THQ to Release Next UFC Game in Winter 2012 (Press Release)

[Steve_OS]

THQ Announces May 2011 Release Date For Red Faction(R)
ArmageddonTM; Bolsters Strong Fiscal 2012 Line-Up

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Sep 13, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) today announced an updated core games release schedule that reflects a consistent, steady launch of hit titles in fiscal 2012, now including Red Faction(R) ArmageddonTM in May 2011.

In addition to Red Faction Armageddon, THQ's fiscal 2012 core games line-up is expected to include Warhammer(R) 40,000(R) Space Marine(R), MX vs. ATV(R) Alive(TM) and the latest edition of Saints Row(R), as well asthe next installments of fighting games based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship(R) and World Wrestling Entertainment(R), positioning THQ to grow net sales and generate significant earnings and cash flow in fiscal 2012.

THQ President and CEO Brian Farrell said, "THQ's creative organization is delivering a strong pipeline of core game franchises scheduled for release over the next several years, positioning THQ for significant net sales, earnings and cash flow growth. We continue to execute on our plan to deliver great games, market them aggressively and release them in the most advantageous windows."

Primarily as a result of the updated release schedule for Red Faction Armageddon, THQ now expects to report fiscal 2011 non-GAAP net sales in the range of $800 million to $825 million and a non-GAAP loss per share in the range of $0.10 to $0.20.

THQ's core games release schedule* in fiscal 2012 includes:

Title - Anticipated Release Date

Red Faction Armageddon - May 2011
MX vs. ATV Alive - Spring 2011
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine - Summer 2011
Saints Row - Fall 2011
WWE - Fall 2011
UFC - Winter 2012

*Release schedule subject to change

[sportznut02]

Re: THQ to Release Next UFC Game in Winter 2012 (Press Release)

That`s probably a good thing. After Undisputed 2010 this game needs all the time it can get to fix things.

[p_rushing]

Re: THQ to Release Next UFC Game in Winter 2012 (Press Release)

That`s probably a good thing. After Undisputed 2010 this game needs all the time it can get to fix things.

Yes they need the time, but they may not have the time. If EA releases a good game and then backs it up with the next release, 2012 may not matter. 2 years is a long time for people to forget about your game ... but they also need people to forget about 2010.

[JerseySuave4]

doesnt matter how long they take, they have the UFC brand behind them which is more powerful than anything EA has whether that game is good or not.

[King10Sooted]

Re: THQ to Release Next UFC Game in Winter 2012 (Press Release)

If EA puts out a good game it wont really matter to me. THQ had their chance to release a good MMA game. Ill be sticking with EA aslong as it lives up to expectations.

[Ikki]

So I guess it will be released on the next generation of consoles. We may expect some major graphic improvement.

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: THQ to Release Next UFC Game in Winter 2012 (Press Release)

Next generation of consoles isn't until 2014-2015.

[King10Sooted]

Re: THQ to Release Next UFC Game in Winter 2012 (Press Release)

So I guess it will be released on the next generation of consoles. We may expect some major graphic improvement.

I would hope they would worry more about some gameplay and online improvement first.

[Dazraz]

I think THQ have made the right move. I don't think a UFC title warrants an annual upgrade. Especially if the changes are going to be as minimal as those on UFC 2010.
EA will undoubtedly see an opportunity here so expect another MMA title at the end of 2011.

[UNC_Pete]

Re: THQ to Release Next UFC Game in Winter 2012 (Press Release)

I hope this means they realized the poor sales weren't due to RDR but the things they messed up in the game which made it worse than 2009..

(I enjoyed 2009 even with it's shortcomings..)

[MassNole]

Re: THQ to Release Next UFC Game in Winter 2012 (Press Release)

Wow interesting decision to wait 2.5 years between releases for quasi-sports title (in that it played like a fighting game, not in that MMA is a quasi-sport). I would hope this could lead to roster updates and patches in the current game though but other than the announced patch that is a pipe dream.

[aholbert32]

Re: THQ to Release Next UFC Game in Winter 2012 (Press Release)

Yes they need the time, but they may not have the time. If EA releases a good game and then backs it up with the next release, 2012 may not matter. 2 years is a long time for people to forget about your game ... but they also need people to forget about 2010.

Not really. THQ has the UFC brand. I dont care how good EA's MMA game is or how good the Create A Fighter in that game is most UFC fans want an authentic UFC experience. They want the actual fighters from that league. Thats why THQ's game will always outsell EA's game no matter what.

[p_rushing]

Re: THQ to Release Next UFC Game in Winter 2012 (Press Release)

Does anyone know if they really have the UFC brand until then? If EA makes a great game, White would definitely give EA rights also if THQ doesn't have a contract that far in the future.

[aholbert32]

Re: THQ to Release Next UFC Game in Winter 2012 (Press Release)

Does anyone know if they really have the UFC brand until then? If EA makes a great game, White would definitely give EA rights also if THQ doesn't have a contract that far in the future.

THQ will still have the contract in 2012.

[bkfount]

Re: THQ to Release Next UFC Game in Winter 2012 (Press Release)

Good. It was stupid to make a yearly franchise out of a MMA game anyways.