Undisputed, the upcoming boxing video game already has a strong roster confirmed, but if what I’m hearing from multiple people in the industry is that even more huge names are on the way.
From a recency and commercial appeal standpoint, I’m hearing Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will be added to the roster. Paul’s name being included in the roster isn’t new.
I asked Paul about his inclusion in the game in Puerto Rico in March. Paul was caught off guard by the question, but he acknowledged being in talks to be added to the roster.
With Paul set to fight Tyson in the debut of live sports on Netflix in November, it’s not only sensible to expect to see the latter included in the game–according to one person I asked, “You can bet on it.”
Tyson is no stranger to video games. He had his own classic boxing title with Punch-Out and has been part of several E.A. Sports combat sports titles. Most recently, Tyson and Muhammad Ali were added to EA UFC 5.
I’d expect to see Tyson from different eras.
While it is unlikely that both Paul and Tyson will be available at launch, it is sensible to look for them in a post-launch period closer to their fight in November.
In addition to Paul and Tyson, I’m also hearing Steel City Interactive and Deep Silver, the developer and publisher, respectively, are in pursuit of Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, Marvin Hagler, Xander Zayas, David Benavidez, Andy Cruz, and Jaron “Boots’ Ennis for roster additions.
It would be a surprise if we don’t see at least three of those fighters inked to deals and added to the roster by launch or after.
Undisputed has been available on early access on P.C. for more than a year. A recent update to the near-retail build revamped punches, which has been a significant upgrade in gameplay.
Hopefully, the devs will have found the ultimate sweet spot by October 11.
October is a stacked month for video game releases.
Here is a look at the significant titles set for release:
- NHL 25 (PS5, XSX) – October 4, 2024
- Silent Hill 2 Remake (P.C., PS5) – October 8, 2024
- Diablo 4: The Vessel of Hatred (P.C., PS5, XSX) – October 8, 2024
- Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero (PS5, XSX, P.C.) – October 11, 2024
- Undisputed (PS5, XSX, P.C.) – October 11, 2024
- Metaphor: ReFantazio (PS5, PS4, XSX, P.C.) – October 11, 2024
- New World: Aeternum (PS5, XSX) – October 15, 2024
- Unknown 9: Awakening (PS5, PS4, XSX, X.O., P.C.) – October 18, 2024
- Sonic X Shadow Generations (PS5, PS4, XSX, X.O., P.C., NS) – October 25, 2024
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (XSX, X.O., PS5, PS4, P.C.) – October 25, 2024
- Life is Strange: Double Exposure (XSX, PS5, P.C.) – October 29, 2024
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard (P.C., PS5, XSX) – October 31, 2024
Look for pre-release coverage from many of the titles on this list beginning in September.