Screenshots & trailers
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 82 | 23 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 72 | 124 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 68 | 750 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 5h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (58)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
“If they’re still making these in 20 years, there’s gonna be a hell of a Showcase mode about it.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“After a tumultuous few years of WWE releases, 2K and Visual concepts have finally been able to begin building on the solid foundations of last year’s game. WWE 2K23 isn’t a huge step up from 2K22 with long load times and a surprisingly unpolished Showcase Mode for John Cena, but the series has still shown growth, considering War Games is pure chaos and MyRise is much improved. The future is once again bright for WWE and 2K, and so WWE 2K23 should be celebrated by fans as though they’ve just won their first world championship.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“WWE 2K23 makes a modest effort to improve on its predecessor, and the results are pretty bloody good. Some of the modes have received some genuine love and attention, while others could use a bit of a revisit in future versions. Regardless, what these modes and updates are building on now is an incredibly solid foundation that continues to impress, and once the bell rings, the quality of gameplay and the feeling of taking part in a bona fide WWE match looks like it’s ripped right from a TV broadcast, and as a wrestling fan, that’s still what counts the most.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“After taking a year off to refine the formula, WWE 2K23 is back with a bang. Graphically impressive, filled to bursting with wrestlers and content, it’s a fitting continuation for long-time fans. It’s just that little bit too overwhelming for lapsed fans that are coming in fresh, but it does at least try to accommodate.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“These misgivings aside, WWE 2K23 sees the series build on its immediate predecessor and return to form after hitting rock bottom (pun intended) with the infamous 2K20. Almost every mode has been improved--with the exception of Showcase and MyFaction--while the in-ring action is as polished as ever. WarGames is a fun and chaotic new addition, and the likes of Universe, MyGM, and MyRise are endlessly playable to the point where they could keep you busy by the time next year's WrestleMania rolls around.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“From undesirable to undeniable, WWE games have come a long way in just a few years, and WWE 2K23, with its plethora of models and solid gameplay, is a strong contender for “GOAT” status.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“WWE 2K23 stumbles slightly with occasional glitches and a mode or two that doesn't quite hit the mark, but it ends strong with stellar gameplay, a captivating MyRise/GM Mode one-two punch, and a brutal, chaotic inclusion of WarGames that simply says, "Acknowledge Me."”
read full review ↗ - 72
“Instead of bringing a huge innovation to the series with WWE 2K23, 2K preferred to present what it has by polishing and improving it.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“WWE 2K23 successfully builds upon the foundations laid down by its predecessor. While it’s still far from the best pro-wrestling game out there, it’s the only one we really get with a modern roster anymore. With that caveat in mind, however, WWE 2K23 remains a blast to play. It’s got a great roster, a host of new features and match types, and its new take on the MyRise career mode is incredibly fun.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“WWE 2K23 is another successful chapter in the wrestling series' comeback story, but the red flags of annualization are starting to appear already.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Visual Concepts has once again come up with a game that follows the formula of plenty of content & enjoyable gameplay, and it's a good thing. Sometimes it's best not to break the formula that works. Aside from some minor issues, WWE 2K23 is a game that WWE fans can give a chance with peace of mind.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“I feel in some ways I’m echoing my sentiments from one year ago. The gameplay is near-perfect and the presentation and delivery of a worldwide sensation are engrossing and captivating. Better still, one of the game’s most promising game modes is fully realizing its potential. There’s just the odd gripe that lingers just enough to bog down its joyous moments. If 2K can avoid MyFaction from hogging the spotlight and eliminate those tiny faults, all the while concentrating on MyGM, Showcase, and MyRise, then a perfect rating could beckon next year.”
read full review ↗
Slant Magazine
Push Square
Checkpoint Gaming
FingerGuns
GameSpot
GameGrin
We Got This Covered
GamingBolt
Digital Trends
Dexerto…and 46 more tracked reviews.