Boxing Needs More & Better Video Games
Looking across the world of video gaming there are so many titles to choose from. Boxing is included and there are some notable mentions. However, it’s a sport which isn’t represented as well as it could be. With the advances in technology there’s so much more that could be done, to popularize the sport even more.
So, let’s consider how things could change to make boxing one of the best titles for gamers and bring a more modern, digital interpretation of the sweet science.
2K Games Style
Amongst the recent titles which have grown into massive franchises are the 2K series of sports games. The California based company has taken on basketball and latterly golf and given them a new lease of life. Gamers are now able to create a player and go through a story mode right through their career. It’s up to your ability as a gamer if they get to the top. While it’s something that’s been done before, it’s not been done with the shine and polish that 2K give games.
The gaming consoles of the current generation are so powerful they offer almost real-life graphical representations of the stars of the sport. We’ve previously not had the processing power for the walkouts, the music, the lights, and the atmosphere. It could really hit home!
Arcade Action
Vegas is considered by so many as the place for boxing. You only have to look at the attendance at the recent world heavyweight bout between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder to see how much it lights up the city. It’s a place that has so many ties with the sport, and there’s been talk in Vegas of using video games to attract millennials to the city.
So, how about bringing a new twist on the arcade experience where boxing has had success before, by adding gambling elements to it? The technology would allow the polish of a console game, but with added elements that could be wagered upon. Perhaps a two-player game, where friends can gamble on themselves being the winner? It’s a different spin on a casino title and with the growth of interest in gaming competitions in eSports, it could bring a whole new angle to gaming and a perfect time to merge the two.
Slingo For Something New
As we’re on the subject of casino games, it’s not uncommon to see boxing-themed slots. But one area that is really gaining popularity right now is Slingo. These emergent Slingo games are being championed in particular on leading gaming platform Foxy Bingo, where a growing collection makes it clear that this category is going to feature an incredibly diverse array of games. While we don’t see anything in the way of sporting games just yet, the Foxy collection’s inclusion of pop culture-themed titles (such as games based on “Friends” and “Britain’s Got Talent”) bode well for the inclusion of pop culture – and entertainment-themed Slingo exhibitions.
A boxing game would not be out of place, and it would stand out far more in the Slingo category than a few lesser-known boxing games are able to in the vastly more crowded slot arena.
Mobile Magic
Mobile gaming is constantly increasing in popularity. Even during the pandemic, as reported by The Journal. Now as things are getting back to normal it could be the perfect time to bring a new boxing title to the smaller platform. The mobile gaming experience is a shorter, sharper and of course it’s limited with the control system it can have due to the device being smaller. So, how about bringing a more arcade type feeling game.
Bringing a whole roster of boxers past and present and making it more of a beat ‘em up style title, akin to Street Fighter. It would be ideal for that short gaming stint on the commute to work, or during your lunch break.
Boxing is in a good place, and there is a hunger from fans. However, it’s nowhere near its heyday. While Floyd Mayweather is still calling himself the face of boxing and while it may seem a little absurd, he might not be wrong as far as the general sports fan is concerned. But by bringing a fresh, up to date, and relevant representation of the sport to a slightly different audience, it could help the sport move back towards the spotlight.
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