We spent time with sources close to The Wrestling Code's development and, if true, the picture that's emerged is one of a persistent indie project making steady but slow progress. Here’s what we can confirm about the state of the game, the team behind it, and why development has cooled publicly despite ongoing work.
What Was Reported
Per the information we gathered from people involved, The Wrestling Code remains in development, though public updates have been minimal. The project is reportedly a self-funded effort by developer Virtual Basement, with the studio using revenue from other contracted projects to keep the wrestling game alive.
Key operational details we were told include:
- The core team working on the game is a small group of just six people.
- Virtual Basement recently completed new motion capture work with wrestlers intended for the game.
- Programmers have been focused on taking that captured footage and finding “the right balance of feel, movement, grappling,” aiming for a simcade balance rather than copying the feel of past wrestling titles.
- Those behind the game believe they are close to that feeling, though progress has been slower than fans would like.
On business terms, the reported agreements with wrestlers are structured as a 50/50 revenue split and are non-exclusive, allowing talent to license themselves elsewhere. Sources said deals are for specific eras and personas, providing protections in usage — an example given was using Eli Drake in the game instead of LA Knight.
There was also a trademark issue raised recently; we were told the trademark is live and pending with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
The Source & Credibility
We spoke with sources close to the game’s development, and their accounts align on multiple operational points: team size, funding strategy, recent motion capture sessions, the programming focus on movement and grappling, and the nature of wrestler contracts. Take this with a pinch of salt — while these are direct claims from people familiar with operations, none of the specifics presented here are accompanied by public builds or new footage released alongside the statements.
On the funding question, sources were clear that conversations about outside funding have happened but that, so far, self-funding is the most viable route. Crowdfunding was discussed and reportedly dismissed as risky due to the potential for shortened deadlines and higher expectations that could lead to letting backers down.
We were also told that Virtual Basement is under contract for several other games, and those contracted projects take priority because they’re “paying the bills.” Development on The Wrestling Code reportedly continues in the gaps between contracts, and work is expected to pick up by the end of the year.
What It Could Mean
If these claims are accurate, several implications follow for fans watching this project.
- Small Team, Long Timeline: A six-person core team suggests slower iteration and a conservative feature set until more resources arrive.
- Quality Over Hype: The focus on motion capture and a simcade balance implies an attempt to craft a distinct feel rather than chase nostalgia for past wrestling engines — a positive if the stated “right balance” is achieved, but risky if development bandwidth is limited.
- Talent Flexibility: The reported 50/50 revenue split and non-exclusive deals may make the game attractive to wrestlers while letting them pursue other opportunities, but that structure could complicate promotional consistency if talent appears elsewhere.
- Funding Remains A Question: Conversations about funding reportedly happened but produced no major change; self-funding remains the fallback. If external funding doesn't materialize, progress will likely remain dependent on contract work cycles.
All of this is allegedly the current state of affairs — again, take it with a pinch of salt until more public evidence appears.
Why This Matters
Indie wrestling games have a dedicated fan base that prizes authenticity and a strong in-ring feel. If Virtual Basement can deliver on the motion capture work and the stated programming goals — particularly the “right balance of feel, movement, grappling” —
