Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[EA has big plans for its UFC game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/ea-has-big-plans-for-its-ufc-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/ea-has-big-plans-for-its-ufc-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/ea-has-big-plans-for-its-ufc-game/#comments It's an exciting time at EA Sports for executive VP Andrew Wilson. He's pretty stoked about acquiring the UFC license, the result of the dire financial situation going on at THQ right now, the previous UFC license holder. "Yes, yes it is," Wilson tells me when I say it must be a good time to be in the sports game, uh, game.

But how did EA get the license? Who approached who? How did it all go down? How much did EA really pay for the license? While Wilson couldn't go into the specificity I would've liked regarding some of those subjects, he did at least give me some background on how this new deal came together - and just what it means for MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) gaming fans looking forward to the future.

Continue reading EA has big plans for its UFC game

JoystiqEA has big plans for its UFC game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-wilsone3-2012eaea-sportsmixed-martial-artsmmathqufcWed, 06 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports MMA takes TGS to the mat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/ea-sports-mma-takes-tgs-to-the-mat/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/ea-sports-mma-takes-tgs-to-the-mat/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/ea-sports-mma-takes-tgs-to-the-mat/#comments EA Sports MMA enters the TGS ring with new screens and a trailer showing off the Japanese box art, as well as several new Asian fighters who look like they've been known to mess up a dude or two.

Continue reading EA Sports MMA takes TGS to the mat

JoystiqEA Sports MMA takes TGS to the mat originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsEA-Sports-MMAmicrosoftmixed-martial-artsmmaplaystationps3tgstgs-2010xboxWed, 15 Sep 2010 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[UFC Undisputed 2010 video explores career mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/ufc-undisputed-2010-video-explores-career-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/ufc-undisputed-2010-video-explores-career-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/ufc-undisputed-2010-video-explores-career-mode/#comments If the above video is any indication, UFC Undisputed 2010 is really looking to provide a comprehensive career experience akin to what you see fighters go through in those MMA reality shows, sans the camera confessionals.

In THQ's sequel, you'll get to follow your virtual brawler through almost every facet of the sport -- from weigh-ins to training and even the WFA, to eventual UFC stardom -- picking up a rivalry or two along the way. We'll see if UFC Undisputed 2010 can pull off this ambitious career simulation when it hits the retail mat on May 25.

JoystiqUFC Undisputed 2010 video explores career mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>careerfightingMicrosoftmixed-martial-artsmmathqufcufc-undisputedufc-undisputed-2010wrestlingXbox-360Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports MMA adds Joachim Hansen, Josh Barnett and Vladimir Matyushenko]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/ea-sports-mma-adds-joachim-hansen-josh-barnett-and-vladimir-mat/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/ea-sports-mma-adds-joachim-hansen-josh-barnett-and-vladimir-mat/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/ea-sports-mma-adds-joachim-hansen-josh-barnett-and-vladimir-mat/#comments In its continuing battle for buff dude beat-'em-up supremacy against UFC Undisputed 2010, EA Sports' MMA has confirmed three new brawlers via Twitter: Joachim Hansen, Josh Barnett and Vladimir Matyushenko. In doing some research, we've found out they're all very scary dudes and are apparently adept at the punching and the kicking. They should feel at home with the rest of MMA's roster of ripped rabble-rousers.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqEA Sports MMA adds Joachim Hansen, Josh Barnett and Vladimir Matyushenko originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsea-sports-mmaElectronic-Artsjoachim-hansenjosh-barnettMicrosoftmixed-martial-artsmmavladimir0matyushenkoXbox-360Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Seven fighters added to the EA Sports MMA roster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/seven-fighters-added-to-the-ea-sports-mma-roster/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/seven-fighters-added-to-the-ea-sports-mma-roster/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/seven-fighters-added-to-the-ea-sports-mma-roster/#comments EA has just announced that a new round of pummelers and pummelees have signed on for EA Sports MMA. The game's site lists seven new fighters in total: Cung Le, Gilbert Melendez, Robbie Lawler, Ronaldo Souza, Matt Lindland, Scott Smith, and Josh Thomson -- a few of whom have participated in UFC fights in the past. Considering the UFC president's stance toward EA's game, we have to wonder if their participation jeopardizes their chances with the UFC in the future.

We've also got a few in-game screenshots for you to train with. Practice your virtual arm bars by checking 'em out in the gallery below.

[Via @EASPORTSMMA]

Gallery: EA Sports MMA

JoystiqSeven fighters added to the EA Sports MMA roster originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsea-sports-mmaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftmixed-martial-artsmmarostersportsufcXbox-360Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports MMA signs Strikeforce league, additional fighters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/ea-sports-mma-signs-strikeforce-league-additional-fighters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/ea-sports-mma-signs-strikeforce-league-additional-fighters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/06/ea-sports-mma-signs-strikeforce-league-additional-fighters/#comments
Strikeforce.com

EA has announced a deal to feature the Strikeforce MMA league in its upcoming EA Sports MMA. The publisher also finalized contracts with two pro mixed martial artists currently fighting in Strikeforce, Jake shields (pictured, left) and Brett Rogers, to appear on the game's roster. Don't expect the signings to throw any fuel on the UFC vs. EA fire, however, as neither fighter has ever been on the payroll of UFC prez Dana White.

Frank Shamrock and Mauro Ranallo, Strikeforce's commentary team, will also be recording voiceover for the game. It has yet to be revealed which, if any other leagues will be featured in the game, and if their own commentary teams will be included. Currently, we know that MMA referee "Big John" McCarthy and Strikeforce ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. will also lend their voices and likenesses to the title.

While locking up more pro talent and the Strikeforce license lends credibility to EA Sports MMA, we've still yet to see any hint of an actual video game apart from a lone screenshot released late last month. Hey, EA: You do know that, at this pace and given the nature of MMA, these guys could be retired by the time the game actually ships ... right?

JoystiqEA Sports MMA signs Strikeforce league, additional fighters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsea-sports-mmaelectronic-artsMicrosoftmixed-martial-artsmmastrikeforceXbox-360Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lock your eyes on first EA Sports MMA screenshot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/lock-your-eyes-on-first-ea-sports-mma-screenshot/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/lock-your-eyes-on-first-ea-sports-mma-screenshot/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/lock-your-eyes-on-first-ea-sports-mma-screenshot/#comments Remember when we used to dream -- oh, so innocently -- of the days when video games would look real? Well, those days have come and gone. Games have now officially entered the realm of too real. See: the first screenshot of EA Sports' MMA (above).

Look, we're cool with realistic violence in games -- from a distance. Exploding heads, severed limbs, gratuitous gore -- it's all got to be separated by at least a sword's length; or better: the distance traveled by a bullet.

This bare, get-on-the-floor and grapple-it-out violence is just, well, confusing. Look at that balding guy's expression*. Look closer. What is that all about? It's, like, the antisocial rage it takes to snap a man's arm (against one's groin, no less) coupled with the extreme constipation indicative of training the body to destroy people (go on, squeeze it out) and the extraordinary pain brought on by a set of incisors biting into the tender flesh behind the knee -- and then it's all locked together in what appears to be pure ... ecstasy? We know the sport's all about mixing it up, but these are mixed messages. C'mon, folks, we don't need this stuff in the way of kicking ass. Games must not imitate real life.

*Ed.'s Note: Sorry dude! We don't follow the sport, and so we don't know your name. Please don't break us!

[Via Shacknews]

Continue reading Lock your eyes on first EA Sports MMA screenshot

JoystiqLock your eyes on first EA Sports MMA screenshot originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsea-sports-mmaea-tiburonElectronic-Artsmixed-martial-artsmmascreenshotTue, 27 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Fighter flips over his character rating in EA Sports MMA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/fighter-flips-over-his-character-rating-in-ea-sports-mma-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/fighter-flips-over-his-character-rating-in-ea-sports-mma-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/fighter-flips-over-his-character-rating-in-ea-sports-mma-game/#comments What happens when you put professional mixed martial arts fighter Jason "Mayhem" Miller in a room with a bunch of EA Sports devs who are working on an MMA game, then reveal to Mr. Mayhem that his virtual representation's stats are pretty terrible? Hilarity ensues. Unless you're Rob Hydar, lead developer on the title. In that case, replace "hilarity" with "pure, unadulterated terror."

Watch the video after the jump to witness the proceedings unfold in a very NSFW manner. We realize that not everyone will enjoy the violence depicted in the clip -- but we think we can all rally behind that awesome ball pit/conference table.

[Via GameDaily]

Continue reading Fighter flips over his character rating in EA Sports MMA

JoystiqFighter flips over his character rating in EA Sports MMA originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-sportsElectronic-Artsfightingjason-millermixed-martial-artsmmavideoFri, 02 Oct 2009 17:11:00 EST<![CDATA[UFC president confirms war with EA, blacklisting fighters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/ufc-president-confirms-war-with-ea-blacklisting-fighters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/ufc-president-confirms-war-with-ea-blacklisting-fighters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/ufc-president-confirms-war-with-ea-blacklisting-fighters/#comments 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]

JoystiqUFC president confirms war with EA, blacklisting fighters originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dana-whiteeaElectronic-Artsmixed-martial-artsmmasportsufcufc-undisputed-2009ultimate-fighting-championshipMon, 13 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: UFC to ban fighters that sign on for EA's MMA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/rumor-ufc-to-ban-fighters-that-sign-on-for-eas-mma/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/rumor-ufc-to-ban-fighters-that-sign-on-for-eas-mma/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/01/rumor-ufc-to-ban-fighters-that-sign-on-for-eas-mma/#comments
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!]

JoystiqRumor: UFC to ban fighters that sign on for EA's MMA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftmixed-martial-artsmmarumorufcufc-2009-undisputedXbox-360Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Sports MMA: If it's in any martial art, it's in the game [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/ea-sports-mma-if-its-in-any-martial-art-its-in-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/ea-sports-mma-if-its-in-any-martial-art-its-in-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/ea-sports-mma-if-its-in-any-martial-art-its-in-the-game/#commentsEA just announced a new EA Sports game (most likely a new EA Sports series, because, you know, EA Sports): EA Sports MMA. The company didn't announce any platforms, but we assume that not only will the game feature multiple fighting techniques, but will also release on multiple consoles. Did you see what we did there? Related the content of the game to the platforms? No?

[Update: the press release confirms this as coming out in 2010 on PS3 and Xbox 360!]

JoystiqEA Sports MMA: If it's in any martial art, it's in the game [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009eaea-mmaea-sports-mmaElectronic-ArtsMicrosoftmixed-martial-artsXbox-360Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[EA keeping 'a very close eye on' mixed martial arts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/ea-keeping-a-very-close-eye-on-mixed-martial-arts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/ea-keeping-a-very-close-eye-on-mixed-martial-arts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/ea-keeping-a-very-close-eye-on-mixed-martial-arts/#commentsSpeaking 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.

JoystiqEA keeping 'a very close eye on' mixed martial arts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsmixed-martial-artsmmaufcMon, 16 Mar 2009 22:15:00 EST