Could Poe Be a Community Manager for Undisputed?

 

---

🔎 Who is Poe (Poeticdrink2u)?

Poe is widely recognized as:

• A relentless advocate for realism in boxing video games.

• A highly vocal community figure with decades of ideas.

• The founder of The Boxing Videogame Wishlist Site (Realistic/Sim), pushing for simulation-style gameplay.

• Someone deeply involved in conceptual development, often with complex systems and mechanics in mind.

He’s also known for being uncompromising in his vision and willing to challenge developers, especially when he feels they’re drifting from realism.

---

✅ Strengths Poe Brings as a Potential Community Manager

Quality	How it Helps
Deep Boxing Knowledge	He brings unmatched understanding of both boxing and sim-style gaming needs.
Community Trust	Many hardcore fans trust him and view him as “one of us.”
Endless Ideas	He’d keep the idea pipeline full with innovative and detailed suggestions.
Transparency Push	He’d likely push for more open dev communication and accountability.

---

⚠️ Potential Challenges in a CM Role

Concern	Why It Matters
Overly Passionate Mindset	He might clash with leadership or devs over creative direction, especially if decisions deviate from realism.
Community Expectations	Fans might expect too much change too fast with him in the role, putting him in a tough position between the devs and the fans.
Not a Corporate Type	Community managers often need to strike a careful balance: advocate for fans and align with studio messaging. Poe might lean too heavily toward the fan side.
Blunt Communication Style	While honest, his tone might come off as aggressive or combative in official communication settings.

---

🤔 Would Poe Be Better as a Consultant or Advisor?

Possibly.

He may thrive in a role like:

• Community Advocate Liaison (unofficial spokesperson or community figure consulted by the dev team).

• Realism Consultant working directly with gameplay teams.

• Public Beta Feedback Lead to help gather and translate sim player concerns before updates roll out.

---

🧩 Final Verdict

Role	Fit for Poe?	Why/Why Not
Community Manager (Official)	⚖️ Mixed	He’d bring energy and trust from fans, but his outspoken nature might conflict with the PR-sensitive role of a CM.
Realism/Gameplay Consultant	✅ Excellent Fit	No filter, pure feedback, and no need to toe a corporate line.
Lead Community Voice	✅ Ideal	He can remain a community icon, helping direct attention to important issues without the internal pressure.

---

📝 Summary

Poe would absolutely thrive as a realism advisor or independent community pillar, but being an official community manager for SCI might limit both his freedom and his effectiveness due to the PR, diplomatic, and corporate demands of the position. His voice is too valuable to filter—but that same rawness might not always fit within a formal team.

Could Poe Be a Community Manager for Undisputed?

 

---

🔎 Who is Poe (Poeticdrink2u)?

Poe is widely recognized as:

• A relentless advocate for realism in boxing video games.

• A highly vocal community figure with decades of ideas.

• The founder of The Boxing Videogame Wishlist Site (Realistic/Sim), pushing for simulation-style gameplay.

• Someone deeply involved in conceptual development, often with complex systems and mechanics in mind.

He’s also known for being uncompromising in his vision and willing to challenge developers, especially when he feels they’re drifting from realism.

---

✅ Strengths Poe Brings as a Potential Community Manager

Quality	How it Helps
Deep Boxing Knowledge	He brings unmatched understanding of both boxing and sim-style gaming needs.
Community Trust	Many hardcore fans trust him and view him as “one of us.”
Endless Ideas	He’d keep the idea pipeline full with innovative and detailed suggestions.
Transparency Push	He’d likely push for more open dev communication and accountability.

---

⚠️ Potential Challenges in a CM Role

Concern	Why It Matters
Overly Passionate Mindset	He might clash with leadership or devs over creative direction, especially if decisions deviate from realism.
Community Expectations	Fans might expect too much change too fast with him in the role, putting him in a tough position between the devs and the fans.
Not a Corporate Type	Community managers often need to strike a careful balance: advocate for fans and align with studio messaging. Poe might lean too heavily toward the fan side.
Blunt Communication Style	While honest, his tone might come off as aggressive or combative in official communication settings.

---

🤔 Would Poe Be Better as a Consultant or Advisor?

Possibly.

He may thrive in a role like:

• Community Advocate Liaison (unofficial spokesperson or community figure consulted by the dev team).

• Realism Consultant working directly with gameplay teams.

• Public Beta Feedback Lead to help gather and translate sim player concerns before updates roll out.

---

🧩 Final Verdict

Role	Fit for Poe?	Why/Why Not
Community Manager (Official)	⚖️ Mixed	He’d bring energy and trust from fans, but his outspoken nature might conflict with the PR-sensitive role of a CM.
Realism/Gameplay Consultant	✅ Excellent Fit	No filter, pure feedback, and no need to toe a corporate line.
Lead Community Voice	✅ Ideal	He can remain a community icon, helping direct attention to important issues without the internal pressure.

---

📝 Summary

Poe would absolutely thrive as a realism advisor or independent community pillar, but being an official community manager for SCI might limit both his freedom and his effectiveness due to the PR, diplomatic, and corporate demands of the position. His voice is too valuable to filter—but that same rawness might not always fit within a formal team.

[Open Letter] To Ash Habib — Keep Your Promise to the Boxing Community

 

[Open Letter] To Ash Habib — Keep Your Promise to the Boxing Community

Dear Ash Habib,

When Undisputed was first announced—then known as eSports Boxing Club (ESBC)—you stood as a bold and passionate visionary in the boxing and gaming space. You repeatedly and adamantly expressed that this game would not follow in the footsteps of watered-down sports titles. You said Undisputed would be a game by boxing fans, for boxing fans—a deep, realistic/simulation boxing game, not just a shallow arcade experience wrapped in a familiar license.

Back then, you were proud to say that you and your team at Steel City Interactive would retain control over the direction of the game. That you wouldn’t cave to pressure, whether from outside investors, influencers, or casual trends. You spoke about depth, authenticity, strategic gameplay, and building something that hadn’t been seen since Fight Night Champion—or arguably ever.

And for a while, you had us believing.

What happened?

Where is that strong voice who said he would not let others dilute his vision?

Where is that promise of a simulation boxing game that respects the intricacies of the sweet science—footwork, stamina, feints, styles, tendencies, ring IQ, weight classes, career progression, realistic knockdowns, and diverse punch animations?

We were here for that. We supported that vision.

But somewhere along the way, the foundation shifted. Realism became a buzzword instead of a core philosophy. Controls began leaning toward "easy to pick up" instead of "master through skill." Boxers no longer behave or move like their real-life counterparts. You had us expecting a boxing world, but gave us a loop of samey fights and AI that doesn’t evolve.

The version of Undisputed that gained traction during the ESBC phase was something special. Raw, yes, but full of promise. It felt like you were building a sim that would evolve with community input from fans who actually understand boxing—not just YouTube influencers chasing hype.

So we ask you, Ash:

• What happened to your commitment to realism and depth?

• Why does it seem like Undisputed is now being guided by compromise instead of conviction?

• Where’s the full integration of sim-style mechanics that you promised in interviews, dev logs, and forums?

You don't owe us perfection, but you owe the boxing gaming community the truth—and ideally, a return to that original fire that got us all invested.

We still believe this game can be the defining boxing sim of this generation. But only if the leader who once stood proudly for the hardcore boxing fans returns to guide it.

You said Undisputed would be different.
Prove it still can be.

Respectfully,
A Supporter of Realistic Boxing Games
& A Member of the Community You Once Inspired

[Open Letter] To Ash Habib — Keep Your Promise to the Boxing Community

 

[Open Letter] To Ash Habib — Keep Your Promise to the Boxing Community

Dear Ash Habib,

When Undisputed was first announced—then known as eSports Boxing Club (ESBC)—you stood as a bold and passionate visionary in the boxing and gaming space. You repeatedly and adamantly expressed that this game would not follow in the footsteps of watered-down sports titles. You said Undisputed would be a game by boxing fans, for boxing fans—a deep, realistic/simulation boxing game, not just a shallow arcade experience wrapped in a familiar license.

Back then, you were proud to say that you and your team at Steel City Interactive would retain control over the direction of the game. That you wouldn’t cave to pressure, whether from outside investors, influencers, or casual trends. You spoke about depth, authenticity, strategic gameplay, and building something that hadn’t been seen since Fight Night Champion—or arguably ever.

And for a while, you had us believing.

What happened?

Where is that strong voice who said he would not let others dilute his vision?

Where is that promise of a simulation boxing game that respects the intricacies of the sweet science—footwork, stamina, feints, styles, tendencies, ring IQ, weight classes, career progression, realistic knockdowns, and diverse punch animations?

We were here for that. We supported that vision.

But somewhere along the way, the foundation shifted. Realism became a buzzword instead of a core philosophy. Controls began leaning toward "easy to pick up" instead of "master through skill." Boxers no longer behave or move like their real-life counterparts. You had us expecting a boxing world, but gave us a loop of samey fights and AI that doesn’t evolve.

The version of Undisputed that gained traction during the ESBC phase was something special. Raw, yes, but full of promise. It felt like you were building a sim that would evolve with community input from fans who actually understand boxing—not just YouTube influencers chasing hype.

So we ask you, Ash:

• What happened to your commitment to realism and depth?

• Why does it seem like Undisputed is now being guided by compromise instead of conviction?

• Where’s the full integration of sim-style mechanics that you promised in interviews, dev logs, and forums?

You don't owe us perfection, but you owe the boxing gaming community the truth—and ideally, a return to that original fire that got us all invested.

We still believe this game can be the defining boxing sim of this generation. But only if the leader who once stood proudly for the hardcore boxing fans returns to guide it.

You said Undisputed would be different.
Prove it still can be.

Respectfully,
A Supporter of Realistic Boxing Games
& A Member of the Community You Once Inspired

[Open Letter] To Ash Habib — Keep Your Promise to the Boxing Community

 

[Open Letter] To Ash Habib — Keep Your Promise to the Boxing Community

Dear Ash Habib,

When Undisputed was first announced—then known as eSports Boxing Club (ESBC)—you stood as a bold and passionate visionary in the boxing and gaming space. You repeatedly and adamantly expressed that this game would not follow in the footsteps of watered-down sports titles. You said Undisputed would be a game by boxing fans, for boxing fans—a deep, realistic/simulation boxing game, not just a shallow arcade experience wrapped in a familiar license.

Back then, you were proud to say that you and your team at Steel City Interactive would retain control over the direction of the game. That you wouldn’t cave to pressure, whether from outside investors, influencers, or casual trends. You spoke about depth, authenticity, strategic gameplay, and building something that hadn’t been seen since Fight Night Champion—or arguably ever.

And for a while, you had us believing.

What happened?

Where is that strong voice who said he would not let others dilute his vision?

Where is that promise of a simulation boxing game that respects the intricacies of the sweet science—footwork, stamina, feints, styles, tendencies, ring IQ, weight classes, career progression, realistic knockdowns, and diverse punch animations?

We were here for that. We supported that vision.

But somewhere along the way, the foundation shifted. Realism became a buzzword instead of a core philosophy. Controls began leaning toward "easy to pick up" instead of "master through skill." Boxers no longer behave or move like their real-life counterparts. You had us expecting a boxing world, but gave us a loop of samey fights and AI that doesn’t evolve.

The version of Undisputed that gained traction during the ESBC phase was something special. Raw, yes, but full of promise. It felt like you were building a sim that would evolve with community input from fans who actually understand boxing—not just YouTube influencers chasing hype.

So we ask you, Ash:

• What happened to your commitment to realism and depth?

• Why does it seem like Undisputed is now being guided by compromise instead of conviction?

• Where’s the full integration of sim-style mechanics that you promised in interviews, dev logs, and forums?

You don't owe us perfection, but you owe the boxing gaming community the truth—and ideally, a return to that original fire that got us all invested.

We still believe this game can be the defining boxing sim of this generation. But only if the leader who once stood proudly for the hardcore boxing fans returns to guide it.

You said Undisputed would be different.
Prove it still can be.

Respectfully,
A Supporter of Realistic Boxing Games
& A Member of the Community You Once Inspired

Community Feedback Plan For Those Who Are Dissatisfied With Undisputed

 

A guide for fans on how to express dissatisfaction while helping steer the ship right.

---

🎯 Goal:

Send a unified message to Steel City Interactive (SCI) that says:

"We want this game to succeed—but not at the cost of realism. Here’s where we stand, and here’s what we need moving forward."

✅ Suggested Approach for the Community

1. Don’t support the update blindly

• Don’t download or promote the update if it drifts further from realism.

• Instead, observe and document:

  • What changed?

  • What broke realism?

  • What worked well?

---

2. Stay Visible and Respectful

• Be loud but not hostile. Anger is heard. Hate is ignored.

• Tag SCI on socials with concise feedback using hashtags like:

  • #FixUndisputed

  • #BringBackRealism

  • #SimBoxingMatters

---

3. Use Structure When Posting

Use a simple format for clarity:

🥊 Topic: Footwork / Damage System / Blocking, etc.
🚫 Issue: Unrealistic dodge spam & no stamina punishment.
✅ Request: Reintroduce ESBC-era foot planting with stamina scaling.
🎮 Why It Matters: Makes the game play like real boxing, not an arcade rush.

---

4. Encourage Solutions, Not Just Complaints

Don’t just say what’s broken—say what can fix it.

---

5. Support Each Other

• Like, share, and back other realistic feedback posts.

• Use forums, Reddit, YouTube, and Discord to coordinate key message waves.

Community Feedback Plan For Those Who Are Dissatisfied With Undisputed

 

A guide for fans on how to express dissatisfaction while helping steer the ship right.

---

🎯 Goal:

Send a unified message to Steel City Interactive (SCI) that says:

"We want this game to succeed—but not at the cost of realism. Here’s where we stand, and here’s what we need moving forward."

✅ Suggested Approach for the Community

1. Don’t support the update blindly

• Don’t download or promote the update if it drifts further from realism.

• Instead, observe and document:

  • What changed?

  • What broke realism?

  • What worked well?

---

2. Stay Visible and Respectful

• Be loud but not hostile. Anger is heard. Hate is ignored.

• Tag SCI on socials with concise feedback using hashtags like:

  • #FixUndisputed

  • #BringBackRealism

  • #SimBoxingMatters

---

3. Use Structure When Posting

Use a simple format for clarity:

🥊 Topic: Footwork / Damage System / Blocking, etc.
🚫 Issue: Unrealistic dodge spam & no stamina punishment.
✅ Request: Reintroduce ESBC-era foot planting with stamina scaling.
🎮 Why It Matters: Makes the game play like real boxing, not an arcade rush.

---

4. Encourage Solutions, Not Just Complaints

Don’t just say what’s broken—say what can fix it.

---

5. Support Each Other

• Like, share, and back other realistic feedback posts.

• Use forums, Reddit, YouTube, and Discord to coordinate key message waves.

Community Feedback Plan For Those Who Are Dissatisfied With Undisputed

 

A guide for fans on how to express dissatisfaction while helping steer the ship right.

---

🎯 Goal:

Send a unified message to Steel City Interactive (SCI) that says:

"We want this game to succeed—but not at the cost of realism. Here’s where we stand, and here’s what we need moving forward."

✅ Suggested Approach for the Community

1. Don’t support the update blindly

• Don’t download or promote the update if it drifts further from realism.

• Instead, observe and document:

  • What changed?

  • What broke realism?

  • What worked well?

---

2. Stay Visible and Respectful

• Be loud but not hostile. Anger is heard. Hate is ignored.

• Tag SCI on socials with concise feedback using hashtags like:

  • #FixUndisputed

  • #BringBackRealism

  • #SimBoxingMatters

---

3. Use Structure When Posting

Use a simple format for clarity:

🥊 Topic: Footwork / Damage System / Blocking, etc.
🚫 Issue: Unrealistic dodge spam & no stamina punishment.
✅ Request: Reintroduce ESBC-era foot planting with stamina scaling.
🎮 Why It Matters: Makes the game play like real boxing, not an arcade rush.

---

4. Encourage Solutions, Not Just Complaints

Don’t just say what’s broken—say what can fix it.

---

5. Support Each Other

• Like, share, and back other realistic feedback posts.

• Use forums, Reddit, YouTube, and Discord to coordinate key message waves.

Who Steel City Interactive Should Hire to Get Undisputed Back on Track

 

To get Undisputed back on track and make it the best possible realistic boxing video game, Steel City Interactive (SCI) needs to invest in a diverse and specialized team that goes beyond standard game development roles. Here’s a structured breakdown of the kinds of people SCI should hire or collaborate with:

---

🔧 Core Game Development Roles (Enhanced with Boxing-Specific Focus)

1. Combat Systems Designers with Real Boxing Knowledge

• Understands boxing principles, spacing, rhythm, and tendencies.

• Can design mechanics for realistic movement, punching, blocking, counters, and foot positioning.

• Can translate ring IQ into gameplay mechanics.

2. Animation Directors and Fight Choreographers

• Deep boxing knowledge is essential here.

• Work with fight historians or coaches to capture authentic punch delivery, footwork, defensive reactions, and posture.

• Develop a library of punch animations with variance in speed, angle, and impact (not cookie-cutter).

3. Physics & Gameplay Programmers

• Experts in ragdoll systems, momentum-based collision, and dynamic reaction systems.

• Develop risk-reward systems for swinging wide, falling into ropes, clinch momentum, and exhaustion animations.

---

🧠 AI and Simulation Experts

4. Boxing-Savvy AI Developers

• AI that mimics real boxer tendencies, adapts strategy, and doesn’t fight the same each round.

• Can model defensive fighters, aggressive pressure boxers, counterpunchers, etc.

• Design CPU vs CPU fights that look like real boxing (for Career, Simulation, or Broadcast Mode).

---

🎮 User Experience and Realism Balancers

5. Boxing Strategy Consultants / Analysts

• People who’ve trained or coached fighters—ideally with amateur and pro experience.

• Help balance gameplay elements like stamina, punch output, timing, and vulnerability.

6. Gameplay Testers with Boxing IQ

• Former or current boxers, coaches, boxing historians, and even hardcore boxing fans.

• They help fine-tune what “feels” right—not just what looks good visually.

• Could also involve well-known YouTubers or streamers with deep boxing knowledge.

---

🎨 Creation, Customization & Presentation

7. Creation Suite Designers Inspired by WWE/2K

• Specialists who understand how to build deep yet intuitive customization modes.

• Experience from WWE 2K, Saints Row, or NBA 2K would be ideal.

• Can build a system for boxer creation, trainer creation, gym customization, stable building, etc.

8. Presentation and Broadcast Mode Developers

• Professionals with experience in sports presentation, such as NFL 2K5, NBA 2K, or Madden.

• Build dynamic camera angles, replays, fight previews, belt ceremonies, and more.

---

📖 Career & Narrative Designers

9. Career Mode Writers & Narrative Designers

• Build a living boxing world with dynamic narratives, press conferences, rivalries, gym relationships.

• Can draw from experience in sports stories, branching narratives, and RPG systems.

---

🥊 Real Boxing Figures (Hands-On, Not Just Licensing)

10. Boxers as Gameplay Consultants

• Not just lending their likeness but actively helping define movement, combos, and tendencies.

• Involvement in mocap reference (if used) or video breakdowns.

• Include fighters from different eras, styles, and skill levels (amateurs to legends).

11. Trainers and Cutmen

• Their input on cornerman AI, in-fight instructions, corner feedback, and cut systems.

• Help develop trainer-stable dynamics and realism in corner dialogue.

---

📢 Community & Realism Advocates

12. Hardcore Sim Boxing Fans (Collaborative Input Panel)

• Form a core feedback group who can vet ideas, test builds, and advocate for realism.

• Include folks like PoeticDrink2u and other idea-driven members of the sim boxing community.

• Let these voices shape development early—not as afterthoughts.

---

🧩 Strategic Additions

13. AI/ML Engineers (for Boxer Style Replication)

• Use machine learning to study footage and replicate real boxer styles without mocap.

• Train AI to understand fighter habits, timing, combos, and reactions.

14. UX/UI Designers (Specializing in Sports Games)

• Make the interface intuitive, immersive, and suited to both casual and hardcore sim users.

---

✅ 

SCI must prioritize a sim-first identity. This team isn’t just about building a game—it’s about building the sport into the game. By hiring across boxing expertise, sports gaming, animation, AI, and narrative design, SCI could elevate Undisputed from a "licensed attempt" to the definitive boxing simulation.

🔁 How Steel City Interactive Can Get Undisputed Back on Track

If Steel City Interactive (SCI) truly wants to get Undisputed back on the right path and fulfill its potential as the definitive realistic boxing video game, then it starts with who they hire and how they structure their dev process.

Here’s a two-part breakdown:

---

🧠 WHO SCI NEEDS TO HIRE (Hands-On, Boxing-Focused Roles)

🔧 1. Combat Systems Designers (with Real Boxing IQ)

• People who understand real boxing rhythm, footwork, angles, and spacing.

• Build mechanics that reflect how boxing feels — not just how it looks.

🎞️ 2. Animation Directors & Fight Choreographers

• Build punch animations with angle, arc, variation, and realistic weight.

• Work with former fighters/trainers to capture authentic movement — not generic motion.

🧠 3. AI Developers Focused on Styles & Tendencies

• AI that mimics real fighter behavior — not just spam jabs or constant pressure.

• Real counterpunchers, slick movers, aggressive brawlers, survivalists.

🧪 4. Physics Programmers for Punch Impact & Reactions

• Knockdowns, ropes interactions, tangled arms, off-balance punches, slipping through ropes.

• Make punch outcomes dynamic — no canned results.

🥊 5. Boxing Consultants (Trainers, Former Pros, Analysts)

• Input on fighter stamina, punch choices, corner feedback, punch resistance, and clinching.

• Real boxing minds help balance gameplay the way real boxing works.

🧍 6. Gameplay Testers with Real Ring IQ

• Let fighters and hardcore fans test the mechanics.

• Not just bugs — but does it feel like boxing?

🎮 7. Creation Suite Designers (WWE/2K Influence)

• Build deep customization: create-a-boxer, trainers, gyms, stables, belts, refs, story paths.

• Think WWE 2K + Saint’s Row + your own boxing world.

🕹️ 8. Presentation/Broadcast Developers

• Build a real sports broadcast with camera crews, replays, entrances, tale of the tape, analysis.

• Use NFL 2K5’s halftime shows or NBA 2K's MyNBA broadcasts as a blueprint.

🧾 9. Narrative Designers & Career Mode Writers

• Dynamic storylines, career branching, fighter rivalries, career-ending injuries, comebacks, weight jumps.

• A real living boxing world.

🥋 10. Boxers (Hands-On Consultants, Not Just Likeness)

• Bring in real boxers to contribute to movement style, stamina pacing, and punch patterns.

🔧 11. Trainers & Cutmen

• Help shape training camps, trainer advice, corner conversations, cut systems, and stable dynamics.

👥 12. Hardcore Sim Fans & Community Advocates

• Not just influencers. Real sim-heads and dedicated boxing video game idea people.

• Involve them early, not just during damage control.

🤖 13. AI/ML Engineers (for Style Replication via Footage)

• Instead of mocap, use machine learning to map fighter tendencies from real footage.

---

🏗️ HOW SCI SHOULD STRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

1. Realism-First Development Pipeline

• Build the core boxing mechanics to reflect real fight dynamics — rhythm, range, ring control, counter windows, fatigue.

• Do NOT cater first to accessibility. Make realism the base; accessibility can layer on top.

2. Multi-Tier Testing Phases (with Fighter & Sim Fan Input)

• Alpha test with boxing consultants and sim community before releasing to the wider public.

• Build gameplay test rounds focused on just movement, just punches, just defense, etc.

3. Create a Boxing Council / Advisory Panel

• Fighters, historians, coaches, analysts, and hardcore sim fans.

• Use them like a QA realism board.

4. Dev Pods Based on Boxing Principles

• Each pod focuses on an aspect of the sport:

  • Punch & defense mechanics

  • Movement & positioning

  • Career mode realism

  • Presentation & immersion

  • AI strategy and evolution

5. Treat Boxing Like a Sport, Not Just a Fighting Game

• No more cookie-cutter stamina or identical defense systems.

• No unrealistic switch-hitting, universal footwork abilities, or arcade combos.

---

✅ Bottom Line

If SCI wants Undisputed to succeed:

• It’s not just about patching what’s broken.

• It’s about building boxing from the ground up—hiring the right people, structuring the right way, and listening to those who understand what makes boxing special.

No shortcuts. No gimmicks. Just real boxing.

Who Steel City Interactive Should Hire to Get Undisputed Back on Track

 

To get Undisputed back on track and make it the best possible realistic boxing video game, Steel City Interactive (SCI) needs to invest in a diverse and specialized team that goes beyond standard game development roles. Here’s a structured breakdown of the kinds of people SCI should hire or collaborate with:

---

🔧 Core Game Development Roles (Enhanced with Boxing-Specific Focus)

1. Combat Systems Designers with Real Boxing Knowledge

• Understands boxing principles, spacing, rhythm, and tendencies.

• Can design mechanics for realistic movement, punching, blocking, counters, and foot positioning.

• Can translate ring IQ into gameplay mechanics.

2. Animation Directors and Fight Choreographers

• Deep boxing knowledge is essential here.

• Work with fight historians or coaches to capture authentic punch delivery, footwork, defensive reactions, and posture.

• Develop a library of punch animations with variance in speed, angle, and impact (not cookie-cutter).

3. Physics & Gameplay Programmers

• Experts in ragdoll systems, momentum-based collision, and dynamic reaction systems.

• Develop risk-reward systems for swinging wide, falling into ropes, clinch momentum, and exhaustion animations.

---

🧠 AI and Simulation Experts

4. Boxing-Savvy AI Developers

• AI that mimics real boxer tendencies, adapts strategy, and doesn’t fight the same each round.

• Can model defensive fighters, aggressive pressure boxers, counterpunchers, etc.

• Design CPU vs CPU fights that look like real boxing (for Career, Simulation, or Broadcast Mode).

---

🎮 User Experience and Realism Balancers

5. Boxing Strategy Consultants / Analysts

• People who’ve trained or coached fighters—ideally with amateur and pro experience.

• Help balance gameplay elements like stamina, punch output, timing, and vulnerability.

6. Gameplay Testers with Boxing IQ

• Former or current boxers, coaches, boxing historians, and even hardcore boxing fans.

• They help fine-tune what “feels” right—not just what looks good visually.

• Could also involve well-known YouTubers or streamers with deep boxing knowledge.

---

🎨 Creation, Customization & Presentation

7. Creation Suite Designers Inspired by WWE/2K

• Specialists who understand how to build deep yet intuitive customization modes.

• Experience from WWE 2K, Saints Row, or NBA 2K would be ideal.

• Can build a system for boxer creation, trainer creation, gym customization, stable building, etc.

8. Presentation and Broadcast Mode Developers

• Professionals with experience in sports presentation, such as NFL 2K5, NBA 2K, or Madden.

• Build dynamic camera angles, replays, fight previews, belt ceremonies, and more.

---

📖 Career & Narrative Designers

9. Career Mode Writers & Narrative Designers

• Build a living boxing world with dynamic narratives, press conferences, rivalries, gym relationships.

• Can draw from experience in sports stories, branching narratives, and RPG systems.

---

🥊 Real Boxing Figures (Hands-On, Not Just Licensing)

10. Boxers as Gameplay Consultants

• Not just lending their likeness but actively helping define movement, combos, and tendencies.

• Involvement in mocap reference (if used) or video breakdowns.

• Include fighters from different eras, styles, and skill levels (amateurs to legends).

11. Trainers and Cutmen

• Their input on cornerman AI, in-fight instructions, corner feedback, and cut systems.

• Help develop trainer-stable dynamics and realism in corner dialogue.

---

📢 Community & Realism Advocates

12. Hardcore Sim Boxing Fans (Collaborative Input Panel)

• Form a core feedback group who can vet ideas, test builds, and advocate for realism.

• Include folks like PoeticDrink2u and other idea-driven members of the sim boxing community.

• Let these voices shape development early—not as afterthoughts.

---

🧩 Strategic Additions

13. AI/ML Engineers (for Boxer Style Replication)

• Use machine learning to study footage and replicate real boxer styles without mocap.

• Train AI to understand fighter habits, timing, combos, and reactions.

14. UX/UI Designers (Specializing in Sports Games)

• Make the interface intuitive, immersive, and suited to both casual and hardcore sim users.

---

✅ 

SCI must prioritize a sim-first identity. This team isn’t just about building a game—it’s about building the sport into the game. By hiring across boxing expertise, sports gaming, animation, AI, and narrative design, SCI could elevate Undisputed from a "licensed attempt" to the definitive boxing simulation.

🔁 How Steel City Interactive Can Get Undisputed Back on Track

If Steel City Interactive (SCI) truly wants to get Undisputed back on the right path and fulfill its potential as the definitive realistic boxing video game, then it starts with who they hire and how they structure their dev process.

Here’s a two-part breakdown:

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🧠 WHO SCI NEEDS TO HIRE (Hands-On, Boxing-Focused Roles)

🔧 1. Combat Systems Designers (with Real Boxing IQ)

• People who understand real boxing rhythm, footwork, angles, and spacing.

• Build mechanics that reflect how boxing feels — not just how it looks.

🎞️ 2. Animation Directors & Fight Choreographers

• Build punch animations with angle, arc, variation, and realistic weight.

• Work with former fighters/trainers to capture authentic movement — not generic motion.

🧠 3. AI Developers Focused on Styles & Tendencies

• AI that mimics real fighter behavior — not just spam jabs or constant pressure.

• Real counterpunchers, slick movers, aggressive brawlers, survivalists.

🧪 4. Physics Programmers for Punch Impact & Reactions

• Knockdowns, ropes interactions, tangled arms, off-balance punches, slipping through ropes.

• Make punch outcomes dynamic — no canned results.

🥊 5. Boxing Consultants (Trainers, Former Pros, Analysts)

• Input on fighter stamina, punch choices, corner feedback, punch resistance, and clinching.

• Real boxing minds help balance gameplay the way real boxing works.

🧍 6. Gameplay Testers with Real Ring IQ

• Let fighters and hardcore fans test the mechanics.

• Not just bugs — but does it feel like boxing?

🎮 7. Creation Suite Designers (WWE/2K Influence)

• Build deep customization: create-a-boxer, trainers, gyms, stables, belts, refs, story paths.

• Think WWE 2K + Saint’s Row + your own boxing world.

🕹️ 8. Presentation/Broadcast Developers

• Build a real sports broadcast with camera crews, replays, entrances, tale of the tape, analysis.

• Use NFL 2K5’s halftime shows or NBA 2K's MyNBA broadcasts as a blueprint.

🧾 9. Narrative Designers & Career Mode Writers

• Dynamic storylines, career branching, fighter rivalries, career-ending injuries, comebacks, weight jumps.

• A real living boxing world.

🥋 10. Boxers (Hands-On Consultants, Not Just Likeness)

• Bring in real boxers to contribute to movement style, stamina pacing, and punch patterns.

🔧 11. Trainers & Cutmen

• Help shape training camps, trainer advice, corner conversations, cut systems, and stable dynamics.

👥 12. Hardcore Sim Fans & Community Advocates

• Not just influencers. Real sim-heads and dedicated boxing video game idea people.

• Involve them early, not just during damage control.

🤖 13. AI/ML Engineers (for Style Replication via Footage)

• Instead of mocap, use machine learning to map fighter tendencies from real footage.

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🏗️ HOW SCI SHOULD STRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

1. Realism-First Development Pipeline

• Build the core boxing mechanics to reflect real fight dynamics — rhythm, range, ring control, counter windows, fatigue.

• Do NOT cater first to accessibility. Make realism the base; accessibility can layer on top.

2. Multi-Tier Testing Phases (with Fighter & Sim Fan Input)

• Alpha test with boxing consultants and sim community before releasing to the wider public.

• Build gameplay test rounds focused on just movement, just punches, just defense, etc.

3. Create a Boxing Council / Advisory Panel

• Fighters, historians, coaches, analysts, and hardcore sim fans.

• Use them like a QA realism board.

4. Dev Pods Based on Boxing Principles

• Each pod focuses on an aspect of the sport:

  • Punch & defense mechanics

  • Movement & positioning

  • Career mode realism

  • Presentation & immersion

  • AI strategy and evolution

5. Treat Boxing Like a Sport, Not Just a Fighting Game

• No more cookie-cutter stamina or identical defense systems.

• No unrealistic switch-hitting, universal footwork abilities, or arcade combos.

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✅ Bottom Line

If SCI wants Undisputed to succeed:

• It’s not just about patching what’s broken.

• It’s about building boxing from the ground up—hiring the right people, structuring the right way, and listening to those who understand what makes boxing special.

No shortcuts. No gimmicks. Just real boxing.