Serious Parody

Serious Parody was an independent British video game developer based in Dundee, Scotland. Established as a games business in 2011, it specialised in professional wrestling games and sports management simulations for mobile and PlayStation consoles. Its work combined management and booking systems with character animation, combat programming and the development of its own wrestling franchise.

The studio's debut release, Wrestling Manager, arrived on iOS in December 2011. A text- and card-driven simulation, it let players build and run wrestling promotions using a roster of more than 500 characters and hundreds of collectible cards. Its emphasis on managing a promotion established the sports entertainment focus that continued through the company's subsequent releases.

From management to the ring

Serious Parody moved into 3D wrestling action with 5 Star Wrestling, released digitally for PlayStation 3 in March 2015. The game emphasised ring psychology, targeted limb damage and reversals between finishing moves. These systems made the condition of individual wrestlers and the timing of counters central elements of its approach to wrestling gameplay.

An upgraded release, 5 Star Wrestling: ReGenesis, followed exclusively on PlayStation 4 in January 2016. It featured a 40-hour challenge campaign and a roster of parody characters, extending the studio's console wrestling work.

The franchise also expanded into live professional wrestling events in 2015. That venture brought the brand into touring shows and television broadcasts, extending its reach beyond the games. Financial difficulties surrounding the live promotion preceded the end of the business.

Serious Parody entered creditors' voluntary liquidation in June 2018, ending its development operations. The legal company was formally dissolved on 10 January 2020. Its games remain the principal record of a studio whose output centred on the management, tactics and spectacle of professional wrestling.