wrestling
Latest
SouthPeak earnings report reveals acquisition of ... something involving TNA Impact
Remember way back in August when THQ picked up around 40 percent of Midway San Diego (following that whole full collapse thing), but left off the TNA Impact property? It would appear that the reason for this exclusion was due to SouthPeak Games snatching up the license, as revealed by a recent Q1 2010 financial report released by the company.The "acquisition" is first noted in the report's "Highlights of the Quarter" section. "Acquired in bankruptcy certain assets owned by Midway relating to video games based on the TNA iMPACT wrestling brand." We asked SouthPeak who would be in charge of developing the next game in that series, said in the report to be released "this year" (2010), and found out that such information has yet to be announced, unfortunately. Currently, SouthPeak is only known to be publishing TNA Impact: Cross the Line for the PSP and Nintendo DS.When we explored the SEC filing from Midway on the sale, the wording got much more ambiguous. One notable exclusion from the $100k purchase is, "the TNA License and Sellers' rights thereunder." When we asked SouthPeak to clear up exactly what the company bought, we were told that, while it "can confirm the details of the release and filing," no comment is currently available – though we were assured that we'll be hearing more details "soon."
THQ stock loses 12 percent after WWE extension
It seems investors are unhappy that one of THQ's most important relationships continues to be in flux. After the news that the company was extending its renewal notice with the WWE on October 28, its stock has lost 12 percent of its value, according to GameIndustry.biz. When compared to its worth on September 23, the company is down 26 percent. THQ's convoluted relationship with JAKKS Pacific and the WWE is fully explained here, but it suffices to say that things are pretty messy right now, and it seems the stockholders are getting impatient for tidiness.
THQ announces extension of WWE renewal notice; Pachter explains
THQ announced today that World Wrestling Entertainment has extended a deadline that allows the publisher to renew its licensing contract. The extension lasts until December 21, 2009 -- the original deadline was November 1. If signed, the agreement would be good through December 31, 2014. THQ is cool with the WWE, but it's not very chummy with JAKKS Pacific, its longtime partner in the WWE licensing venture. The wounds also run deep between JAKKS and the WWE. When asked for comment on the license renewal and further details regarding the three-way deal, a THQ representative told Joystiq that the publisher plans to renew its contract with the WWE, and then added, "Beyond that, I cannot comment."The business, politics and legal issues are certainly complicated. We spoke with Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter who laid out multiple scenarios, but in the end he believes the most likely outcome is that the joint venture between THQ and JAKKS will be terminated. If JAKKS enforces its (believed to be one-year) non-compete clause, then no WWE games can be produced. Neither side would benefit from that, however.Pachter suggests that the WWE's renewal deadline was extended to give THQ and JAKKS time to settle their issues. What it sounds like to us: THQ and WWE want to move forward as a couple, and the previous arrangement, featuring JAKKS as the third wheel, has worn out its welcome. Check out Pachter's complete analysis after the break.
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!
JAKKS wants to keep WWE, THQ not quite sure
JAKKS is more than happy to reenter into its WWE licensing deal with THQ, but the gaming company isn't so sure it's ready to make a commitment. After JAKKS signed on the dotted line to extend its gaming agreement with the wrestling group for five years, THQ sued the toymaker, saying it wasn't ready to make a decision and that JAKKS had no right to sign the agreement without THQ's consent.There were some reportedly shady dealings when JAKKS originally got the contract -- perhaps THQ wants to get the whole pie for itself. Who knows? Either way, the two companies have entered into arbitration, so hopefully the tiff won't have an impact on releases.
Lucha libre game coming to America
If your thirst for over-the-top brawling wasn't quite quenched by UFC 2009: Undisputed, perhaps you should turn your attention to a fighting style with a bit more Latin flavor -- we speak, of course, of the divine art of Lucha libre, featured in the new project from young publisher Slang, titled AAA: El Videojuego (that's Spanish for "the video game," dontchaknow). The debut trailer for the game is posted after the jump. The game's being developed for Xbox 360 and PS3 by Immersion Software and for Wii, PSP and DS by Argentine developer Sabarasa Studios. The 360 and PS3 versions are due out in late 2009 or early 2010, with all others following shortly thereafter. The game focuses on the action and the stars of the AAA wrestling league -- our personal favorite is La Parka, who's known for his Flying Eagle Kick maneuver, as well as his proclivity for delivering cans of gasoline to stranded motorists.
Xbox Live Video Marketplace welcomes The Weinstein Company and TNA
Since Xbox Live Marketplace was already home to NBC Universal movies and TV (at home and abroad) Microsoft's seen fit to fire back at Sony's PSN announcement with the relatively incremental additions of content from The Weinstein Company and TNA, while mentioning the Video Marketplace has already served up 42 million pieces of content, with its pace doubling since the NXE debuted last year. So far at least, all of TNA's offerings (PPV events from last year) are in SD, while The Weinstein Company hasn't hesitated in tossing up Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Zack and Miri Make a Porno in 5GB 720p files for all interested. Microsoft may not be able to claim "all the major movie studios" (we're guessing Sony Pictures has made their decision on who to support) but they're still finding a way to lead the download-to-consoles race, for now.
HDNet Fights signs up with Ring of Honor wrestling
We're not so sure that we like the direction this might be headed in, but HDNet Fights has signed up with Ring Honor of Wrestling for content, including a weekly series. The professional wrestling promotion was founded in 2002, and with its Code of Honor rules, it was a step away from typical professional wrestling and towards pure catch wrestling, but it's professional wrestling still. We had hoped that HDNet Fights was going to establish itself as a smaller, but still viable alternative to UFC, but this move suggests otherwise. We know HDNet Fights needs to add content, but is there enough audience overlap between professional wrestling and other fight sports that this makes sense? MMA fans, let us know what you think -- does this move water down the brand?
VC Tuesday: Japan celebrates Super Smash Bros. Day
The day is finally here! Well, not here here. But there are people in the world playing vintage Super Smash Bros. on their Wiis right now, and we declare that to be boss. They're paying 1,200 Wii Points for the privilege, but Japanese Wii owners have probably forgotten how much Nintendo 64 games are supposed to cost on the Virtual Console anyway.Poor Champion Wrestler is doomed. This just isn't the week for another 4-player competitive fighting game starring at least one vintage game character (Rastan Saga's title character, in the Ultimate Warrior-esque guise of "Miracle Rastan"). Nintendo All-Star! Dairantou Smash Bros. (Nintendo 64, 1-4 players, 1,200 Wii Points) Champion Wrestler (PC Engine, 1-4 players, 600 Wii Points) There's no competition between the VC and WiiWare this week. Here's Japan's WiiWare lineup: Nothing (Just Play Smash Bros., Seriously)
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]
TNA Wrestling preps for first ever HDTV broadcast
Aw, yeah. Just a few short weeks after TNA Wrestling wrapped up the final loose ends on a new high-def studio in Nashville, in comes the announcement we've been expecting. TNA will be taping a live iMPACT! event on October 23rd in Las Vegas which it will broadcast in high-definition on Spike TV. When it airs, it'll mark the first ever HDTV broadcast for the sport. We'd say you could go and watch the sweat / blood in person, but maybe it's best to just take this one in from the (HD) sidelines.
The DNA guest-list grows for Garriott's Operation Immortality
Richard Garriott's Operation Immortality is proving to be quite the attention-grabber lately. Not only that, but more people are signing up to get in on the DNA-sharing action. One of the most recent additions to this project is Matt Morgan, better known as "Beast" on TV's American Gladiators and a professional wrestler for Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling.Morgan has been called "The Blue Print", in reference to his size and physical build. Some believe he is a blue print for the paradigm of human genetics and physical potential. "The Immortality Drive wouldn't be complete without the DNA from a human physical specimen and who better to fit that bill than The Blue Print himself, Matt Morgan," said Garriott. "I'm thrilled that Matt is on board and that an American Gladiator will be making the trip with me to space."
TNA Wrestling nears completion of HD TNAtv studio
Not one to let WWE have the HD spotlight all to itself, TNA (Total Nonstop Action) Entertainment is readying its own HD studio in Nashville, TN. The TNAtv production building will house pre- and post-production for the brand from soup to nuts, including broadcasts, DVDs, on-air graphics and commercials. Whether you consider pro wrestling a sport or a soap opera with stunts, there's no doubt that it puts lots of money in the till. And that money can buy some nice HD toys -- in this case, four Avid Symphony and one Final Cut Pro HD editing suites. Looks like there's a "two man enter, one man leave" HD cagematch set up between TNA and WWE; but if TNA's fortunes aren't better than the WWE's, we might be looking at a double-disqualification.
Video: Robo-One carnage shot at 300fps
Japan's Impress Watch had the good fortune to attend this year's Robo-one tournament with a Casio EX-F1 in hand. The result is vise-to-vise combat captured at 300 frames per second. See a perfectly executed German suplex performed after the break. Makes us almost feel sorry for the little guy... almost.
Barackdown vs. Raw-dham Clinton 2008
Ripped from the headlines: Using WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008's create-a-wrestler mode, THQ has done their own take on the Democratic presidential rivalry. They designed characters who sorta resemble presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton, as long as you're told who they're supposed to be first.The two politicians run out and play to the crowd, then face off, totally about to wrassle, when the clip unfortunately ends. We wanted to see what Senator Clinton's finishing move was! We wanted to learn the candidates' positions on the issue of "folding chairs: now or later?"You know, we wouldn't mind fake physical combat as a campaign method. It's not like anyone talks about real policy at debates anyway.
Bodyslam these TNA iMPACT! screens
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling has pushed itself to the limelight for wrestling fans and a suitable contender for title-belt raising WWE crowd. Midway, agreeing with TNA's ladder-climbing popularity, have scooped up the franchise and is set to release TNA iMPACT! in order to compete with THQ's WWE series later this year.Today we bring your six fresh screens of the upcoming Xbox 360 and PS3 release, complete with body slamming action. While we can't say for sure which franchise looks like the true number one contender, we wouldn't mind watching these two go at it in a winner-takes-all cage match.Note: Bonus points for anyone who can name all of my horrible wrestling references in this story.%Gallery-19983%
Smackdown vs. Raw '09 tags in with debut trailer
We didn't know wrestling was still popular enough to warrant an annual release, but over the weekend THQ dropped the trailer for WWE: Smackdown vs. Raw 2009. The video showcases the latest feature for the upcoming title, co-op story mode. While we're sure there is still a group of fans clamoring for a "chair-shot to the face" good time, we wonder if we really need another WWE game every year? Madden's annual release already gets us annoyed but we understand the reasoning behind it, but does including one new addition and swapping some characters in the roster really need another $60 price tag?
WWE SmackDown vs. RPG
There's somewhat of a trend forming in DS sports games -- developers eschewing straight sports simulations in favor of bizarre experiences. We've seen it in MLB 2K8 Fantasy All-Stars, and now we're seeing it in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009. THQ has hired Japanese "ninja developer" TOSE (best known for Super Princess Peach, the Stafy games, and being mysterious) to create their latest DS wrestling game.They have bizarred it up indeed, adding an out-of-ring mode in which the backstage area is full of NPCs and rendered environments, much like an RPG overworld. You'll travel around taking on missions and interacting with other wrestlers as you try to level up your character's various attributes, like "Sweatiness," "Shirt-tearing" and "Catchphrases."*It actually sounds like a really cool take on the RPG. It's like Puzzle Quest, but with wrasslin'! Unfortunately, the screenshots so far don't really show anything but creepy 3D models.*not actual attributes
Smackdown someone for $25 today
Not many of you seemed too excited when WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 came out, but then again, that was the same week as Super Mario Galaxy's North American release. Also, at that time, the game would have cost you a cool $50 to buy.Now, though, thanks to Amazon and its video game "Deal of the Day" promotion, you can get the game for half the price (or, for those of you that are terrible at math, $25). As per usual, this sale will end at 3 A.M. EDT, so if you want this title you better be ready to succumb to your inner impulse buyer. Also, if you like to wrassle but aren't too keen on doing so on your Wii, today's DotD extends to every other console under the sun.
