THQ Disputes ‘UFC: Undisputed’ Game Sales
Jake Rossen Jul 26, 2010
The release of THQ’s “UFC: Undisputed” video game in May 2009
appeared to signal another notch in the belt of Zuffa’s attempts to
become a multimedia monster: the game shipped over 3.5 million
units and was (unofficially) credited with indoctrinating a new
group of fans by acting as a tutorial to a deceptively complex
sport. Alternately, some people just like entertainment where you
can virtually beat someone senseless. No judgment here.
But “Undisputed 2010” hasn’t fared quite as well: the game has shipped 2.6 million copies, a fairly sharp decrease in interest. Speaking with MCV.com, THQ Marketing Director Jon Rooke blamed the logjam on the success of Rockstar’s “Red Dead Redemption,” which allows players to roam the Old West and shoot rather than tackle opponents. (That’s economy of effort for you.)
Perspective is everything: considering “2010” made only minor adjustments to game play, moving another couple of million copies in a new calendar year is impressive. But the danger in hustling out a sequel is that you’re giving buyers the impression future versions will be more or less carbon copies. The company might want to opt for a more immersive environment: “Undisputed 2011” should have vignettes with matchmaker Joe Silva firing you for under-performing. Alternately, you could get into an argument with your sponsor over unpaid invoices just before your fight, sapping you of energy. The possibilities are endless.
But “Undisputed 2010” hasn’t fared quite as well: the game has shipped 2.6 million copies, a fairly sharp decrease in interest. Speaking with MCV.com, THQ Marketing Director Jon Rooke blamed the logjam on the success of Rockstar’s “Red Dead Redemption,” which allows players to roam the Old West and shoot rather than tackle opponents. (That’s economy of effort for you.)
Perspective is everything: considering “2010” made only minor adjustments to game play, moving another couple of million copies in a new calendar year is impressive. But the danger in hustling out a sequel is that you’re giving buyers the impression future versions will be more or less carbon copies. The company might want to opt for a more immersive environment: “Undisputed 2011” should have vignettes with matchmaker Joe Silva firing you for under-performing. Alternately, you could get into an argument with your sponsor over unpaid invoices just before your fight, sapping you of energy. The possibilities are endless.
