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WWE 2K14 taps The Rock for cover spot
Part-time draw The Rock will grace the cover of the latest WWE game, WWE 2K14. Casey Collins, Executive Vice President of Consumer Products, announced the news (via Pasta Padre) prior to this past weekend's Wrestlemania 29 event, where The Rock lost his championship belt against John Cena. Don't worry, we're sure he'll get it back in time to promote the game later this year.The WWE license was held by THQ for years, up until the company's collapse late last year. THQ then proceeded to auction off its assets, with Take-Two securing the WWE license and placing it under its 2K Sports banner. WWE 2K14 is due this fall.Update: We followed up with 2K Sports to confirm what this game is actually called. The original announcement by Take-Two called it "WWE '14," but Joystiq has confirmed with 2K Sports that the game will indeed be called WWE 2K14. All references to the game in this post have been updated with the correct title.
Take-Two officially takes over WWE license, WWE 2K14 coming in fall
We knew this was coming last week, but now it's official: Take-Two is now the holder of the WWE license. The first game to come from the new WWE publisher is due this fall, titled WWE '14 – in line with 2K Sports' branding of sports games. [Update: The original ESPN source cited a name change, but Take-Two's press release confirms the new game will be called WWE '14.] Take-Two struck a five-year deal with WWE, WWE executive vice president of consumer products Casey Collins confirmed to ESPN. The previous WWE license holder was THQ, who has been pumping out wrasslin' games since 1999. THQ has since become no more, forced to sell off all its assets to the highest bidder – but before that silent auction, THQ and WWE got together to hold private bidding for the license. According to Collins, Take-Two was the right fit, a publisher he sees as "a leader going forward on these next-gen systems." Not only that, but Take-Two's success with the NBA 2K series also spurred interest, Collins said. "The work they do, and the quality of the games they put out and how they've been able to grow their franchise with not only the simulation aspect of the game, but also the entertainment aspect, we thought they'd be a perfect partner." WWE '14 will launch this fall, a joint collaboration between 2K Sports studio Visual Concepts and longtime WWE series developer Yukes, located in Japan. As part of this five-year deal, Take-Two has also hired on some designers from THQ to work with Visual Concepts. "What we're going to do moving forward is meld Yukes with the team at Visual Concepts, so we can have the best of both worlds," Collins said. "Having Yukes' experience and then getting the Visual Concepts guys on board with them, we think this is going to be a dynamic duo." Collins confirmed that folks from THQ's "Fight Team" were being hired at Take-Two to help Visual Concepts with the transition. "The THQ Fight Team is also being brought over, and they'll report directly to Visual Concepts. Their experience in the marketing, their experience in the development, their experience with our franchise for years ... we thought that it was very valuable to keep that continuity." [Note: Image taken from WWE '13, but you probably knew that because it says WWE '13 right on the image.
Take-Two to publish WWE games pending court approval
Take-Two Interactive is set to enter a publishing deal for WWE games, confirming a previous report. IGN obtained a quote from the parent company of 2K Games, 2K Sports and Rockstar that it expects to take over the license previously held by defunct publisher THQ."At this time, the agreement is pending court approval and we anticipate that it will be finalized shortly," a company representative told IGN. "We are very excited about the potential of this agreement and will have more to share at the appropriate time."Take-Two plans to keep developer Yukes on to helm the franchise. The exact financial terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed. WWE isn't the only thing Take-Two picked up from the collapse of THQ, spending $10.9 million on Turtle Rock's still secret Evolve during the asset auction last month.
Tattoo artist sues THQ over use of original ink in UFC Undisputed 2010, UFC Undisputed 3
A tattoo artist by the name of Chris Escobedo has filed a lawsuit against THQ over its supposedly unauthorized usage of a tattoo Escobedo designed. Specifically, Escobedo owns the copyright to a tattoo present on the virtual version of MMA fighter Carlos Condit in UFC Undisputed 2010 and UFC Undisputed 3.Escobedo's argument hinges on the idea that, despite being permanently affixed to a public figure, the tattoo's design still belongs to him, as he created it originally and never signed the rights to the design away to Condit. By digitally recreating that design without permission, THQ may have violated Escobedo's copyright on the work. The lawsuit also claims that THQ's usage of Condit's likeness on its website violates Escobedo's copyright as well.The lawsuit seeks compensation for "actual damages" caused by THQ's usage of the artwork, as well as "an order directing THQ to account to Mr. Escobedo for all gains, profits and advantages derived by them by their wrongful conduct, and to disgorge all profits obtained by their wrongful conduct." Gross.
Yuke's acquires Lingerie Football League license
Yuke's recently obtained the Lingerie Football League license to develop a video game based on the "aggressive yet sexy" sport. The studio developed the WWE series as well as the UFC Undisputed series, so it is experienced with scantily clad individuals in video games.The LFL is a league of under-dressed women playing 7-on-7 indoor American football, with 12 teams and 14 more to come in the next four seasons. The sport is often criticized for its portrayal of female athletes, as women wear little more than protective pads on the field.Yuke's has not announced information on which platforms it is developing the game for. We're hoping there's no mention of "jiggle physics" in future updates.
Leaked WWE 13 trailer shows off slams, jams and a Nov. 1 2012 release date
The above leaked trailer for WWE 13, assuming it hasn't been ripped from the pages of YouTube by THQ, shows off many of the wrestling acrobatics and tiny shorts one can look forward to performing and wearing this fall, when the game pile drives its way onto retail shelves come November 1.Eagle-eyed readers will recognize wrestling legends The Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Mankind, among newer faces like Sheamus, Mark Henry, CM Punk and Chris Jericho. Hey THQ, how 'bout bringing back some Doink?
UFC Undisputed 3 review: Pride Fighting
I hate BJ Penn. "Hate" might be a strong word, but twice now he's thwarted my attempts to win the UFC Lightweight Championship title. While pummeling my way to 30 wins feels rewarding, my five losses (two from Penn) are an inescapable stain on my record. Falling from the #2 ranking to #7 is embarrassing. Between fights, I hit my limited opportunities to train hard, building up my submission and grappling defense with one goal in mind: to beat Penn and win the belt.%Gallery-136875%
WWE '12 review: Men in Tights
Pro wrestling has never been depicted as well as it has in WWE '12, a decidedly non-wrestling game. Sure, it's got "wrestling" embedded somewhere in its acronymic title, but WWE '12 acts like a fighting game. In pro wrestling, the "other guy" in a match takes bumps, and helps dictate the pace of the bout. The video game versions of wrestling don't include blatant options to take falls. There is no intentional means of losing to give a low-card wrestler a "push." WWE '12 continues the tradition of advancing the illusion of wrestling. Both as a video game and as an extension of the WWE product, it accomplishes that task exceedingly well. %Gallery-125042%
UFC Undisputed 3 definitely shipping February 14
Though THQ originally assigned a January date to UFC Undisputed 3, it went on to defy the name and dispute that ship date. During an investor call, CEO Brian Farrell revealed the new release date: February 14. It's a day for togetherness, after all, even if said togetherness involves a sleeper hold in the middle of an octagonal arena. Earlier today, THQ sent out media for "PRIDE Mode," featuring a roster of fighters from the PRIDE Fighting Championships, presumably battling over whose self-assuredness is most justified.%Gallery-138222%
You -- yes you -- can select the cover athlete for UFC Undisputed 3
Don't think we can't see you out there, you UFC ultra-fan you. You're the guy with posters of Flint Ironstag and Bolt Vanderhuge all over your home gym. You're the guy with the octagon-shaped bed, the chain-link wallpaper and one of those old-timey uvula punching bags mounted in your shower. You breathe this stuff, and THQ knows it. That's why they've entrusted you specifically with the solemn duty of determining which fighter will grace the cover of UFC Undisputed 3. You've got between now and September 30 to vote for one of five fighters, so start blasting your core and jammin' on your quads now; that clickin' finger needs to be in peak physical condition. Once you've cast your ballot, you'll have the chance to win passes to a live UFC event, as if you didn't have season tickets already. Remember to always stretch properly before using the internet, and never vote on cover art without a spotter.
THQ revises financial outlook, UFC 2010 disappoints
THQ today updated its guidance for its first fiscal quarter in 2010, which ends June 30, as well as its entire fiscal 2010, ending March 30, 2011. Previously, the company had predicted non-GAAP first quarter net sales to be between $190 and $200 million. THQ has now lowered its first quarter guidance to between $155 and $165 million. The corresponding outlook for fiscal 2010 has been lowered from between $905 and $920 million to between $845 and $865 million. The culprit for the guidance shift? "Lower-than-anticipated sales of UFC Undisputed 2010, and the strengthening dollar," according to THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell. Even though pre-orders were 50 percent higher than the 2009 iteration, noted Farrell, sell through of the 2.6 million shipped units has been "below [THQ's] expectations, and prior-year results." Farrell sated that THQ has "a strong pipeline scheduled for release over the next three years" and asked that "everyone" try out its offerings on the E3 show floor. You can bet we'll be doing just that in the days ahead.
Red Dead Redemption tops UK charts again; Blur loses out to Split/Second
Rockstar's western opus, Red Dead Redemption, has saddled up and rode for first once again in the GFK Chart-Track derby. Even though it's suffered a 40% drop in sales -- likely a byproduct of those shortages -- it was enough to best UFC Undisputed 2010, which debuted at second place. Also of note is the debut of Blur at the 14th spot -- well below Black Rock Studio's previously released arcade racing rival Split/Second (6th) and United Front Games' ModNation Racers (12th). Source - Top 40 Entertainment Software, Week Ending May 29 2010 Source - Red Dead Redemption Still Riding High at No. 1
Nintendo once again tops the Develop 100
Develop magazine has published its latest Develop 100, a list of 100 video game developers ranked by the amount of money they made at UK retail. There's a digital version of the whole book online, but the list is available in quick-browse form over on the website, and there are plenty of big industry names. Nintendo has topped the list -- it did the same thing a few years ago before Blizzard stole the No. 1 spot last time around (down to No. 80 this year). Infinity Ward, a development house whose best days may be behind it, sits at No. 2. The biggest surprise in the top 10 may be Yuke's at No. 9, the company behind a long history of wrestling titles and creators of the popular UFC Undisputed line. It's been around this list before, though, having reached as high as No. 8 a few years ago. Midway Newcastle is on the list at No. 90, despite having shut down last year. The US claims both the most studios on the list (40 percent) as well as the most profit earned (£484.78 million). And, in general, profits are up from previous years -- Nintendo itself is making about £70 million more than it did the last time it was in first place. Remember, these are all UK totals, but Develop has worked hard to make a fairly representative list of worldwide developers.
UFC Undisputed's Chuck Liddell tells us what it takes
Admittedly, Chuck Liddell is our second favorite "Iceman" -- Bobby Drake's mutant powers and frosty quips make him slightly more endearing to video game nerds like us. But the UFC fighter has his charms as well. Not only is he the winning coach on this season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show, but here he is in a promo video for the upcoming UFC Undisputed 2010 game, schooling all of us pushovers on what it takes to win in the Octagon. [Spoiler: You have to get real angry and beat up that seemingly no-good Ortiz character.]
UFC Undisputed 2010 early access demo expected this week
THQ announced earlier this year that it planned to release a UFC Undisputed 2010 demo a few months prior to the game's May 25 launch. Now, according to the game's community website, it looks like certain UFC fans will be getting an early crack at the demo. The community site relaunched last week, announcing some new perks for registered members, including early access to the demo. According to a recent post, the demo is expected late this week, so you'd best get registered if you want in on the big, sweaty man-fight action. To register, just viciously punch your mouse button on this link. [Via Eurogamer]
Sway into this new UFC Undisputed 2010 trailer
One of the main things an annualized franchise must do is convince its fans that the tweaks made to each successive sequel are really worth getting hyped about. After an impressive debut with last year's UFC Undisputed 2009, Yuke's and THQ have a lot to prove with 2010. This video highlights some of the key improvements made to the gameplay engine, notably the addition of "sways," dodges that allow fighters to quickly counter-attack. Other improvements to the combat engine involve utilizing the cage in both offensive and defensive maneuvers. The submission system has also been improved, with a more dynamic camera that focuses on the limbs that are being worked on. It's meant to be more "visceral," a trait that's pretty important in a game all about dudes beating each other up. For UFC fans, we wonder if these improvements are worth another purchase this year?
UFC 2010 features exclusive fights on PS3
UFC Undisputed 2010 already has a shaved kodiak bear on its cover, so what else do you want? OK, how about a video of B.J. Penn just being sweaty and angry? Maybe some new pictures of the game in a gallery? Still not enough!? Then there are exclusive Ultimate Fights for the PS3 version, like: Ultimate 2009 Category -- UFN 18 – Carlos Condit vs. Martin Kampmann Ultimate Knockouts Category -- UFC 102 – Nate Marquardt vs. Demian Maia Ultimate Classics Category -- UFC 60 – Matt Hughes vs. Royce Gracie, UFC 66 – Keith Jardine vs. Forrest Griffin Ultimate Submissions Category -- UFC 68 – Martin Kampmann vs. Drew McFredries We're sure more assets are coming. Just please, please don't punch us. %Gallery-88373%
Best of the Rest: Andrew's Picks of 2009
Flower This year had a number of terrific downloadable games (this list is a testament to that), however no game -- retail or digital -- connected with me like Flower. Jenova Chen's flOw was an interesting experiment, but Flower is an actual game. In fact, Flower is one of the few experiences I can think of that show the true potential of games as a unique storytelling medium. No other non-interactive art form will ever be able to replicate what thatgamecompany has managed to create.
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 dated, detailed
Other than a recent countdown offered by THQ, we haven't heard much about the publisher's next effort in its longtime wrestling franchise, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010. Today though, THQ announced an October 20 release date for the game, along with a clear marketing push towards online play. Nelo Lucich, a senior VP at licensor JAKKS Pacific, leads the charge, saying, "The vast array of creative and online options allow players the ability to create their own unique Superstars, right down to their tattoos and customized ring gear." He goes on to tout the game's "Community Creations interface" and other options for online play, remaining confident. And maybe he should be, considering the game's October release now has a much better chance of standing out in a delay-riddled holiday season than ever before.
THQ begins a countdown to Smackdown
This might be the weirdest variant of the reviled countdown site yet. We know exactly what the countdown is for -- WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 -- and, since it's an annual sports franchise, we don't really expect surprises. But there it is, counting down three days until we'll see the roster, media, downloads, list of features, and other areas of what promises to be a bog-standard game website. Of course, the big attraction here is what the new game will look like. However, since that was revealed on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, that leaves ... the downloads? Who will appear on the downloadable desktop wallpaper. FIND OUT in three days!
