The Importance of Options in a Boxing Videogame

Why They Benefit Every Player, Why They Are Not Difficult to Implement,
and Why SCI’s Excuses Do Not Hold Up Under Investigation

For years, Steel City Interactive has repeated the same line whenever realism, depth, or optional gameplay settings are requested for Undisputed:
They “don’t want to push casual players away.”

At face value, this sounds like a considerate design philosophy.
Under scrutiny, it collapses.

Sports games thrive because they offer choices.
Boxing fans, hardcore players, and even newcomers benefit from adjustable realism and gameplay flexibility.
Yet SCI continues to frame depth as a threat, complexity as dangerous, and options as something to avoid.

The truth is simple:
Options are not difficult to implement, and modern AI tools make them even easier.
The refusal to add them reveals more about the studio’s limitations and philosophy than any technical barrier.

This is the investigative breakdown of why options matter, why they strengthen the entire player base, and why claiming they are “too much work” is misleading.

1. Options Are the Foundation of Every Successful Sports Game

Every major sports title uses options to serve multiple audiences at once:

NBA 2K offers casual, competitive, simulation, MyNBA, and full realism sliders.
Madden separates arcade, simulation, and competitive modes.
EA FC offers assisted, semi-assisted, and manual layouts alongside realism toggles.
MLB The Show includes beginner modes, complex modes, and vast customization for purists.

No studio says, “We can’t add options because casuals will be confused.”

They understand that choice is what allows different audiences to coexist peacefully.

Options are not a threat to accessibility.
Options create accessibility.
They allow casuals to play comfortably, give hardcore players real depth, and let newcomers grow over time.

Undisputed is one of the only modern sports titles that intentionally limits player agency.

2. Undisputed’s Design Philosophy Is Built on Fear, Not Ambition

SCI hides behind phrases like:

“We don’t want styles to be overpowered.”
“We don’t want casuals pushed out.”
“We need to keep things balanced.”
“Too many options could confuse players.”

This framing reveals a deeper issue:
the studio is afraid to expose the limitations of their systems.

Because if they exposed stamina sliders, players would notice the stamina model is inaccurate.
If they exposed damage sliders, players would see the hit effect logic is inconsistent.
If they added style fidelity toggles, players would realize the styles are flat and interchangeable.

Options shine a light on flaws.

That is the real reason SCI avoids them.

3. Most Gameplay Options Are Simple Variables, Not Massive Engineering Tasks

When players ask for:

Realistic stamina
Authentic damage
Style-based footwork
Tendency adjustments
Ring physics
Accuracy sliders
Knockdown severity
Defensive responsibility settings

They’re not asking for new subsystems.

They are asking to modify existing values that already run behind the scenes.

These values are:

Percentages
Multipliers
Thresholds
Timing windows
Boolean toggles

A “Pro Mode” only requires turning certain values up.
A “Casual Mode” only requires turning certain values down.
A “Hybrid Mode” is simply a curated midpoint.

This is not a technical obstacle.
It is standard game development.

4. Casual Players Benefit From Options as Much as Hardcore Fans

SCI claims depth could “scare” newcomers, but research from the entire sports genre shows the opposite.

Casual players stay longer when they have:

Slower-paced modes
Forgiving stamina
Faster recovery
Higher accuracy
Assisted defensive tools
Pre-configured presets

Options create comfort.

When you deny options, newcomers become frustrated because:

They cannot adjust difficulty to their level.
They cannot reduce realism when it overwhelms them.
They cannot increase assists to learn the sport.
They cannot slow down gameplay speed while learning controls.

You do not protect casual players by limiting choice.
You protect them by giving them control.

5. Boxing Fans and Hardcore Players Need Options for Authenticity

A boxing game without adjustable realism cannot portray the sport accurately.

Hardcore players want:

Real consequences for mistakes
Body-stamina interactions
Style matchups that matter
Proper defensive layers
Ring generalship
Accurate pacing
Damage modeling
Realistic punch physics
Psychological tendencies
Adaptive AI

You cannot satisfy these needs with a single locked difficulty or a single “one-size-fits-all” gameplay setting.

Boxing is built on nuance.
Options allow the sport’s nuance to come alive.

Without them, every boxer becomes the same boxer wearing different skins.

6. AI Makes Implementing Options Faster, More Accurate, and Cheaper

In 2025, AI is transforming how sports games can be developed.
The idea that adding options is “too difficult” is outdated.

AI can:

Auto-generate tendency sliders
Calculate balancing weights
Simulate thousands of matches
Stress-test gameplay values
Detect exploitable patterns
Suggest ideal slider ranges
Create code snippets for new options
Build UI elements
Integrate complex data structures

What used to take weeks can be done in hours.

Adding:

A stamina slider
A damage multiplier
An accuracy curve
A defensive responsibility range
A style fidelity toggle

…can now be implemented in minutes with AI assistance.

If indie developers can build complex simulators solo, a funded studio with a team should not be struggling.

The difficulty excuse cannot survive the era of AI-assisted development.

7. Why SCI Really Avoids Options: They Expose System Weaknesses

The honest explanation:

Options would reveal that Undisputed lacks real boxing systems beneath the surface.

If a “realistic stamina mode” is added, players will immediately see the stamina model isn’t built for realism.

If a “hard damage mode” is added, players will see that punch physics and damage mapping are incomplete.

If a “style fidelity mode” is added, players will see the game does not contain authentic, differentiated styles.

If AI tendencies are exposed, players will see the AI is shallow and predictable.

Options don’t break a game.
Options expose what’s already broken.

That is the real reason SCI resists them.

Not difficulty.
Not resources.
Not “protecting casuals.”
But fear of being judged by boxing fans.

8. Options Extend a Game’s Life and Strengthen the Entire Community

Every sports game that survived longer than two years has one thing in common:

They allowed players to tailor the experience.

This leads to:

Higher retention
More community-driven content
More replay value
More longevity
Better balancing
Less frustration
More engagement from new players
More commitment from hardcore players
A healthier, more unified fan base

Options are not a barrier.
Options are a bridge between players of different skill levels and expectations.

Undisputed chooses to build walls instead.

Conclusion: Options Are Easy to Build, AI Makes Them Even Easier, and Boxing Games Cannot Survive Without Them

It is not difficult to implement options.
It is not expensive to maintain them.
It is not risky to offer realism modes.
It does not alienate casual players.
It does not damage balance.
It does not fragment the community.

A modern boxing game must serve:

Casuals
Hybrids
Hardcore players
Boxing purists
Simulation enthusiasts
Content creators
Competitive fighters
Offline fans
Online players

You cannot do that with a single locked gameplay setting.

Options are essential.
Options are simple to build.
AI makes them even easier.
The excuses are outdated.

SCI must stop pretending depth is dangerous when the entire sports genre proves that depth—supported by optional systems—is the only path to a successful, long-lasting boxing videogame.

BOXING GAME OPTIONS & CUSTOMIZATION SYSTEM

Full Developer Design Document

Version: 1.0

Prepared For: Gameplay, Systems, AI, UX, Balancing, and Accessibility Teams

Prepared By: Systems Design Team

Purpose:

Provide a complete, modular, expandable options framework that satisfies casual players, hybrid players, hardcore simulation fans, offline/online players, and boxing purists.

1.0 HIGH-LEVEL GOALS

Let every type of player enjoy the game.
Casual → Hybrid → Pro → Authentic.
Create long-term engagement.
Customization dramatically improves retention.
Enable accurate boxing simulation without forcing it.
Provide SDK-like accessibility for modders and competitive players.
Use a modular architecture:
New sliders and toggles can be added without rewriting core systems.
Support AI-assisted balancing, automated QA, and player data analytics.

2.0 OPTIONS STRUCTURE (TOP-LEVEL BREAKDOWN)

Each category includes sliders, toggles, presets, and developer/debug values.

3.0 GAMEPLAY MODES

3.1 Preset Modes (One-click selections)

Mode	Description
Casual Mode	Fast stamina regen, low damage, high punch accuracy, simplified AI.
Hybrid Mode	Balanced realism, moderate consequences, visible style differences.
Pro Mode	Authentic stamina, realistic damage, accurate footwork, boxer tendencies.
Custom Mode	All sliders unlocked. User-defined realism.

3.2 Enable Online Mode Restrictions

Toggle: ON/OFF
Online requires standardized values unless matchmaking allows “Realism Lobbies.”

4.0 DIFFICULTY & ASSIST LEVELS

4.1 General Difficulty

AI Difficulty: Rookie, Amateur, Seasoned, Pro, Champion, Legendary
Sub-Difficulty Controls:
- Reaction Time
- Combo Frequency
- Defensive IQ
- Counter Punch Aggression
- Adaptation Rate

4.2 Assisted Controls

Each with ON/OFF or slider values:

Auto-Block
Auto-Slip
Auto-Clinch
Assisted Punch Accuracy
Assisted Head Movement
Assisted Power Punches
Assisted Distance Control (AI helps maintain range)

4.3 Input Buffering Sensitivity

Low
Medium
High
Adaptive (AI adjusts buffering based on performance)

5.0 STAMINA & CONDITIONING SYSTEM

5.1 Stamina Drain

Sliders 0% to 300%

Punch Stamina Drain
Missed Punch Penalty
Power Punch Multiplier
Movement Stamina Drain
Blocking Stamina Drain
Clinching Stamina Drain
Recovery Between Rounds (0%–200%)

5.2 Long-Term Conditioning

Sliders 0% to 200%

Long-Term Wear
Round-to-Round Fatigue
Adrenaline Surges
“Second Wind” Frequency

5.3 Body/Stamina Interaction

Body Shot Effectiveness
Accumulated Fatigue Sensitivity
Threshold for “Gassed State”

6.0 DAMAGE & INJURY SYSTEM

6.1 General Damage Model

Global Damage Multiplier (0%–300%)
Head Damage
Body Damage
Cumulative Damage
Flash Knockout Chance
Knockdown Severity
Chin Sensitivity
Temple Sensitivity
Liver Sensitivity
Jaw Angle Multiplier (realism variable)

6.2 Injuries

Toggles + sliders:

Cuts
Swelling
Broken Nose Risk
Rib Injury Risk
Vision Obstruction
Injury Severity Multiplier
Injury Frequency
Cutman Effectiveness (0–100)

7.0 PUNCHING & IMPACT LOGIC

7.1 Punch Accuracy

Accuracy Multiplier
Counter Accuracy Boost
Fatigue Accuracy Penalty
Footwork Accuracy Penalty

7.2 Punch Power

Base Power
Counter Power
Momentum Power (movement-based)
Inside/Outside Power
Power Fatigue Penalty

7.3 Punch Tracking & Collision

Auto-Tracking Sensitivity
Desync Safe Mode
Physics-Based Punch Connection (ON/OFF)

7.4 Punch Variation

Sliders:

Jabs per Round Range
Hooks per Round Range
Uppercuts per Round Range
Combinations Allowed
Combo Length Limit

8.0 FOOTWORK & MOVEMENT

8.1 Movement Model

Sliders:

Step Speed
Shuffle Speed
Sprint/Burst Speed
Lateral Movement Efficiency
Backpedal Efficiency
Pivot Speed
Foot Planting Penalty
Off-Balance Multiplier

8.2 Footwork Authenticity

Toggles:

Realistic Lead Foot Alignment
Realistic Pivot Rules
Distance Enforcement (AI maintains proper range)
Weight Transfer Fidelity

9.0 DEFENSE & BLOCKING SYSTEM

9.1 General Defensive Sliders

Blocking Effectiveness
Blocking Stamina Drain
Parry Window Size
Slip Window Size
Duck/Hunch Responsiveness
Auto-Tilt Guard Sensitivity
Shoulder Roll Efficiency

9.2 Defensive Styles Toggle

Philly Shell
Peekaboo
High Guard
Dynamic Guard
Loose Guard
Cross-Guard
Mayweather Hybrid
Pressure Shell
Southpaw Auto-Adjust

10.0 AI TENDENCIES & BEHAVIOR OPTIONS

10.1 Global AI Sliders

Aggression
Pressure
Distance Control
Ring Generalship
Countering Frequency
Defensive Responsibility
Footwork Frequency
Adaptation Rate
Body/Head Mix Ratio
Composure Under Fire

10.2 Per-Boxer Tendency Overwrite

Option to override their data profile.

10.3 AI Personality Presets

Technician
Puncher
Boxer-Puncher
Counter Specialist
Pressure Fighter
Rhythm Fighter
Swarmer
Out-Boxer
Inside Specialist
Wild Card

11.0 RULES, REFEREE, AND JUDGING OPTIONS

11.1 Rules

Rounds: 1–15
Duration: 2 or 3 minutes
Amateur, Pro, Open Class
Standing 8 Count
Three Knockdown Rule
No Three Knockdown Rule
TKO Threshold
Doctor Stoppage Toggle
Illegal Blow Penalties
Excessive Clinching Penalty
Disqualification Threshold

11.2 Referee Behavior

Sliders:

Break Frequency
Clinch Tolerance
Warning Frequency
Foul Sensitivity
Knockdown Count Speed

11.3 Judging System

10–9 Must System
Amateur Point System
Open Scoring
Judge Bias Realism
Aggression Weight
Defense Weight
Effective Punching Weight
Ring Generalship Weight

12.0 CAMERA, PRESENTATION & AUDIO OPTIONS

12.1 Camera

Dynamic
Broadcast
Retro FNC
Ringside Low
Over-the-Shoulder
Top-Down
FOV Slider
Custom Camera Editor

12.2 Audio

Punch Impact Mix
Crowd Volume
Commentary Frequency
Referee Call Volume
Corner Instructions
Crowd Chants
Dynamic Crowd Intensity (OFF–EXTREME)

12.3 Presentation Toggles

HUD Minimal
HUD Off
Stamina Bars On/Off
Damage Indicators On/Off
Broadcast Replay Mode
Slow-Mo Counters

13.0 HUD & UI CUSTOMIZATION

Sliders + toggles:

Damage Indicator Opacity
Stamina Bar Style
Punch Accuracy Display
Ring Generalship Tracker
Footwork Awareness Meter
Punch Speed Meter
Knockdown Camera Cutaway
Real-Time Judges Scorecard (ON/OFF)

14.0 ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS

High-Contrast Mode
Color Blind Modes
High-Visibility Punch Trails
Larger HUD
Simplified Control Mode
Single-Button Punch Mode
Minimal Input Timing Requirements
Auto-Evade Mode
Assistive Vibration Feedback
Audio Descriptions
Subtitles Size / Font / Color

15.0 DEBUG, TESTING & AI-SUPPORTED DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS

For internal use:

15.1 Developer Tools

Show Collision Boxes
Show Range Indicators
Show AI Decision Tree
Show Stamina Live Data
Show Damage Zones
Show Footwork Grid
Show Tendency Weights
Show Judge Score Breakdown

15.2 AI-Assisted Balancing

AI Agent Simulations:

Simulate 5,000 fights per preset
Identify overpowered sliders
Report unbalanced patterns
Auto-generate recommended slider ranges
Stress-test AI behaviors
Detect repetitive AI patterns

16.0 PRESET PACKAGES FOR DAY 1 SHIP

The game ships with four presets:

Casual Preset

Fast stamina
Low punishment
High accuracy
Simple AI
Lots of action

Hybrid Preset

Balanced realism
Strategic pacing
Moderate AI adaptation

Pro Authentic Preset

Realistic stamina
Accurate damage
Style-dependent strategy
Boxing IQ
Real consequences

Custom Preset

Everything unlocked
For hardcore and experimental players

17.0 ONLINE MODES AND RESTRICTIONS

Ranked Mode

Locked sliders
Standardized ruleset

Unranked / Realism Lobby

Player-defined presets allowed

Creator Lobbies

Hosts can force custom rule sets

18.0 VISION STATEMENT

A boxing game must support every type of player.
Casual. Hybrid. Hardcore. Boxing purist.
People who want fun.
People who want authenticity.
People who want simulation-level realism.

The options menu is not a bonus feature.
It is the foundation of a successful boxing title.

This document provides every toggle, slider, rule, and system needed to make a boxing game that can evolve, adapt, and satisfy fans for 10+ years.

Monday, November 24, 2025