The New UFC Video Game - MMAUniverse.com

US, January 15, 2007 - The higher ups at THQ have informed IGN that it will announce a brand new licensing deal tomorrow that grants the Agoura Hills-based publisher the rights to release videogames based on Zuffa LLC's Ultimate Fighting Championship. This agreement will last through the end of 2011 and applies to PC, handheld and console platforms. The rights also incorporate online, multiplayer and downloadable capabilities.

"Ultimate Fighting Championship and THQ represent the perfect marriage of rich content and proven development capabilities," said Kelly Flock, executive vice president of worldwide publishing, THQ. "The UFC brand has seen tremendous growth in recent years with wild popularity among the core gaming demographic. This relationship serves as an extraordinary addition to THQ's world-class license portfolio as we continue to expand our competitive sports offering."

"Interactive is a critical opportunity for us to expand the Ultimate Fighting Championship brand," said Dana White, UFC president. "Our goal for the UFC games is to give our growing, global fan base the opportunity to experience the most exciting live sporting event in the world -- the UFC. THQ's unparalleled development and pedigree in the fighting/action-sports genre, in addition to their leading position as a global publisher, makes them our best partner to deliver on this objective."

Few details about the UFC games were given as we went to press, but we do know that the products will include current and former stars and champions from throughout the franchise's history. The developer, release date, and specific systems are still a mystery.

For more on what this agreement means for THQ and the UFC, IGN Xbox's Douglass C. Perry spoke with THQ EVP Kelly Flock; the transcript of which can be found here.

Source: UK.PC.IGN