THQ Announces First UFC Title For 2009

Publisher and developer THQ has announced that it will bring UFC 2009 Undisputed, a fighting game based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed martial arts organization and featuring a new game engine, to the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and mobile devices in spring 2009. Designed to capture the experience of a UFC live event, UFC 2009 Undisputed will feature over 80 UFC fighters across all five weight classes. In addition to providing the franchise's signature Octagon arena, the game will include popular commentators, announcers, referees, trainers, Octagon girls, and more. Online support and downloadable content are also planned. UFC 2009 Undisputed will feature a new fighting game engine allowing for a variety of mixed martial arts disciplines, such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Players will be able to use the title's Create-A-Fighter system to training a custom character and run through the Career Mode to fight their way to the UFC Hall of Fame through a series of storylines. THQ announced an exclusive, worldwide agreement in January 2007 to publish video games based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship brand through 2011. At the time, the company was looking to diversify its existing, troubled deal with World Wrestling Entertainment. The studio's deal with UFC includes games for all current and next-generation consoles, PC and handheld platforms, in addition to certain wireless rights. Rights also include online, downloadable and multi-player capabilities in connection with the various gaming systems. Said THQ senior vice president of worldwide marketing Bob Aniello: “As the leading fighting videogame publisher(s), we feel the rising popularity of the UFC brand and its incredible mixed martial arts experience make UFC 2009 Undisputed the perfect addition to our expanding portfolio. UFC 2009 Undisputed is certain to be the most realistic fighting game to date, including advanced collision detection and AI systems that incorporate individual fighter styles.”