1. Disconnect Between Developers and the Sport
Observation:
Many fans believe SCI's developers lack a deep connection to boxing. This perceived disconnect manifests in gameplay decisions, presentation choices, and the absence of finer boxing details—nuances that only insiders or long-time followers would appreciate.
Impact:
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Unrealistic mechanics: Moves, reactions, or strategies that don't reflect how real boxers behave.
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Shallow representation of the sport: Career modes, commentary, and presentation lack the soul and culture of boxing.
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Missed storytelling opportunities: No incorporation of boxing history, lineage, rivalries, or evolution of the sport.
2. Absence of Boxers and Historians in Development
Missed Opportunity:
Steel City Interactive could've strengthened the foundation of Undisputed by including:
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Retired/pro or amateur boxers as gameplay consultants.
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Boxing historians to advise on authenticity, era representation, rivalries, and realism in career mode.
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Trainers and gym owners to contribute to AI behavior, training systems, and boxer tendencies.
Potential Benefits If They Were Included:
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Boxers: Could guide punch mechanics, footwork authenticity, clinch behavior, and stamina systems.
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Historians: Could help implement era-based realism, accurate rosters, venue authenticity, and commentary reflecting boxing's rich heritage.
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Trainers: Would offer perspective on corner advice, fight strategy systems, training camp variability, and how a boxer's style is built over time.
3. Fan Perspective: “Self-Sabotage”
Why Some Fans Use This Term:
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SCI had a golden opportunity to be the first to bring a true simulation boxing experience in decades.
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By not leveraging the boxing community or incorporating subject-matter experts, they made development choices that feel out-of-touch.
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This results in decisions that alienate the very audience most excited for a sim-heavy experience.
Examples of Perceived Sabotage:
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Punch animations and reactions feel gamey, not organic.
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Lack of boxer individuality or personality in the ring.
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Arcade-style mechanics creeping into what was supposed to be a sim foundation.
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Minimal evolution in CPU AI behavior and tendencies, which fails to mirror real-life fighters.
4. Suggestion Moving Forward
If SCI wants to reclaim trust and build a legendary boxing franchise, they must:
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Immediately onboard consultants from within the sport (boxers, trainers, judges, historians).
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Hold internal seminars or bootcamps for developers unfamiliar with boxing to absorb the culture.
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Appoint a Boxing Authenticity Director—someone with real experience who oversees all gameplay realism elements.
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Host community summits or panels with hardcore fans to get firsthand insights and ideas.
Final Thought
In sports gaming—especially in a sport as rich, gritty, and nuanced as boxing—authenticity is king. SCI has the framework and potential, but without genuine passion or voices from within the sport guiding them, they're always at risk of making decisions that undermine the game's long-term legacy.
Would you like this turned into a detailed open letter or post directed at Steel City Interactive?
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Here's a detailed open letter to Steel City Interactive, structured for clarity and emphasis, and designed to reflect the perspective and frustration shared by fans like yourself:
Open Letter to Steel City Interactive: “Reconnect with the Soul of Boxing”
To the Team at Steel City Interactive,
As passionate fans and long-time supporters of the sport of boxing—and your ambitious project Undisputed—we write this not out of hostility, but concern. What was once a highly anticipated, potentially revolutionary boxing game has slowly veered off course. Many in the community now feel the direction of development reflects a troubling truth:
There appears to be a lack of deep connection, understanding, or passion for the sport of boxing within your development team.
This disconnect has led to decisions that undermine realism, neglect authenticity, and ultimately alienate the very base that championed this project from the beginning.
The Core Issue: No Boxing Voice in the Room
It’s evident that Undisputed was not built with boxers, trainers, or historians embedded in its development team. That absence is felt in nearly every layer of the game:
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Punches lack realism and don't reflect proper mechanics.
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Boxers don't behave with individuality, rhythm, or real-world tendencies.
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Clinching, corner advice, and footwork feel like afterthoughts.
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Commentary and presentation miss the depth and drama of boxing's legacy.
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CPU fighters ignore fight context, style matchups, and ring IQ.
This isn’t just about mechanics. It’s about heart. Boxing is not just a sport—it's a culture, a craft, and a story. Without people from that world actively helping shape the game, those elements will always be missing.
You Had the Opportunity—and Still Do
You had something special. Undisputed captured the attention of boxing fans worldwide. Many believed this would finally be the sim-heavy game we’ve waited for since Fight Night Champion. Instead, realism has been gradually replaced with arcade mechanics, broken animations, and a shallow user experience.
But the truth is, it’s not too late. The tools, community, and desire are all here—waiting for you to take the right steps:
Our Recommendations Going Forward
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Involve Boxers, Trainers, and Historians as Active Contributors
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Bring retired or current fighters into the fold.
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Let real trainers weigh in on AI behavior and style development.
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Hire boxing historians to assist with presentation, commentary, era authenticity, and rivalries.
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Create a Boxing Authenticity Team
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Appoint a “Boxing Director” with real-world experience to lead realism efforts.
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Ensure game mechanics, presentation, and AI align with the real sport.
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Educate Your Developers on the Sport They’re Recreating
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Host internal boxing bootcamps for your dev team.
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Bring in fight analysts, cutmen, referees, and gym owners to explain what makes boxing so unique.
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Consult the Fanbase That Carried You
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You have a knowledgeable, creative, and loyal community.
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Many of us have detailed blueprints, decades of gaming experience, and ideas rooted in authenticity.
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Host panels, feedback sessions, or even creator summits to collaborate directly with fans who know the sport inside and out.
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Final Words
Steel City Interactive, this is not just a game. For many of us, it’s the digital embodiment of the sport we love. That sport deserves to be done justice—and your studio has the chance to do something truly historic.
But without those who live boxing guiding the development, you’ll continue to miss the mark. We urge you to make this pivot, embrace the boxing community more deeply, and involve the voices that can take Undisputed from good to legendary.
Do it for the sport. Do it for the fans. But most of all—do it for the legacy you're building.
Sincerely,
The Real Boxing Game Community
