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EA has UFC in a multi-year headlock
The UFC franchise has moved to EA from THQ, EA Sports announced today during its E3 press conference. EA Sports and UFC have a multi-year, multi-product deal.
UFC app outage nets users free UFC 142 and a month of Xbox Live
Following the technical difficulties with the first streaming event for the UFC on Xbox Live app, Microsoft has come up with a consolation. Tomorrow's UFC 142 event will be free for those affected by the outages of UFC 141. All you need to do is sign into the app with the affected Gamertag. It should all work out this time ... we hope. Users affected will also receive a free month of Xbox Live Gold service. "Our hope is that this gesture conveys our sincere apologies, and helps restore confidence in our customers and fans," a Microsoft spokesperson said. UFC 142 will air live from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at 10pm ET on Saturday, January 14.
UFC 141 on Xbox Live glitchy, Microsoft promises to make good
On Friday, UFC's latest pay-per-view event debuted, a pretty big deal for Microsoft. As the first live event for the new UFC Xbox 360 app, a lot hinged on Friday night's fight. According to BitMob's Dan Hsu, it didn't go so well. He complained of constant crashes, weird issues involving video definition and the app bouncing around to different times in the broadcast at its own discretion, plus constant buffering throughout. Microsoft had sent out a whopping 30,000 promotional codes for the event, which ended up bringing down the house of cards. So Hsu contacted Microsoft to get some answers on his disappointment. "The broadcast of UFC 141 through the UFC for Xbox LIVE application was hampered by technical issues appearing in the hours leading up to the fight," a spokesperson told BitMob. "Despite restoring service to some users during the course of UFC 141, there is a great deal of room for improvement. All 30,000 users who registered to view UFC 141 for free will be provided access to a future fight at no cost." There's no timeline for the freebie, but "The gamertags of the 30,000 users who registered for UFC 141 are being safely kept on file for free access to a future UFC event, and we will have more updates to share in the near future," the spokesperson concluded. Let's just hope that's enough time for Microsoft to get the app working.
Microsoft rolls out more new Xbox 360 apps including UFC and Vudu
The Xbox 360's most recent dashboard update changed everything around again, but its ultimate effect will continue to be felt over the next few weeks and months as more apps trickle out and add more functionality. A few more selections just went live today, and include highly anticipated options like UFC's PPV app, and access to Vudu (pictured after the break -- also, there's no HDX support yet, just HD) movie streaming. That's not all however as they're also joined by 4 on Demand (UK), ABC iView (Australia), Dailymotion, Demand 5 (UK), plus M6 and MSN Video (France). Also recently announced are plans to bring Orange TV in France to the Xbox 360 in the spring with live streaming of thirty TV channels and VOD access later. For its part, Vudu is trying to entice new customers with a $4.99 credit towards their first rental or purchase, plus a few other promotional pricing incentives. Check the press release after the break for more details, or just power on your console to see the channels that are available in your neck of the woods.
Xbox 360's new video services won't all launch right away; Comcast, Verizon, and HBO Go delayed
Microsoft's new dashboard for the Xbox 360 is close at hand (read our full review for the details) but not all of the video partners that were announced for the new Kinect-centric experience will be launching alongside it. As of launch December 6th the list will look basically the same as it does now, with Lovefilm and Epix joining options like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Sky Go. Later on in the month more new providers like Crackle, Dailymotion, Rogers On Demand, Vudu, and Verizon FiOS TV will filter in, while the UFC app is timed to launch December 20th. Finally, a few highly anticipated additions including MLB.tv, HBO Go and Comcast's Xfinity On Demand are among those slated for arrival in "early 2012". Check after the break for the complete list (update: and a video trailer), we'll let you know about more specific launch dates as they become available. %Gallery-141022%
UFC on Xbox Live delayed to Dec. 20 [update]
Finally, a way to see some violence through your Xbox. The UFC on Xbox Live app will launch December 20, Microsoft revealed today -- a delay of almost three weeks past the previously announced date of right now. The app allows XBL members to watch pay-per-view events (after paying, of course), control playback with Kinect, and (for Gold members) communicate with other viewers on your friends list to make predictions about the outcomes of fights, even "competing" to top the watching-UFC leaderboards. After downloading the app, you'll have ten days to get a party together to watch UFC 141: Lesnar vs. Overeem. And in the run-up to that smash-up, Xbox Live Gold users can watch the weigh-in and other related videos either live or through the app's "on-demand library." Update: Microsoft told us that all XBL users can watch pay-per-view videos. Gold membership is required for live pre-fight and other supplementary videos, "Fight Picks," and the Interactive Fight Card.
Must See HDTV (November 7th - 13th)
It'll be hard to find a sports matchup that equals last weekend's 'Bama/LSU showdown, but Fox will try as it dives into the octagon with some MMA this weekend. There's also a few family-friendly Blu-ray 3D titles on deck, and the final edition of some series called Harry Potter hitting stores on Friday (pick up Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim while you're there, you'll thank us later). Look below for the highlights this week, followed after the break by our weekly listing of what to look out for in TV, Blu-ray and videogames. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 The king is back. The Modern Warfare series has reigned over the console shooter pile for the last few years and it's no secret why. A combination of fast-paced action and precise controls make it the online game of choice for many (some prefer the Battlefield games, it's a matter of taste). This year's edition once again hails from the offices of Infinity Ward, birthplace of the best this series has to offer so this one is a must-buy. The only thing giving us pause? A new "Elite" feature, which adds online stat tracking and more for hardcore players, but comes at a hefty price of $49 a year. (Update: A peek at the official list reveals most of the features, including stat-tracking are free, and that $50 does buy all the DLC for a year so it may come in handy, check out more info from our friends at Joystiq here. Thanks @ejalcantera!) (November 8th, $56.99 on Amazon) UFC on Fox CBS tried bringing MMA fighting to network TV a couple of years ago but hasn't had any bouts in a while, opening the door for this weekend's heavyweight match on Fox. Cain Velasquez is one of the scariest human beings alive, but he appears to have a worthy competitor coming for his title in Junior Dos Santos. We've been fans of UFC for a little while, if expensive PPV matches and reality TV-styled The Ultimate Fighter have been the only thing keeping you on the outside, this could be the one that makes you a fan -- or disgusts you beyond words. Check out a trailer embedded after the break. (November 12th, Fox, 9PM) Death Valley Looking for a a zombie alternative to The Walking Dead (which actually improved this weekend -- apparently someone finally told the writers that less is more)? You've found it. MTV's Cops-style mockumentary follows officers around an alternate reality Los Angeles populated by werewolves, vampires and more otherworldly creatures with a campy sense of humor throughout. Beware however, here anyone can become a meal for the people they're pursuing, including members of the camera crew. (November 7th, MTV, 11PM)
Anderson Silva chosen by fans as the UFC Undisputed 3 cover athlete
Reigning middleweight UFC champ (and the guy broadly agreed-upon as the best pound-for-pound fighter currently living in the world right now) Anderson Silva has been voted on by fans to become the cover athlete for UFC Undisputed 3, scheduled for release next January. The decision makes sense for a lot of reasons besides just the vote: Silva is one of the UFC's most popular fighters, and he's been on a streak that's made history and then some, roundly demolishing fighter after fighter in his division with ability that far outweighs most anyone he's ever faced. Silva's last loss was back in 2006, and since then he's gone undefeated in an unheard-of 15 fights, nine of which were title defenses. In short, Anderson "The Spider" Silva isn't just the best guy you'd want on a game about ultimate fighting -- he's the best there is. The game? Oh, um, yeah. We're sure the game is good too.
UFC on Xbox Live: Full-access octagon
If I didn't know better, I'd think Microsoft and the UFC want you to gamble. At least, that's the impression I get after spending about half an hour with the upcoming UFC app for Xbox Live. It does a lot of cool things in its capacity as Xbox Live's first true Pay-Per-View offering -- more than any Pay-Per-View implementation I've ever seen. But the ability for Xbox Live members to interact with their friends list, to effectively compete against each other for the most accurate fight picks, might be the thing that sticks out the most. And it makes Vegas jealous to boot.%Gallery-136028%
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.
UFC Undisputed 3 trailer invites you into an octagon of pain
The latest trailer for THQ's upcoming UFC Undisputed 3 shows off quite a few of the game's new combat moves, and it doesn't pull any punches, so to speak -- by the time you finish watching it, you may feel sore just sitting there. In fact, with new submissions, some crazy leg kicks, and bone-crunching takedowns, we're a little worried about the well-being of these virtual UFC guys. Hope their health plans are all paid up! Check out some more violence (and a weird-looking Forrest Griffin) in the gallery below. %Gallery-130776%
UFC Personal Trainer includes free Undisputed 2010 from Best Buy, freezing glitch everywhere
Good news and bad news about UFC Personal Trainer. The good news is that if you buy the Xbox 360 version online or in store from Best Buy, you'll get a free copy of UFC Undisputed 2010. That way, if you get tired of actually performing all those deadly combat moves with your body, you can take a break and engage in some virtual grappling, and then let Brock Lesnar's improbably overmuscled frame on the box art inspire you to get back to your workout. Now, the bad news. That copy of Personal Trainer might need to take a periodic, unscheduled break of its own -- users are reporting freezing issues with the training game, at least on Xbox. THQ is aware of the problem, which it attributes on the UFC Personal Trainer blog (currently offline) to "unforeseen server issues." The publisher is working on a fix, expected "shortly." And then you can get back to your training regimen, which is definitely guaranteed to make you as inhumanly, inconveniently beefy as Brock Lesnar. Update 9pm – THQ sent us the following statement letting us know the issue has been resolved: We have successfully resolved the hitching issue recently impacting UFC Personal Trainer, including potential interference with online and offline play. Yesterday, our third party data support center encountered a technical issue that halted all server support. This issue affected many games, including UFC Personal Trainer, as the lack of server support made the product periodically hitch and interfere with the user experience. THQ's technical support and development teams have resolved the issue by transferring data support to a new server facility. UFC Personal Trainer has been tested thoroughly, and we are currently not experiencing issues with the product or online connections. We will continue monitoring activities with the new server facility. We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage players to hit the mitts, take on the 30-day challenge and experience everything UFC Personal Trainer has to offer consumers. Good luck on your fitness journey! [Thanks, D!]
UFC: Personal Trainer video shows Average Joes working out
Are you sick and tired of waiting until 2am to get your infomercial fix? If you watch this trailer for UFC: Personal Trainer, the Kinect title aiming to get you into fighting shape, right now you'll get not one but two minutes of infomercial action.
UFC fights coming to Xbox Live
When you get tired of playing UFC games, you'll be able to watch the actual fights too. Microsoft just announced during its E3 2011 keynote that UFC matches will be available through Xbox Live. But it's not entirely a passive experience: you'll be able to "call matches," and place bets with your friends to see who of your group bet on the right pugilist.
Microsoft integrates live TV from Sky TV, Foxtel and Canal on Xbox 360 -- more providers coming
Microsoft confirmed the recent rumors and announced a new streaming TV implementation for the Xbox 360 today at its pre-E3 2011 keynote. The Kinect and Bing-powered voice search that can pull in content from online sources like Hulu, Netflix and Xbox Live Marketplace, will also work with live TV from IPTV partners. So far that list only includes Sky in the UK, Foxtel in Australia and Canal+ in France, but users there will be able to search across all the services and view them directly through the console itself. There's no word on any US-based partners but if we had to guess AT&T's U-verse will probably be first in line again. One thing you will be able to watch in the US -- PPV UFC fights, streamed directly to the Xbox 360. Update: The official press release is out (and included after the break) where Microsoft mentions its "commitment to expand access to live television programming on Xbox 360 to more providers in the United States and around the world during the upcoming year". While U-verse's Mediaroom underpinnings certainly put it in the lead, we can see others like FiOS or Comcast potentially swooping in as well. Finally, would it be too much to ask for some of this universal search magic to extend to the Media Center extender software as well? %Gallery-125419%
We can't dispute that UFC Undisputed 3 is set for January 2012
Looks like THQ's plan to take a little longer between the releases of UFC Undisputed games has been put into action. The third in the series, which drops the yearly nomenclature for the more ambiguous UFC Undisputed 3, is set to arrive in January 2012. The official release promises two new weight classes and better accessibility, but the attached images promise tantric hugging and branded T-shirts. So, something for everyone, we suppose. %Gallery-125154%
Get fighting fit with UFC Personal Trainer in June
Ready to get your Affliction t-shirt all sweaty? THQ has announced a June launch for UFC Personal Trainer, allowing you to spend your summer pantomiming mixed martial arts in front of your Wii, PS3, or Xbox 360. It's got the talent to be a credible training game: it's designed by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, THQ says, and received input from three MMA trainers who have worked with top UFC fighters. THQ was quiet about the features in the PlayStation Move or Wii versions in the press release, but the Kinect version will feature "content exclusive to Kinect for Xbox 360, voice command navigation and a full-body tracking system."%Gallery-120595%
UFC on Versus 3 will be in 3D March 3
MMA should get its first 3D broadcast this week, as SportsBusinessDaily reports the UFC on Versus 3 event will be available in 3D. It seems fair to assume availability should match other Versus 3D events like the outdoor hockey game and Cal/Oregon college football so check your provider to see if it's on the schedule (Comcast, Cox, Verizon, Massillon Cable, Blue Ridge and Armstrong are confirmed so far) for March 3. As far as the quality, we're interested to see how the camera placement may be affected and if there's any difference in the out of the ring shots since there's a cage between the viewers and the fighters. Watching the HD broadcast? Versus has announced it will continue its technique of running some between-round ads in a PiP box while the broadcast of fighters coming to the ring continues on the rest of the screen.
UFC Trainer grappling with delays, launching in June
According to THQ's Fiscal 2011 third quarter report, the forthcoming motion-centric title UFC Personal Trainer has been moved out of the company's "March quarter" launch window and "into fiscal 2012" (starting April 1, 2011). A press release noted that the company's new financial projections, as mentioned in the report, are a reflection of "the move of UFC Personal Trainer into fiscal 2012." During a financial call directly after the release, company prez and CEO Brian Farrell pins the game for a June release. Plenty of time to build that octagon in your living room!
UFC suing Ubisoft over Fighters Uncaged catchphrase
We thought that Ubisoft would be the recipient of a lawsuit over its Kinect-equipped fighting game, Fighters Uncaged, but we'd assumed said suit would have something to do with the game's near-lethal terribleness. As it turns out, the Ultimate Fighting Championship took umbrage with the game for another reason: The organization is claiming that the game's on-the-box catchphrase of "Become the Ultimate Fighting Weapon" too closely mirrors the group's name, and may cause shoppers to think they're actually purchasing an officially licensed UFC game. The group is seeking unspecified damages from Ubisoft, as well as a ceasing of sales of the game until the offending phrase is removed from its packaging. Man, first "It's On Like Donkey Kong," and now this -- is nothing sacred anymore? We can't count the number of times we refer to ourselves in conversation as the "Ultimate Fighting Machines" or "The Kings of Ultimate Fighting." We're talking like, dozens of times per day.
