Boxers and Trainers Must Speak Up About the State of Boxing Video Games
The silence from professional boxers and trainers regarding the development of modern boxing video games is deafening. When a game is being created to represent their sport, their voices should be the loudest in the room. Yet, for reasons unknown, they remain largely absent from the conversation.
A rumor has circulated that Steel City Interactive (SCI), the developers of Undisputed, stopped having boxers actively involved in the studio early in development. This speculation seems to hold some weight, as many of the realistic boxing mechanics that fans initially praised are now either absent or significantly altered. The foundation of what could have been a truly groundbreaking simulation of the sport is slowly shifting toward an arcade-style fighting game instead of an authentic boxing experience.
When Undisputed was first introduced to the public under its early moniker, eSports Boxing Club (ESBC), it was heralded as the next big leap in boxing gaming. The mechanics showcased during the early phases appeared to emphasize realism—footwork, punch trajectories, defensive maneuvers, and the nuanced tactics that make boxing a chess match inside the ring. Fans assumed the game would continue to evolve, refining these mechanics and building upon its solid groundwork. Instead, what has transpired feels like a regression.
The removal or alteration of key mechanics suggests that someone within the studio either lacks an understanding of what boxing truly is or has deliberately pushed the game in a more arcade-friendly direction. The troubling part is that this transition happened after boxers were reportedly no longer being consulted in the development process. Could it be that without their direct input, the game is losing its authenticity? It certainly appears so.
Professional fighters and trainers who play video games should be among the most vocal critics and advocates for the genre. They are the ones who know the intricacies of the sport, who can spot what Undisputed gets right and what it gets wrong. They should be the ones demanding that a boxing game actually reflect boxing. Without their input, there is a risk that Undisputed will continue to move further away from realism and closer to being just another arcade fighter with a boxing skin.
If the rumors about SCI’s development direction are true, it is a major cause for concern. The industry has already suffered from a lack of high-quality boxing titles for years, and the last thing fans need is another misstep. It is crucial for boxers, trainers, and dedicated fans of the sport to raise their voices. If the development team is straying from realism, the boxing community needs to hold them accountable. Otherwise, boxing games may continue to be watered down, leaving fans longing for a true simulation that may never come.
Adding to the frustration is the fact that SCI initially promised innovation and realism, something that drew in hardcore boxing fans eager for a true representation of the sport. However, over time, many of those promises have been eroded or outright abandoned. Features that once looked like game-changers have either been removed or replaced with mechanics that prioritize accessibility over authenticity. This shift raises an important question—was the original vision for Undisputed compromised by external pressures, or was the commitment to realism never as strong as fans were led to believe?
The consequences of a misstep in development are far-reaching. If Undisputed veers too far into arcade territory, it could discourage future developers from attempting a true boxing simulation. Investors and publishers may see the genre as unviable, believing that fans prefer an arcade experience rather than the deep, tactical gameplay that boxing truly requires. This is why it's imperative for fans, boxers, and trainers alike to push back against these changes and demand a game that does justice to the sport.
Another troubling aspect of this shift is the exclusion of passionate boxing fans from discussions and online communities. Many dedicated fans who voiced concerns about realism being sacrificed have been pushed out of groups and forums where these discussions take place. This has created an echo chamber that favors a more casual, arcade-style experience while silencing those who want an authentic boxing game. Instead of embracing constructive criticism, it seems like certain spaces have actively worked to suppress it, making it even more difficult for realism to remain a priority in development.
If the developers still care about realism, they need to bring boxers and trainers back into the conversation. They need to listen to those who understand the sport at its deepest levels. Otherwise, Undisputed risks becoming yet another cautionary tale of what happens when developers lose sight of their original vision. The time to speak up is now before it's too late.
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