The 2K Showcase mode has been in most games since WWE 2K15, and although it has given us some fun moments, could it be time to retire the mode?

What more can Showcase mode bring to the table?

Over the years, we have seen legendary rivalries and matches immortalized in the 2K Showcase Mode, such as the very first showcase in WWE 2K15 with a deep dive into the CM Punk vs. John Cena, and Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H stories, and the iconic moments of the Austin 3:16 era in WWE 2K16.  And even though there are more feuds and careers that Showcase Mode could focus on in future installments, is there any need for the mode after years of having the same formula with very little change? 

WWE 2K23 has some fantastic reviews across the board with major outlets calling it one of the best in the series, with Gamespot even claiming “WWE 2K23 sees the series build on its immediate predecessor and return to form.” But one of the common criticisms from most reviewers and fans is Showcase Mode not being up to par with other modes.  WWE 2K23 tried to switch the formula by having us play as the opponents of the “protagonist” in the mode compared to previous years, and while that was a new twist, it simply was not enough to save the mode as a whole.

Major Game outlet IGN stated “the Showcase mode isn’t as super as its subject” and that sentiment is shared by many that love the game.  Time to let go of the past? When we were first introduced to the mode all those years ago, it was a nice trip down memory lane to relive some of the most unforgettable matches in WWE history. But when it feels the same every year, it just simply does not stand out as much as before, and some may even consider it a chore to play through – as you have to do specific tasks and objectives during each match, which can become repetitive and sometimes even boring. And obviously, we all know what happens in these matches, so there is not much drama or unpredictability while playing through the mode.

The Showcase Mode is also relatively short, and there are countless matches that the mode does not cover, especially when it came to Daniel Bryan’s showcase mode from WWE 2K19, or Rey Mysterio’s story from WWE 2K22, where they only scratched the surface of those legendary careers. So it just all felt underwhelming and disjointed due to the massive time jumps in those stories. 

We can all appreciate 2K for trying to have a new spin on Showcase Mode this year with John Cena’s story, but when most people feel that it is one of the weakest parts of the game, it may be a wake-up call for 2K to abandon the mode and go in a completely new direction. We have seen so many wonderful Story based modes in previous WWE games, from Season Mode to Road to Wrestlemania: it shows that there is so much more to explore than just revisiting matches from the past. The focus can be on the present or future, or 2K can come up with their own stories with the massive roster they have each year – and that would surely pique everyone’s interest. Showcase mode certainly had its positives, but maybe the ship has sailed and it is time to move forward.

Could it be time to retire the 2K Showcase mode, which has been included in most WWE games since 2K15? Despite providing some enjoyable moments, the question arises as to what more the Showcase mode can offer. In the past, the mode has depicted legendary rivalries and matches, such as the deep dive into the CM Punk vs. John Cena and Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H stories in WWE 2K15, as well as the iconic moments of the Austin 3:16 era in WWE 2K16. However, despite the possibility of focusing on other feuds and careers in future installments, after years of implementing the same formula with minimal alterations, is there still a need for the mode?

Although WWE 2K23 has received excellent reviews, with Gamespot even claiming that it is one of the best in the series, Showcase mode has faced criticism from reviewers and fans for not being up to par with other modes. In an attempt to change the formula, WWE 2K23 had players assume the role of the opponents of the “protagonist” in the mode, but this alteration failed to salvage the mode as a whole. Many who enjoy the game share IGN’s sentiment that “the Showcase mode isn’t as super as its subject.”

Although Showcase mode was initially a pleasant stroll down memory lane to relive some of the most memorable matches in WWE history, it has become tedious and repetitive with each passing year. Because players must complete specific tasks and objectives during each match, the mode can feel like a chore, and there is little unpredictability or drama since everyone knows the outcome of the matches. Moreover, the mode is relatively brief, and there are many matches that it does not cover, resulting in a disjointed and underwhelming experience.

While 2K attempted to add a new twist to Showcase mode with John Cena’s story this year, many players consider it one of the game’s weakest aspects, which may signal that it is time for 2K to abandon the mode and pursue a completely new direction. In previous WWE games, there have been numerous exceptional story-based modes, such as Season Mode and Road to Wrestlemania, that demonstrate that there is much more to explore than merely revisiting past matches. 2K could focus on the present or future or create their own stories using the vast roster they have each year, which would undoubtedly pique everyone’s interest. Although Showcase mode had its advantages, the time may have come to move forward.