Machine Gun Kelly has been announced as a DLC wrestler for the upcoming WWE 2K22 video game. Those unfamiliar with the works of MGK and WWE might find this to be a baffling addition. However, those that have been keeping up with either or both of the fandoms will realize that the addition of MGK as a playable character in WWE 2K22 makes a lot of sense.
Machine Gun Kelly has been involved with WWE to some capacity for many years now. MGK has even been chokeslammed by Kevin Owens as part of an ongoing feud between Owens and John Cena. Aside from selling the powerbomb, Kelly has also shown up to some capacity in several Pay-Per-View moments, WWE’s big-name events. These appearances include a scheduled performance at Tribute to the Troops in 2017 as well as lending his song, Go for Broke, as the title theme for SummerSlam 2017 and his song, Invincible, for WrestleMania 28 in 2012. Unsurprisingly, Machine Gun Kelly will also be curating the soundtrack for the WWE 2K22 game.
Because of his willingness to take a bump and sell an attack for a storyline feud, as well as his on-screen and musical contributions, Machine Gun Kelly's appearance as a DLC wrestler in WWE 2K22 might not be too surprising. Music artists also have a history of appearing in games more broadly. Quite recently, Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak appeared in Fortnite as playable skins. Silk Sonic members are one of many musical artists to collaborate with - and appear in - the battle royale juggernaut. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson of notable WWE fame has also collaborated with Fortnite recently, and John Cena has fueled rumors of his Peacemaker character also potentially appearing soon. Fortnite's popularity illustrates how celebrity involvement can raise interest in a title, and it may be that WWE 2K22 is looking to replicate that approach with Machine Gun Kelly's involvement.
Playable Machine Gun Kelly In WWE 2K22 Is Hilarious
The inclusion of Machine Gun Kelly in WWE 2K22 also likely has to do with an established marketing principle called Celebrity Endorsement. Celebrity endorsement is when a celebrity endorses a brand or product, thereby making it more appealing to fans of that celebrity. In context, fans of MGK might be likely to buy the game for their chance to be able to play as and interact with him. This would certainly make sense for the brand to use marketing tactics to try to draw in fans. WWE’s previous 2K entry, WWE 2K20, was met with poor reviews. So, it might be that the brand is using established marketing techniques to draw wary audiences back to the franchise. This also doubles as a way to encourage fans to preorder the more expensive game bundle that comes with the DLC if they wish to play as, against, and with Machine Gun Kelly.
Fans of Machine Gun Kelly, WWE, and the 2K franchise won’t have to wait long for the game’s release. WWE 2K22 is set to release on March 8, 2022. Machine Gun Kelly will come later with the release of his DLC, but players will be able to listen to the soundtrack he has contributed to in the meantime.