2K’s WWE series is coming to mobile, but I’m way more excited about getting to talk to Hulk Hogan. What can I say? I’m a fan.
The Hulkster was a part of a conference call announcing the project. WWE 2K will hit iOS and Android later this spring for $8. It will borrow gameplay elements and modes from the console series, including Create-a-Wrestler, Career Mode, and multiplayer matches.
But, again, I was really stoked to get a chance to talk to Hogan. Not only is he a legend, but his career actually ran alongside the growth of the modern game industry. He was one of the first wrestlers to be re-created in video games, starting in arcade titles and on the Nintendo Entertainment System. And just like the gaming industry, he’s had plenty of longevity. He was still a playable character in last year’s WWE 2K15. I asked Hogan if he attributed his association with gaming with helping to grow and maintain Hulkamania.
“Yeah, you know, there are four legs on the table, brother, and every leg is important,” Hogan told me. “The wrestling fans are a big part of Hulk Hogan being alive. They’ve got to be the biggest, fattest leg on the table — maybe the foundation of the table. But, you know, with all the legs on the table, the vehicles of TV, and now digital, social media, they’re all legs of the table. But, without a doubt, the gaming has a lot to do with keeping kids interested, living vicariously through Hulk Hogan, actively participating when the wrestling show’s not on. You know, staying in their mindset, keeping them aware of Hulk Hogan. So the gaming is a huge part of keeping me alive and running.”
Did you notice that bit in his first sentence? When he called me “brother”? That put a pretty big smile on my face.
Anyway, WWE 2K on mobile makes sense. WWE has released plenty of mobile games, including digital card game SuperCard and fighter WWE Immortals, but this is the first time the flagship simulation series is heading for the platform. WWE is wisely taking advantage of a growing mobile market that could reach $30 billion, with revenues expected to exceed the console industry’s this year, according to market researcher Newzoo.