The series was first known as "WWF/WWE SmackDown!" from 2000 to 2004 and then was changed to "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw" in 2004. The title was changed to simply "WWE" in 2011 with the release of WWE '12. The "WWE" title was used for WWE '12 and WWE '13 and was changed to "WWE 2K" when Take Two Interactive acquired the publishing rights for the series from THQ. In Japan, the series was known as "Exciting Pro Wrestling" until 2005. The series has gained positive reviews over the years and is one of the best-selling video game franchises. 