WWE 2K24 has been revealed by 2K Sports and WWE in its first trailer. The latest instalment in the long-running pro wrestling simulation series will feature former AEW wrestler Cody Rhodes on its cover.
The game will celebrate 40 years of WrestleMania (WWE’s flagship event). Its 2K Showcase Mode will allow players to play through “the most iconic moments in WrestleMania history”.
The first superstars in WWE 2K24‘s roster have also been announced. It will include current wrestlers Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, John Cena, Rhea Ripley, and Roman Reigns, as well as legends such as “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Undertaker, Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, and The Rock.
While 2K Sports and WWE were likely hoping fans would focus on the game’s huge roster and new features, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Instead, lots of people are talking about the curiously de-aged versions of Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, and The Undertaker featured in the trailer.
Their appearances are so brief that 2K likely thought no one would notice. But it’s hard to miss the lifeless and, frankly, disturbing AI-rendered versions of these WWE mega stars.
If you haven’t already seen the trailer, check it out and judge for yourself. The weirdness begins 26-seconds in.
Naturally, viewers were quick to spot the uncanny valley wrestlers. One person commented on YouTube: “Don’t worry, AI stone cold can’t hurt you.” Someone else replied “That will haunt my dreams forever”.
Over on X (formerly Twitter), @ExposingIWC wrote “AI Stone Cold is a thing of nightmares.” Similarly, @Fagan_Matthew_ hated tweeted “WWE 2K24 using AI for their trailer is so f***ing ass I hate this”.
Unfortunately, the trailer isn’t the only thing about WWE 2K24 that’s being criticised for its use of AI.
X user @davidj_alaniz pointed out errors on the Forty Years of WrestleMania Edition cover. These appear to include warped text on John Cena’s shirt and Stone Cold missing two fingers.
WWE 2K24 is set for release on 5 March 2024 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.
What are your thoughts on the use of AI in the WWE 2K24 trailer? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
