UFC NEWS: THQ and Zuffa extend video-game partnership through 2018

By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

THQ and Zuffa, LLC have extended their agreement to produce UFC videogames through 2018, according to a press release from THQ on Tuesday.

THQ has developed the UFC Undisputed videogame franchise, releasing games for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 in both 2009 and 2010.

"We're very excited to extend our relationship with Zuffa and the Ultimate Fighting Championship," said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, Core Games, THQ in today's release. "Working closely together with Dana White and the incredible team at UFC, we plan to continue to deliver outstanding interactive UFC experiences to gamers around the world in all new ways, including social, mobile and brand extensions."

"THQ has delivered the quality demanded by UFC and its fans with the first two Undisputed(TM) games and we are about to broaden the UFC brand experience among gaming fans through social and mobile apps," added Dana White, UFC President. "We are impressed by the passion that THQ brings to making great games and we look forward to working together to create even greater gaming experiences for our fans in the future."

According to the press release, THQ has acquired the rights to create videogames for all current and next-generation consoles, PC and handheld platforms, as well as certain social media and wireless rights, including iPhone and iPad. The rights acquired also include online, downloadable and multi-player capabilities in connection with the various gaming systems.

Penick's Analysis: The UFC has been happy with what THQ has developed, despite this year's edition of the game not being received entirely positive and disappointing in sales. Having the UFC's rights means THQ will have the top name fighters in the sport, but fans will be expecting improvements to the gameplay to go along with that. They've now got competition as well in the form of the brand new EA Sports MMA, so how that game performs and how fans react to the gameplay in that series will affect how THQ progresses the UFC's game.

Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_7225.shtml

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