Released almost two months ago to impressive review scores, WWE 2K24 has become THE game to play in the wrestling video game scene. From a deep roster of WWE stars to the numerous match types in which to use them, 2K’s annual wrestling title received rave reviews. However, in the two months since its launch, the game has received numerous updates, frustrating content creators.
Wrestling With The Problem
The discussion of unapproved modifications in the gaming world is typically a slippery slope. Today’s games often come with terms of service agreements that discourage or outright ban this type of behavior. This typically does not stop content creation when fanatics get working on a favorite wrestler, championship belt, or venue.
One of the biggest creators in the WWE 2K creation scene goes by the X handle, @WhatsTheStatus. He provides in-game content that otherwise would not be available to those who have just jumped into the game. Does your favorite wrestler work for a different wrestling company? Status likely has you covered with a true-to-life download.
The content creator also looks at the behind-the-scenes availability of things in the code to share those details with his X community. It is quite understandable that 2K might not want future paid DLC plans revealed early, but the steps they recently took to ensure that silence landed them in hot water with the patrons who support their game.
Wrestling With The Controversy
Last week on April 22, 2024, @WhatsThe Status was hit with a “permanent ban” with little (or no) communication from the 2K team. The official reason seemed to be terms of service violations. Due to the decision from the dev team, hundreds of his uploads were removed from the database. Status had 1.8 million content downloads and diamond rank.
The ban being announced on social media prompted a firestorm of individuals who supported Status’ work. The hashtag, #FreeStatus, was born and started trending on the platform the following day on 04/23/2023. Over 4,000 posts in support of the content creator competed with NBA & NHL playoffs coverage.
Be forewarned that if you search the hashtag above you may see explicit and/or NSFW imagery. Some of the complaints directed towards 2K were explicit imagery being unmoderated in the game while it seems developers are choosing which individual accounts to be targeted for violations.
Two days later on 04/26, the situation garnered some mainstream videogame attention with an article from GameSpot detailing the situation up until that point. 2K could no longer ignore the uproar that this decision generated in the community and was forced to react.
Wrestling For A Status Update
Yesterday evening, Status mentioned via social media that he had been in contact with the multi-million-dollar video game company. As a resolution to the supporting hashtag #FreeStatus, he joked that he was now a free man. Status has not yet elaborated on the specifics of the conversation and/or which content might be restored. The most recent update showcased his download counter being roster to his previous standing.
Situations like this make me realize that we really had it good in entertainment back when it was just a simple GameBoy, and rare creatures in Pokémon Emerald, or losing entire days to a compelling side-scrolling adventure like the Nintendo’s Zelda sequel!
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