EA Sports MMA Shaping Up

by pastapadre
Posted June 23rd, 2009 at 9:32 am

eammalogo

Announced at E3, EA Sports MMA is set to release in 2010 and from then on alternate years with the Fight Night series. The game has been in development for quite some time so while it will be a while before details start to come out there is still discussion on the direction of the game and some early fighter signings.

In an interview with Gamastura, EA Sports President Peter Moore discussed the game and how they are targeting individual fighter rights. Given that THQ holds the exclusive license for UFC that makes it much more difficult to fill out a roster with fighters who are well known to the public. The UFC 2009 Undisputed fighters were forced into lifetime agreements with THQ so none of them will be a possibility.

We are looking obviously at every fighter that we can, that we feel is applicable from a quality level and then analyzing their image rights, and if they’re available and we want them — then we’ll get them. If they’re not then we’ll move on to the next fighter.

So far confirmed for the EA MMA game are Tim Sylvia and Randy Couture and likely Fedor Emelianenko and Gegard Mousasi. That is a pretty good start but it remains to be seen if a roster could be built based off non-UFC fighters that will be appealing. Eventually the game may end up having to be more about created fighters and offering a high level of customization.

Tags:

Machines

It seems like Undisputed has quite the following, but I never got into the demo. More of a Fight Night guy myself, but that's just personal preference. I lost a lot of respect for the UFC after seeing the E:60 piece on Dana White and what a piece of **** that guy is. I'm sure there are two sides to every story, but even the tone of this article mirrors my sentiments when Pasta recounts the "forced into lifetime agreements with THQ" fact. On the other hand, it'll be interesting to see how EA handles what it's like to not have exclusive rights to something and how it affects their product. We all saw how fast All Pro Football hit the bargain bin, even though there are those of us who thought it was a more enjoyable experience than Madden.
Machines

It seems like Undisputed has quite the following, but I never got into the demo. More of a Fight Night guy myself, but that's just personal preference. I lost a lot of respect for the UFC after seeing the E:60 piece on Dana White and what a piece of **** that guy is. I'm sure there are two sides to every story, but even the tone of this article mirrors my sentiments when Pasta recounts the "forced into lifetime agreements with THQ" fact. On the other hand, it'll be interesting to see how EA handles what it's like to not have exclusive rights to something and how it affects their product. We all saw how fast All Pro Football hit the bargain bin, even though there are those of us who thought it was a more enjoyable experience than Madden.
King206

wtf those fighters in UFC: Undisputed are lifetime property of THQ when it comes to gaming? Then who the hell will EA grab. UFC: Undisputed has all the big names? What stars are left?
King206

wtf those fighters in UFC: Undisputed are lifetime property of THQ when it comes to gaming? Then who the hell will EA grab. UFC: Undisputed has all the big names? What stars are left?
http://intensedebate.com/people/RMerino11 RMerino11

There is other fighters that are big names that are not in UFC. One of those are Urijah Faber, who is in WEC, which I hope I get to use if EA includes him.

Jerkfacefave

The UFC owns the WEC, he wont be in the EA game.

http://intensedebate.com/people/RMerino11 RMerino11

There is other fighters that are big names that are not in UFC. One of those are Urijah Faber, who is in WEC, which I hope I get to use if EA includes him.

Jerkfacefave

The UFC owns the WEC, he wont be in the EA game.

Mykal94

Ken Shamrock
Mykal94

Ken Shamrock
MMMBOP

Isn't Tim Sylvia locked up with UFC 2009 with a lieftime contract?

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

I think he may have signed-on for the game when he wasn't affiliated with the UFC, at least that's how it sounds. That he signed back with UFC after already committing to the EA game.

Jerkfacefave

Tim Silvia was just KO'ed by a 45 year old boxer with zero MMA experience (Ray Mercer) about 2 weeks ago. He was cut from the UFC, and now has been cut by Affliction. He is not a name I would get to excited about.

MMMBOP

Isn't Tim Sylvia locked up with UFC 2009 with a lieftime contract?

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

I think he may have signed-on for the game when he wasn't affiliated with the UFC, at least that's how it sounds. That he signed back with UFC after already committing to the EA game.

Jerkfacefave

Tim Silvia was just KO'ed by a 45 year old boxer with zero MMA experience (Ray Mercer) about 2 weeks ago. He was cut from the UFC, and now has been cut by Affliction. He is not a name I would get to excited about.

NoFro904

EA should just cancel this game

With no big name fighters how could they possibly market the game
there basically gonna have a bunch of no names on this game.

I Agree with Machines that after seeing that E:60 on Dana White you could see what kind of person he really is and hes a real Bitch.
http://intensedebate.com/people/AfroMANIA AfroMANIA

EA should just cancel this game

With no big name fighters how could they possibly market the game
there basically gonna have a bunch of no names on this game.

I Agree with Machines that after seeing that E:60 on Dana White you could see what kind of person he really is and hes a real Bitch.
NoFro904

wait wait wait

DO I SENSE KIMBO SLICE IN A VIDEO GAME

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

Kimbo Slice will be on the next Ultimate Fighter, I think he'll win the HW division and stay with UFC. Just my guess.

http://intensedebate.com/people/AfroMANIA AfroMANIA

wait wait wait

DO I SENSE KIMBO SLICE IN A VIDEO GAME

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

Kimbo Slice will be on the next Ultimate Fighter, I think he'll win the HW division and stay with UFC. Just my guess.

http://intensedebate.com/people/mculberson mculberson

Only good news here is that they are going to alternate years with the Fight Night series, which might actually mean more developement time in between games and a better product release for Fight Night. Honestly I wish they would do this with football too, have Madden one year and NCAA the next, giving the developers an extra year to release a game that's better than just an update. Will never happen, though, cause there's too much $$$ in Madden, but one can dream.

wow

pretty sad if that's what you dream about nerd
http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

That would be bad for business to stop production for a high selling game for one year. Then you would be the first one crying that there isn't a Madden game out there one year and NCAA game the next. Once a game is out the door, they'll support it for a few months by providing a patch here and there and let the game be.

What's your next idea? NFL plays every other year so that every player can get healthy and work on their skills?

http://intensedebate.com/people/mculberson mculberson

They wouldn't "stop production" on the game. They would still be working on it, but would get extra time to develop and actually improve the game every edition the way I'm sure they'd like to, but can't because they run out of developing time.

And the NFL is amazing every year, so no, your stupid analogy in your response doesn't apply here. The NFL puts out an amazing product every year and the comparision doesn't even make sense. This is a VIDEO GAME! Good try, though.

And to Wow, great comment with the "nerd" comment. Really mature. I was really feeling that one. Haven't heard that one since middle school. So, don't worry, when you get there you'll be cool again.

http://intensedebate.com/people/mculberson mculberson

Only good news here is that they are going to alternate years with the Fight Night series, which might actually mean more developement time in between games and a better product release for Fight Night. Honestly I wish they would do this with football too, have Madden one year and NCAA the next, giving the developers an extra year to release a game that's better than just an update. Will never happen, though, cause there's too much $$$ in Madden, but one can dream.

wow

pretty sad if that's what you dream about nerd
http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

That would be bad for business to stop production for a high selling game for one year. Then you would be the first one crying that there isn't a Madden game out there one year and NCAA game the next. Once a game is out the door, they'll support it for a few months by providing a patch here and there and let the game be.

What's your next idea? NFL plays every other year so that every player can get healthy and work on their skills?

http://intensedebate.com/people/mculberson mculberson

They wouldn't "stop production" on the game. They would still be working on it, but would get extra time to develop and actually improve the game every edition the way I'm sure they'd like to, but can't because they run out of developing time.

And the NFL is amazing every year, so no, your stupid analogy in your response doesn't apply here. The NFL puts out an amazing product every year and the comparision doesn't even make sense. This is a VIDEO GAME! Good try, though.

And to Wow, great comment with the "nerd" comment. Really mature. I was really feeling that one. Haven't heard that one since middle school. So, don't worry, when you get there you'll be cool again.

DriZzY

LOL at wow… I agree pshhh *Nerds* LOL
DriZzY

LOL at wow… I agree pshhh *Nerds* LOL
sdot

co-sign deer AIN'T enuff KNOWN Fighters 2 flesh out weight classes
(NOW @ PASTA)

do u hav or kno where i can get info on NCAA C.L.M or wuteva dey R callin it now

"if ur NOT 1ST ur LAST"
sdot

co-sign deer AIN'T enuff KNOWN Fighters 2 flesh out weight classes
(NOW @ PASTA)

do u hav or kno where i can get info on NCAA C.L.M or wuteva dey R callin it now

"if ur NOT 1ST ur LAST"
Anonguy

I think putting Fedor in would be a good idea/bad idea situation:

Good idea as he is the top heavyweight.

Bad idea as the amount of flame wars that will start over him.
Anonguy

I think putting Fedor in would be a good idea/bad idea situation:

Good idea as he is the top heavyweight.

Bad idea as the amount of flame wars that will start over him.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/ntrisKKT ntrisKKT

There are still a handful of great, "well-known" fighters from Affliction that they can sign..

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

Well known to who?

http://intensedebate.com/people/ntrisKKT ntrisKKT

Is that even a question?

http://www.intensedebate.com/people/ntrisKKT ntrisKKT

There are still a handful of great, "well-known" fighters from Affliction that they can sign..

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

Well known to who?

http://intensedebate.com/people/ntrisKKT ntrisKKT

Is that even a question?

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

MMA-MMORPG I think EA is setting itself up for future MMA stars though, not the current generation. I think they'll sign a few MMA stars not affiliated with UFC and focus more on created players and online careers. UFC Undisputed 2009 is heavily flawed. I'm a huge MMA fan but after playing the FN4 demo I couldn't go back to that Smackdown 2009..I mean Undisputed 2009. Ok maybe too harsh, but the physics of that game is what makes me not want to play it. You can use the same move over and over again and win all your fights. The same kick, hits the same spot, causes the same reaction, the same motion etc. I know this engine is on it's first year, but I believe EA will probably bring in superior game play.

For example, when Skate first came out, everyone thought EA was crazy for going against Tony Hawk and look what happened. Like I said, I think EA will focus on created players, online careers, events (view fights of ranked online players?) and then pick up individual stars of the years that aren't affiliated with UFC and future generation stars.
http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

MMA-MMORPG I think EA is setting itself up for future MMA stars though, not the current generation. I think they'll sign a few MMA stars not affiliated with UFC and focus more on created players and online careers. UFC Undisputed 2009 is heavily flawed. I'm a huge MMA fan but after playing the FN4 demo I couldn't go back to that Smackdown 2009..I mean Undisputed 2009. Ok maybe too harsh, but the physics of that game is what makes me not want to play it. You can use the same move over and over again and win all your fights. The same kick, hits the same spot, causes the same reaction, the same motion etc. I know this engine is on it's first year, but I believe EA will probably bring in superior game play.

For example, when Skate first came out, everyone thought EA was crazy for going against Tony Hawk and look what happened. Like I said, I think EA will focus on created players, online careers, events (view fights of ranked online players?) and then pick up individual stars of the years that aren't affiliated with UFC and future generation stars.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

MMA-MMORPG I think EA is setting itself up for future MMA stars though, not the current generation. I think they'll sign a few MMA stars not affiliated with UFC and focus more on created players and online careers. UFC Undisputed 2009 is heavily flawed. I'm a huge MMA fan but after playing the FN4 demo I couldn't go back to that Smackdown 2009..I mean Undisputed 2009. Ok maybe too harsh, but the physics of that game is what makes me not want to play it. You can use the same move over and over again and win all your fights. The same kick, hits the same spot, causes the same reaction, the same motion etc. I know this engine is on it's first year, but I believe EA will probably bring in superior game play.

For example, when Skate first came out, everyone thought EA was crazy for going against Tony Hawk and look what happened. Like I said, I think EA will focus on created players, online careers, events (view fights of ranked online players?) and then pick up individual stars of the years that aren't affiliated with UFC and future generation stars.

And for everyone saying there aren't any big names left, are the people who only watch Spike TV and watch UFC commercials. Get real, there are dozens of fighters that are still out there that can be signed. A true MMA fan knows this.

SAS

What a damn stupid reply comparing FN to Undisputed, which you used your wit to compare to wrestling. It's obvious from your post you get a huge boner from being a huge EA nerd.

The dozens of fans who watch something besides the UFC will be online playing with you I bet.

Tiburon is making the MMA game, which means they will have a stripped down game, probably won't allow saves, will have an accelerated clock which breaks things, all guys will be rated 99, all fighters will look the same and not protect the QB…. err head when being punched, manual backwards walking, warping punches, fumbles, interceptions. And if it is anything like that POS Skate, it will be the most glitchy game ever online. Nuff said!

http://intensedebate.com/people/mculberson mculberson

Nuff said? Although I couldn't care less about the original argument, this kind of response is not necessary. I think all of these rude, non-registered user responses should be deleted. I think everyone should have to register in order to post so you actually have to take ownership of your rants and namecalling. Just my two cents. Most of the rude comments on here are by drive-by, non-registered users and it just cloggs up the board with crap.

And I'm not saying the posts should be censored in any way, just own up to your comments and register so we know who you are.

http://intensedebate.com/people/ntrisKKT ntrisKKT

"And for everyone saying there aren't any big names left, are the people who only watch Spike TV and watch UFC commercials. Get real, there are dozens of fighters that are still out there that can be signed. A true MMA fan knows this."

You just mentioned how Affliction have no "known" fighters that EA can include in their game, yet you followed up with this comment. Hypocrisy at it's finest. Who's Fedor Emilienko?! He's the top MMA fighter at this moment yet "true MMA fans" aren't aware of his existence?..*sigh*
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/ntrisKKT ntrisKKT

"And for everyone saying there aren't any big names left, are the people who only watch Spike TV and watch UFC commercials. Get real, there are dozens of fighters that are still out there that can be signed. A true MMA fan knows this."-cabrillo24

You just mentioned how Affliction have no "known" fighters that EA can include in their game, yet you followed up with this comment. Hypocrisy at it's finest. Who's Fedor Emilienko?! He's the top MMA fighter at this moment yet "true MMA fans" aren't aware of his existence?..*sigh*

http://www.intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

MMA-MMORPG I think EA is setting itself up for future MMA stars though, not the current generation. I think they'll sign a few MMA stars not affiliated with UFC and focus more on created players and online careers. UFC Undisputed 2009 is heavily flawed. I'm a huge MMA fan but after playing the FN4 demo I couldn't go back to that Smackdown 2009..I mean Undisputed 2009. Ok maybe too harsh, but the physics of that game is what makes me not want to play it. You can use the same move over and over again and win all your fights. The same kick, hits the same spot, causes the same reaction, the same motion etc. I know this engine is on it's first year, but I believe EA will probably bring in superior game play.

For example, when Skate first came out, everyone thought EA was crazy for going against Tony Hawk and look what happened. Like I said, I think EA will focus on created players, online careers, events (view fights of ranked online players?) and then pick up individual stars of the years that aren't affiliated with UFC and future generation stars.

And for everyone saying there aren't any big names left, are the people who only watch Spike TV and watch UFC commercials. Get real, there are dozens of fighters that are still out there that can be signed. A true MMA fan knows this.

SAS

What a damn stupid reply comparing FN to Undisputed, which you used your wit to compare to wrestling. It's obvious from your post you get a huge boner from being a huge EA nerd.

The dozens of fans who watch something besides the UFC will be online playing with you I bet.

Tiburon is making the MMA game, which means they will have a stripped down game, probably won't allow saves, will have an accelerated clock which breaks things, all guys will be rated 99, all fighters will look the same and not protect the QB…. err head when being punched, manual backwards walking, warping punches, fumbles, interceptions. And if it is anything like that POS Skate, it will be the most glitchy game ever online. Nuff said!

http://intensedebate.com/people/mculberson mculberson

Nuff said? Although I couldn't care less about the original argument, this kind of response is not necessary. I think all of these rude, non-registered user responses should be deleted. I think everyone should have to register in order to post so you actually have to take ownership of your rants and namecalling. Just my two cents. Most of the rude comments on here are by drive-by, non-registered users and it just cloggs up the board with crap.

And I'm not saying the posts should be censored in any way, just own up to your comments and register so we know who you are.

http://intensedebate.com/people/ntrisKKT ntrisKKT

"And for everyone saying there aren't any big names left, are the people who only watch Spike TV and watch UFC commercials. Get real, there are dozens of fighters that are still out there that can be signed. A true MMA fan knows this."

You just mentioned how Affliction have no "known" fighters that EA can include in their game, yet you followed up with this comment. Hypocrisy at it's finest. Who's Fedor Emilienko?! He's the top MMA fighter at this moment yet "true MMA fans" aren't aware of his existence?..*sigh*
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/ntrisKKT ntrisKKT

"And for everyone saying there aren't any big names left, are the people who only watch Spike TV and watch UFC commercials. Get real, there are dozens of fighters that are still out there that can be signed. A true MMA fan knows this."-cabrillo24

You just mentioned how Affliction have no "known" fighters that EA can include in their game, yet you followed up with this comment. Hypocrisy at it's finest. Who's Fedor Emilienko?! He's the top MMA fighter at this moment yet "true MMA fans" aren't aware of his existence?..*sigh*

eseaeneteo

If EA consentrates on the CREATE A FIGHTER feature and really provides us with the options to create the UFC fighters ourselves so we as the customer take responsibility on the characters created would give them such an advantage that UFC Undisputed would have to pick up their game and do something with it. Allowing us to FIGHTER SHARE like Fight Night Round 4 would be great. That alone would put a lot of pressure on the Undisputed franchise…. GUARANTEED!
eseaeneteo

If EA consentrates on the CREATE A FIGHTER feature and really provides us with the options to create the UFC fighters ourselves so we as the customer take responsibility on the characters created would give them such an advantage that UFC Undisputed would have to pick up their game and do something with it. Allowing us to FIGHTER SHARE like Fight Night Round 4 would be great. That alone would put a lot of pressure on the Undisputed franchise…. GUARANTEED!