Ultra Pro Wrestling – The ULTIMATE Professional Wrestling Videogame – Interview with COO/Project Manager

When the lead developer (Sam Vallely) approached a popular Scottish wrestling promotion, with a proposal to produce a licensed game. With gameplay like No Mercy and featuring the promotion’s top stars. The idea was met with excitement and seemed to be a recipe for success.

Sam started developing core features such as hit detection, health/stamina systems, the Create-A-Wrestler system and even a story mode which followed a timeline of the promotion’s rise.

But after spending many months modelling and texturing real world wrestlers and environments, the promotion began to loose some of its stars and instructed that they be removed from the game. This was concerning as some of these wrestlers were crucial to story elements which had been developed. Not to mention the amount of time spent on creating 3D representations of these wrestlers. Communication with the promotion began to dwindle to the point where we would have to wait weeks on getting a single logo or graphic. As communication worsened, the project sadly faded in to obscurity.

The game engine which had been in development for almost two years then sat on the shelf, until…

February 28th, 2020. Sam made a post on social media expressing his desire to return to making a wrestling game.

Sam had come to the realization that while a licensed wrestling game could be successful, the most important aspect was the game engine, and perhaps fans wouldn’t object to fictional/unknown characters if they were able to create their own – as long as the gameplay was good.

Unfortunately, much of what had been made during the previous version of the game had to be scrapped. All of the wrestlers, attires and environments couldn’t be used. However, Sam managed to salvage the Create-a-Wrestler system he had started along with menu systems and some of the core gameplay elements.

Over the next couple of years, Sam would work on the game in his spare time and started to develop the style and feel of this new engine with a brand new title. The game’s name is actually an Easter egg of sorts. Since the game is so heavily inspired by the wrestling games from the ’90s, he looked to the N64’s original development name: the “Ultra 64”.
“Ultra Pro Wrestling” was the obvious choice.

In the middle of 2022, Sam made the decision to commit to this project full time and restarted “Hyperfocus Games” (the company through which Ultra Pro Wrestling would be developed and produced).

With only a shoe-string budget and a dream – Hyperfocus Games has since grown to have an office and a small team of passionate people, working to make this dream a reality.

I recently sat down with COO / Project Manager Paul Watson of the Ultra Pro Wrestling videogame and he told us more about it in a more thorough way, I have divided the interview into sections. I would like to personally thank Anthony Maurizio for arranging this for us.

UPW

Gameplay and Mechanics

DJD: What inspired you to create this wrestling game?

PW: We’re wrestling fans through and through – it’s in our DNA. Ultra Pro Wrestling is our way of paying homage to the games and moments that made us fall in love with this mad world in the first place. Classics like No Mercy and Virtual Pro Wrestling 2 had a timeless magic that captured the heart and soul of wrestling, and we felt like it was time to bring that feeling back for a new generation.

But it’s not just about nostalgia. We wanted to build something that evolves beyond the classics – something that embraces the creativity, the drama, and the larger-than-life moments of wrestling, while also giving fans the tools to shape their own unique experiences. This project is more than just a game for us; it’s a passion project, a love letter to wrestling fans everywhere, and a chance to create something we’ve always wanted to play ourselves.

DJD: What do you feel will set this game apart from other wrestling games on the market?

PW: UPW stands out because it’s built on heart, creativity, and a deep respect for wrestling history. This isn’t just another wrestling game – it’s a platform for fans to live out their wrestling dreams. Whether you want to create your own wrestlers, build promotions from the ground up, or book dream matches between legends and modern stars, the possibilities are endless.
What truly sets us apart is the freedom we offer. UPW isn’t tied to a single promotion, meaning fans can mix and match rosters and styles to create their own wrestling universe. And unlike yearly franchise games, UPW is a long-term vision. We’re not here for a quick release—we’re here to build and grow this game for years, with regular updates, new features, and fresh content to keep fans engaged and excited. We’re creating more than a game; we’re building a community-driven experience that evolves alongside the fans who love it.

DJD: Can you describe the core gameplay mechanics? Are they more simulation-based or arcade-style?

PW: I think we’ve struck a balance between the two. It’s easy to pick up and play, just like those classics we all love, but there’s still a lot of depth for players who want to master the mechanics. Whether you’re new to wrestling games or a longtime fan, we’re sure you’ll feel right at home.

DJD: How realistic are the wrestling moves and animations?

PW: We’ve been studying the tapes! Seriously, we’ve watched countless hours of wrestling footage to make sure every move looks and feels just right. As lifelong wrestling fans, we all have our favorite versions of iconic moves, whether it’s the perfect suplex or the most electrifying dive. To capture that magic, we’ve meticulously crafted each move by hand, frame by frame, paying close attention to how they were performed by the legends themselves. Our goal was to create moves that feel as authentic as they look, without sacrificing the fluidity and fun that makes a wrestling game so satisfying. Whether you’re pulling off a brutal finisher or just hitting a crisp arm drag, everything is designed to reflect the energy and impact of real-life wrestling while still embracing the charm of classic wrestling games. It’s all about striking that perfect balance between authenticity and fun.

DJD: Is the game tailored for casual players, hardcore wrestling fans, or both?
PW: Both, absolutely! We’ve designed UPW to be a game anyone can pick up and enjoy, whether you’re a casual player looking for quick, fun matches or a die-hard wrestling fan who wants to dive deep into creating the ultimate wrestling federation. For casual players, the controls are intuitive, and the gameplay is smooth and accessible, making it easy to jump in and start having fun right away. For the hardcore fans, there’s an incredible level of depth – from detailed customization options, intricate gameplay mechanics, and the ability to build your dream wrestling universe from scratch. No matter your level of experience or love for wrestling, UPW has something for everyone.

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Features and Modes

DJD: What game modes are available?

PW: We’ve got some big plans here. For starters, you’ll be able to jump right into the action with quick exhibition matches – perfect if you’re itching to get in the ring right away.
For players who love a good story, there’s a linear Storybook mode that explores the larger-than-life tales of our original characters. If you’re looking for something more expansive, our sandbox-style career mode is a true standout. It spans decades, letting you relive wrestling history (or rewrite it) as you build your legacy in the ring. But that’s just the beginning. We’re working on even more modes for the future, like a Booker mode where you run your own promotion, co-op career modes, tournaments, massive battle royales, and online multiplayer showdowns. And let’s not forget Monday Night Blast!, our own in-game wrestling show packed with epic action and drama. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore fan, we want to give you all the tools to create your own wrestling adventure.

DJD: Will there be a create-a-wrestler feature? If so, how detailed is it?

PW: Absolutely! Create-a-wrestler is one of the cornerstones of the game. We want this to be the ultimate playground for your wrestling imagination. You’ll have full control over every aspect of your wrestler: appearance, movesets, entrances, and even tiny details like facial expressions or ring gear. But we’re not stopping there – you’ll also be able to design your own championship belts, arenas, and even tweak entrance pyro and music to match your wrestler’s persona. Whether you want to recreate your favorite stars, design over-the-top characters, or craft a whole new federation, the tools are there to make it happen. It’s not just about customization – it’s about giving players the power to create their dream wrestling world.

DJD: Are there any unique match types or stipulations in the game?

PW: We’ll have all the classics that wrestling fans love (cage matches, hardcore brawls, ladder matches) – but we’re also cooking up some unique match types and stipulations that we think will surprise players. While we can’t reveal too much just yet, our goal is to bring fresh, unexpected ideas to the table while staying true to the spirit of wrestling. Whether it’s innovative spins on traditional matches or entirely new formats, we’re making sure there’s something special for every kind of fan. Stay tuned, this is where things get exciting…

DJD: Can players create their own promotions or storylines?

PW: Absolutely! Creative freedom is a huge part of what makes Ultra Pro Wrestling special. Players can build their own promotions from the ground up—design the branding, create custom championships, and draft their dream roster. You’ll also have the tools to craft and manage your own storylines, setting up rivalries, alliances, and epic showdowns just like a real booker. Want to recreate legendary feuds, or dream up wild, never-before-seen story arcs? Go for it. There are no limits here: this is your wrestling world to shape and control.
It’s all about giving fans the tools to live out their ultimate wrestling fantasies, both in and out of the ring.

DJD: What online multiplayer features does the game include?

PW: We’re designing an online experience that’s as dynamic as the action in the ring. While we’re still finalizing some details, players can expect features like matchmaking, leaderboards, and a mix of competitive and cooperative modes. Whether you want to team up with friends, face off against rivals around the world, or create your own dream matches online, we’re aiming to make it all possible. We’re also exploring ways to make online play feel unique, with ideas like tournaments, custom events, and even community-driven showdowns. The goal is to build an online wrestling community that feels alive and engaging.

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Graphics and Presentation

DJD: What engine is the game built on, and how does it impact the visuals and gameplay?

PW: The game is built on Unity, which has allowed us to develop a stylized visual approach that captures the essence of classic wrestling games while feeling fresh and modern. Instead of chasing hyper-realism, we’ve focused on creating a vibrant, dynamic art style that feels larger-than-life—just like wrestling itself.

DJD: How are the arenas and crowds designed? Do they react dynamically to the action?

PW: Our arenas are built to feel alive and immersive, with plenty of attention to detail that wrestling fans will instantly recognize – whether it’s the ring ropes, entrance ramps, or the lighting that sets the mood for each match. Every arena has its own distinct personality, designed to capture the essence of different wrestling eras and styles, from gritty indie halls to massive stadium events. And they’ll change, evolve and potentially even disappear over the course of time, with new ones popping up to take their place. The crowd plays a huge role in bringing that energy to life. They don’t just sit there – they react dynamically to everything happening in the ring. Expect cheers for comebacks, boos for heel tactics, and thunderous pops for big moments and finishers. We’ve worked hard to make the crowd a living, breathing part of the experience.

DJD: Are there dynamic commentary and in-game storytelling elements?

PW: That’s absolutely something we’re working on. While there’s no traditional in-game commentary at launch – this was a deliberate choice, as commentary in games can often be divisive and sometimes detracts more than it adds—we’ve explored other ways to tell the story of the match. For example, you might hear unique audio during storylines or taunts that add personality and context to the action. That said, we’re always listening to what fans want, and commentary is something we’re open to exploring in the future if it feels right. For now, we’re focusing on in-ring storytelling and creating an experience that feels dynamic without relying on commentary as a crutch.

DJD: What does the roster look like? Are there any special guest wrestlers?

PW: Our roster is one of the crown jewels of Ultra Pro Wrestling. Firstly, we’ve created a massive deck of brand-new, unique characters designed exclusively for UPW. Each character has a distinct personality, moveset, and storyline, adding depth and variety to the game. These aren’t just filler wrestlers – they’re crafted with the same care and creativity as the legends you know and love.
What’s more, the base game roster will continue to grow after launch. With regular free updates, we’ll introduce new HFG-created characters, ensuring the game stays fresh and exciting for players without any extra cost. It’s part of our commitment to giving players a complete and evolving wrestling experience. Alongside our original roster, we’ve assembled an absolutely jaw-dropping lineup of real-life wrestling legends and fan favorites as part of our DLC packs. This includes icons like Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Tully Blanchard, Arn Anderson, Atsushi Onita, Demolition, The British Bulldogs, Raven, Hayabusa, Sabu, Gangrel, Bull Nakano and over 100 more. It’s an unmatched collection of talent that spans eras, promotions, and styles. What also makes our DLC model special is how it directly benefits the wrestlers. A significant portion of the revenue goes straight to the talent themselves, helping to support them, their families, and even good causes. We’re proud to say this is one of the fairest deals in gaming, and by purchasing these DLC packs, fans can enjoy their favorite stars while making a real difference in their lives.

DJD: How customizable are the wrestlers, both in appearance and movesets?

PW: Customization is at the heart of Ultra Pro Wrestling. We want players to have complete control, whether they’re recreating their favorite wrestlers, designing over-the-top characters, or crafting their own unique wrestling persona. You can fine-tune every detail of your wrestler’s appearance, from body type and facial features to gear, tattoos, and even entrance attire. The level of detail extends to movesets as well, allowing you to customize not just finishers and signatures but the entire flow of your wrestler’s style—grapples, strikes, submissions, and even taunts.
We’re also including full entrance customization, where you can choose music, lighting, pyrotechnics, and animations to make your wrestler’s introduction as dramatic or unique as you like. On top of that, you’ll be able to design belts, arenas, and even tweak match presentations to match your vision. Our goal is to give players the tools to create their dream wrestlers and build their own perfect wrestling world, with as much—or as little—detail as they want.

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Development Process

DJD: What challenges have you faced during development?

PW: Honestly, it’s been a wild ride. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing nostalgia with modern expectations. We’re building a game that honors the spirit of classic wrestling games like No Mercy while making sure it feels fresh, innovative, and relevant for today’s players. Getting that balance right has been a real labor of love. As a small team with a tiny budget, the pressure is definitely there – especially because the expectations from fans are so high. We’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible support from the community, from our crowdfunding backers to the wrestlers who’ve joined us, and it’s that support that drives us to deliver something truly special. There’s also a lot of personal pressure. We know how much this game means to the fans who’ve been rooting for us from the start, and we don’t want to let them down. Every challenge we’ve faced – whether it’s stretching limited resources, solving technical hurdles, or refining the smallest gameplay details – has been worth it to create a game that wrestling fans can be proud of.

DJD: How did you ensure the game feels authentic to wrestling fans?

PW: Authenticity has been our top priority from day one. To make sure the game resonates with wrestling fans, we’ve gone the extra mile. We’ve worked closely with wrestlers—both legends and modern stars—to capture the essence of their moves, mannerisms, and in-ring style. Their insights have been invaluable in helping us recreate the magic of wrestling in a way that feels true to the sport.
On top of that, we’ve spent countless hours studying footage from every era of wrestling, breaking down moves, entrances, and even the energy of matches. And of course, we’ve listened to the fans at every step of the process. Their feedback has shaped everything from gameplay mechanics to the roster and even the little details that only true wrestling enthusiasts would notice. This isn’t just a game made for wrestling fans – it’s made by wrestling fans. Every choice we’ve made, from the art style to the gameplay, has been about celebrating what makes wrestling so special while giving players the tools to relive (and reimagine!) the moments they love.

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Post-Launch Plans

DJD: Will there be post-launch content, such as DLCs, roster updates, or new modes?

PW: Absolutely! Post-launch content is a huge part of our vision for Ultra Pro Wrestling. Our goal is to keep the game fresh and exciting with regular updates, and we have big plans to deliver a steady stream of new content. We’ll be adding iconic wrestlers and legends through DLC packs, which will feature some of the most celebrated names in wrestling history, spanning multiple eras and styles. These packs will allow fans to build their dream roster while directly supporting the wrestlers themselves, as a significant portion of the revenue goes straight to the talent. We’re also planning special “Decades” DLC packs that celebrate wrestling’s evolution. Each pack will include wrestlers, arenas, and even match styles that reflect the vibe of those eras. Imagine stepping into the ring at a retro ’80s venue or recreating iconic rivalries from the ’90s with the right look, feel, and atmosphere. Beyond paid DLC, we’re committed to adding new content for free. This includes expanding the roster with brand-new, HFG-created characters and introducing new features, match types, and quality-of-life updates as the game evolves. We’re also exploring seasonal events and limited-time modes to keep players engaged. Whether it’s a themed tournament or special community challenges, we want to make sure there’s always something fresh to experience.

DJD: How do you plan to handle bug fixes and updates?

PW: We’re fully committed to delivering a polished experience, but we know that with any game, issues can crop up. That’s why we’ve built a plan to address bugs and updates quickly and effectively.
First and foremost, communication with our community is key. We’ll be actively engaging with players across our channels—whether it’s Discord, social media, or forums—to gather feedback and identify issues as they arise. Listening to players has been central to our development process, and that won’t stop after launch. We’ll be monitoring all feedback and working on fixes. Updates will be rolled out regularly, prioritizing any major bugs or gameplay issues to ensure a smooth experience for everyone. Beyond bug fixes, these updates will also include quality-of-life improvements and feature enhancements based on what the community wants to see. Our goal is to make Ultra Pro Wrestling a game that evolves and improves over time, with the players’ voices guiding that journey.

DJD: Will there be competitive or esports elements supported in the game?

PW: It’s definitely something we’re thinking about! While our main focus is on creating an incredible wrestling experience for all players, we’re also building features like ranked online modes, leaderboards, and competitive tournaments with esports potential in mind. That said, we’re taking it one step at a time. Our long-term hope is to see a competitive scene grow organically around Ultra Pro Wrestling. If the community embraces it and there’s enough interest, we’d love to support organized tournaments, events, and even potential esports partnerships in the future.
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Community Engagement

DJD: How involved are the wrestling community in the development process?

PW: The wrestling community has been absolutely incredible throughout the development of Ultra Pro Wrestling. This game wouldn’t exist without their support and input—it’s been a true collaborative effort from day one. It started with our Kickstarter campaign, where fans rallied around the project and made it clear they wanted a game like this. Since then, we’ve received support from all corners of the wrestling world: pledges and encouragement from creators like MDickie, insights from real-life wrestlers, promotions, agents, and even modders who’ve helped shape our vision. We’ve had random fans come up to us at conventions and shows to share their ideas, give feedback, or just show their excitement for the game. Even celebrities and industry veterans have chimed in to lend their voices and guidance. It’s been a humbling experience to see how much love the wrestling community has for this project.

DJD: Are there plans for modding or user-generated content?

PW: Yes, absolutely. Modding has always been a huge part of the wrestling game community, and we fully embrace it. Fans have been creating incredible mods for years, keeping the spirit of classic wrestling games alive. We love seeing the creativity and passion that goes into those projects, and it’s something we want to support and encourage with Ultra Pro Wrestling. Our goal is to give players as much creative freedom as possible, whether that’s through in-game tools for customization or future support to make modding easier and more accessible. We know mods can take a game to a whole new level, and we’re excited about the idea of fans contributing their own unique creations to expand the experience. While we can’t share specifics just yet, we’re looking at ways to collaborate with the modding community to ensure Ultra Pro Wrestling becomes a platform that evolves with the imagination of its players.

DJD: What kind of community support do you envision post-launch?

PW: The community will be our guiding light. Feedback will drive everything we do, from refining gameplay to deciding which features or wrestlers to add next. Whether it’s bug fixes, quality-of-life improvements, or brand-new ideas that fans bring to the table, we’re committed to listening and delivering what players want to see. We’ll be creating spaces for open dialogue – through Discord, social media, forums, and even direct surveys – so players have a real voice in shaping the game. If the community’s passionate about something, we want to hear it and, where possible, make it happen. This approach isn’t just about updates, it’s about trust. Our goal is to build a game that evolves hand-in-hand with the fans, ensuring UPW grows into something even bigger and better than we could imagine on our own. Together, we’ll keep building the wrestling game fans truly deserve.

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Future Vision

DJD: What do you hope players take away from this game?

PW: We want Ultra Pro Wrestling to leave players with the same joy and excitement they felt watching or playing wrestling for the first time. It’s about capturing that sense of wonder – whether it’s the nostalgia of revisiting the magic of classic games or the thrill of creating something entirely new. For long-time fans, we hope it feels like a love letter to wrestling’s rich history, where they can relive iconic moments, create their dream matchups, and celebrate the legends they’ve grown up admiring. For newer players, we want it to be an open door to the wrestling universe, offering fun, creativity, and limitless possibilities to explore. We want to make new wrestling fans too. At the end of the day, our hope is that Ultra Pro Wrestling becomes more than just a game. We want it to be a community, a creative outlet, and a place where fans can share their passion for wrestling and create memories that stick with them – both in the game and beyond.

DJD: How do you see the game evolving in the future?

PW: Our goal isn’t just to be a great wrestling game – we want to be the best wrestling game ever. That means not only capturing the nostalgia of the classics but also setting new standards for innovation, customization, and community-driven content. Whether it’s expanding the roster with legends, introducing cutting-edge features, or even exploring new modes that fans have been dreaming about, we want UPW to remain at the forefront of wrestling games for years to come. Ultimately, we want Ultra Pro Wrestling to be the definitive home for wrestling fans, a game that players look back on as a milestone in wrestling gaming history.

You can keep up to date with all of the game’s movements by following them on X @upwvideogame or joining their Patreon at the following link: https://www.patreon.com/ultraprowrestling

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Follow me on X: @DJDiaz88