Adding New Boxers or Features to Undisputed Will Do Nothing for the Player Base If the Game Isn't Fixed and Substantially Upgraded

The Undisputed boxing game has had a rollercoaster of a development cycle, initially capturing the excitement of boxing fans who craved a realistic, simulation-style experience. However, as time has passed, frustration has built within the player base due to fundamental issues that persist. While the developers continue to introduce new boxers and features, these additions will do little to maintain or grow the player base if the game itself remains riddled with gameplay flaws, mechanical inconsistencies, and a lack of necessary improvements.

New Content Without Fundamental Fixes Is Just a Distraction

Adding new fighters or flashy features can be exciting at face value, but it does nothing to address core gameplay mechanics that remain problematic. A boxing game isn’t just about who is on the roster—it’s about how the game plays, how realistic the physics are, and how immersive the experience is for players who want a true-to-life simulation. If the core mechanics are broken or underwhelming, then no amount of DLC fighters or cosmetic add-ons will make the game feel complete.

Many players already feel that Undisputed has lost its initial spark because of glaring issues that have been ignored or inadequately addressed. Rather than prioritizing roster expansion, the development team needs to focus on refining the gameplay experience so that it feels smooth, balanced, and true to the sport.

What Needs to Be Fixed?

The issues plaguing Undisputed aren’t minor inconveniences; they are fundamental flaws that impact the overall gameplay experience. Here are some of the most pressing concerns:

1. Punch Variety and Realism – The game still lacks a deep selection of punch animations, with many punches feeling robotic or generic rather than tailored to different boxing styles. Fighters don’t always throw punches as they do in real life, making for an inconsistent and unrealistic experience.
2. Defensive Mechanics and Blocking – The defensive side of boxing is just as important as offense, yet the blocking mechanics in Undisputed feel limited and unrefined. The game lacks a diverse selection of block styles and hybrids that would allow fighters to defend realistically based on their tendencies.
3. Movement and Footwork – Loose foot movement, which should be a defining feature for certain boxers, is still too accessible to fighters who shouldn’t have it. Additionally, movement often feels floaty rather than grounded, which takes away from the realism.
4. AI Behavior and CPU Fights – AI-controlled fighters should exhibit realistic tendencies based on their actual fighting styles. Instead, many boxers in the game behave similarly, making CPU fights feel repetitive and uninspired.
5. Clinch System – Clinching is a vital part of boxing strategy, used for defense, recovery, and tactical advantages. However, Undisputed has yet to implement a proper clinch system, which is a glaring omission for a game that strives for realism.
6. Stamina and Fatigue Management – Stamina should be a bigger factor in gameplay, with boxers tiring realistically based on their activity level and fighting style. Right now, the stamina system feels too forgiving or inconsistent.
7. Tactical Depth and Fight Strategy – Undisputed does not always encourage strategic boxing. Instead, players can often get away with spamming punches or relying on unbalanced mechanics rather than approaching fights with real-world boxing tactics.

New Features Should Enhance Gameplay, Not Cover Up Problems

Instead of focusing on adding fighters, the development team should be prioritizing updates that enhance core gameplay depth. Features such as an improved training system, a robust ranking structure, a deeper career mode, and better fight presentations would add to the realism of the game. However, these elements would be meaningless if the fundamental mechanics aren’t solid.

For example:

• If a fighter’s punches don’t look or feel right, then adding more fighters won’t solve anything.
• If movement and defense remain underdeveloped, then it won’t matter how many new features are introduced.
• If AI fighters don’t behave realistically, then career mode and CPU vs. CPU matches won’t be engaging.

The Long-Term Impact on Player Retention

Boxing fans and gamers are willing to invest in a game that delivers on its promise of realism and authenticity. However, the longer Undisputed ignores critical gameplay fixes in favor of adding content, the more players will lose interest. A boxing game should be a long-term experience, where players feel like they can improve, adapt, and compete in a realistic simulation of the sport.

Right now, the concern is that Undisputed is prioritizing the wrong aspects of development. Rather than delivering substantial upgrades, the focus has been on introducing fighters and features that don’t meaningfully improve gameplay. This is a dangerous path, as it risks alienating the very fanbase that once championed the game.

Conclusion

A boxing game should be built on a strong foundation of realistic gameplay, strategic depth, and immersive mechanics. Undisputed had the potential to set a new standard for boxing games, but without addressing its core flaws, it will struggle to maintain its player base.

New boxers and flashy features are fine, but they mean nothing if the game remains fundamentally flawed. The developers need to shift their focus to gameplay improvements, realism upgrades, and mechanical refinements—only then will Undisputed truly live up to its promise.