EA Has Acquired the UFC License, Will Develop New UFC Game

[RaychelSnr]

Who said Press Events were boring? In a shocking announcement just minutes ago, EA Sports has announced a "multi-year, multi-product agreement with the Ultimate Fighting Championship." Dana White was on hand to tout the announcement. This means THQ is no longer developing UFC products. A huge coup for EA.

What do you all think?

Update: Press Release Just Issued By THQ, looks like EA made them an offer they couldn't refuse.

Quote:

" THQ AND ZUFFA ANNOUNCE TRANSFER OF ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP VIDEOGAME LICENSE AGREEMENT AGOURA HILLS, Calif. & LAS VEGAS, Nev., June 4, 2012 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and Zuffa, LLC, today announced that they have reached an agreement to transfer THQ’s exclusive, worldwide license with Zuffa to publish videogames based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) brand to Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA), effective today, in exchange for an undisclosed cash payment to THQ. “Over the last three years, THQ has delivered best-in-class, all-encompassing experiences to MMA fans, sports enthusiasts and fighting gamers around the globe with its UFC Undisputed™ series. We want to thank them for their stewardship of our brand," said Lorenzo Fertitta, Chairman and CEO of Zuffa. “We look forward to joining forces with EA to leverage their sports platform, and expand our brand in the video game space.” Brian Farrell, THQ’s Chairman and CEO, commented, “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. We would like to thank UFC for their great support and partnership and wish EA all the best moving forward.”

[bostonchipster]

Very cool...hope the game is really good, really kept the surprise in the dark

[Entiae]

My jaw almost hit the floor when I realized it was the UFC! Such a total shocker, for me at least.

[MFarrer74]

THQ didn't have the resources that Ea Sports has. I'd imagine the basic control system will stay in place, but the overall experience will be enhanced greatly in my opinion

[jb12780]

WOW. Didn't see this coming at all.

This could be HUGE for both the UFC and EA.

I guess Christmas came early here at OS today.

[Gotmadskillzson]

mind blown !!!

That means we get to finally edit the fighter ratings !!!!!!! Finally.

[Jaymistic]

I think with the Fight Night Champion Engine and EA's marketing to other places, it will be a better look for UFC.

[aholbert32]

The news almost leaked earlier today. One of the mods on THQ's UFC site posted something about this being a sad day for him and all the rumors leaking about EA MMA.

I bet this will be one of EA's first next gen games just like fight night was for the xbox 360.