EA: THQ drops UFC licence, EA picks it up

EA has nabbed the licence to develop official Ultimate Fighting Championship video games.

THQ had held the licence, resulting in four video games – three brawlers and a fitness title. The first UFC game published by THQ was by far the most successful one, although UFC 3 (pictured) released in February this year did reach No.1 in the UK Chart-Track Top 40.

The deal was between EA, UFC and licence holder Zuffa, and is described as a ‘multi-year, multi-product’ partnership.

THQ CEO Brian Farrell: We’ve 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’d like to thank the UFC for their great support and partnership and wish EA all the best moving forward.”

UFC president Dana White said: We’d like to thank THQ for creating some of the most critically-acclaimed sports videogames of this console generation, and we’re excited to enter a new relationship with EA that will help us deepen our connection with fighting fans around the world.

"There’s no one better at creating authentic sports videogames than EA SPORTS, and we’re excited to have a partner who shares our vision of deep, connected and multi-platform global game experiences.”

EA Sports president Andrew Wilson said: We’re thrilled to begin a long-term partnership that will bring fans incredibly authentic, and deeply connected, UFC video games.

"UFC has become a global powerhouse because they have the world’s best fighters, competing in the world’s best mixed martial arts events. We share UFC’s passion for the sport, and we look forward to capturing all of the intensity and excitement of the action with unique new game experiences across a range of platforms.”