamic swelling, eye damage)
B. Career Mode Tied to Stat Progression (form slumps, rivalries, camps)
C. Online Mode With Anti-Spam Logic (detect and punish unrealistic tactics)
D. Boxer Aging and Decline System (slower reflexes, lower recovery)

Summary

Area	Goal
Character Design	Build unique, lifelike boxers with distinct styles and personalities
Gameplay Mechanics	Offer strategic, reactive, and rewarding combat rooted in realism
Player Experience	Let them feel like a boxer—not just a fighter

45 Years Later: Why Boxing Remains the Most Mistreated Sport in Gaming

In 1980, Activision released a simple game titled Boxing. Two blocky figures squared off in a white ring, trading punches with primitive animations—but it was a start. It marked one of the earliest attempts to digitize "The Sweet Science." Since then, sports games have grown into titans of the industry, with franchises like NBA 2K, FIFA, Madden, and MLB The Show setting yearly benchmarks in both realism and feature depth.

But boxing?

After nearly five decades, the sport remains the most mishandled, mistreated, and misunderstood genre in all of sports gaming.

Stuck in the Past: The Gaming Industry’s Flawed Mindset

Game companies behave like boxing fans are still the kids of the ‘80s and ‘90s, dazzled by pixelated jabs and looping KO animations. They fail to realize we’ve grown up, and so has our understanding—not just of gaming, but of the sport itself.

Even worse, they treat the next generation—our children—as if they’re disconnected from boxing entirely. As if the sport has lost relevance or appeal in today’s world.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Boxing may not have the marketing machine of a billion-dollar league, but its global reach, cultural impact, and historic weight are undeniable. And within the gaming world, its influence is quietly monumental.

From Players to Punchers: When Games Inspire Real Boxers

There’s one powerful truth that game companies continuously overlook:

Boxing video games have inspired people to become actual boxers.

Yes—some players didn’t just play the game... they became the game.

Through hours of study, practice, and digital sparring, a portion of fans transitioned from button-mashers to bag-hitters. Boxing games were their first coach—their first exposure to footwork, strategy, timing, and stamina management. They watched how a fighter cut the ring. How a jab set up a cross. How a moment of carelessness led to a flash knockdown.

These early digital lessons left a mark.

And while not everyone turned pro, many took up boxing in real life:

To learn self-discipline
To train like their in-game idols
To stay in shape
Or to compete in amateur tournaments

These stories aren’t rare—they’re everywhere. In gym conversations. Reddit threads. Instagram videos. Just like NBA 2K made people pick up a basketball again, and FIFA reignited local soccer passion, boxing games created a bridge between gaming and the gym.

That kind of influence deserves respect.

But instead of doubling down and building on that potential, most companies treat boxing like a liability. A risk. A niche.
When the truth is, it’s a platform for dreams.

Boxing games change lives. They spark journeys.
And when done right, they can cultivate a deeper love for the sport while building an entirely new generation of athletes, commentators, historians, and fans.

Boxing: The Only Sport Mistreated This Way

Compare boxing to every other major sport in gaming, and the gap is embarrassing:

NBA 2K gives players authentic arenas, dynamic crowd energy, career modes with choices that shape legacies, and signature movement captured down to the footplant.
Madden NFL offers franchise management, playbook customization, and stat-based realism.
UFC—a much newer combat sport—boasts multi-layered grappling systems, physics-based knockouts, and complex AI behavior.
Even games about golf, tennis, skating, and snowboarding have celebrated depth and innovation.

But boxing?

No referees.
No clinch system.
No real corner interaction.
No fight momentum shifts.
No realistic stamina interplay.
No camera tension.
No meaningful AI tendencies.
No respect for the fundamentals.

We're still being fed hybrid, arcade-drenched titles that look pretty but fall flat in mechanics. Publishers hope we’re so hungry we’ll accept anything, no matter how misaligned with the sport itself.

It’s condescending. It’s exploitative.
And it’s the reason the genre remains in limbo.

The 50-Year Loop: Excuses Masquerading as Strategy

For decades now, we’ve heard the same tired justifications:

“Boxing is too hard to simulate.”
“It’s not as popular anymore.”
“It’s hard to appeal to both casuals and hardcore fans.”
“Realism isn’t fun.”

Let’s be clear: these are not strategic insights. They’re excuses born from laziness or fear.

The truth? Gaming is more than ready for complexity.

Players memorize frame data in fighting games.
They spend hours tweaking slider sets in 2K and Madden.
They simulate entire seasons in Football Manager and Franchise Mode.
They dig deep into build crafting in RPGs.

Gamers are not afraid of nuance, especially in a sport as rich and layered as boxing.

What Boxing Fans Are Really Asking For

We’re not begging for perfection. We’re not asking for cinematic cutscenes every round.

We’re asking for respect—for a game that understands and celebrates the nuances of boxing:

Styles make fights. Show us that.
Stamina matters. Reflect it.
Strategy evolves round to round. Code it.
Referees influence pacing. Include them.
Fighters have unique rhythms and psychological traits. Simulate them.
Boxing has eras, legacy, culture. Represent them.

Let us toggle arcade elements OFF.
Give us sliders.
Let us build worlds, rosters, and rivalries.

Let us experience the boxing universe—because nobody understands the sport like its fans do.

The Future Boxing Game Isn’t Just a Game—It’s a Cultural Catalyst

Boxing is more than a sport. It’s poetry, pain, pride, and perseverance wrapped in leather gloves.
A proper boxing game doesn’t just entertain. It teaches, inspires, and preserves history.

It’s a gateway drug for young fans.
A museum of the legends.
A training ground for the curious.

Game companies need to stop acting like boxing is a gamble and realize—it’s an opportunity.

If treated with care, realism, and authenticity, a new boxing title could be the most respected sports game on the market, because it would do what few games dare to do:

Respect its sport.
Respect its fans.
And inspire the next generation—not just of gamers, but of boxers.

Stuck in the Past: The Industry’s Ignorance Toward a Realistic Boxing Game

For decades, boxing fans have waited—not for another arcade brawler, not for a slugfest disguised as a sports title—but for a realistic boxing game. A game that understands the rhythm, danger, and strategy of the sweet science. A game where ring IQ matters as much as hand speed. A game that doesn’t reduce boxing to haymakers and highlight-reel knockouts, but builds a foundation on positioning, tactics, and identity.

But instead, we’re told the same outdated lie.

The Industry Myth: "Realistic Boxing Games Don't Sell"

This narrative is repeated like gospel in meetings and interviews: “There’s no market for realism in boxing games.” But where’s the proof?

There is none.

There hasn’t been a truly realistic boxing game to test that theory. Not in the past 15+ years. What we’ve seen are hybrids—like Fight Night Champion—which leaned heavily toward arcade-style gameplay with exaggerated animations, invincible uppercuts, and a lack of defensive nuance. That game had flashes of realism, but let’s be honest—it catered more to spectacle than sport.

And yet, Fight Night Champion still has a loyal following searching for realism over a decade later. That should say something.

Meanwhile, recent arcade-heavy attempts (Creed, Big Rumble Boxing, etc.) failed to establish any long-term foothold. They offered flashy punches and cinematic knockouts—but none of the science, none of the struggle, none of the substance.

Undisputed: The Great Bait-and-Switch

When Undisputed was first announced, it promised boxing realism. We saw video breakdowns of footwork mechanics, timing systems, stamina, traits, and fighter tendencies. The presentation oozed authenticity. For once, it looked like we’d get a boxing game that treated the sport with the same depth that NBA 2K gives basketball.

But then came the turn.

Over time, Undisputed drifted away from its original identity. Updates prioritized online balancing and arcade-friendly mechanics. Defensive realism took a backseat. Core boxing fundamentals—like clinching, referee dynamics, body mechanics, and realistic fatigue—were either missing or gutted. Instead of advancing realism, the game shifted toward something easier to patch and monetize.

It now exists as a hybrid, leaning further and further away from what was promised. Fans who were hungry for realism—true fans of the sport—feel misled. Worse, rumors suggest a sequel is already being considered before the first game is even complete.

Indie Labels, AAA Tactics

Despite being from a so-called indie studio, Undisputed began operating with the same playbook as major publishers:

Hype features that don't ship.
Shift development goals midstream.
Prioritize quick fixes over foundational systems.
Package an unfinished product with monetization plans.
Ignore core feedback from the boxing community.

It’s the same bait-and-switch we've seen from AAA giants—only now wearing indie clothes. And the result? A fractured fanbase, tired of being patronized.

The Boxing Fanbase Is Not Silent—They’re Being Ignored

Let’s be clear: the most passionate voices in the Undisputed community aren’t asking for arcade flair. They’re asking for real boxing—and the systems that come with it:

Foot positioning that matters
Realistic stamina and pacing
Defensive variety: parries, slips, clinches
Fighter personalities and tendencies
Coaching Corner Logic
Referee involvement
Risk-reward in punch selection

This isn’t some niche wishlist. This is what boxing is. These mechanics already exist in the real sport. The fans want them translated into a game that respects boxing, not one that panders to casuals who’d rather button mash.

There Is a Market for Realism—If You Actually Build It

Developers and investors keep falling back on the same excuse: “There’s no proof a realistic boxing game would sell.”

Of course, there’s no proof—because no one has ever truly built it.

You can’t measure demand for something you never delivered. The industry is dodging the challenge, not exploring it. But the signs are there:

Fight Night Champion, despite its flaws, still has active players still confused and looking for realism in a complete game.
Realistic sports games dominate yearly sales (NBA 2K, FIFA, MLB The Show).
Simulation-focused content creators attract large followings on YouTube and Twitch.
Offline players spend more time, money, and energy customizing careers, modes, and fighters when realism is respected.

The truth? The market is starving for a boxing game that dares to treat the sport with depth and dignity.

Final Round: Realism Isn’t a Risk—It’s a Necessity

Boxing is not a joke. It’s not a brawler with gloves. It’s not Street Fighter in a ring.

Boxing is discipline, danger, and evolution. It’s a chess match with fists. It’s a high-level strategy wrapped in rhythm, will, and timing. A game that captures that would be revolutionary, not because it’s flashy, but because it finally respects the sport.

So no, realism is not “boring.” Realism is immersive. It’s overdue. It’s what we were promised.

We’re not asking for flash. We’re asking for the truth.

Saturday, July 5, 2025

"It’s Just a Game" The Gaslighting of Boxing Fans in Boxing Game Communities

"It’s Just a Game" — The Gaslighting of Boxing Fans in Boxing Game Communities

A Deep Dive Into the Disconnect Between Sport and Sim

The Paradox of Passion

In the online world of boxing video games—forums, Discords, Reddit threads—there’s an odd contradiction. You join to talk boxing, to advocate for realism, to dissect what makes the Sweet Science so nuanced…
But the moment you bring up footwork, punch mechanics, or clinch dynamics?

"Relax, bro, it’s just a game."

Somehow, the sport the game claims to simulate becomes taboo the second it's mentioned seriously.

**SECTION I: What “It’s Just a Game” Really Means**

"It’s just a game" isn’t an innocent statement. It’s a shield wielded to:

Dismiss deeper discussion.
Avoid uncomfortable truths about design shortcomings.
Gaslight passionate fans into silence.

This phrase implies your desire for realism is too much, too serious, not fun. But boxing is serious. The real sport has life-or-death stakes. It has rhythm, philosophy, physicality, and soul.

So why is the digital version treated like it should be glorified Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots?

SECTION II: The Casual vs. Realism Divide

This isn’t just a matter of preference—it’s a clash of values.

Casual Player Wants	Realism-Oriented Fan Wants
Instant action	Measured setups and punch windows
Simple controls	Layered systems: range, rhythm, stamina, traits
Big knockouts often	Situational knockouts, flash KDs, fatigue effects
Predictable AI	Dynamic AI with tendencies and ring IQ
Highlights	Strategy, adjustments, and story arcs in the ring

And the irony?
Boxing fans aren't against arcade players—they're against being silenced for asking a boxing game to represent boxing.

SECTION III: The Industry's Role in Muddling the Vision

Let’s not forget that developers—especially in the case of Undisputed by Steel City Interactive—helped create this confusion.

They marketed it as “the most authentic boxing simulation.”
They made comparisons to NBA 2K.
They leaned into simulation buzzwords: foot planting, punch physics, judge logic, stamina system.

Yet today, when fans hold them to that standard, they’re met with:

“The game’s not meant to be that serious.”
“We want it fun for everyone.”
“Boxing is hard to simulate.”

You can’t sell fans a Rolls-Royce of realism, then deliver a bumper car and act shocked when real boxing heads call it out.

SECTION IV: What Happens When You Respect the Sport

When a game actually respects boxing, something beautiful happens:

Casuals Learn to Appreciate the Craft
- Just like NBA 2K taught people about basketball spacing, or MLB The Show taught people about pitch variety.
- The game becomes an educational bridge to the sport.
Hardcore Fans Feel Seen
- Traits, AI tendencies, punch logic—all grounded in how real boxers fight.
- Players can actually be Sugar Ray, Tyson, Ali, not just use their skin.
Longevity Increases
- Simulation games age better. They offer replayability, depth, mastery, and story.
- Realistic boxing allows for evolving AI, offline legacy modes, and meta shifts over time.

SECTION V: Boxing Deserves Its Game

Every sport has its flagship game. Football has Madden. Soccer has EA FC. Basketball has NBA 2K.

But boxing?
Still waiting. Still fighting.

And every time a fan dares to say, “What about clinch battles? What about cut logic? What about judging bias?” They’re met with digital shrugs and sarcasm from casual fans who wouldn't know a lead hook from a Philly shell.

Why are boxing fans punished for wanting something that honors their sport?

SECTION VI: Gatekeeping Goes Both Ways

The term gatekeeping gets thrown around, but here’s the twist:

It’s not the simulation crowd that’s doing the gatekeeping.
It’s often the arcade loyalists who shout down realism with "boring," "not fun," "too slow."

Imagine if football game fans told you playbooks were “too complicated,” or basketball fans hated fatigue sliders. It wouldn’t happen. But boxing? Somehow, it’s open season on its purists.

SECTION VII: So What’s the Solution?

A proper boxing game can—and should—offer:

Multiple control schemes: easy inputs for casuals, advanced mechanics for sim-heads.
Realistic AI: with boxer tendencies, adjustments, and personalities.
Boxing-accurate systems: stamina, movement, judging, damage, fouls, refs, cuts, clinch battles.
Offline depth: Legacy modes, career arcs, fight histories, rivalries.
Community support: Forums where talking boxing isn’t taboo—but celebrated.

CLOSING THOUGHT: It’s Not Just a Game… It’s a Missed Opportunity

“It’s just a game” is used to minimize.
But to boxing fans? It’s more than that.

It’s:

A way to show the sport’s beauty to new generations.
A digital stage to relive and rewrite boxing history.
A chance to finally give the Sweet Science the respect it deserves in gaming.

We’re not asking for too much.
We’re asking for what was promised.
We’re asking for boxing in a boxing game.

“It’s Time to Let Our Gloves Do the Talking” – A Call to the Boxing Game Community

By Poe, Host of "Poe Speaking His Mind about Boxing Videogames"

🥊 The Bell Has Rung — Who’s In Our Corner?

For decades, we’ve waited.

Waited for a boxing video game that doesn’t treat the sport like a forgotten cousin of MMA.

Waited for developers to build something that reflects what boxing really is — not just a rock-paper-scissors arcade fighter in gloves, but a brutal, beautiful chess match where skill, heart, conditioning, and strategy matter.

And what have we gotten?

A string of broken promises, unfinished features, and the growing feeling that nobody in the industry is really listening to us — the ones who shadowbox between rounds of disappointment.

But that silence ends now.

🎧 This Is Why I Started the Podcast

“Poe Speaking His Mind about Boxing Videogames” wasn’t born out of bitterness. It was born out of love — love for boxing, and the belief that it deserves the same respect in gaming that basketball, football, and MMA enjoy.

This podcast is my corner of the ring. But it’s also your mic, your mouthpiece, your platform.

I created this show for:

🥇 The boxer who sees their discipline dumbed down into button mashers
🧠 The boxing fan who knows the difference between a pressure fighter and a slick counterpuncher
💬 The developer who wants to hear honest, raw, constructive feedback
🎮 The gamer who’s tired of waiting, paying, and hoping — only to be ignored again

Every episode is about truth-telling, game-changing, and calling it like we see it. From game critiques to wishlist features, to interviews and fan rants — it's all there.

🗣️ We Are Way Too Quiet About This

Let’s be real — Madden fans scream for patches. NBA 2K fans riot when a dunk animation is off. FIFA players flood the forums about realism, bugs, and tactics.

But boxing fans?

Too many of us are being too polite. Too patient. Too silent.

Why?
This is our sport. This is our culture. This is our money.

🎮 Developers, Pull Up a Chair

To every developer, game designer, producer, and studio lead: This podcast isn’t about bashing you. It’s about inviting you into the conversation. You want to build the best boxing game possible? Then listen to the people who actually love boxing, not just those who want a quick match online, but the fans who study the sport like it’s a religion.

We want:

Accurate punch mechanics
Realistic stamina, damage, and movement
A proper get-up system
Ring IQ, tendencies, traits, corner logic
And a career mode that feels alive, not just a menu with a fight button

Don’t be afraid of us. Work with us. Let’s make something legendary together.

🥊 Boxers, Step In the Ring Too

If you’re a current or former boxer reading this: speak up.

This is your likeness, your story, your experience being put into the digital world. You’ve earned the right to be accurately represented. You’ve earned the right to critique what doesn’t feel true to the ring. And your voice could shift an entire project.

We’ve seen what happens when NBA and NFL players demand realism — the games improve. So why not boxing?

🔥 Call to the Fans: Get Loud

Stop accepting less.

Stop defending half-baked games just because they “look better than the last one.”

Start demanding more. Share your wishlist. Join the podcast. Be a guest. Send in your voice notes. Or just share the link and start the convo.

Because this time, we’re not waiting quietly in the corner.

🎙️ How to Join the Movement

🔗 Podcast Link (TalkShoe)
https://app.talkshoe.com/episode/51625309
📱 Scan the QR Code on the promo flyer
🥊 Submit Topics for episodes
🎧 Listen & Subscribe
💬 Tag devs. Share your take. Join the voice of the fans.

Final Word: It’s Not Just a Game

They love to say that, don’t they?

“It’s just a game.”

But here’s the truth: it’s more than a game when it disrespects the sport.

We’re not asking for the impossible. We’re asking for what every other sports gaming community already expects — and receives.

The boxing community has a voice.

It’s time we use it.

#PoeSpeakingHisMind
#BoxingVideogamesDeserveBetter
#RespectTheSweetScience
#SpeakUpForBoxing
#TapInSpeakUp
#RealismMatters

Friday, July 4, 2025

This Is What the NBA 2K of Boxing Should’ve Been — Not What Ash Habib Delivered

Boxing fans were promised something historic.

In 2021, Ash Habib (CEO of Steel City Interactive) claimed that Undisputed would be "the most authentic boxing game ever made" and "the NBA 2K of boxing" [Source: Boxing Social Interview, 2021]. The company marketed the game as a simulation-first experience, featuring realistic AI, corner tactics, and fighter-specific tendencies.

“This isn’t a button-masher. This is chess, not checkers.”
– Ash Habib, Steam Early Access Launch Trailer, Jan 2023

But instead of that rich simulation, boxing fans received:

No referees, even after over 2 years of development
No real clinch system, despite teasers from early builds
AI with no boxer-specific tendencies, despite SCI showcasing sliders and AI profiles in dev logs
A career mode that felt shallow and unfinished
Copy-paste knockdowns with no momentum physics
Unresponsive footwork, floaty controls, and unrealistic movement
And no commentary, doctor stoppages, or presentation layers, all promised features

🔁 What Was Promised vs. What Was Delivered

Category	Promised	Delivered	Citation
Simulation	“Not a button masher”	Fast-paced arcade meta	Steam EA trailer, 2023
Career Mode	Full sandbox and story hybrid	Match calendar with few choices	Dev Diary 2022
Real Boxers	“Fighting like themselves”	No AI tendencies per boxer	Discord Q&A, 2023
Footwork	“Cut off the ring, pivot”	Side shuffle and janky turning	Dev Stream, 2022
Presentation	Referees, intros, judges	None of those implemented	Community roadmap 2022
Knockdowns	Realistic momentum falls	Copy-paste knockdown physics	Gameplay footage
Clinch	Real clinch warfare	Removed from public builds	Discord AMA, July 2023
AI Logic	“Adaptive and strategic”	Static pattern abuse	User reviews, Steam

📉 The Fallout of Abandoning the Vision

Boxing fans didn’t imagine this. It was spoken, marketed, and sold.

SCI developers also teased offline depth akin to Fight Night Champion’s Champion Mode, combined with dynamic ranking systems and evolving careers. Instead, Undisputed offers matchmaking fluff and roster expansion DLCs.

And as of mid-2025, Will “Raczilla” Kinsler, a former EA Sports developer who left before Fight Night Champion shipped to work at Epic Games, is now Director of Product Authenticity, Communications, and Gameplay at SCI.

“I want to make sure the game is authentic, but also accessible.”
– Raczilla via Discord, 2024

This has raised community concerns about the game drifting toward arcade-first thinking, rather than sim-first realism.

And with his rise in SCI's ranks and multi-title authority, many fans now believe the vision is being reshaped into a casual, EA-like fighter — not the deep sim originally promised.

🔥 Community Reaction

Across YouTube, Reddit, Discord, and Steam:

Modders and AI testers have posted workarounds to simulate realistic AI
Fans are editing boxer stats manually to add missing ring IQ
The game’s concurrent Steam players dropped sharply after every patch that removed simulation features (Source: SteamDB)

🎯 Closing Thought

Ash Habib and SCI had the blueprint.
They had the backing of fans hungry for realism.
They had the chance to lead the next evolution of boxing gaming — not just visually, but mechanically and spiritually.

But they didn’t deliver the NBA 2K of boxing.

They delivered something safer, smaller, and increasingly commercial.

📌 Suggested Citations and References:

Boxing Social Interview with Ash Habib, 2021 (paraphrased)
Undisputed Steam Trailer (Jan 2023)
Steel City Interactive Dev Diary, 2022
[Discord AMA Transcript, July 2023 – SCI Official Discord]
SteamDB Concurrent Player Charts
Gameplay Streams and Dev Logs – Undisputed YouTube Channel

Boxers and Boxing Must Stop Letting Steel City Interactive Fumble the Ball and the Bag

Introduction: Time to Wake Up

For far too long, boxers, boxing fans, and the wider boxing community have sat on the sidelines watching Steel City Interactive (SCI) mishandle what should’ve been the most important boxing video game in decades. Undisputed was supposed to be the game that respected the sweet science, celebrated its legends, elevated new talent, and gave fans a true simulation of the sport they love.

Instead, what we’ve seen is a studio dropping the ball—and the bag—again and again.

It’s time to stop enabling it. It's time for the boxing world to demand accountability.

1. The Broken Promises: A Game for Boxing Fans, by Boxing Fans?

Steel City Interactive once claimed Undisputed would be a “love letter to boxing.” A game for boxing fans, by boxing fans. It was marketed with phrases like:

“Not just a fighting game. A boxing game.”
“Sim gameplay inspired by the science of the sport.”
“The NBA 2K of boxing.”

These were not small claims. These were deliberate promises. But what we got instead was a confused product teetering between arcade and simulation, devoid of core features like:

Clinching mechanics
Referee involvement
Stamina systems that matter
Proper punch impact and fatigue modeling
Meaningful AI behavior tied to real boxer tendencies

This isn’t just a disappointment—it’s false advertising to an audience that’s waited over a decade for a real boxing simulation.

2. The Bag That Keeps Getting Dropped

Let’s be clear: SCI had the bag. The community gave them attention, early access purchases, feedback, and even a built-in marketing campaign through passionate fans and YouTubers who believed in the dream. They secured licensing deals with legendary and current boxers, from Ali to Tyson Fury.

And yet, they fumbled:

Slow development with features constantly delayed or deprioritized
Inconsistent vision, with former EA developers slowly shifting the tone to mimic arcade fighting games
Broken gameplay loops, with balance issues, unrealistic animations, and missing foundational mechanics
Ignoring the sim community, favoring quick Twitch-friendly content over long-term immersion

Boxers like Terence Crawford, Deontay Wilder, and even legends like Roy Jones Jr. are now linked to a game that misrepresents their craft.

3. The Boxing Community’s Responsibility

Here’s where the hard truth comes in: part of this is on us.

Too many boxers, trainers, and fans have been silent or too forgiving. They shrug it off with “it’s indie,” “they’ll fix it,” or “at least we have something.” But boxing deserves better than something. It deserves excellence.

Boxing already struggles to capture mainstream attention in the digital age. A powerful, realistic boxing video game could’ve revitalized the sport’s popularity for a younger generation. Instead, Undisputed risks setting it back.

If this were the UFC, Dana White would’ve taken over the project himself by now. Where’s the outrage from boxing's top promoters? Where’s the feedback from current boxers who’ve been scanned into the game but haven’t seen their likenesses used properly?

4. What Boxers and Brands Must Do Now

If you're a professional boxer and your name or likeness is in Undisputed, ask yourself:

Does this game accurately reflect your fighting style?
Does this represent your sport with dignity?
Does this elevate your brand or water it down?

If the answer is no, speak up. Demand transparency from SCI. Push for oversight, corrections, and accountability.

If you're a promoter, broadcaster, or manager, protect your fighter’s image and legacy. Help push for either an overhaul of the current game or support a new studio ready to do justice to boxing.

5. Solutions and a Path Forward

It’s not too late to course correct, but that window is shrinking.

Demand a roadmap: with clear deadlines and a realistic delivery of long-promised features
Empower real boxing consultants: not just former game devs from other genres
Fund new competitors: if SCI can’t deliver, open the door for another dev team that respects the sport
Elevate offline and simulation communities: the ones who will stick around long after Twitch trends fade

Conclusion: Protect the Sweet Science

Boxing has always been about legacy, discipline, and respect. If Undisputed continues on its current path, it will be remembered not as the resurrection of boxing games but as a cautionary tale of mismanagement and missed opportunity.

Boxers, fans, and the entire sport can no longer afford to let SCI fumble the ball. Or worse—the bag.

It’s time to protect the sport not just in the ring, but in the digital world too.

#TakeBackBoxingGames
#BoxingDeservesBetter
#SimNotSpam
#StopTheFumbleSCI
#ProtectTheSweetScience

SCI’s Deception: “A Boxing Game by Boxing Fans for Boxing Fans” – What Happened?

Introduction:

When Steel City Interactive (SCI) first unveiled eSports Boxing Club (later renamed Undisputed), fans of the sweet science were electrified. The game promised to be made by boxing fans, for boxing fans—a love letter to the sport with simulation-heavy gameplay, authentic boxer representation, and AI that behaved like real-life champions. But years later, many fans feel betrayed. The final product feels far removed from the vision originally pitched.

I. The Promise: A Love Letter to the Sport

From its earliest trailers and interviews, SCI made bold claims:

“We are creating the most authentic boxing video game experience ever.”
— SCI Developer Commentary, YouTube, 2020
“This is not an arcade game. This is boxing. This is strategy, stamina, footwork, timing.”
— Alpha Gameplay Reveal, July 2021
“A boxing game by boxing fans for boxing fans.”
— SCI Official Discord, 2021
(widely cited in screenshots and developer replies)

They compared Undisputed to NBA 2K in terms of depth and authenticity, even referencing Fight Night Champion as a game they intended to surpass in realism.

II. The Deception: A Shift in Vision

As development progressed, the community noticed red flags:

Key simulation features were missing: Referees, realistic clinch mechanics, broken get-up systems, no ring physics, and underwhelming AI.
Online-first decisions: The focus heavily shifted to online matchmaking, esports, and cosmetics, marginalizing offline sim players.
Tone-deaf updates: Developers repeatedly downplayed realism. In interviews and Discord Q&As, phrases like “realism isn’t fun” or “we have to balance sim and arcade” were used to justify simplification.
Contradictory patches: Patches introduced unnatural movement speeds, punch spamming tolerance, and arcade-like interactions that contradicted earlier dev statements.

III. The Influence Behind the Curtain

Much of the shift has been attributed to the hiring of developers with backgrounds in arcade-style games and titles like Fortnite. One particular developer—who previously worked at EA and Epic—was described by some insiders as steering the vision away from realism, influencing SCI’s founder, who lacked prior game development experience.

“We had a vision for realism, but some of that had to change for accessibility and gameplay fun.”
— Unnamed SCI Developer in Reddit AMA, 2023

This language echoed industry speak from companies known for diluting their games to hit broader markets, alienating the very core fanbase that supported them early.

IV. The Fallout: Community Betrayal and Mixed Reviews

Fans who supported SCI from the start began calling out the broken promises:

“This is not what you advertised. This isn’t by boxing fans anymore.”
— Top Reddit post, r/UndisputedBoxing, 2024
“You can’t say you’re sim and then remove the get-up mechanic, ignore fatigue, and make punch spamming meta.”
— Boxing Game Youtuber ‘Boxing Fanatic’, March 2025 Review
Multiple high-profile boxers who once supported the game (e.g., Johnny Nelson, Caleb Plant) stopped promoting it as updates turned it into an unbalanced mess.

Even SCI’s Steam reviews show the tension:

“Great concept. Poor execution. Broken promises.”
— Steam User Review, March 2025

**V. The Verdict: Was It Ever For Boxing Fans?**

Many now believe that SCI used boxing fans’ hunger for realism to gain attention, only to pivot toward a more commercial, arcade-oriented model when the pressure of live service development and esports potential set in.

They marketed realism, but delivered accessibility. They promised a deep career mode, but provided cosmetics. They promised sim boxing AI, but released bots that swarm, swing, and chase—far from Ali, Mayweather, or Joe Frazier.

Citations:

SCI Official YouTube Channel
Alpha Gameplay Reveal | July 2021
Reddit AMA Archive – r/UndisputedBoxing
SCI Developer AMA, 2023
Steam Reviews – Undisputed
Steam Store Reviews Snapshot
Discord Leaks and Community Screenshots
– Screenshots archived and reposted by content creators and former mod team members on Discord, YouTube, and Reddit
BoxingFanatic YouTube Channel
Undisputed is NOT a Simulation Anymore | March 2025

Conclusion:

What began as a revolutionary promise to boxing fans devolved into another cautionary tale in modern game development. Steel City Interactive may still claim it’s “by fans, for fans,” but those who truly respect the sweet science know: the jab missed, the footwork stumbled, and the heart just isn’t in it anymore.