A new report claims AEW’s first console game fell well short of sales expectations
Summary
– AEW reportedly lost at least $30 million on Fight Forever
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– The game reportedly sold around half of AEW’s original expectations
– AEW remains interested in gaming but has not announced another console title
AEW Fight Forever reportedly turned into a major financial loss for the company, potentially explaining why another full-scale console game has not been announced.
Insider Gaming executive editor Mike Straw said sources told him AEW lost at least $30 million on Fight Forever. According to Straw, the game’s lengthy development process increased costs while final sales came in well below what AEW initially expected.
Fight Forever was originally targeted for a 2022 release, but several delays pushed the game to June 2023. Straw noted that extended development periods naturally increase production expenses, creating additional financial pressure before the game even reached players.
The sales performance reportedly worsened the situation. Straw said Fight Forever sold around half of AEW’s original expectations, leaving a significant difference between the amount invested in development and the revenue generated after release.
The report gives additional context to Tony Khan’s comments about AEW’s future in video games. Khan has continued leaving the possibility open for additional gaming projects, but the company has not announced a direct Fight Forever sequel or another major console wrestling game.
AEW also no longer has an agreement with Yuke’s, the developer behind Fight Forever. However, Straw said AEW owns the game engine, potentially allowing the company to use that technology with another developer if it decides to return to console gaming.
Straw also said AEW remains interested in eventually doing more with video games, although nothing appears to be finalized. He addressed separate rumors claiming AEW had discussed licensing its wrestling game rights to another party, saying his sources were unaware of those talks.
Fight Forever was designed to establish AEW in the wrestling video game market, but a reported loss of at least $30 million would understandably make the company more cautious about another major investment.
AEW may eventually return with another console game. Still, if the reported financial numbers are accurate, Fight Forever’s performance gives the company plenty of reason to take its time before committing to a sequel.
