WWE 2K17: Release Date and Newest Additions to Universe Mode

WWE 2K17 is set for a worldwide release on Oct. 11, and it is perhaps the most highly anticipated WWE video game of all time due largely to the improvements made in the popular Universe Mode.

For the past several years, Universe Mode has been the marquee gameplay mode for WWE fans and gamers alike since it allows for the creating of rosters, storylines, feuds and matches, with every decision being made by the person with the controller in their hands.

Both significant and subtle changes have been made to Universe Mode for WWE 2K17, and they promise to create an even more entertaining and realistic WWE experience. Here is a closer look at some of the top additions that will shape the way Universe Mode is played.

Multiple Save Slots

Perhaps the biggest coup for gamers as it relates to Universe Mode in WWE 2K17 is the addition of two more save slots.

According to WWE 2K17 designer Cristo Kyriazis on WWE.2K.com, players will now have the ability to create up to three Universe Modes at the same time.

Traditionally, there has been only one save slot, which forced gamers to start from scratch if they wanted to change things up. With WWE 2K17, however, they can try some different things without being forced to blend them together in one Universe.

That means it is possible to not only have a Universe that resembles what is happening in the real-life version of WWE, but players can also use a save slot for a retro Universe or use one that features primarily created wrestlers.

There are now far fewer limits to what gamers can do within Universe Mode with the added save slots, and that should ensure that WWE 2K17 will have even more replayability than its predecessors.

New Interface

While there is plenty of in-ring action as part of Universe Mode, there is also a great deal of time spent on menu screens, and the WWE 2K17 developers went to great lengths to change up the look and focus on organization this year.

As seen in this tweet courtesy of WWE 2K17, Universe Mode appears sleeker and more streamlined than ever before:

The main banner features images of the champions for the show that is being edited or played through, and the other options are located in easily accessible areas underneath.

Per Kyriazis, the improved presentation translates from the menu to the arena as well, with better commentary that is tailored to the storylines and matches that the player creates.

It is also easier than ever to schedule promos and orchestrate run-ins at specific points in certain matches.

Along with having a better-looking Universe Mode that is easier to navigate, gamers also have additional control in WWE 2K17, which should make for a more enjoyable experience.

Improved Customization

The ability to customize is one of the main factors that has made the WWE 2K series such a rousing success, and that is taken to another level in WWE 2K17's Universe Mode.

Now that the brand split is back in the fold, customization is of the utmost importance for those who want their Universe to closely resemble what is happening in WWE.

Gamers can set their Raw and SmackDown rosters exactly like the real-life counterpart if they so choose, or they can get creative and do their own version of the brand split.

Another key element is the ability to create and assign new titles, which is paramount considering the recent additions of the WWE Universal, SmackDown Women's and SmackDown Tag Team Championships.

While none of those titles made it into the game itself, all of them can be created to look almost exactly like they do in real life, according to Kyriazis.

Players have the ability to create the titles themselves, or they can download versions that other gamers across the world have created.

WWE 2K17 allows those at the controls to make their Universe essentially anything they want it to be regardless of how realistic or steeped in fantasy it is, and that is a big reason why it appeals to such a wide audience.

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