Layoffs have reportedly hit the video game industry once again, with Visual Concepts, the longtime developer of 2K's sports titles WWE 2K and NBA 2K, facing an unknown number of layoffs, according to a new report from Insider Gaming. More specifically, teams developing WWE games have reportedly been hit hardest by layoffs.
The layoffs come less than three months after WWE 2K26 released on consoles, and the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, a highly anticipated Take-Two title, is just months away.
In a follow-up, renowned insider Mike Straw of Insider Gaming reported that the Ringside Pass format was a “disaster” that drew criticism among developers.
The Ringside Pass, a new feature in WWE 2K26, was a controversial feature and eventually suffered a restructuring following negative backlash.
Ragdoll physics is the best thing to happen to WWE 2K in decades.
WWE 2K26 is hilariously violent in most video game ways possible.
WWE 2K26's ringside pass may have been the best idea ever.
Historically, WWE 2K games have used a season pass model, giving players access to all content they paid for at launch. Likewise, those who have the “Deluxe” or “Ultimate” editions are often granted the “Accelerator” upgrade, which instantly unlocks unlockable or grindable content.
However, 2K26 did away with this and introduced Ringside Pass, a battle pass system that only gave players access to DLC they had paid for. later They worked for it.
Naturally, the players were angry. Elsewhere, others have begun to leverage gaming to find the easiest way to fulfill essential requirements for content they've already paid for.
However, 2K patched this mechanic while also reworking some of the ringside passes to better meet players. Things didn't get much better when the developer accused players of trying to circumvent the system.
All DLC characters are now unlocked from the beginning. But in the eyes of most fans, the damage had already been done, marring what was arguably the best WWE game since the days of SmackDown vs. Raw.
In just the next few weeks, some of the developers will reportedly be out of work.
- released
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March 12, 2026
- ESRB
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Teen/blood, language, suggestive themes, violence, in-game purchases (including random items), user interaction
- developer
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visual concept
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