The Checkpoint 6.26.08: Why A UFC or MMA Game Will Succeed

Posted by John Curry on 06.26.2008

The Checkpoint looks at the flipside of its previously presented argument that any UFC or MMA game will not succeed and focuses on exactly why a MMA, namely the UFC, game can and will succeed.

So in the last edition of The Checkpoint I presented my reasoning for why the UFC or any MMA game will fail. While I stand by my reasons that I presented, as I mentioned I do have high ambitions and desires for this game to succeed. So in all fairness, and after hearing "Jane, you ignorant slut," I have decided that it is only fair to present my reasons for why the UFC game can and will succeed.



The Increased Fan Base



I have to say that opposed to the last game the UFC released the size of their fan base has increased exponentially since the last release of a UFC game, UFC Sudden Impact for the PS2 in 2004. While I realize that many people will say that the fan base has not increased as much in the past 4 years (5 by the time the game is released) as I say, the reason I believe this is a big factor in the world of gaming is that due to the large following the UFC has at the moment, they will have more than enough fans who will purchase this game.

The Advancements of a Next Generation Systems



The biggest reason I think this game will be a success is the abilities the game will be able to use that were not truly available to them on the last generation system. I am not talking necessarily about graphics alone. For instance, the mastery of the dual analog stick controls. While I am aware that the PS2 had dual analog controls most of the games utilized the left stick for move and right stick for look around. The next generation systems, both the 360 and the PS3 have advanced their analog capabilities. I am talking about the ability to have an analog based submission system much in the way Skate utilizes it for tricks and MLB2k8 uses it for pitches. If they choose to do this the game will be almost a guaranteed success.

The Create a Fighter Mode

If this game must have a feature it has to be a create a fighter mode. This is the perfect time for the UFC to utilize not only its familiarity with their current fighters but also the massive popularity of The Ultimate Fighter series. I think the best thing to do with this game is to have a create a fighter mode in which you train your skills which are rewarded by a point system for increases. As you continue to train you will fight your way through TUF series in hopes of achieving a UFC contract. This would make for an absolutely phenomenal game in my opinion and most importantly would add a storyline to the game that markets their brand.

The Top Reason a UFC Game Will Be a Success is……….THQ is behind it

This is just the best thing that could happen to an MMA game. THQ brings the vast experience of creating wrestling games for previous and next generation systems. There could not be a company who has the ability and knowledge of creating a better, more immersive fight game than THQ. Look at the games THQ has produced for the WWE (bearing in mind the WWE currently owns all rights to the WCW).

• WCW Nitro 1997 (PlayStation, Nintendo 64, PC)

• WCW/nWo Revenge 1998 (Nintendo 64)

• WCW Thunder 1998 (PlayStation)

• WCW vs. nWo: World Tour 1997 (Nintendo 64)

• WCW vs. The World 1997 (PlayStation)

• WWE Crush Hour 2003 (PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube)

• WWE Day of Reckoning 2004 (GameCube)

• WWE Day of Reckoning 2 2005 (GameCube)

• WWE Raw 2002 (Xbox, PC, Mobile)

• WWE RAW 2 2003 (Xbox)

• WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth 2002 (PlayStation 2)

• WWE SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain 2003 (PlayStation 2)

• WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2004 (PlayStation 2)

• WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2006 2005 (PlayStation 2, PSP system)

• WWE SmackDown! vs. RAW 2007 2006 (PlayStation 2, PSP system, Xbox 360)

• WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 2007 (PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PSP system, Nintendo DS, Wii, Xbox 360, Mobile)

• WWE WrestleMania X8 2002 (GameCube)

• WWE WrestleMania XIX 2003 (GameCube)

• WWE WrestleMania 21 2005 (Xbox)

• WWF No Mercy 2000 (Nintendo 64)

• WWF SmackDown! 2000 (PlayStation)

• WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role 2000 (PlayStation)

• WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It 2001 (PlayStation 2)

This is where the UFC game really picks up the argument that they will ultimately not only create a successful game in terms of sales but a great MMA game in terms of gameplay.

Now while I stay weary of the game being a success to play, I think the potential of this game is phenomenal. I have to weigh the good and bad of a game. Like I said in the previous article, I will be picking this game up when it comes out no matter what. It is a little too premature for me to be making assumptions that this game will suck without having any hands on time with it, but regardless of what anyone thinks, it is my duty to look at exactly why a game could be a bad thing or a good thing, in hopes that not only does it cause conversation but hopefully brings ideas to publishers and producers of games. Until more information comes out on the game, we will just have to resort to speculation about what the game will or will not have.

Like always don't hesitate to leave your comments or e-mail with your questions, comments, or concerns.