Welcome to the first edition of Florida Friday, your new weekly obsession. Every Friday, we’re diving into what’s hot in the gaming world — from wild updates to game-breaking bugs, new and the up and up with gaming and the trends shaking up our digital playgrounds. And since no week is complete without a reminder that Florida is still the capital of chaos, we’ll close out each article with a handpicked Florida Man story you won’t believe is real. (But it is. I checked.)

This Weeks article in depth will focus on the new game WWE 2K25. As I’m writing this, I’ve put in 50 + hours of gameplay and as it does have a lot of issues WWE Gaming community has complained about over the years, it does have its good things. I’m going to start with the improvements made to the system starting with the Revamped Universe Mode has always had potential, but this year it finally feels like a true sandbox for storytelling. WWE 2K25 introduces custom rivalries, branching storylines, and dynamic cutscene integration that reacts to your decisions. Whether you’re booking Raw, SmackDown, or a custom brand like ECW or WCW, you now have full creative control to build feuds, alliances, and shocking betrayals your way.

The WWE 2K25 Universe Mode introduces several significant enhancements, offering players a more immersive and customizable experience.

Return of Promos

Promos make a comeback, enriching rivalries with five distinct types:

• Self-Promos: Superstars set personal challenges for upcoming matches, with rewards for success and penalties for failure.
• Call-Outs: Superstars challenge rivals to confrontations, potentially leading to various match scenarios or brawls.
• Promo Interrupts: Involves interrupting a rival’s promo, which can escalate into immediate matches or altercations.
• Issue Open Challenges: Superstars invite any opponent, with outcomes affecting their standing.
• Accept Open Challenges: Responding to a rival’s open challenge, with consequences tied to match results.

Enhanced Calendar and Show Management

The scheduling system now allows up to three shows per day, including combinations of PLEs, Major, or Minor Shows. PLEs can span two days, emulating real-world events like WrestleMania. Additionally, tournament-style PLEs, such as King and Queen of the Ring, are supported, with winners earning title match opportunities at SummerSlam.

Team Management Improvements

Players can assign Superstars to multiple teams, each with specific roles:

• Manager: Accompanies the team to matches.
• Valet: Provides ringside support.
• Allies: Offer backup during matches.
• Frenemies: Allies with underlying tension, adding complexity to relationships.

Integration of New Match Types and Features

Universe Mode supports new match types like Underground and Bloodline Rules, along with additional brawl environments. The inclusion of Intergender Wrestling allows for mixed gender matches and rivalries, with options to enable an Intergender Division and championships.

These updates aim to provide a richer, more dynamic Universe Mode experience in WWE 2K25.

Now another interesting thing I noticed with Universe mode was Promo system is back and its actually pretty good. For starters 2K really seemed to improve on the last time we seen this system. We have 5 different promo types you can use.

In the promo system my only complaint is that sometimes the promo and the mannerisms doesn’t match the superstar’s character… However, I did notice that even though the mannerisms and word choice may not match The Undertaker has the microphone without the WWE Logo on the mic and the Miz has his upside-down logo on the mic. I haven’t seen it all yet I’m sure but it’s those small details that to me shows they’re trying.

MyGM
WWE 2K25’s MyGM mode introduces several significant enhancements, offering players a more dynamic and customizable experience in managing their wrestling brands.

Online Multiplayer Integration with a flaw..

A notable addition is the support for online multiplayer, allowing up to four players on the same platform to participate simultaneously. The host can invite friends from their platform’s friends list, enabling each participant to draft and book their shows concurrently. After setting up, all players simulate their shows together to view match results and show outcomes. To ensure synchronized progression, Ready Up screens have been implemented, allowing players to move through the mode at the same pace. However, I noticed that online mode doesn’t let you play the matches, it forces you to simulate everything. Now if you’re someone like me who enjoys building the show, the roster and everything then wants to live that experience you just created. It sucks for us because we can’t. Hopefully in the future 2K can put out a patch that will help us regain that in the multiplayer setting of the mode

Enhanced Save File Functionality

Save files now provide detailed information, including game difficulty, AI difficulty, last played date, roster used, and the current season and week. Additionally, the new Brand and Human/CPU switching feature allows players to invite friends to take over an established brand or switch control between brands within an existing save file. This flexibility extends to online save files, permitting friends to join or be substituted by the CPU as needed. Moreover, online save files can be accessed offline, accommodating local play without online restrictions.

New Settings and Tuning Options

MyGM now offers customizable win conditions, enabling players to determine victories based on fans or trophies. The game’s length is adjustable by setting the required number of trophies to trigger Hall of Fame induction. Players can also modify superstar levels and promo skills when creating custom rosters. An optional timer adds a layer of challenge by limiting the time available for show bookings, with an additional penalty option that deducts a percentage of the week’s fans if the booking exceeds the allotted time. Furthermore, the Extreme difficulty level now mandates booking five matches per week, with AI opponents exhibiting more strategic behavior in power card usage, drafting, and show bookings. Logistics tuning has been updated, affecting how certain match types are unlocked, though an option remains to unlock all match types immediately.

2K says These comprehensive updates aim to provide a richer and more strategic MyGM experience in WWE 2K25, catering to both solo and multiplayer engagements(to some extent) and so far, it does feel that way to me.

WWE 2K25’s MyFACTION
The mode introduces several exciting features and enhancements, providing players with a more immersive and strategic experience. Now let me start before I break this down; I was never a fan of this game mode. At first when I heard about it, I was hyped up, it gave me Tower vibes from Mortal Kombat, but quickly disappointed when it originally came out. They started locking characters to this game mode, then when the fans didn’t like it and creators/modders like WhatsTheStatus took it upon themselves to liberate these models from MyFACTION to use outside of it 2K then decided “Hey let’s do persona cards” which ultimately was a slap in the face, because in order to unlock these persona cards people were spending upwards of 60 – 80 US Dollars to unlock them. Which again prompted the modders to liberate these models. I will say it seems easier to get persona cards now which makes me think again, 2K is listening to the fans, which later in the article I will dive into my theory about why..

World Tour

So a standout in my faction right now to me, is the World Tour, a non-linear, region-based adventure allowing players to travel to various locations and undertake unique challenges. Each region presents matches with specific rules, stipulations, and tour regulations. This structure enables players to choose their path, deciding which regions to visit and challenges to tackle first, with each match offering exclusive rewards to enhance their faction’s strength. Now these matches get harder and harder as you progress, but it has some awesome rewards to it if you’re able to succeed.

Ranked Matchmaking Updates

From what 2K says The Ranked Matchmaking system has been refined to emphasize player performance. Key updates include:

• Player Performance Rating System: Performance in matches now directly influences Rank Points (RP), rewarding skillful play.
• Card Tier Consideration: Winning matches using lower-tier cards against higher-tier opponents grants bonus RP, encouraging strategic gameplay.
• Rank Protection: Each rank tier offers one-time protection to assist players in their progression and prevent rank demotion.
• Additional Bonuses: Streaks of consecutive wins and quick match victories yield extra RP, further incentivizing consistent performance.
  
  Now I have yet to try this mode and maybe in the near future I will be able to where I can give my opinion on what this means or how all of it even works, but for now I will be focused on the solo player experience on the game mode

Expanded Match Type Support

MyFACTION now includes support for additional match types across live events and solo matches, such as

• Underground
• Royal Rumble
• WarGames
• Gauntlet
• Casket
• Ambulance
  

This is awesome, I know previously in my Faction the match types were kinda limited, and I think its great these match types are added in to make the game mode feel more chaotic and challenging.

Final say on MyFACTION

2K Says These enhancements in WWE 2K25’s MyFACTION mode aim to deliver a richer, more engaging experience for players, emphasizing strategic gameplay and offering a variety of customization options, and I will agree that. Speaking as someone who despised this game mode this year, I plan to play a bit more of it and see if maybe they have fixed it so to say

MyRISE & Showcase Mode Impressions

While I haven’t yet completed 50% of MyRISE, my experience so far has been quite enjoyable. This year’s MyRISE introduces a more inclusive and customizable journey, allowing players to create both male and female CAWs (Create-A-Wrestlers). From the outset, you can choose your background from three unique paths: an MMA-trained fighter, a current WWE talent, or a rising star from a rival promotion. This choice shapes the narrative and in-ring journey, giving each playthrough a distinct feel.

One of the standout improvements this year is the quality of rewards throughout MyRISE. Unlockables feel more meaningful and worth the effort, whether it’s new gear, arenas, or superstar variants. Another welcomed addition is the flexibility in tone—players can approach their character’s story seriously or lean into more light-hearted, over-the-top scenarios, giving the mode a satisfying level of replayability and creative freedom.

Showcase Mode

The Showcase Mode this year is truly a highlight. Centered around the legendary Anoa’i family, it not only celebrates their rich legacy in professional wrestling but also educates players on the history behind one of WWE’s most influential bloodlines. I found myself learning things about the Anoa’i lineage that I had never known before, which speaks volumes about the effort put into this mode.

One of the most compelling features is the ability to “right the wrongs” with alternative match outcomes. These fantasy-based what-if scenarios allow you to reshape wrestling history, which adds a layer of creativity and satisfaction for longtime fans. Reliving iconic matches—and even some dream matches—was both nostalgic and exciting. The WarGames match, while intense and challenging, proved to be a bit confusing initially. I wasn’t aware at first that it only needed to be completed once and that there were no objective-based rewards tied to it. Clarifying that earlier in the mode would have been helpful.

Overall Thoughts

At this point in time, I would give WWE 2K25 a solid 7/10. While the game still has some technical issues and areas for polish, it genuinely feels like 2K is listening to the community and actively working to improve the product. The frequent updates—ranging from updated entrances and title belts to new arenas—signal a level of post-launch support that’s refreshing.

Purely speculative, but with the recent changes in WWE’s leadership, one could wonder if the overall vision and tone of the 2K series is also benefiting. During previous years, when WWE Creative was under heavy criticism (including leadership many fans were frustrated with), the games often felt disconnected or stale. Now, with the new regime in place, 2K seems more agile and responsive—perhaps not a coincidence.

In short, WWE 2K25 isn’t perfect, but it’s on the right track. There’s a lot to enjoy already, and it gives me hope for what’s to come.

Upcoming Releases

One of the biggest drops on the horizon is The Last of Us Part II Remastered. Sony’s clearly reaching into its vault of bangers, dusting off this emotional rollercoaster of a game, and giving it a fresh coat of next-gen polish. While it might not be a brand-new release, it’s still a pretty big deal—especially for PC gamers, who are finally getting a taste of Ellie and Abby’s gritty saga without needing to own a PlayStation.

Sure, some might call it a cash grab (cough remaster of a four-year-old game cough), but hey, at least it’s finally leaving the console vault and landing on PC—something fans have been begging for. Whether you’re diving in for the first time or planning a second heartbreak-filled run, it’s shaping up to be worth a look.

If you’re gaming on PC, here are the minimum specs you’ll need to avoid turning this intense survival drama into a choppy slideshow

Florida Man Story of the Week

You ever been so mad you threaten someone with an army of turtles? You read that correctly. This week’s Florida man story happened 16 years ago, in Brevard County, Florida. We learn about 61-Year-old Thomas Devaney Lane, who was facing multiple charges of breaching the peace, misusing 911 and resisting an officer without violence. He caused chaos after repeatedly entering a police department lobby and yelling at officers about his mystical powers. He claimed he was a saint who could communicate with turtles—and not just chat with them, but command them. Lane allegedly threatened to destroy everyone using his so-called “army of turtles.”

After being told to leave, he took his turtle tantrum on the road, causing a scene at a local convenience store and allegedly calling 911 multiple times to shout obscenities and talk about his turtle uprising. Police found him later in the street, where he cursed at them and again warned of his reptilian reinforcements. He was arrested for breaching the peace, misusing 911, and resisting officers.

No turtles were harmed. Or located. The army remains at large, maybe they were just running late.