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GameStop weekly claims UFC Undisputed 2010 'coming May 25'
The Spike VGAs this evening may very well reveal the first gameplay of upcoming MMA-er UFC Undisputed 2010, but the most recent GameStop weekly is dropping release date bombs on us well before tonight's festivities kickoff. According to the ad, the game will be grappling onto store shelves on May 25 and, as you might imagine, you're welcome to "pre-order now!" While we're normally reticent to trust release dates from retailers as absolute truth, the prominence of this information among a weekly advertisement -- and the fact that the game is getting "World Premiere" treatment on tonight's award show -- puts some confidence in our normally skeptical perception of situations like this. Either way, we're likely to confirm this report's veracity when the VGAs roll this evening. [Thanks Erik!]
Google Zeitgeist 2009 shows year's top game searches
We would never call you out on your love for whatever crappy thing it is that you love but, guys, you're using Google wrong. Its recent Zeitgeist 2009 report shows what the most popular gaming term searches of this year have been and the results are pretty surprising.At the top spot is Ghostbusters, which is fine by us -- it was a pretty big deal when it was announced and it sold a lot of copies, so naturally folks were interested. But, as we delve deeper into the top 10, the search terms become a bit more interesting. The next three terms -- "ufc" "saw" and "bakugan" -- really threw us for a loop. Saw? Really? Bakugan? What is that, a gun that uses evil Japanese spirits for ammo? Actually, that sounds pretty cool.Further into the list, we see that Batman: Arkham Asylum managed to put a batarang in the fifth spot, much lower than we'd like, but we can live with that -- however, coming in at the sixth spot is Twilight. Guys! Vampires. Do. Not. Sparkle. Seventh was FIFA 2010, followed by Modern Warfare in eighth. The ninth spot belonged to Transformers 2, which we must admit has one of this year's best performances by a human male, so that seems okay. Finally, Resident Evil 5 rounded out the list in last place.
Fox 'Fight Game' interviews Peter Moore on MMA, war with UFC
Aside from stressing the amount of effort that EA Sports is currently putting into the development of upcoming grappler MMA, Peter Moore had nothing but kind words for the sport while talking to Fight Game host Mike Straka (full interview after the break). The real elephant in the room, though, is clearly the less than wonderful relationship between UFC prez Dana White and Moore's development studio -- but when he was asked about the subject, Moore shrugged it off. "Not really my issue ... Dana [White] had come to EA well before I was there." In addition to doing his best to dodge any flame stoking on Straka's part, Moore pointed out the recent announcement of a newly signed Randy Couture to the game's roster, as well as Jay "The Thoroughbred" Hieron, bringing the MMA player count up to five if our math is right. Applying that same math to the amount of UFC fighters with jobs, the league seems to have just lost two more candidates. Can't we all just get along, fellas?[Thanks, xFenixKnightx!]
Silver lining: THQ acquires 40 percent of Midway San Diego employees, maybe more
You've been reading an awful lot about Midway business minutiae over the last six months, so we won't bore you with too many unexciting details about THQ buying Midway's San Diego studio for $200k last week. The most important thing for you to know is that out of 100 employees, 40 have been offered jobs by THQ, and more positions may be opening, the Chicago Tribune reports. According to the SEC filing, the TNA iMPACT! license wasn't part of the deal, a strange omission considering THQ publishes UFC games. The deal is all but finalized, awaiting Midway's bankruptcy court's approval and an agreement between THQ and Warner Bros. over the sharing of certain undisclosed IPs (the terms of which have already been settled). Considering the sad tale surrounding the shuttering of Midway Newcastle, we're glad to finally be writing something somewhat positive in the wake of Midway's collapse.[Via Kotaku]
UFC to grapple Wii, handhelds (Also, THQ likes profit)
It wasn't so long ago that Joystiq's THQ coverage was a litany of woe and despair. Until yesterday, that is, when the company not only announced that profits were up a staggering 77 percent in its first quarter, but that it had found a breakout, 2.9 million-selling hit in UFC 2009 Undisputed.It's no surprise, then, that CEO Brian Farrell has informed GameSpot that the mixed martial arts franchise will be making its way to more platforms. UFC 2009 was restricted to the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, but Farrell says that THQ plans to create future iterations of the game on the Wii and handhelds, though he didn't specify when we should expect them. Given the incredible success of UFC 2009, we'd say "as soon as humanly possible" is a pretty good guess.THQ is also planning to turn UFC into an annual franchise. Shocking, right?
UFC 2009 and Red Faction: Guerrilla bolster THQ profits
Dropping knowledge about its Q2 earnings for this year, THQ has revealed that UFC 2009 Undisputed and Red Faction: Guerrilla have both become multi-million dollar franchises for the publisher. With these two, along with a game based on the recent Pixar film Up, THQ enjoyed three of the top ten best-sellers for the month of June. UFC 2009 Undisputed wrestled the competition to the ground throughout May and June, shipping a combined 2.9 million units worldwide. Red Faction: Guerrilla also fared well, shipping a combined one million units across the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms. Not only did THQ dominate the US in June, but the publisher enjoyed the top spot in the UK June charts with everyone's favorite testicle-punching simulator, UFC 2009.
THQ earnings show profits up
THQ recently unloaded its earnings for its first fiscal quarter ending June 30, and with strong sales of UFC 2009 Undisputed and Red Faction: Guerrilla (it's all about the ostriches, baby!), the company is, uh, very much not operating like THQ. It reports that net profits climbed a whopping 77% to $243.5 million (from $137.6 million last year) and that net sales (non-GAAP) for the three months ending June 30 was $233.9 million, up 93% from $121.1 million last year.And, again, it's all due to strong showings of Red Faction: Guerrilla and UFC 2009 Undisputed. Both titles shipped over a million units (the latter shipping almost three) and made huge profits for THQ during Q2 of this year, the company's first fiscal quarter of 2010.
UFC president confirms war with EA, blacklisting fighters
UFC President Dana White threw off the gloves at Saturday's UFC 100 event, making heated comments about Electronic Arts and its upcoming title, MMA. White stated that he was literally "at war" with the game company and confirmed the rumored plan to ban/blacklist fighters from UFC if they choose to make appearances in EA's new game.White's anger toward EA stems from accusations that the gaming giant was originally "disgusted" with the thought of making a mixed martial arts title. Said White to MMAJunkie.com: "EA Sports told us, you're not a real sport. We wouldn't touch this thing. We want nothing to do with this." According to White, EA's reversal and attempt at an MMA game is a huge slap in his face and to the fans. "You know what the difference is?" White rhetorically asked. "I'm in the mixed martial arts business. EA isn't. EA doesn't give a [expletive] about mixed martial arts. They made that very clear." It sounds to us like UFC 101 will get an extra match on the card. EA's John Riccitiello versus UFC's Dana White. We'd pay top dollar for that.[Via Kotaku]
UFC 2009 Undisputed patch incoming
If you've been dragged around the Octagon and beaten to a pulp one too many times due to glitches in UFC 2009 Undisputed's online component, you'll be pleased to hear that the developers are working on a patch. In fact, this blog post on the official site is proof of that.There are several issues the developers are looking to resolve, and one of the more nasty ones involves a lack of repercussion for those who disconnect prematurely. These folks will receive a prize in the new patch, to the tune of some DNF and a loss on their record. Other fixes will target lag, Flash KOs, and the CAF cheat. For the full list, hit up the blog post.[Via Kotaku]
Rumor: UFC to ban fighters that sign on for EA's MMA
There's been a pretty crazy rumor floating around. originating from the mixedmartialarts.com forums. The rumor states that UFC will blacklist any fighter that chooses to be a part of EA's upcoming game, MMA. That means should any fighter sign up to be represented in EA's game, they won't ever be endorsed by the UFC or asked to join. Crazy, right?It makes sense, though, considering how well UFC 2009 Undisputed sold. UFC has a bona fide franchise on its hands, and will likely begin prepping for a sequel soon (if not already), and doesn't want that threatened by EA's game. But, hey, can't we all just get along? This isn't football, after all.We've put in word to UFC corporate about the rumor and will be sure to get back to you as soon as we hear something.[Via BloodyElbow; Thanks, Ryan!]
Clinching mechanics explained in UFC 2009 video
People are always asking us, "Joystiq, can you tell me more about the clinching mechanics in UFC 2009: Undisputed?" Previously, our standard practice was to stare at them quizzically until they walked away, but no more! Now, we can direct them to the above video for all their clinching needs.The confusion came, we think, from a difference in nomenclature. What the UFC calls "clinching" we call "totally hugging." And we know our hugs. Heck, if they'd just called them hugs from the start, we probably could have been more helpful.
UFC 2009 demo grapples PSN, XBLM next week
Good news for fans of mixed martial arts, as the UFC 2009 Undisputed community site reports that a demo for the game is expected to arrive next week. Specifically, you'll be able to grapple with the new demo on both PSN and Xbox Live Marketplace on Thursday, April 23. There are no details regarding what we should expect from the demo but, based on what we've seen so far, we're betting on scantily clad ladies, sweaty dudes and plenty of angst-inducing rock.[Via VG247]
Trophies: UFC 2009 Undisputed
Ultimate Fighting needs Ultimate Trophies. Can you handle UFC 2009? View Trophy List | Visit Trophy Portal
EA keeping 'a very close eye on' mixed martial arts
Speaking to IGN, expert Rock Band player, tattoo connoisseur and EA head honcho Peter Moore intimated that he'd like to see his company tackle mixed martial arts. While he stated that the company is "incredibly excited" about Fight Night -- presumably Round 4 -- he believes that boxing is "the past of fighting" and mixed martial arts is "the future." Before we get the guy in charge of negotiating UFC license fees too excited, we should note that Moore didn't mention any specific plans regarding the sport, only stating "when we look at where people's attention is going, that's something we keep a very close eye on."Beyond that, THQ currently holds the rights to UFC games until 2011. That said, EA is not shy about acquiring licenses and THQ is in no shape for a bidding war. UFC licensing guy waits with bated breath.
Pacquiao vs. de la Hoya bout marks the launch of Event TV HD
While you and your crew kick in a few bucks to catch the Pacquiao / de la Hoya fight tonight, keep in mind you're witnessing the launch of a new network, Event TV HD. The new high definition version of TVN's linear Pay-Per-View net promises to bring boxing, MMA and wrestling action in crisp 1080i and 5.1 surround. That usually includes All Day Event tickets if you want to see a replay, or themed programs during the week. TVN sells its package to cable, satellite and other providers who then pass the PPV on to you, so when Pacman takes this, remember who was responsible for bringing it to you.[Via Multichannel News]
UFC fighters fired for not signing away game image rights
Update: Fitch caved in and signed the contract. Thanks to Scott for reading MMAJunkie.com.Original Story: The Ultimate Fighting Championship has released welterweight crown contender Jon Fitch for refusing to sign his image rights away for a lifetime to UFC-based games being made by THQ. Fitch stated he thought it was "crazy" to sign "anything away for your lifetime." Fitch isn't the only one kicked out, as many of his teammates from the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose have been dismissed for refusing to submit.We'll take this to mean that Fitch won't be appearing in THQ's UFC 2009 Undisputed expected in May '09. We know, all 10 of you out there who were going to buy the game and cared are devastated.[Via Eurogamer]
UFC making Blu-ray Disc debut with ULTIMATE COMEBACKS
Ultimate Fighting Championship has been dishing out big tickets in HD for some time now, so it follow logic that the company would make its first foray into the Blu-ray realm soon. Thankfully for fans, soon is today. First Look Studios and UFC are jointly announcing the very first UFC film to be released on the lone high-def physical format (that anyone respects, anyway): ULTIMATE COMEBACKS. The film will contain over two hours of footage, with feature bouts including Pete Sell vs. Scott Smith, Alessio Sakara vs. Drew McFedries, Martin Kampmann vs. Drew McFedries and Renato Sobral vs. Jason Lambert (just to name a few). Heck, you'll even find 5.1-channel Dolby Digital surround sound bundled in as well. Look for this one to hit the streets on November 18th for $24.98 (MSRP), while UFC's THE BEST OF 2008 is on track for a March 2009 release.[Thanks, Anthony]
UFC 2009 Undisputed trailer shows advances in sweat rendering
We love watching guys pummel each other into a gooey pulp just as much as the next group of gaming bloggers, but we've never understood the appeal of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Sure, a no-holds barred brawl in an octagonal cage of death sounds delightful, but we've found that many of these televised matches quickly end up turning into a bro-hug festival.However, very few bro-hugs are featured in the above trailer for THQ's UFC 2009 Undisputed -- though there are bro-punches, bro-kicks and bro-body slams abound. True fans of the sport will no doubt be pleased by the trailer's accurate portrayal of a UFC match, though considering the lukewarm reception of most pre-existing UFC titles, we wouldn't blame them for being a cautious lot. Could THQ's offering be the first worthy contender in that narrow genre, or will it, like a flimsy-fisted first-time brawler, be forced to tap out?
UFC 2009 game set to smash your face next spring
THQ is taking over the UFC license with a new title: UFC 2009 Undisputed. This will be the first game branded with a U, an F, and a C since the last game from 2004. UFC 2009 will contain 80 UFC fighters from five different weight class divisions, each one captured with "photo-realistic" graphics. Authentic personalities and arenas are also standard featured content.Create-a-Fighter, a mode that most wrestling game fans are familiar with, is making its way into this mixed martial arts fighting game. A career mode whereby you take your fighter to the Hall of Fame is also another expected component. "Online support" is mentioned, though it's not clear if this means online play; Downloadable content, however, is for certain going to be available as part of that "online support." The game is set for a Spring 2009 release.[Via press release]
THQ investor presentation reveals release windows for Super Hero Squad, Master Mind
THQ, despite receiving some bad press regarding their bottom line, still has investors -- as such, they still have presentations explaining to their investors how breathtaking their games are. We usually gloss right over said morsels of self-congratulation, as they rarely contain anything other than boring sales charts and demographic research, but a recent THQ investor informer actually contained some new, worthwhile information concerning the company's plans for next year.Skipping past the slightly humorous claim that Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 is the unattributed "#1 Fighting Game", THQ revealed release windows for three of their "bigger" properties: an entry in their long-held but never used Ultimate Fighting Championship franchise (Spring '09), their youth-oriented crime fighting title Marvel Super Hero Squad (Fall '09), and a Fall 2010 release window for their adaptation of Dreamworks' upcoming film Master Mind, echoing the movie's initial release date. This information was immediately followed by hopeful sales charts to prove that the company will, in fact, still be in operation in 2010.
