WWE 2K14 publisher 2K Games today announced their support of Darren Young, who became the first openly gay wrestler in the WWE this week. 2K says that Young will be joining dozens of other current superstars and retired greats on 2K14's roster.
Young came out of the closet on Thursday while talking with TMZ.
"Absolutely," Young said when asked if a gay superstar could succeed in the WWE. "Look at me. I'm a WWE superstar and to be honest with you, I'll tell you right now, I'm gay. And I'm happy. I'm very happy."
It was a very admirable announcement, and not just because he's the first active WWE wrestler to out himself. I love how laidback he is about the whole thing. You'd think he had just admitted to liking REO Speedwagon or watching ESPN Classics. He couldn't care less what people think about him.
WWE Superstar Darren Young Comes Out -- I'm Gay - Watch More Celebrity Videos or Subscribe
The WWE, to their credit, is as supportive as 2K Games. The company released a statement on Thursday in which they said they're proud to count him as an employee.
"WWE is proud of Darren Young for being open about his sexuality, and we will continue to support him as a WWE Superstar. On Thursday afternoon, in fact, Darren participated in one of our Be A STAR anti-bullying rallies in Los Angeles to teach children how to create positive environments for everyone regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation," said the WWE.
In perusing other game sites' articles about 2K's announcement, I've read some stupid comments. The common argument is, "Why should Young be rewarded just for being gay? Where's my medal for being straight, etc." I really doubt 2K wasn't planning to put him in the game until now, though. He and Titus O'Neil are main contenders for the Tag Team Championship and could win the belts soon enough. Furthermore, game's launch isn't all that far away. I don't think the development team had time and manpower set aside on the off-chance that a wrestler would come out of the closet and they would have to hurriedly add him to the game.
You might also argue that 2K wouldn't have made a separate announcement for him if he hadn't come out and they're just trying to get attention. To that, I can only reply: no shit. It's the job of the PR department to get attention for their game. I can't really slam them for voicing support of someone who deserves a shout-out anyway.
2K Games plans to reveal additional wrestlers for WWE 2K14 today during a livestream event. The superstars being announced will be featured in the "30 Years of Wrestlemania" mode. The "30 Years" mode pays tribute to decades of WrestleMania by allowing players to relive classic matches.
