Could this sneaker inclusion to WWE 2K hurt future installments?

As the WWE 2K series prepares to release the next installment to the well-known video game line, some fans have begun to show concern about new features and inclusion that have plagued previous 2K games in other sports. Both Nike and Jordan Brand will officially be included in WWE 2K25 as premium brands that can be added to one's My Superstar, similarly to the NBA 2K series where a player can add select branded gear to their My Player.

The issue some fans online have taken however, comes from the fact that in most editions of these 2K video games that have the additional content that you can purchase using in-game currency, they often are purchased by using real-life money to get the fashion pieces and things that are actually wanted for the custom characters. Regarding the brands being used, according to the WWE 2K25 trailer premiered during Sony's State of Play event on Wednesday, February 12th, the following are included- Jordan, Nike, Puma, and Chalk Line. Of course, more might be included as the full game releases.

An example of footwear being included in the game via early screenshots from the trailer is the MSCHF 'Big Red Boots' that became a viral hit upon their release in 2023. It looks like 2K has taken the idea of streetwear and sneakerhead inclusion from their most successful series of 2K games and realized that they might find success in adding new customization features to their WWE series as well.

VC can be used and gained by playing the game and doing well in matches, so one can assume it will be performance-based and not just a way of spending real currency to earn virtual currency. Either way, this is a way to get sneakerheads involved and more interested in the game, and it might just work.