Joystiq

UFC 3 failed to break even at 2 million units, report claims

Mike Suszek — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST

UFC Undisputed 3 failed to break even - which triggered the sale of the UFC license to Electronic Arts - THQ representatives allegedly said during an E3 investor meeting. "THQ sought to exit its UFC contract as the most recent iteration fell short of its ≈2 million unit break-even point," a Wedbush Securities report claims. THQ has yet to confirm the report.

EA Sports executive VP Andrew Wilson recently revealed that THQ approached EA to first initiate talks on the deal.

In related news, a quick search shows that a number of recently laid off THQ San Diego employees have listed work on "UFC 4" on their LinkedIn profiles. THQ's UFC series originally appeared to be annual with its first two games before the company planned an extra year to develop the latest game.

We've reached out to THQ for confirmation on this information, and will update as soon as we learn anything new.

UFC 3 failed to break even at 2 million units, report claims originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA has big plans for its UFC game

David Hinkle — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST

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

EA 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.

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THQ relinquishes UFC rights to EA for 'undisclosed cash payment'

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 17:20:00 EST

Electronic Arts just announced during its E3 press conference that it has entered into a multi-year, multi-product deal with the UFC... so, what happened to THQ? Turns out the financially troubled publisher answered our query quite quickly. Electronic Arts obtained the publishing rights from THQ for an "undisclosed cash payment."

"We have relished our relationship with UFC over the last several years and believe that the UFC gaming brand is in great shape. THQ's more focused strategy moving forward meant that transferring the license to EA made sense to all parties," said THQ CEO Brian Farrell. "We would like to thank UFC for their great support and partnership and wish EA all the best moving forward."

THQ relinquishes UFC rights to EA for 'undisclosed cash payment' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You -- yes you -- can select the cover athlete for UFC Undisputed 3

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST

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.

You -- yes you -- can select the cover athlete for UFC Undisputed 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC Undisputed 3 trailer invites you into an octagon of pain

Mike Schramm — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST

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: UFC Undisputed 3 (8/16/11)

UFC Undisputed 3 trailer invites you into an octagon of pain originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC: Personal Trainer video shows Average Joes working out

David Hinkle — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 01:15:00 EST

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.

Continue reading UFC: Personal Trainer video shows Average Joes working out

UFC: Personal Trainer video shows Average Joes working out originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We can't dispute that UFC Undisputed 3 is set for January 2012

Justin McElroy — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:10:00 EST

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: UFC Undisputed 3 (360, PS3)

We can't dispute that UFC Undisputed 3 is set for January 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get fighting fit with UFC Personal Trainer in June

JC Fletcher — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:55:00 EST

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: UFC Personal Trainer (360/PS3/Wii)

Continue reading Get fighting fit with UFC Personal Trainer in June

Get fighting fit with UFC Personal Trainer in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC Trainer grappling with delays, launching in June

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:45:00 EST

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 Trainer grappling with delays, launching in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC Personal Trainer due in Europe this April

JC Fletcher — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST

Get ready to get super buff. European sites including CVG and Eurogamer say THQ announced that UFC Personal Trainer, the UFC-themed exercise game for Kinect, Move, and Wii, will be released in Europe on April 1 of next year, bringing with it THQ's firm (but completely unspoken) guarantee that regular use will make you look exactly like Brock Lesnar. Out the same day: WWE All-Stars, a similarly casual-focused game, but with wrestling instead of whatever you call what happens in UFC, and arcade-style controls instead of motion.

Both games are headed for a similar release window in North America. During an investor conference call this month, THQ cited them as highlights of its "March quarter."

UFC Personal Trainer due in Europe this April originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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THQ extends UFC rights until 2018

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST

THQ's rights to the UFC license will remain Undisputed until 2018. The publisher announced today that it has extended its "exclusive, worldwide agreement" with Zuffa, LLC to create games based on the ultimate fighting franchise for the next eight years. The agreement grants THQ the option to create games for all consoles, PC, handhelds, mobile devices and social media. We can't wait to see someone gift us a "Punch in the Junk" on Facebook.

The deal's price tag wasn't shared publicly. Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter guesstimates: "[THQ] pay a percentage of sales against a minimum guarantee. My guess is that it's a 15% license, and that the guarantee is around $10 million a year."

The UFC license has been good to THQ, despite the decline in sales for the franchise's second iteration. THQ's current strategy to combat potential annual fatigue is to give the series a "longer development cycle," which means the next installment is expected to arrive sometime in the second half of 2011 at earliest.

THQ extends UFC rights until 2018 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Faction: Armageddon coming May 2011; new Saints Row next fall

James Ransom-Wiley — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:12:00 EST

Filed under: News, In The News, Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

THQ today published a "core games" release calendar, highlighted by the revised May 2011 date given for Red Faction: Armageddon, which pushes it out of a crowded first quarter -- but just a few months beyond the initially proposed date. The calendar spans the publisher's fiscal 2012 (April 2011 - March 2012) and also includes a Spring 2011 release window for MX vs. ATV Alive, followed by the planned summertime launch of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine. A new Saints Row game (or games?) and a WWE iteration are expected next fall.

Additionally, an upcoming UFC title has been slated for Winter 2012 (January-March 2012). Of course, all dates are "subject to change," THQ notes.

Red Faction: Armageddon coming May 2011; new Saints Row next fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is what UFC Undisputed 2010 looks like on PSP

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST

It may not sport the graphics of the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game, but the PSP version of UFC Undisputed 2010 looks mighty impressive for a handheld brawler. This new trailer shows the first Undisputed game on PSP in motion.

Continue reading This is what UFC Undisputed 2010 looks like on PSP

This is what UFC Undisputed 2010 looks like on PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fight the crowds at GameStop's UFC Undisputed 2010 midnight launch parties

JC Fletcher — Sun, 23 May 2010 16:30:00 EST

Before you enter an octagon full of belligerent fighters in UFC Undisputed 2010, why not prepare by visiting a strip mall full of sleepy nerds? GameStop is holding midnight launch events for the mixed martial arts title in 3,100 of its stores on the night of May 24. There, you'll be able to commune with your fellow UFC fans and pick up a new copy of the game at the earliest possible opportunity -- and you do want to buy it new. Check here to find out if any GameStops near you are participating.

If you pre-order the game before then, you'll get access to four unlockable fighters from the Ultimate Fighter TV series. If you pre-order the PS3 version, you'll get three more fighters, as well as a Blu-ray disc with footage of five classic UFC fights. That is indisputably a lot of bonuses.

Fight the crowds at GameStop's UFC Undisputed 2010 midnight launch parties originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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THQ introduces its own 'Online Pass' in UFC 2010

JC Fletcher — Thu, 20 May 2010 10:00:00 EST

EA isn't the only company to hit on the idea of a one-time-use code for online play of sports games. THQ is penalizing used sales of UFC Undisputed 2010 in exactly the same way -- and, since Undisputed will be in stores next week, THQ is even beating EA to it.

Pastapadre discovered that copies of Undisputed will include a code on the back page of the instruction manual, required for online play. THQ confirmed the existence of the codes in a statement to Destructoid, adding that "Codes for accessing the content will be available for second-time buyers for an additional $5." So, right now, THQ is winning the price war in terms of online play privileges. Well, not counting all those companies that let even second-hand buyers play games online without additional chrages (for now).

THQ introduces its own 'Online Pass' in UFC 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC Undisputed's Chuck Liddell tells us what it takes

Mike Schramm — Thu, 06 May 2010 01:00:00 EST

Admittedly, Chuck Liddell is our second favorite "Iceman" -- Bobby Drake's mutant powers and frosty quips make him slightly more endearing to video game nerds like us. But the UFC fighter has his charms as well. Not only is he the winning coach on this season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show, but here he is in a promo video for the upcoming UFC Undisputed 2010 game, schooling all of us pushovers on what it takes to win in the Octagon.

[Spoiler: You have to get real angry and beat up that seemingly no-good Ortiz character.]

UFC Undisputed's Chuck Liddell tells us what it takes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC Undisputed 2010 early access demo expected this week

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:45:00 EST

THQ announced earlier this year that it planned to release a UFC Undisputed 2010 demo a few months prior to the game's May 25 launch. Now, according to the game's community website, it looks like certain UFC fans will be getting an early crack at the demo. The community site relaunched last week, announcing some new perks for registered members, including early access to the demo. According to a recent post, the demo is expected late this week, so you'd best get registered if you want in on the big, sweaty man-fight action.

To register, just viciously punch your mouse button on this link.

[Via Eurogamer]

UFC Undisputed 2010 early access demo expected this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC Undisputed 2010 video explores career mode

David Hinkle — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST

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.

UFC 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.

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UFC Undisputed 2010 video focuses on fighting techniques

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:30:00 EST

One of the most exciting aspects of MMA is the sheer variety of fighting styles you'll see in a single event. The original's repertoire was rather extensive: boxing, kickboxing, muay thai, judo, Brazilian jujitsu, and freestyle wrestling. UFC Undisputed 2010 adds three more fighting techniques into the mix: sambo, karate and Greco-Roman wrestling.

This developer video goes into more detail about the three new styles added to the game, emphasizing the differences between karate and muay thai, for example. With the ability to "combo anything together" in 2010, the added move list should provide a number of interesting and painful combinations to explore.

UFC Undisputed 2010 video focuses on fighting techniques originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC Undisputed 2010 demo's fighters and modes detailed

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST

Man, THQ sure knows how to make a hard sell with its playable demos. The company which set a new industry standard for demo length with its trial version of Darksiders has wisely chosen to include four brilliantly named fighters in its demo for UFC Undisputed 2010: Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida, Rashad "Sugar" Evans and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. With literally zero knowledge of the sport of Ultimate Fighting, we're placing our bets on Mr. Sugar to take home the ... the belt, we guess? The title? The pennant?

The demo, which will feature an Exhibition mode and a local multiplayer Tournament mode, hasn't received a release date, though the game's community blog claims "we'd like to release the demo a full month before Undisputed 2010 hits store shelves on both PSN and Xbox Live." The game's due out on May 25 -- feel free to extrapolate from there.

[Via CVG]

UFC Undisputed 2010 demo's fighters and modes detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sway into this new UFC Undisputed 2010 trailer

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 04:00:00 EST

One of the main things an annualized franchise must do is convince its fans that the tweaks made to each successive sequel are really worth getting hyped about. After an impressive debut with last year's UFC Undisputed 2009, Yuke's and THQ have a lot to prove with 2010. This video highlights some of the key improvements made to the gameplay engine, notably the addition of "sways," dodges that allow fighters to quickly counter-attack.

Other improvements to the combat engine involve utilizing the cage in both offensive and defensive maneuvers. The submission system has also been improved, with a more dynamic camera that focuses on the limbs that are being worked on. It's meant to be more "visceral," a trait that's pretty important in a game all about dudes beating each other up. For UFC fans, we wonder if these improvements are worth another purchase this year?

Sway into this new UFC Undisputed 2010 trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC not banning fighters who sign up for EA's MMA after all

David Hinkle — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

UFC prez Dana White previously said he'd blacklist any fighter who signed up for EA's upcoming mixed martial arts game, EA Sports MMA. And now, Kotaku reports that White is willing to play nice with defectors who chose to be in EA's game -- despite his remaining distaste for the game's publisher.

When asked whether White would still ban those fighters participating in EA's game, he told Kotaku he would not. Even with EA being the bigger company, White isn't willing to just roll over and submit. "But believe me this is still going to continue to be a battle," he said. "...they're the me-toos. The UFC game is the original game."

White even had some choice words to say about trying to get EA to make a mixed martial arts game. He apparently talked with them in the past about doing one, but EA told him "it's not a real sport" and refused to even take a meeting. So, obviously, White has a bit of a chip on his shoulder -- something we'd say could easily be corrected through a stiff arm bar.

UFC not banning fighters who sign up for EA's MMA after all originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brock Lesnar makes the cover of UFC Undisputed 2010

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST

We knew the Ultimate Fighting Championship was open to all forms of combatants, but we think professional brawler Brock Lesnar's admittance to the league is just a little unfair. Our attention was turned to Lesnar by the recently revealed cover of UFC Undisputed 2010 (the full version of which is posted after the jump), which features his countenance. See, we don't have anything against Lesnar -- we just think it's a little one-sided to pit human fighters up against shaved kodiak bears.

We can't wait to scare the living crap out of all the other game cases on our shelf by placing this one near them when UFC Undisputed 2010 releases May 25.

Continue reading Brock Lesnar makes the cover of UFC Undisputed 2010

Brock Lesnar makes the cover of UFC Undisputed 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Best of the Rest: Andrew's Picks of 2009

Andrew Yoon — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST

Flower
This year had a number of terrific downloadable games (this list is a testament to that), however no game -- retail or digital -- connected with me like Flower. Jenova Chen's flOw was an interesting experiment, but Flower is an actual game. In fact, Flower is one of the few experiences I can think of that show the true potential of games as a unique storytelling medium. No other non-interactive art form will ever be able to replicate what thatgamecompany has managed to create.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Andrew's Picks of 2009

Best of the Rest: Andrew's Picks of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStop weekly claims UFC Undisputed 2010 'coming May 25'

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST

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!]

GameStop weekly claims UFC Undisputed 2010 'coming May 25' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Silver lining: THQ acquires 40 percent of Midway San Diego employees, maybe more

Ben Gilbert — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST

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]

Silver lining: THQ acquires 40 percent of Midway San Diego employees, maybe more originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC to grapple Wii, handhelds (Also, THQ likes profit)

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:50:00 EST

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 to grapple Wii, handhelds (Also, THQ likes profit) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC 2009 and Red Faction: Guerrilla bolster THQ profits

Xav de Matos — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST

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.

UFC 2009 and Red Faction: Guerrilla bolster THQ profits originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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THQ earnings show profits up

David Hinkle — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:45:00 EST

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.

THQ earnings show profits up originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC 2009 Undisputed patch incoming

David Hinkle — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:01:00 EST

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]

UFC 2009 Undisputed patch incoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Clinching mechanics explained in UFC 2009 video

Justin McElroy — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST

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.

Clinching mechanics explained in UFC 2009 video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC fighters fired for not signing away game image rights

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:43:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Business

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 fighters fired for not signing away game image rights originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC 2009 Undisputed trailer shows advances in sweat rendering

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Fighting

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 Undisputed trailer shows advances in sweat rendering originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC 2009 game set to smash your face next spring

Majed Athab — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

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]

UFC 2009 game set to smash your face next spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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THQ investor presentation reveals release windows for Super Hero Squad, Master Mind

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Business

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.

THQ investor presentation reveals release windows for Super Hero Squad, Master Mind originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swagwatch?: THQ's UFC grillz (Ugly Fake Chompers?)

Christopher Grant — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Joyswag, E3

The promotional swag for THQ's press conference attendees wasn't a t-shirt and it wasn't a fancy pen. They were handing out grillz to promote their upcoming Ultimate Fighting Championship game labeled with the letters UFC. The only thing that upsets us more than envisioning an army of intrepid video game professionals wearing these things around Santa Monica is the fact that the lettering is off center. Really, it's driving us crazy.

If you actually want these things (never been worn, promise!) we'll be giving them away along with the rest of our swag at our first-ever reader meetup this Friday.

Swagwatch?: THQ's UFC grillz (Ugly Fake Chompers?) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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THQ profits show power of licensing

Ross Miller — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Business

Publisher THQ has posted net sales of more than $1 billion in their 2007 fiscal year, reportedly their 12th consecutive year of revenue growth. According to their annual financial report (PDF file), the company also managed to ship eight titles that exceeded one million units in sales. Their secret to success? Licensed titles.

The annual report revealed that THQ's focus was 80% licensed intellectual property and 20% owned IP -- a 4-to-1 ratio. Key achievements include shipping 8 million units of Disney/Pixar's Cars, 4 million units of WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2007 and 4 million units combined of Nickelodeon franchises.

THQ did establish two franchises this fiscal year, Saint's Row and Company of Heroes, and this upcoming fiscal year, THQ intends to increase its focus on owned IPs to a 33% share on the pie graph -- that's now only a 2-to-1 ratio of licensed-to-owned IP.

Sure, licensed games may not be the most anticipated titles (or even the ones to receive the most coverage from the gaming press), but they do wonders to a publisher's bottom line.

THQ profits show power of licensing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New UFC game confirmed by company President?

David Dreger — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 19:35:00 EST

Filed under: Game announcements, Rumors

Over at the MMA.tv boards, a member by the name of "Kneeblock" asked Dana White about the future installments of Ultimate Fighting Championship games, and pointed out his opinion that added fighters to the same game four times over isn't innovation. Much to everyone's surprise, Dana White actually responded saying that THQ would be taking the helm of the next UFC game and promised that it will set a new standard for the series.

Unfortunately, the thread has since been removed, but that just adds fuel to the proverbial fire, right? So, THQFC (phonetically a portmanteau) sounds pretty promising, considering the last time we played a UFC title was on an Official Dreamcast Magazine demo disc. What do you think about it, though?

[Thanks, un1qu3 n3wy0rk]

New UFC game confirmed by company President? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Want to get that man vs. man UFC goodness? Behold...

Nick Doerr — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

THQ grabbed up the rights to an Ultimate Fighter's game. Expect blood and lots of rolling around on the ground. Also expect a yearly incarnation of the series as a game, a la wrestling, football, baseball... hell, every sports title, until the year 2011.

THQ plans to load in a ton of online, multiplayer and downloadable content to the titles -- it would be neat to have real-time roster updates, possibly a ticker at the bottom of your screen indicating real UFC news whilst you fight with your character you create (if such an option will exist... that'd be sweet). Anyway, for all you UFC fans itching for a fight but don't want to bloody up those beautiful knuckles of your own, keep an eye out for a UFC game coming your way!

Want to get that man vs. man UFC goodness? Behold... originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Jan 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UFC pounding onto PSP

Steven Bailey — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 23:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

The first UFC game for Dreamcast really did something different with the fighting genre. It felt like a very violent game of chess and always kept you on your nerves. The license really lost steam as time went on though and eventually UFC games stopped being made all together. Now that the UFC is more popular than ever, THQ has decided to bring the octagon back to gamers.

Joystiq has an article about the deal up, but let me quote the important part for PSP gamers: "The agreement will span all console and portable systems..." They didn't announce if one developer was handling all versions (which is unlikely) or if a different developer would work on each version. Judging from the huge stable of studios that work with THQ though, it's likely each platform will be a concentrated effort.

For more, read the original article at Joystiq. Or you can find out why THQ bathes in money.

UFC pounding onto PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Jan 2007 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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