EA Sports recently released the latest edition of their UFC game series. UFC 5 was released on October 27, 2023, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox One. Furthermore, this was the first UFC game in three years. Fans were quite excited to experience the improved gameplay and updates but they were left disappointed.
Many MMA fans feel that the game is very similar to UFC 4. While there are some minor additions like doctor stoppages, unique facial damage animations, and slow-motion KO’s it feels like a polished version of its predecessor and not a new game.
UFC fans feel that it is UFC 4.2 instead of being a standalone game in the series. Furthermore, the fans want the UFC to stop working with EA Sports and work with THQ.
THQ and UFC have a long-standing history together. The American video game company signed a 5-year worldwide licensing deal to publish games with the UFC in 2007. Before the deal, THQ was best known for its involvement in the WCW and WWE games.
Remember in 2010 when THQ released UFC Undisputed 2010? It got meh reviews from fans/critics.
How did THQ respond? A year extra off and made UFC Undisputed 3 one of the best MMA games ever.
EA takes 3 YEARS OFF after UFC 4 is hated and gives us UFC 4.2 instead of a true UFC 5.
— ThisGenGaming (@ThisGenGamingYT) October 25, 2023
Their first game with the UFC was, UFC 2009 Undisputed which was very well received by players and critics alike. Furthermore, the game went on to sell 3.5 million copies worldwide. They had a dull moment with the release of Undisputed 2010 mostly due to its submission system. However, after taking a year off they released one of the best fighting games of all time Undisputed 3.
Undisputed 3 is still considered by many as the best UFC game ever made. The game included an improved striking and submission system, leg kick TKOs, and an impressive career mode. However, the best part of the game was the inclusion of ‘Pride Mode’. In this mode, players can use stomps and grounded knees.
I always look back to THQ closing and get immensely sad
UFC games will never reach this level of greatness again under EA 😥 pic.twitter.com/1z8e0oHHRV
— Badger (@BBBadgerSSBM) October 27, 2023
However, this won’t be possible in the near future as in 2020 EA Sports and UFC announced the extension of their multi-year partnership. Furthermore, it looks almost impossible based on the fallout of THQ and the UFC.
What’s the real reason behind the THQ-UFC fallout?
While UFC Undisputed 3 was a great game, it was not that profitable financially. The game sold 1.4 million copies while it needed to sell 2 million copies to break even. Due to this, THQ was struggling financially and had to sell the license to EA Sports. However, this deal was marred by a huge controversy.
According to THQ, they shared the sales and revenue information of the UFC series with the gaming giants during their discussions of a potential THQ sale to EA. In the discussions, THQ shared about their financial situation and their inability to work on major projects.
After a few discussions, EA broke off the deal negotiations citing disinterest as the major reason. However, things got very suspicious when Zuffa, the parent company of the UFC threatened THQ to cancel their license amidst their insolvency issues. According to THQ, EA had leaked their internal information to the UFC.
Furthermore, the gaming company claims that the UFC was supposed to pay $20 million for breaking the contract but they paid only half of this amount. THQ filed a lawsuit against both EA and the UFC for fraudulent negotiation tactics as they believe it was pre-planned by both parties.
‼️ UFC 5 has added doctor stoppages, draws and better TKO’s from the ground with the ref stepping in to stop the fight. Although not mentioned, the knockdowns look more realistic too.
They are going all out with UFC 5 and adding a bunch of stuff from UFC Undisputed 3! pic.twitter.com/12PbWXuQJx
— ThisGenGaming (@ThisGenGamingYT) September 7, 2023
Given the situation between THQ, UFC, and EA Sports, it looks like the fans won’t be getting the game they want. What do you think about the UFC Undisputed Series? Is it better than EA Sports UFC? Let us know in the comments below.