Snapshot of the Day: EA Sports, Randy Couture Partner to Drive Dana White Insane

by Luke Thomas on Aug 17, 2009 1:45 PM EDT in News Comment 57 comments

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EA Sports' Peter Moore and UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture. Photo by Dave Mandel via Sherdog.com.

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Guess we’ll find out of Dana is really serious about not working with fighters who are in the EA Sports game.

by Andy R on Aug 17, 2009 12:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Pero bueno!

'He built his whole reputation as a waffle house chef. They’ve been serving him up ham and eggs with a side of canned tomatoes' - Don Frye on Fedor Emelianenko

by Well Read Idiot on Aug 18, 2009 7:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think anything “bad” can come from this. Good for Randy, I say. Once EA puts their money behind a sport for a game they tend to go balls out and treat it with a fair amount of respect. Besides, I’ll bet within 4-8 years time EA will be doing the official UFC game anyways. They’re equally as ruthless and tend to get their way. They would kill for the official license.

by robotplague on Aug 17, 2009 12:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

They’re the better publisher/developer, anyway.

by Gong on Aug 17, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's hard to say considering...

MMA doesn’t have the foundation laid to warrant competition in gaming yet..

EA has 2 solid franchises.. Madden & Tiger Woods… They’re good at thos games but even now those franchises are starting to take minor hits because EA has gotten stale on the Madden Series and that’s the bread winner for them.. Madden would drive up the demand from EA.. But lately it isn’t the case..

by MMAuthority on Aug 17, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They got FIFA. Numbers would be interesting, chances are they sell more FIFA games than any other franchises.

You don't look like a Tanaka.

by spectaa on Aug 17, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's possible but..

I’m inclined to think that Tiger Woods or Madden would be #1 for them.. Perhaps someone has more insight into those specifics ??

by MMAuthority on Aug 17, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe you're right

Kuwabara Kuwabara

by J. B. Maddox on Aug 17, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No way FIFA outsells Madden…….

"I used to do drugs, I still do, but I used to, too!!!!" - Mitch Hedberg

by Akiyama Sexyomama on Aug 17, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can you show me a source for that ???

I looked but could not find any info as far as EA’s biggest selling game or franchise..

I’m not saying you’re wrong, I just didn’t see any info stating one way or the other..

by MMAuthority on Aug 17, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tried to look it up

At least according to Wiki, the Madden series is up by 10 mil against FIFA.

To be honest, I’d be more interested in how this year’s Madden and FIFA games are going to perform. It wasn’t till recently that EA really pushed the FIFA series… I remember a couple years back when Pro Evo was the superior soccer game, but now they’ve more or less successfully completed a switcheroo I think

by Gong on Aug 17, 2009 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't have any empirical evidence, but...

I have buddies who work in EA Montreal and they’ve mentioned that the FIFA games outsell Madden. Or at least are starting to.

by dv8shun on Aug 17, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

FIFA 09 sold 7.8m copies in the fiscal quarter it was released in (Q3 – game was released to core market a few days in). Madden sold 4.5m in the quarter it was released in (Q2), however it was released roughly half way through the quarter in its core market. You cant just double the figure mind as sales tail off quite sharply I imagine.

Lots of other variables to consider, e.g. Q3 would have been harder hit by the recession than Q2 etc. Its close enough anyway.

Source:
http://investor.ea.com/results.cfm

by -Sam on Aug 17, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well then here's our evidence..

Now let’s just wait and see what EA does with the MMA platform..

by MMAuthority on Aug 17, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe you are right....

No question about the popularity of the Madden games in the USA, but FIFA has a larger appeal in the rest of the world.

by frozzen on Aug 17, 2009 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

See the point I make is this..

People say NFL style football is only relevant in the USA.. But what about the Super Bowl ?? Is it not the largest watched sporting event in the world every year ?? For a single event it draws more viewers that any other event of any sporting franchise.. And that statistic spans multiple countries.. So while they may not follow the regular season of each NFL year, that doesn’t mean the game doesn’t cross over in appeal to people outside the USA..

I ALWAYS wait in line for hours in advance upon a Madden release.. Never have I see such a thing for FIFA, NHL, NASCAR, FIGHT NIGHT etc..

Tiger Woods has a HUGE following because that’s your only chance to play as him in all golf games and golf is a very popular sport worldwide..

But as far as the other franchises, I just think that EA has only 2 solid ones in Madden & Tiger Woods.. FIFA could be lumped in there because that’s the only one they have “exclusive” licensing rights to..But that doesnt mean their NCAA, NBA & other titles are dominating video game sales for that market..

by MMAuthority on Aug 17, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was in London during the Super Bowl three years ago. One bar in the entire city was carrying it and believe me when I tell you no one – and I mean NO ONE – gave a flying fuck. I was one of two people in the entire bar paying attention.

by Luke Thomas on Aug 17, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Is it not the largest watched sporting event in the world every year?"

no, it’s the largest watched sporting event in the USA every year. World cup is the most watched sporting event in the whole world (which only comes once every four years), I’m thinking the olympics is a FAR second place runner. nothing beats soccer world wide…

by orcus on Aug 17, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I stand corrected.. :)

But in reference to the topic, Madden I think outsells FIFA in terms of units and dollars… That’s a world wide stat..

by MMAuthority on Aug 17, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I gave the stats above. I would argue they are close enough, with Madden perhaps ahead in units. But FIFA retails at a comparatively higher price in the UK and Europe, and I wouldnt be surprised if it actually generates more revenue. Its a silly argument anyway,they are both integral to the business.

It is worth noting that FIFA has a viable competitor in Pro Evo, and one that it lost a lot of ground to at the beginning o the current generation. AFAIK, Madden pretty much has the luxury of being the only big player in town?

by -Sam on Aug 17, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Superbowl used to be the largest watched Sporting match (every odd year).

Football (soccer) does pretty much more than doubles it for the World Cup or UEFA European Football Championships when they are played.

I haven’t seen recent figures, but with NBA’s big move to China I could see it moving up in recent years. It used to be solid 10 finisher.

If your going to say sporting event, Superbowl is ways down the list as Rugby, World Cup, Olympics are a few that beat it by around a factor of 10.

by natyong on Aug 17, 2009 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok I looked it up

and with some good numbers.

from wiki:

The sporting event with the largest worldwide audience is the FIFA World Cup. Other events that have been described as “the most watched” per various definitions include the Summer Olympic Games, UEFA Champions League, Tour de France, Cricket World Cup, Rugby World Cup (rugby union), Super Bowl, and the FIA Formula One World Championship.

The most watched sporting event in the world is football (European Football). The 2006 world cup final drew 716 million viewers. While the whole tournament attracted 30+ billion non-unique viewers.

each sport has it’s merit, but in the end of the day nothing beats the world cup.

by orcus on Aug 17, 2009 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How come...

nobody’s mentioned the Fight Night franchise? Fight Night Round 4 is the best (“realistic”) boxing game out there, and this franchise has a very powerful and intricate gameplay system. It’s only natural for them to consider moving on to MMA. I think they would do a fantastic job. Don’t get me wrong, Undisputed is good, but if anyone can give Dana White a run for his money, then it would be EA.

by ninjaana on Aug 17, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He’s not when it comes to big time aquisition. Futhermore, Randy talked about his deal with EA months ago – So, why is this a surprise to anyone?

by ACCBiggz on Aug 17, 2009 12:16 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

What is MMA?

Bloody Elbow Pound-for-Pound the Best in Ultimate Fighting (UFC) Commentary, News and Community

by ronniebonnie on Aug 17, 2009 12:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I guess its a video game term

by David_ on Aug 17, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ultimate fighting

Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.

by ufc4 on Aug 17, 2009 1:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Definition of MMA

MMA is also known as “Human Cockfighting”, “Cage Fighting” or my personal favorite “Cage Boxing”!!! lol

"I used to do drugs, I still do, but I used to, too!!!!" - Mitch Hedberg

by Akiyama Sexyomama on Aug 17, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It is also referred to as “Ultimate Boxing” by Larry King.

by xDieseLx on Aug 17, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

F*ck larry king................lol

"I used to do drugs, I still do, but I used to, too!!!!" - Mitch Hedberg

by Akiyama Sexyomama on Aug 17, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This isn't new news to anyone..

Randy signed his deal “before” he came back to the UFC.. This is why he is the “one” exception by the UFC.. I’m sure they were going to allow Fedor as the only other exception to the rule..

I think it speaks volumes when they didn’t try to pin down Gegard because of this one little game.. And unless EA Sports does something about the fluidity of the game play both online and offline it isn’t going to be that big a deal.. The few hardcores will buy it.. A few gamers will pick it up too.. But I don’t foresee it being much different than UFC Undisputed.. The only knocks on THQ is that the online play lags, people are cheating using turbo controllers to get submissions accomplished & the ground game play could be improved slightly.. But all in all it’s a great base for the MMA platform and it houses all the big names the casual’s care about.. It’s like people playing regular punchout over Mike Tysons punchout.. essentially the same game but Mike Tysons did much better with consumers because of name recognition..

by MMAuthority on Aug 17, 2009 12:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Frank Trigg is rumored to be in the game as well.

by MMASuPreMaCy on Aug 17, 2009 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well at this point ...

I dont think anyone is really excited to be playing as Frank Trigg outside of Trigg and his family.. lol

I think the UFC’s point was based on a “from this date forward” sort of scenario.. Meaning if any “potential” up and comers or fighters of interest planned on wanting to be in the UFC, then they better pass on the chance of EA’s MMA .. He who owns the land makes the rules…

by MMAuthority on Aug 17, 2009 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

trigg is part of the rear naked choke bonus mini-game

by Headkick on Aug 17, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trigg and Tito need to be in EA so they do have a minigame of who can make them say the stupidest stuff.

by natyong on Aug 17, 2009 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, can that shot look any more forced with that ridiculously fitting hat? LOL

by SBrooks1 on Aug 17, 2009 12:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And Randy doesnt exactly have a small head. Looks like they grabbed one from the box of production mistakes.

"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn

by Day Man on Aug 17, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha funny i was thinking same thing when i saw that pic. Hat looks like shit. THQ goes under EA will take over for the UFC. UFC did good with THQ EA will do decent with there brand on its own but combine the two and it could be huge.

"Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his ass. I told him a year ago. I pulled it out of him and I beat him over the head with it." Brock Lesnar

by pitbull187 on Aug 17, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This won't happen...

EA wouldn’t understand why the UFC would force them to drop Fedor (assuming he’ll be on the cover) if they were to make a UFC game/merge.

by Kaibo on Aug 17, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thats this game im talking in the future. Im sure EA with would swap Fedor with the UFC at anytime. Fedor <entire ufc roster

"Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his ass. I told him a year ago. I pulled it out of him and I beat him over the head with it." Brock Lesnar

by pitbull187 on Aug 17, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's the reason for the merger anyways ??

THQ didn’t bomb on the Undisputed game.. There is room for improvement, for sure, but thats in every game.. This is just the base platform for the game as well.. Unlike the Madden series, etc.. This is the first one.. Wait a few more releases before you start pushing for mergers IMO..

We dont even know what EA is bringing to the table on the MMA platform.. I dont see what they could really do to make the UFC buyers go wow & jump ship on them.. THQ has been working at a decent pace to critique our demands and have already started the next version in line..

EA isn’t the “best” game developer out there, they’re “one of the best” and outside of their Madden & Tiger Woods franchises, they don’t dominate the market share..

by MMAuthority on Aug 17, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Im not pushing for a merger THQ was in the red and UFC helped them i just dont know how long in a bad economy THQ will survive off of one title.

"Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his ass. I told him a year ago. I pulled it out of him and I beat him over the head with it." Brock Lesnar

by pitbull187 on Aug 17, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

both Undisputed and Red Faction sold really well.

by pr0cs on Aug 17, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was going to mention Red Faction

My son plays Red Faction online for hours a day.. lol

If they have it as an exclusive (UFC license) and they make the platform very easy to follow and ease of play consistent with graphic upgrades and play mode increases, then they could very well stay stable enough to maintain on one or two titles alone.. They could cut their overhead and only dump resources into development of their winning titles and do really well..

I just think we should wait and see what EA Sports can do on their own without name recognition.. If Fedor looses before the EA relases, it makes the cover and draw of the game that less appealing anyways.. And for the life of me I dont understand why they wouldn’t use Randy as their cover boy ?? Or even Randy vs. Fedor photo op as their cover ??

by MMAuthority on Aug 17, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

kinda like a crappier version of Tyson vs Ali

"Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his ass. I told him a year ago. I pulled it out of him and I beat him over the head with it." Brock Lesnar

by pitbull187 on Aug 17, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Randy vs. Fedor will be the cover, hence “headliners.”

What would be tricky would be if Randy beat Nogueira, and somehow upset Brock. All of a sudden, that Randy-Fedor cover gets REALLY interesting…

by madiq on Aug 17, 2009 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Randy will most likely not be fighting for a title without this being taken care of.

A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.

by iiowyn on Aug 17, 2009 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blizzard Entertaintment

They haven´t made a game thats not Starcraft, Diablo or Warcraft in 15 years.

by David_ on Aug 17, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

EA Sux

Besides Madden and Tiger woods what else do they have?? I mean they do those 2 very well, but I cannot think of another game they make that is awesome………

"I used to do drugs, I still do, but I used to, too!!!!" - Mitch Hedberg

by Akiyama Sexyomama on Aug 17, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Im not that big of a fan of EA either but im not big on THQ as well. I say let 2K sports have a crack at it. NFL 2K5 is still better than any madden to date.

"Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his ass. I told him a year ago. I pulled it out of him and I beat him over the head with it." Brock Lesnar

by pitbull187 on Aug 17, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

People said the same thing about skate

against the Tony Hawk series. Tony Hawk was the more recognizable series and had the biggest stars, but EA’s skate managed to bring such a fresh perspective to the games that it outsold the Tony Hawk game that year. I’m really hoping that they take the same approach to creating this title.

by Gong on Aug 17, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can see myself playing this instead of undisputed. Everything depend on the game engine (for me…and most gamers). THQ did a great job, let see if EA can do better (EA can do crappy stuffs). With a good cage/ring control and an enhanced footwork, they can take the MMA game to another level.

You don't look like a Tanaka.

by spectaa on Aug 17, 2009 1:09 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Considering their roster will suck it’s fair to say this game will live and die by how it plays. Which is a good thing for everyone:
1) if it sucks further iterations will be cancelled and more push to get said fighters into Undisputed
2) if it’s awesome THQ will be under to gun to pull out all stops and make Undisputed even better

Either way EA has it’s work cut out for them, I love Moore but this is one fight I don’t expect them to do well in.

by pr0cs on Aug 17, 2009 1:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The roster might suck, but I figure it’ll have a fairly developed Create A Fighter mode, which could, or many fans, make up for the lack of “official” UFC fighters.

by madiq on Aug 17, 2009 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Randy is finally starting to look old.

Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."

by xFenixKnightx on Aug 17, 2009 1:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

hmm… it’ll be interesting to see if couture shows up at 102 with an ea mma logo on his trunks… imo it will be weird either way, if he has the logo, or if he doesn’t

by kanodogg on Aug 17, 2009 2:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs