EA Sports’ much anticipated UFC title comes to Playstation 4 and Xbox One next month and the developer is whetting fans appetites with a regular series of ‘gameplay series’ – including this one exploring how to secure a submission.
As well as a previously reported guest appearance by Bruce Lee, the title includes a roster of more likely fighters – including Betfair’s favourite Conor McGregor – allowing console owners to fight as their chosen hero.
The game is the first from EA which took over the UFC licence after THQ failed to breakeven on the third instalment of its own UFC tie-in franchise.
It’s unlikely EA is going to encounter the same lack of commercial success.
Not only does the studio have a strong pedigree with sports titles and franchise – including Madden and FIFA which have clocked up 25 and 21 instalments respectively – but the sport is growing in popularity both in the US and abroad.
Here in the UK broadcast deals with BT Sport and Channel 5 have helped draw large audiences and, for the first time, the sport held a ‘Fight Night’ event in London.
Given the strong and growing fan base, EA will want to ensure the game is seen as a credible and strong effort so it’s no surprise they’ve built it on their industry-leading IGNITE engine.
Early videos have indicated that promises of “unparalleled realism” are set to be delivered on – we’ve already been amazed at the way athletes’ muscles flex and bodies contort as contenders face-off against one another.
And teaser videos suggest the impressive visuals are matched by some top sound design, cranking up the atmosphere and allowing gamers to immerse themselves in their favourite sport.
EA Sports UFC is released June 17th.