The Hidden Battle Between Realism and Deflection
If you're a fan of boxing and a supporter of realism in video games, you've probably encountered a certain type of question from developers or community managers:
"What do you mean by 'realistic' or 'simulation' boxing? Can you define that?"
At first glance, this seems like a fair and even helpful question. After all, terms like "sim" and "arcade" can mean different things to different players. But when this question is repeatedly asked — especially after clear answers have already been given — it begins to look less like curiosity and more like a tactic of deflection or discouragement.
This article will explore what’s really going on when developers ask you to "define realism," what you should look out for, and why this question — innocent on the surface — might actually be the first sign they’re trying to steer the project away from realism or temper your expectations.
🎮 Section 1: What Is Realistic or Simulation Boxing in a Video Game?
Let’s establish it right here — clearly and precisely — so no developer can pretend it’s too vague to grasp:
| Feature | Realistic/Simulation Boxing | Arcade Boxing |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Footwork is methodical. Includes realistic pivots, stance switching, weight distribution, and range management. | Quick dashes, teleport-like lunges, unrealistic speed bursts, and sometimes floating movement. |
| Punch Mechanics | Punches have proper wind-ups, timing, and realistic follow-through. Each punch drains stamina based on force and repetition. | Endless punch flurries with no fatigue, exaggerated impact sounds, button mash combos. |
| Stamina and Fatigue | Fatigue plays a major role. Fighters get slower, sloppier when tired. Recovery is tied to breathing and rest. | Fighters can throw 100 punches a round with no performance dip. |
| Defense | Parrying, slipping, rolling, shoulder blocks, and intelligent guard placement. Blocking drains stamina. | Basic block button or auto-dodge mechanics, invincibility frames, and minimal defensive realism. |
| AI Behavior | AI adapts. They use real-world strategies like timing adjustments, pressure changes, feints, and ring generalship. | Predictable patterns, little adaptation, often based on aggression or pattern memorization. |
| Boxer Identity | Unique styles per boxer: Ali floats, Foreman presses, Mayweather counters. | Everyone plays roughly the same with minor stat tweaks. |
Simulation-style boxing games strive to respect the sport’s science and complexity. It’s not about looking realistic on the surface — it’s about boxing feeling like boxing, not a flashy fighting game dressed in gloves.
Section 2: Why Developers Ask You to “Define” It — Even After You Already Did
At face value, it might seem like a genuine attempt to understand you. And in some cases, it is.
But after you've defined it several times, and especially if you’ve given detailed examples like those above, repeating the question can mean something else entirely.
Common Hidden Motives:
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Soft Disarmament Tactic
By constantly asking for a definition, they delay actually addressing your concern or request. It becomes a circular conversation with no forward movement. -
Deflecting Accountability
If they acknowledge your vision, they’d have to either admit they’re not building it or explain why they can’t. By feigning ignorance, they avoid both. -
Testing You, Not Engaging You
Some developers ask this not to understand you, but to see if you “know what you’re talking about.” It’s a form of gatekeeping or dismissiveness. -
Intentional Ambiguity
By pretending that realism and simulation are subjective or undefined terms, they give themselves cover for whatever direction they take the game. -
Positioning You as Unreasonable
They might be trying to frame your expectations as extreme, especially if they want to justify simpler mechanics, faster development, or wider market appeal.
Section 3: How You Should Respond
Once you’ve clearly explained the difference — and you get hit with the same question again — here are strong responses that keep the pressure on without sounding unprofessional:
Sample Response 1 (Firm but Collaborative):
“I’ve already described what realism means — realistic stamina drain, AI that adapts like real boxers, proper footwork and defense mechanics. If you’re asking again, I’d like to know what part you think is unclear or unachievable with your current tech or design approach.”
Sample Response 2 (Calling the Bluff):
“Simulation is a well-known term in the sports game world. NBA 2K, MLB The Show, and early marketing for Undisputed all used it. If you’re asking me to define it again, are you trying to say you don’t want the game to go in that direction?”
Sample Response 3 (Clarifying Their Intent):
“Are you asking this because you're unclear about what realism means to boxing fans, or because you're preparing us for the game not going in that direction?”
The key is to turn the question around without being hostile. Developers often underestimate the intelligence and clarity of serious boxing fans. Show them you’re not just a gamer — you understand the sport.
🧱 Section 4: Why This Matters More Than Ever
This question isn't just annoying — it's a canary in the coal mine. It might signal that a game is slowly drifting away from its simulation promises. Many fans of Undisputed have seen this first-hand: a game that once marketed itself as the "true sim" of boxing now features more and more arcade-style changes with every update.
You’ve seen this happen before:
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Clinching is removed or barely functional
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Referee systems are delayed or non-existent
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Arcade combos added, sim logic removed
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Stamina bars become meaningless
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AI doesn’t box — it brawls
When devs start pretending that realism is “hard to define,” it often means they’re not going to pursue it.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not the Problem for Wanting Realism
Don’t let anyone make you feel like you're asking for too much. Sports simulations already exist across other genres: FIFA, NBA 2K, MLB The Show, Football Manager, and even EA Skate. These games serve fans who want a deep, realistic, stats- and logic-driven experience.
Why is boxing the exception?
Because too many developers either:
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Don’t understand the sport deeply enough
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Fear of alienating casual fans
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Lack the budget or staff to implement full sim systems
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Or… they never intended to go all the way with realism in the first place
Summary
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If a dev asks you to define “simulation boxing,” that’s not inherently bad.
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If they keep asking for clear answers, it’s likely a form of deflection.
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Stay clear, concise, and don’t let the conversation spin in circles.
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Most importantly: don’t lower your expectations just because they want you to.
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