'WWE 2K17' release date rumors update: Separate Raw and Smackdown versions to be released after brand split?

WWE Raw and WWE Smackdown will be two separate bodies starting July and will have different storylines and a unique roster of fighters and characters. This big change is expected to impact "WWE 2K" games as well.

"WWE 2K17" or future titles of the video game series might now come in two versions, one for Raw and another for Smackdown. Fans will have to purchase both versions to enjoy WWE the way they did before, which means that it will be double the money to spend.

This change will make "WWE 2K17" much like "Pokemon" titles, which come in two versions such as Sun and Moon or Ruby and Sapphire when they hit the shelves.

Mobile N Apps believes that the brand split is a win for developer 2K Games since they will be able to offer two different "WWE" 2K games in one go.

However, two "WWE 2K" titles might take longer to produce. If the split will affect the gaming franchise, the sudden decision might delay "WWE 2K17" a bit since 2K might have to change things up to reflect the real-life events in WWE.

Production for the upcoming title is already underway with a projected release of Oct. 6. If the game will be required to mirror the recent changes, it might be a challenge for 2K to deliver on that release schedule.

But apart from possible profit benefits, the WWE Raw and Smackdown split can also pave the way for a possible new story mode for "WWE 2K17" where rivalry of the parties could be at play. 2K will be able to do a mode in the game where players choose which brand to represent.

Also, if the brand split will impact "WWE 2K17," there's now the question of which fighters end up in the roster.

2K hasn't said anything about a drastic change in "WWE 2K17" following the parting of Raw and Smackdown. For now, fans will simply have to wait how big of a blow the brand split will give the "WWE 2K" game franchise.