View source for WWE 2K

{{Short description|Video game series}}
{{about|the series as a whole|the mobile video game|WWE 2K (video game)}}
{{use mdy dates|date=February 2012}}
{{Infobox video game series
| title = WWE 2K
| image = WWE_2K_New_Logo.svg
| genre = [[Sports game|Sports]]
| developer = [[Yuke's]] (2000–2018)<br/>[[Visual Concepts]] (2019–present)
| publisher = [[THQ]] (2000–2012)<br/>[[2K (company)|2K]] (2013–present)
| platforms = [[Android (operating system)|Android]]<br/>[[iOS]]<br/>[[Microsoft Windows]]<br/>[[Mobile game|Mobile]]<br/>[[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]<br/>[[PlayStation 2]]<br/>[[PlayStation 3]]<br/>[[PlayStation 4]]<br/>[[PlayStation 5]]<br/>[[PlayStation Portable]]<br/>[[Google Stadia|Stadia]]<br/>[[Wii]]<br/>[[Nintendo DS]]<br/>[[Nintendo Switch]]<br/>[[Nintendo Switch 2]]<br/>[[Xbox 360]]<br/>[[Xbox One]]<br/>[[Xbox Series X/S]] | first release version = ''[[WWF SmackDown! (video game)|WWF SmackDown!]]''
| first release date = March 2, 2000
| latest release version = ''[[WWE 2K25]]''
| latest release date = March 14, 2025
| parent = [[List of WWE video games]]
}}

'''''WWE 2K''''', formerly released as '''''WWF SmackDown!''''', '''''WWE SmackDown!''''', '''''WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw''''', '''''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw''''', '''''WWE''''', and '''''Exciting Pro Wrestling''''' in Japan, is a series of [[professional wrestling]] [[Sports video game|sports]] [[Simulation video game|simulation]] video games that launched in 2000. The premise of the series is to emulate professional wrestling, specifically that of [[WWE]], formerly known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). The series began with ''[[WWF SmackDown! (video game)|WWF SmackDown!]]'' on the original [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] and has continued as an annual release (with the exception of 2021). It was originally exclusive to [[PlayStation]] platforms until 2006's ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007]]'', which expanded the series to other platforms. In 2013, the series was rebranded as ''WWE 2K'', beginning with ''[[WWE 2K14]]''.

The games were originally published by [[THQ]] and developed by [[Yuke's]] under the ''WWF SmackDown!'' name—in 2002, the WWF was renamed to WWE. Beginning with ''[[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw]]'' in 2004, the series changed its name to ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw'' and then simply ''WWE'' with 2011's ''[[WWE '12]]''. [[2K (company)|2K]], previously under the 2K Sports sub-label, took over as publisher following THQ's bankruptcy beginning with 2013's ''WWE 2K14'', changing the series to ''WWE 2K'', and the series was co-developed with [[Visual Concepts]] until Yuke's departure in 2018. Visual Concepts would take over lead development of the series beginning with ''[[WWE 2K20]]'' in 2019. Due to major technical issues with that installment, the main series took a two-year hiatus with a spin-off, ''[[WWE 2K Battlegrounds]]'', released in 2020 before the next main installment, ''[[WWE 2K22]]'', released in 2022.

== History and development ==
{{Main|List of WWE 2K Games video games}}
{{Video game timeline
| subtitle = THQ games in light green<br>2K games in dark green
| range1 = 2000-2012
| range2 = 2013-
| range1_color = #0BDA51
| range2_color = #228B22
| 2000a = ''[[WWF SmackDown! (video game)|WWF SmackDown!]]''
| 2000b = ''[[WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role]]''
| 2001 = ''[[WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It]]''
| 2002 = ''[[WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth]]''
| 2003 = ''[[WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain]]''
| 2004 = ''[[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw]]''
| 2005 = ''[[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006]]''
| 2006 = ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007]]''
| 2007 = ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008]]''
| 2008 = ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009]]''
| 2009 = ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010]]''
| 2010 = ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011]]''
| 2011 = ''[[WWE '12]]''
| 2012 = ''[[WWE '13]]''
| 2013 = ''[[WWE 2K14]]''
| 2014 = ''[[WWE 2K15]]''
| 2015 = ''[[WWE 2K (video game)|WWE 2K]]''<br>''[[WWE 2K16]]''
| 2016 = ''[[WWE 2K17]]''
| 2017 = ''[[WWE 2K18]]''
| 2018 = ''[[WWE 2K19]]''
| 2019 = ''[[WWE 2K20]]''
| 2020 = ''[[WWE 2K Battlegrounds]]''
| 2022 = ''[[WWE 2K22]]''
| 2023 = ''[[WWE 2K23]]''
| 2024 = ''[[WWE 2K24]]''
| 2025 = ''[[WWE 2K25]]''
}}

The first game, ''[[WWF SmackDown! (video game)|WWF SmackDown!]]'', was developed by [[Yuke's]], published by [[THQ]], and released on March 2, 2000; this arrangement would continue until 2012. The series was originally named after one of WWE's weekly television programs, ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'', and was initially exclusive to [[Sony]]'s [[PlayStation 1]] and [[PlayStation 2]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yukes.co.jp/english/game/game_title_list.html|title=Yuke's Future Media Creators game developing list|publisher=[[Game Spot]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016055659/http://www.yukes.co.jp/english/games/|archive-date=October 16, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/games.html?type=company&mode=6374|title=THQ Company Page|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|archive-date=June 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627045444/http://www.gamespot.com/games.html?type=company&mode=6374|url-status=live}}</ref> The series engine was originally based on the one used by the Japanese ''[[Toukon Retsuden]]'', which was also developed by Yuke's.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/sports/wwfsmackdown/news.html?sid=2446823|date=November 10, 1999|access-date=May 23, 2008|title=New WWF Smackdown Screens|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|last=Kennedy|first=Sam|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828082947/https://www.gamespot.com/wwf-smackdown/news/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The series rebranded with 2004's ''[[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw]]'', following the introduction of the [[WWE brand extension|brand extension]], which saw WWE's roster divided between the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] and [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] brands; the latter named after WWE's two flagship programs, ''[[Monday Night Raw]]'' and Friday Night SmackDown. After using [[subtitle (captioning)|subtitles]] in previous installments, [[voice over]]s were introduced to the game's "Season Mode". With the exception of 2003's ''[[WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain]]'', pre-recorded commentary by WWE commentators has been included in each game since the release of ''[[WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It]]'' in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/playstation-2-games/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw/4505-9581_7-31449307.html?tag=prod.txt.1|title=WWE SmackDown! v. Raw Review|last=Navarro|first=Alex|date=November 1, 2004|publisher=[[CNET]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|archive-date=February 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219035357/https://www.cnet.com/products/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-playstation-2/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Yuke's studios in [[Yokohama, Japan]] worked with WWE writers to create storylines for the "Season" modes of each game since 2005's ''[[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.videogames.games.yahoo.com/ps2/previews/wwe-smackdown--vs--raw-2006-b1a8a8.html|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 GM Mode Spotlight|publisher=Yahoo! Games (UK)|author=[[Game Spot]]|access-date=June 12, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007221340/http://uk.games.yahoo.com/|archive-date=October 7, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Up until the release of ''SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006'', Yuke's had released previous entries of the series in Japan under the title of ''Exciting Pro Wrestling''. That year, THQ took over as the Japanese publisher and rebranded the ''Exciting Pro Wrestling'' series under the licensed name.<ref name=Yukes2>{{cite web|url=http://www.yukes.co.jp/hp/game/?COM=list|access-date=May 12, 2008|title=YUKE'S Future Media Creators games list|publisher=[[Yuke's]]|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416133615/http://www.yukes.co.jp/hp/game/?COM=list|archive-date=April 16, 2008|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

2006's ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007]]'' was the first game in the series to be released for multiple [[video game console|game consoles]]. The series continued to expand to various [[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|seventh-generation consoles]], [[Handheld game console|handhelds]], and [[Mobile game|mobile devices]]. Yuke's revealed they had to port their original [[source code|game codes]] that make up each game mode and graphic designs to a new [[game engine]] that supported the new consoles. When new features are added to future games, the developers had to create new gaming codes for these features. The developers also had to test the game for any errors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2007/747289p2.html|title=Yuke's break down SmackDown! Online|last=McGarvey|first=Sterling|date=November 1, 2006|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|access-date=June 12, 2008|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055409/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2007/747289p2.html|url-status=live}}</ref> While there were no errors, the game received a lot of reports for overheating in the earlier releases.

The series relaunched in 2011 with the release of ''[[WWE '12]]''. However, after THQ's bankruptcy, liquidation, and eventual [[THQ#Bankruptcy and liquidation, THQ Nordic (2012-present)|dissolution in January 2013]], publishing rights for the WWE video games were acquired by [[Take-Two Interactive]].<ref name="Acquisition">{{cite web | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/23/wwe-video-game-license-to-be-acquired-by-take-two | publisher=[[IGN]] | access-date=January 26, 2013 | title=WWE Video Game License to be Acquired by Take-Two | date=January 23, 2013 | archive-date=December 13, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201213044119/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/23/wwe-video-game-license-to-be-acquired-by-take-two | url-status=live }}</ref> Take-Two confirmed the acquisition in February, saying that it would also retain the services of Yuke's and the THQ staff that worked on the ''WWE'' series.

2013's ''[[WWE 2K14]]'' was the first game to be released under the [[2K Sports]] branding.<ref name=Bloomberg>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-13/take-two-to-take-over-development-of-wwe-games-from-thq.html|title=Take-Two to Take Over Development of WWE Games From THQ|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|date=February 13, 2013|access-date=February 16, 2013|first=Michael|last=Bathon|archive-date=March 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311010838/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-13/take-two-to-take-over-development-of-wwe-games-from-thq.html/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, a [[WWE 2K (video game)|mobile-only spin-off]] was released for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]]. 2K's license of the series extended in early 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wwe-2k-games-will-continue-for-multiple-years-than/1100-6434249/|title=WWE 2K Games Will Continue for Multiple Years Thanks to New Deal|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-02|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108142128/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wwe-2k-games-will-continue-for-multiple-years-than/1100-6434249/|url-status=live}}</ref> 2018's ''[[WWE 2K19]]'' was the last game in the series to be developed by Yuke's.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

2019's ''[[WWE 2K20]]'' was the first game in the series to be developed solely by [[Visual Concepts]], who had worked with Yuke's on previous games under the ''WWE 2K'' banner.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/7/20758462/wwe-2k20-yukes-visual-concepts-pc-ps4-xbox-one-pc|title=Longtime developer Yuke's is out of the WWE 2K picture|last=Good|first=Owen S.|date=2019-08-07|website=Polygon|language=en|access-date=2019-12-02|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116221928/https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/7/20758462/wwe-2k20-yukes-visual-concepts-pc-ps4-xbox-one-pc|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/08/06/wwe-2k-series-new-developer/|title=WWE 2K Series Picks Up New Developer|website=WWG|language=en|access-date=2019-12-02|archive-date=December 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202205709/https://comicbook.com/gaming/2019/08/06/wwe-2k-series-new-developer/|url-status=live}}</ref> The game received [[List of video games notable for negative reception#WWE 2K20 (2019)|generally negative reviews]] for various changes seen as a regression from ''2K19'', and for numerous bugs and technical issues upon its launch. The series went on a two-year hiatus in response, with ''[[WWE 2K Battlegrounds]]'' released in 2020 as a replacement for a previously planned ''WWE 2K21'' game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-04-14-wwe-2k21-reportedly-cancelled-in-favour-of-new-game|title=WWE 2K21 reportedly cancelled in favour of new game|date=April 14, 2020 |access-date=February 24, 2022|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224161232/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-04-14-wwe-2k21-reportedly-cancelled-in-favour-of-new-game|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K22]]'', the twenty-second installment of the series, was released in March 2022 to a generally more favourable reception than its predecessor. ''[[WWE 2K23]]'', the twenty-third installment of the series, was released in March 2023 surpassing the expectations preceded by ''2K22''.
{{clear}}

==Gameplay==
The first game in the series, ''WWF SmackDown!'', had a clear cut system{{clarify|date=November 2022}} for moves such as combining an arrow key with the circle button for grappling and moves and combining an arrow key with the X button for striking moves. Most of the later games, from ''WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role'' to ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2006'' used the aforementioned control scheme. With ''WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2007'' new game mechanics were introduced, in which a new control scheme altered the grappling system of the game, called "Ultimate Control moves". Unlike the previous games, where the player pressed two buttons to perform a grapple or an attack, players were able to place their opponents into a grapple position and then choose to perform a move by moving the directional buttons of their system's controller. For example, the player could place their opponent in a [[suplex]] grappling position and then either perform a normal suplex or an [[Suplex#Inverted suplex slam|inverted suplex slam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/744/744193p1.html|title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007'' Game Review|last=Dunham|first=Jeremey|work=[[IGN]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|date=November 6, 2006|archive-date=August 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819102141/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/744/744193p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/smackdownvsraw2007/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs;reviews|title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007'' Online Review|last=Navarro|first=Alex|publisher=[[Game Spot]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|date=November 6, 2006|archive-date=December 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216072004/https://www.gamespot.com/xbox-360/|url-status=live}}</ref> Before the release of ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008'', in order for players to force a character to [[professional wrestling#Submission|submit]], they had to tap buttons to move a marker towards the end of the meter labeled "Submit", and the only way for opponents to escape was for them to move the meter towards "Escape". Included with the release of ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008'' was a new submission system, in which the player had to move the [[analog stick]]s of their system's controller in different directions to force the opponent to submit, while the opponent could do the same to escape the [[professional wrestling holds|submission hold]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://games.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1692/WWE-SmackDown-vs-RAW-2008/|title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008''|publisher=Team Xbox|access-date=June 11, 2008|quote=A brand new Struggle Submission System will give players intuitive and natural control over their WWE Superstars by using the game's popular analog controls. Realism and strategy are at the forefront, as players will now control the amount of pressure they apply to their opponents.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927232047/http://games.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1692/WWE-SmackDown-vs-RAW-2008/|archive-date=September 27, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Every game in the ''SmackDown vs. Raw'' series used to have the amount of damage inflicted to the player's chosen character, measured with a meter on the [[HUD (video gaming)|HUD]], where a design of a male figure presented the damage. As a move was performed against a character, the affected area of the body flashed—the more damage that is done to that specific body part, the more likely it is for the character to submit. Colors were used to represent the amount of damage done to a specific body area; yellow represented minimal damage, orange represented moderate damage, and red represented maximum damage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://guides.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/839892/WWE-SmackDown-vs-RAW-2008/page_2.html|title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008'' Guide|publisher=Team Xbox|access-date=June 11, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331162813/http://guides.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/839892/WWE-SmackDown-vs-RAW-2008/page_2.html|archive-date=March 31, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Included with the release of ''WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw'' was the option of fighting "[[heel (professional wrestling)|dirty]]" or "[[face (professional wrestling)|clean]]". When players select "dirty", the player character is booed by the audience in the game; conversely, the "clean" character is cheered by the audience. With the "dirty" or "clean" option comes the inclusion of performing a special maneuver when playing. Players using a "dirty" character must direct them into building up their "dirty" meter by performing "dirty" tactics, such as attacking the referee or taking the pad off the [[wrestling ring|ring]]'s [[turnbuckle]]. Unlike performing dirty tactics, "clean" characters build their meters by performing "clean" tactics, such as an [[professional wrestling aerial techniques|aerial technique]] or performing a [[taunt]]. When "dirty" character' meters build up, they are able to perform a signature [[groin attack|low blow]]; likewise, "clean" characters can perform their signature move at double its normal damage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/wwesmackdownvsraw/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs;reviews|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw Online Review|last=Navarro|first=Alex|publisher=[[Game Spot]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|date=November 4, 2004|archive-date=May 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520231742/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-review/1900-6111984/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/E8E5347F-0E09-4308-BBC0-EEBB2120F0A2.htm?CS_pid=281096|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw Online Review|publisher=[[Game Informer]]|access-date=June 11, 2008 |url-status=dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080804130730/http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/E8E5347F-0E09-4308-BBC0-EEBB2120F0A2.htm?CS_pid=281096 |archive-date = August 4, 2008}}</ref>

With the release of ''WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006'' was the inclusion of a stamina system, which was a measure of the characters' stamina. The stamina system was measured by a meter on the [[HUD (video gaming)|HUD]]; the meter decreased when performing a variety of moves. The meter increases, however, when the player does nothing with the character or holds down a selected button that increased the stamina, which varied depending on the player's system. When the character's stamina was low, the wrestler reacted by moving slower when performing moves, walking, and running. If the meter decreased completely, they fell to the ground until the meter increased.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/playstation-2-games/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw/4505-9581_7-31452532.html|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 CNET Review|last=Navarro|first=Alex|date=November 16, 2007|publisher=[[CNET]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|archive-date=October 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015180534/http://reviews.cnet.com/playstation-2-games/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw/4505-9581_7-31452532.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnet.com.au/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2006-240059100.htm|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 CNET (Australia) Review|publisher=[[CNET]] (Australia)|access-date=June 11, 2008|archive-date=October 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002104534/http://www.cnet.com.au/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2006-240059100.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> This system is disabled by default for ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008]]'' and was disabled until 2K took over the series, bringing in a similar system with ''WWE 2K16''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wwe.2k.com/news/wwe-2k16-feature-summary/|title=WWE 2K16 – Feature Summary|date=2015-08-07|website=WWE2K|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108131321/https://wwe.2k.com/news/wwe-2k16-feature-summary/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The weak/strong grapple system from the past games was removed from ''[[WWE '12]]'' onwards. Characters now perform different moves based on their opponent's current physical state. Players now have a window of opportunity to attack while still in a downed state and can also interrupt moves and [[Royal Rumble#Match|Royal Rumble]] eliminations with attacks. Similarly, the [[pin (professional wrestling)|pinning]] meter from the past games has been reworked to make it more difficult to kick out as a wrestler takes more damage. The game's [[artificial intelligence (video games)|artificial intelligence]] has also been adjusted to prevent players from [[Spam (gaming)|overusing]] the same move. In addition, the ability to store [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Finisher|finishing moves]] has returned. "Dynamic Comebacks" gives players on the verge of losing the opportunity to successfully hit a combination of moves to gain two finishing moves. New "wake up taunts" bring a downed opponent to their feet for a finishing move (such as pounding on the ground before [[Cutter (professional wrestling)|RKO]] finishing maneuver).<ref name=IGN>{{cite web | url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/117/1171523p1.html | title=E3 2011: WWE '12 Release Date and Cover – PlayStation 3 News at IGN | work=[[IGN]] | date=2011-05-31 | access-date=2011-05-31 | archive-date=February 21, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221231535/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/31/e3-2011-wwe-12-release-date-and-cover | url-status=live }}</ref> Players also have the ability to target specific limbs during matches and perform submissions through a "Breaking Point" submission [[minigame]].<ref>{{cite web|title=''WWE '12'' Dated and Detailed|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-05-31-wwe-12-dated-and-detailed|publisher=Eurogamer|date=May 31, 2011|access-date=2 June 2011|archive-date=July 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725214519/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-05-31-wwe-12-dated-and-detailed|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Story modes===
In the ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw'' series, the player was able to choose a character from a [[List of WWE personnel|roster]] and compete in an arcade-like feature called season mode. In season mode, players direct their characters through different career obstacles through a year of WWE programming to gain respect by other wrestlers and popularity among the fans. Like storylines from WWE, the characters in the ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw'' series season mode are involved in storylines that affect their career mode in some way. Beginning with the release of ''WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth'', the [[WWE Brand Extension]] has been included in season mode, and characters are exclusive to one brand of WWE. A result of this feature is that the player's character may only wrestle others and compete for championships from the same brand on which they are a part of. In season mode, the player's character has the ability to earn and wrestle for a variety of [[championship (professional wrestling)|championships]] based on actual [[List of current champions in WWE|WWE Championships]]. When characters win championships, their respect and popularity increase, which also increases their involvement in [[card (sports)#Main event|main event]] matches. As the character's respect and popularity increases through the year of WWE programming, it becomes more likely for the player to achieve the main goal in season mode, which is to earn a [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] or [[WWE Championship]] match at [[WrestleMania]], the WWE's flagship [[pay-per-view]] event and the final stage in season mode. After the final stage, season modes begins again with the same character chosen before, though the player has the option of switching characters. They are then a part of the [[WWE Draft Lottery]] and assigned to a brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/375/375004p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown!: Season Mode|date=October 22, 2002|author=IGN Staff|work=[[IGN]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|archive-date=August 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817015025/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/375/375004p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SeasonMode2">{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/375/375004p2.html|title=WWE SmackDown!: Season Mode|date=October 22, 2002|author=IGN Staff|work=[[IGN]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|archive-date=June 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629133116/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/375/375004p2.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Exhibition mode===
[[File:Wwfsmackdown2psx.jpg|thumb|200px|A screenshot of a [[ladder match]] featuring [[Jeff Hardy]] and [[Kurt Angle]] in ''WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role'']]
Other than the season mode, every game features an exhibition mode, where different professional wrestling match types are available. Basic matches included in every game are "one-on-one" matches, where a player chooses one character to wrestle another [[Computer game bot|bot operated]] or human operated character, or [[tag team]] matches, where a pair of characters team together to face another team, Mixed Gender Tag Team matches have been removed in ''WWE 2K18''. These basic matches may also expand into [[Tag team#Tag team match rules|six-man tag team matches]] or [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|non-elimination type matches]], which include four or more characters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6183341/p-8.html|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Game Spot Online Guide (P.8)|publisher=[[Game Spot]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|archive-date=November 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104192119/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-walkthrough/1100-6183341/|url-status=live}}</ref> Besides basic matches, [[hardcore wrestling|hardcore]] based matches are also included, such as the [[Professional wrestling match types#Cages|Steel Cage match]], which has been included in every game, the [[Ladder match]], the [[Elimination Chamber]], which was first included with the release of ''WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.ign.com/articles/454/454029p1.html|date=April 3, 2003|title=WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain: Elimination Chamber Review|last=Robinson|first=Jon|work=[[IGN]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|archive-date=March 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326161928/http://sports.ign.com/articles/454/454029p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Extreme Rules match|ECW Extreme Rules matches]], which is basic hardcore wrestling based on the [[ECW (WWE brand)|ECW]] brand of WWE (which first appeared with the release of ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008'').<ref name="PS3 Review">{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/831/831925p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 Review|last=Greg|first=Miller|date=October 3, 2007|work=[[IGN]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|archive-date=July 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729023017/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/831/831925p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Also included in every game is the [[Royal Rumble#Match|Royal Rumble match]], which is based on WWE's actual Royal Rumble match, in which a player chooses to compete as one character, and must wrestle against twenty-nine other characters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6183341/p-7.html|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Game Spot Online Guide (P.7)|publisher=[[Game Spot]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|archive-date=November 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110070703/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6183341/p-7.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Online gameplay===
Starting with the release of ''WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw'', [[online]] gameplay was made available through [[PlayStation 2]]'s [[PlayStation 2 Expansion Bay|Sony Network Adapter]]. Online gameplay was kept at a minimum, as online players only had two game modes to compete in: one-on-one and a strip match, in which a player competes as any [[Women in WWE|female wrestler in WWE]] and strips the opposition of her clothes, until she is left with only her undergarments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/561/561668p1.html |title=WWE SmackDown! vs Raw Review |work=[[IGN]] |last=Dunham |first=Jeremy |access-date=June 11, 2008 |date=October 24, 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929174251/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/561/561668p1.html |archive-date=September 29, 2008 }}</ref> When ''WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006'' was released, the online gameplay was changed, and players were able to compete in more match types, defend the created championships, and compete with up to four players in each match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/657/657279p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 Online Review|last=Dunham|first=Jeremey|date=October 25, 2005|work=[[IGN]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|archive-date=September 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907145004/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/11/smackdown-vs-raw-2006-the-online-mode|url-status=live}}</ref> With the release of ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008'' on the [[Xbox 360]] console (PS3 would not see this feature until ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009''), players were able to select music from their system's [[hard disk drive]] into the video game, where the music can be used in character' [[Professional wrestling#Ring entrance|ring entrances]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/831/831925p3.html |title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Review |last=Greg |first=Miller |work=[[IGN]] |access-date=June 11, 2008 |quote=Also, 360 kids get to rip music from their hard drive and put it in as entrance music. |date=November 1, 2007 |archive-date=April 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411143449/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/831/831925p3.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Roster===
Every game in the ''WWE'' series includes a roster of characters, "superstars" and "divas", based on people who perform for WWE. Every year, WWE acquires new people and releases old ones. As a result, every time a ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw'' game is released, the new characters are added into the game and the old are removed from the game to reflect the changes in the actual WWE. From the release of ''WWF SmackDown!'' to the release of ''WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It'', characters were not divided into brands. In 2002, the WWE split its roster into [[WWE Brand Extension|two brands]] of wrestling, called [[WWE Raw|Raw]] and [[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]], which were named after WWE's television shows.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_03_27.jsp|title=WWE Entertainment To Make RAW and SMACKDOWN Distinct Television Brands|date=May 27, 2002|publisher=WWE Corporate|access-date=June 30, 2008|archive-date=October 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017025205/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_03_27.jsp|url-status=dead}}</ref> The WWE Brand Extension was first featured in ''WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/359/359814p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth Review|date=May 17, 2002|author=IGN Staff|work=[[IGN]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|archive-date=November 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108200314/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/17/wwe-smackdown-shut-your-mouth-3|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2006, WWE launched a new brand, called [[ECW (WWE brand)|ECW]], which was named after the original [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] [[professional wrestling promotion|promotion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2006/2006_05_25_02.jsp|title=WWE Launches ECW As Third Brand|publisher=WWE Corporate|date=May 25, 2006|access-date=June 30, 2008|archive-date=September 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903205013/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2006/2006_05_25_02.jsp|url-status=dead}}</ref> The new ECW brand was first featured in ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6168371.html|title=ECW Invades SmackDown vs. Raw 2008|last=Sinclair|first=Brendan|date=March 20, 2007|publisher=[[Game Spot]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|archive-date=February 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100218020148/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6168371.html|url-status=live}}</ref> WWE holds an annual [[WWE Draft|draft lottery]], in which WWE characters switch brands. The games in production when the draft occurs include the changes that take place in the draft. For example, when ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008'' was in production during June 2007, the [[2007 WWE Draft]] took place, and the draft changes were included in the video game. Another brand of wrestling included in the series is the [[WWE Hall of Fame|legends program]], which was first included with the release of ''WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/456/456113p1.html|title=WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain: The Legends|last=Dunham|first=Jeremey|date=October 22, 2003|work=[[IGN]]|access-date=June 11, 2008|archive-date=October 31, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031171258/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/456/456113p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Popular [[List of WWE alumni|WWE alumni]] or members of the [[WWE Hall of Fame]] have been included since then under the legends program. This was featured up until the release of ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008'', as alumni and Hall of Fame members were not featured in ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009'' due to production of ''[[WWE Legends of WrestleMania]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/wwe_smackdown_vs_raw_2009/review.html|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Review|last=Yin-Poole|first=Wesley|date=December 11, 2008|work=VideoGamer.com|access-date=March 3, 2009|quote=So you've got everyone from the well-known (Orton, Triple H), to the less well known (Elija Burke, Paul London), and some more in between, including a healthy dose of Divas (the ridiculously named Kelly Kelly is a personal favourite) and plenty of unlockables, but there are no Legends – an omission which is sure to disappoint and even anger some fans (THQ is saving them for the upcoming WWE Legends of WrestleMania game).|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074047/http://www.videogamer.com/xbox360/wwe_smackdown_vs_raw_2009/review.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009'' was also the first game to feature characters as [[downloadable content]] (DLC).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/sdvsraw09/dlc/|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 Downloadable Content|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=March 3, 2009|archive-date=February 16, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216170715/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/sdvsraw09/dlc/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

''WWE '12'' has 56 wrestlers and 78 by DLC, ''WWE '13'' with 84 and 107 by DLC, ''WWE 2K14'' with 82 and 103 by DLC, ''WWE 2K15'' with 76 and 113 with DLC, ''WWE 2K (Mobile)'' with 19, ''WWE 2K16'' with 133 including DLC giving this title "the highest character roster in the video game's history" with 165. ''WWE 2K17'' carries 145 for the physical disc versions for PS3 and Xbox 360; 150 for the NXT Edition made for PS4 and Xbox One with DLC at 172. ''WWE 2K18'' contains 197 for the standard version (202 via Deluxe and Collector's Edition) with DLC announced at a later date. An update on the ''WWE 2K18'' roster revealed on September 25, 2017, the final roster is 220 (197 on disc virtually reading 204 by attires counted). ''WWE 2K19'' has 217 characters on disc (224 via Woo Edition) and 236 with DLC counted as final. ''WWE 2K20'' has 217 characters on disc (221 via SmackDown 20th Anniversary Edition) with DLC yet to be finalized.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/thq/wwe-12/thq-wwe-12-roster-reveal-september|title=Superstar roster revealed for THQ's "WWE '12"|website=WWE|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126043641/https://www.wwe.com/inside/thq/wwe-12/thq-wwe-12-roster-reveal-september/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/thq/wwe-12/25046575|title="Legends Pack" DLC for "WWE '12" arriving this winter|website=WWE|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=December 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221202204/https://www.wwe.com/inside/thq/wwe-12/25046575|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/thq/wwe-12/thq-wwe-12-dlc-1|title="WrestleMania Pack" and "Divas Pack" DLC revealed for "WWE '12"|website=WWE|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126102932/https://www.wwe.com/inside/thq/wwe-12/thq-wwe-12-dlc-1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Roster – WWE '13 Wiki Guide – IGN|date=May 25, 2012 |url=https://uk.ign.com/wikis/wwe-13/Roster|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112022141/https://www.ign.com/wikis/wwe-13/Roster|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Roster – WWE 2K14 Wiki Guide – IGN|date=September 4, 2013 |url=https://uk.ign.com/wikis/wwe-2k14/Roster|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=December 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221200433/https://uk.ign.com/wikis/wwe-2k14/Roster|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2137502-wwe-2k15-roster-full-superstar-list-comments-and-more|title=WWE 2K15 Roster: Full Superstar List, Comments and More|last=Chiari|first=Mike|website=Bleacher Report|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=December 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221200433/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2137502-wwe-2k15-roster-full-superstar-list-comments-and-more|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2247003-wwe-2k15-dlc-roundup-review-final-roster-and-more-on-release-day|title=WWE 2K15: DLC Roundup Review, Final Roster and More on Release Day|last=Mazique|first=Brian|website=Bleacher Report|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=December 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221200436/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2247003-wwe-2k15-dlc-roundup-review-final-roster-and-more-on-release-day|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k16/wwe-2k16-roster-playable-characters-superstars-divas|title=Superstars and Divas featured on WWE 2K16 roster list|website=WWE|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128185133/https://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k16/wwe-2k16-roster-playable-characters-superstars-divas|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k16/article/wwe-2k16-hall-fame-showcase-pack-dlc-available-now|title=WWE 2K16 adds Hall of Fame Showcase DLC|website=WWE|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=December 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221200433/https://www.wwe.com/inside/2k/wwe-2k16/article/wwe-2k16-hall-fame-showcase-pack-dlc-available-now|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mic.com/articles/155922/wwe-2k17-roster-complete-list-of-wrestlers-available-for-gameplay|title='WWE 2K17' roster: Complete list of wrestlers available for gameplay|website=Mic|date=October 5, 2016 |language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001085053/https://www.mic.com/articles/155922/wwe-2k17-roster-complete-list-of-wrestlers-available-for-gameplay|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k18/article/wwe-2k18-roster-playable-character-list|title=Here is a list of every Superstar confirmed to be on the WWE 2K18 roster|website=WWE|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201024026/https://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k18/article/wwe-2k18-roster-playable-character-list|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wwe.2k.com/news/wwe-2k18-dlc-revealed/|title=WWE 2K18 DLC Revealed|date=2017-09-27|website=WWE2K|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=December 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221200436/https://wwe.2k.com/news/wwe-2k18-dlc-revealed/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2018/09/11/wwe-2k19-full-roster-list|title=Full 'WWE 2K19' roster revealed|last=Gartland|first=Dan|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=September 11, 2018 |language=en-us|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=November 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122010907/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2018/09/11/wwe-2k19-full-roster-list|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wwe.2k.com/news/wwe-2k19-dlc/|title=WWE 2K19 Downloadable Content|date=2018-09-19|website=WWE2K|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028205401/https://wwe.2k.com/news/wwe-2k19-dlc/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2019/10/15/wwe-2k20-complete-roster-238-wrestlers-make-up-largest-roster-in-sports-fighting-game-history/|title='WWE 2K20' Complete Roster: 238 Wrestlers Make Up Largest Roster In Sports Fighting Game History|last=Mazique|first=Brian|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=March 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314225457/https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmazique/2019/10/15/wwe-2k20-complete-roster-238-wrestlers-make-up-largest-roster-in-sports-fighting-game-history/|url-status=live}}</ref>

''WWE 2K22'' has 173 in its base roster with the DLC pushing the expanded character list to 214.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

''WWE 2K23'' has 221 on the internal base roster with 25 others for DLC given an immense total of 246 (surpassing the 2k16 roster by double the portion) but 30 less than 2k20 which had 276 {{citation needed|date=March 2023}}

''WWE 2K24'' base number is at 265 at launch (331 at post launch). 24 introduces the persona card method via MyFaction which attributed to the roster number.

''WWE 2K25'' is set at 363 at launch and expected to break the 400 character mark via MyFaction. It's the 1st title in the series to supersede 100+ women superstars in any wrestling game developed & 2nd since 2k20 to allow MyCareer (MyRise) characters join the playable roster.

===Create mode===
The series features a create-a-superstar mode, where players are able to create their own wrestler, including their move set and ring entrances. The feature was introduced when ''WWF SmackDown!'' was released in 2000. As new games were released, the mode was altered; the first change came with the release of ''WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role'', which featured a mode in which wrestler taunts could be created and customized. This was further modified in ''WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth'', which enabled players to create the walking style of a wrestler.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/sports/wwesmackdownshutyourmouth/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs%3Breviews&page=3|title=WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth Review|publisher=[[Game Spot]]|last=Varanini|first=Giancarlo|access-date=June 13, 2008|date=November 7, 2002|archive-date=May 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520231308/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wwe-smackdown-shut-your-mouth-review/1900-2897046/|url-status=live}}</ref> With the release of ''WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006'', the game first featured the ability for players to make an entrance for the created character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/wwesmackdownvsraw2006/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs%3Breviews&page=3|title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 Review|last=Navarro|first=Alex|publisher=[[Game Spot]]|access-date=June 13, 2008|date=November 16, 2006|archive-date=July 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724213822/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2006-review/1900-6139963/|url-status=live}}</ref> The feature was expanded with the release of ''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007'', as players could place [[pyrotechnics]] and special effects in any part of the character's entrance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/smackdownvsraw2007/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs%3Breviews&page=2|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 Review|last=Navarro|first=Alex|publisher=[[Game Spot]]|access-date=June 13, 2008|date=November 14, 2006|archive-date=December 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215225824/https://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/smackdownvsraw2007/review.html/?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&page=2&tag=tabs;reviews|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Cover stars==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Game !! Standard Edition Cover stars !! Released
|-
! colspan="3" |[[Attitude Era]] (1997-2001)
|-
| ''[[WWF SmackDown! (video game)|WWF SmackDown!]]'' || [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]], [[Chyna]], [[Billy Gunn]] and [[Mick Foley|Mankind]] || 2000
|-
| ''[[WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role]]'' || [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]], [[Chris Jericho]], [[Triple H]], and [[The Undertaker]] || 2000
|-
| ''[[WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It]]'' || [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]], [[Spike Dudley]], [[Triple H]] and [[Kurt Angle]] || 2001
|-
! colspan="3" |[[Ruthless Aggression]] era (2002-2008)
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth]]'' || [[Kurt Angle]], [[Brock Lesnar]], [[Triple H]], [[Chris Jericho]], and [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]] || 2002
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain|WWE SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain]]'' || [[Brock Lesnar]], [[Rey Mysterio]], [[Matt Hardy]], [[The Undertaker]], [[John Cena]] and [[Torrie Wilson]] || 2003
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw]]'' || [[Vince McMahon]] || 2004
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006]]'' || [[Dave Bautista|Batista]] and [[John Cena]] || 2005
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007]]'' || [[Rey Mysterio]], [[John Cena]], [[Torrie Wilson]], [[Triple H]], and [[Dave Bautista|Batista]] || 2006
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008]]'' || [[John Cena]], [[The Undertaker]], and [[Bobby Lashley]] || 2007
|-
! colspan="3" |[[PG Era]] (2008-2014)
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009]]'' || [[D-Generation X]] ([[Triple H]] and [[Shawn Michaels]]) || 2008
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010]]'' || [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]], [[The Undertaker]], [[John Cena]], [[Randy Orton]], and [[Rey Mysterio]] || 2009
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011]]'' || [[Big Show]], [[John Cena]], and [[The Miz]] || 2010
|-
| ''[[WWE '12]]'' || [[Randy Orton]] || 2011
|-
| ''[[WWE '13]]'' || [[CM Punk]] || 2012
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K14]]'' || [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] || 2013
|-
! colspan="3" |[[Reality Era]] (2014-2016)
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K15]]'' || [[John Cena]] || 2014
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K16]]'' || [["Stone Cold" Steve Austin]] || 2015
|-
! colspan="3" |[[The New Era (WWE)|New Era]] (2016-2021)
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K17]]'' || [[Brock Lesnar]] || 2016
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K18]]'' || [[Seth Rollins]] || 2017
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K19]]'' || [[AJ Styles]] || 2018
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K20]]'' || [[Becky Lynch]] and [[Roman Reigns]] || 2019
|-
! colspan="3" |Post-COVID-19 period (2021-2023)
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K22]]'' || [[Rey Mysterio]] || 2022
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K23]]'' || [[John Cena]] || 2023
|-
! colspan="3" |TKO Ownership period (2023-present)
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K24]]'' || [[Cody Rhodes]] || 2024
|-
| ''[[WWE 2K25]]'' || [[Roman Reigns]] and [[Paul Heyman]]|| 2025
|}

==Reception==
{{Video game series reviews
| game1 = [[WWF SmackDown! (video game)|WWF SmackDown!]]
| mc1 = (PS1) 86%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/199349-wwf-smackdown/index.html |title=''WWF SmackDown!'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012831/https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/199349-wwf-smackdown/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|name=GRs|[[GameRankings]] score}}
| game2 = [[WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role]]
| mc2 = (PS1) 90/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwf-smackdown-2-know-your-role/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation |title=''WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608132610/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/wwf-smackdown!-2-know-your-role |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game3 = [[WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It]]
| mc3 = (PS2) 76/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwf-smackdown-just-bring-it/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330052822/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/wwf-smackdown!-just-bring-it |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game4 = [[WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth]]
| mc4 = (PS2) 82/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-shut-your-mouth/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=January 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115230459/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/wwe-smackdown!-shut-your-mouth |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game5 = [[WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain]]
| mc5 = (PS2) 85/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-here-comes-the-pain/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=January 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114055303/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/wwe-smackdown!-here-comes-the-pain |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game6 = [[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw]]
| mc6 = (PS2) 80/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=January 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102055255/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/wwe-smackdown!-vs-raw |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game7 = [[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006]]
| mc7 = (PS2) 84/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2006/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=September 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902171315/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/wwe-smackdown!-vs-raw-2006 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PSP) 81/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2006/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=''WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=March 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190316100247/https://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/wwe-smackdown!-vs-raw-2006 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game8 = [[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007]]
| mc8 = (PS2) 80/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2007/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031182659/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2007 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PSP) 78/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2007/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919213249/https://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2007 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(X360) 81/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2007/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130042046/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2007 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game9 = [[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008]]
| mc9 = (NDS) 61/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=June 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627163957/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS2) 71/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=September 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917001857/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS3) 74/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919185131/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PSP) 68/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=September 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905140020/https://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(Wii) 59/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918011531/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(X360) 71/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330052916/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game10 = [[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009]]
| mc10 = (NDS) 58/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2009/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=March 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328231215/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2009 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS2) 78/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2009/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=April 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402171043/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps2/wwesmackdownvsraw2009 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS3) 78/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2009/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=February 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100227101217/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/wwesmackdownvsraw2009 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PSP) 72/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2009/critic-reviews/?platform=psp |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111150445/https://www.metacritic.com/game/psp/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2009 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(Wii) 79/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2009/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=June 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629041503/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/wwesmackdownvsraw2009 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(X360) 79/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2009/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=February 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213180037/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/wwesmackdownvsraw2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game11 = [[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010]]
| mc11 = (NDS) 75/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2010/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118113216/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2010 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS3) 81/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2010/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330053144/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2010 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(Wii) 78/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2010/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829000932/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2010 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(X360) 80/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2010/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=July 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712210215/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game12 = [[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011]]
| mc12 = (PS3) 74/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2011/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=September 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907002932/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(Wii) 72/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2011/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=July 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723110345/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(X360) 75/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2011/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=July 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716123719/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game13 = [[WWE '12]]
| mc13 = (PS3) 72/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-12/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''WWE '12'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=July 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719224241/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/wwe-12 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(Wii) 74/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-12/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=''WWE '12'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021082557/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/wwe-12 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(X360) 71/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-12/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''WWE '12'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126212621/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/wwe-12 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game14 = [[WWE '13]]
| mc14 = (PS3) 76/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-13/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''WWE '13'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030051427/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/wwe-13 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(Wii) 74/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-13/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=''WWE '13'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=September 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908192435/https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/wwe-13 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(X360) 78/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-13/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''WWE '13'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=February 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217052026/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/wwe-13 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game15 = [[WWE 2K14]]
| mc15 = (PS3) 74/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k14/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''WWE 2K14'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=August 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823043250/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/wwe-2k14 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(X360) 75/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k14/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''WWE 2K14'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=November 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119013048/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/wwe-2k14 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game16 = [[WWE 2K15]]
| mc16 = (PC) 70/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k15/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''WWE 2K15'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=April 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408050953/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/wwe-2k15 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS3) 55/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k15/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=''WWE 2K15'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207130931/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/wwe-2k15 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS4) 62/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k15/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''WWE 2K15'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=July 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707015046/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/wwe-2k15 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(X360) 50/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k15/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=''WWE 2K15'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329111021/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/wwe-2k15 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(XONE) 56/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k15/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=''WWE 2K15'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329110319/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/wwe-2k15 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game17 = [[WWE 2K16]]
| mc17 = (PC) 74/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k16/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''WWE 2K16'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=October 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022154936/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/wwe-2k16 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS4) 73/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k16/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''WWE 2K16'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108110752/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/wwe-2k16 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(XONE) 72/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k16/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=''WWE 2K16'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=September 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909101521/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/wwe-2k16 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game18 = [[WWE 2K (video game)|WWE 2K]]
| mc18 = (iOS) 73/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=''WWE 2K'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=19 August 2021}}</ref>
| game19 = [[WWE 2K17]]
| mc19 = (PC) 61/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k17/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''WWE 2K17'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329101229/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/wwe-2k17 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS4) 69/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k17/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''WWE 2K17'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809163005/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/wwe-2k17 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(XONE) 68/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k17/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=''WWE 2K17'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=December 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224054444/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/wwe-2k17 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game20 = [[WWE 2K18]]
| mc20 = (NS) 35/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k18/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=''WWE 2K18'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112040340/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/wwe-2k18 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PC) 64/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k18/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''WWE 2K18'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329092856/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/wwe-2k18 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS4) 66/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k18/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''WWE 2K18'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111235044/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/wwe-2k18 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(XONE) 67/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k18/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=''WWE 2K18'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108191002/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/wwe-2k18 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game21 = [[WWE 2K19]]
| mc21 = (PS4) 77/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k19/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''WWE 2K19'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025022/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/wwe-2k19 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(XONE) 77/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k19/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=''WWE 2K19'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=5 January 2018 |archive-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002131229/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/wwe-2k19 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game22 = [[WWE 2K20]]
| mc22 = (PC) 43/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k20/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''WWE 2K20'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=26 October 2019 |archive-date=September 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904020931/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/wwe-2k20 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS4) 43/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k20/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''WWE 2K20'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=26 October 2019 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111221707/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/wwe-2k20 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(XONE) 45/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k20/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=''WWE 2K20'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=26 October 2019 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112012041/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/wwe-2k20 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game23 = [[WWE 2K Battlegrounds]]
| mc23 = (NS) 56/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k-battlegrounds/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=''WWE 2K Battlegrounds'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref><br>(PS4) 60/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k-battlegrounds/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''WWE 2K Battlegrounds'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref><br>(XONE) 58/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k-battlegrounds/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=''WWE 2K Battlegrounds'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref>
| game24 = [[WWE 2K22]]
| mc24 = (PC) 72/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k22/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''WWE 2K22'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=12 March 2022 |archive-date=May 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507114339/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/wwe-2k22 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS4) 76/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k22/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''WWE 2K22'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=12 March 2022 |archive-date=June 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220607033531/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/wwe-2k22 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS5) 77/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k22/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=''WWE 2K22'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=12 March 2022 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408084456/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/wwe-2k22 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(XSX) 78/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k22/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=''WWE 2K22'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=12 March 2022 |archive-date=April 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418212101/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-series-x/wwe-2k22 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game25 = [[WWE 2K23]]
| mc25 = (PC) 79/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k23/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=WWE 2K23 for PC Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=June 8, 2023 |archive-date=March 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324112856/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/wwe-2k23 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(PS5) 82/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k23/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=WWE 2K23 for PlayStation 5 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=June 8, 2023 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313105747/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/wwe-2k23 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>(XBXS) 81/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k23/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=WWE 2K23 for Xbox Series X Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=March 8, 2023 |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312170610/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-series-x/wwe-2k23 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| game26 = [[WWE 2K24]]
| mc26 = (PC) 78/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k24/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=WWE 2K24 for PC Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=July 23, 2024 }}</ref><br> (PS5): 81/100<ref name="MC-PS5">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k24/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=WWE 2K24 for PlayStation 5 Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=July 23, 2024 }}</ref><br> (XSXS): 83/100<ref name="MC-XSXS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k24/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=WWE 2K24 for Xbox Series X Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=July 23, 2024 }}</ref>
}}
The original ''[[WWF SmackDown! (video game)|WWF SmackDown!]]'' sold over 975,000 units for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSellUS.shtml|title=US Top Best Selling Games in 2000|publisher=Magic Box|access-date=June 12, 2008|archive-date=July 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724231427/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSellUS.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and selling over one million copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml|title=US Platinum Chart Games|publisher=Magic Box|access-date=June 12, 2008|archive-date=October 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009200207/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> By 2003, the series had sold more than {{nowrap|4.7 million}} units for the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |title=Here Comes the Pain! |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/07/19/here-comes-the-pain |access-date=5 November 2021 |work=[[IGN]] |date=19 July 2003 |language=en |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105031521/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/07/19/here-comes-the-pain |url-status=live }}</ref>

The series as a whole initially received generally positive reviews, however, overall reception would begin to decline in the late 2000s, as later games were criticized for their lack of innovations or improvements from previous installments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/14F67332-D5B9-4109-AB73-FF6C427BA205.htm|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 Review|last=Reiner|first=Andrew|publisher=[[Game Informer]]|access-date=June 30, 2008 |url-status=dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080616092946/http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/14F67332-D5B9-4109-AB73-FF6C427BA205.htm |archive-date = June 16, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/ps2/wwe_smackdown_vs_raw_2008|title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 Review|last=Tan|first=Nick|publisher=[[Game Revolution]]|access-date=June 30, 2008|date=December 11, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927042140/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008|archive-date=September 27, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

{{clear}}

==Notes==

{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{official website}}

{{WWE video games}}
{{WWE}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wwe 2k}}
[[Category:WWE video games| ]]
[[Category:Take-Two Interactive franchises]]
[[Category:2K Games franchises]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 2000]]
[[Category:Sports video games by series]]