EA Sports MMA Comes Out Swinging On Launch Day

As of today, EA Sports MMA is officially available to all MMA and video game fans stateside (European fans will have to wait a bit longer).

EA certainly pulled no punches by hiring Paul Heyman’s production company “Looking 4 Larry” to create short commercials leading up to the release of the game, hosted an on-line launch party through USTREAM with fans and fighters revealing game features, and will also be hosting an official party later on in the day in Los Angeles where the likes of cover athletes Randy Couture and Fedor Emelianenko will be in attendance to meet the media and fans.  MMAPayout will now take a look at some of the promotional efforts from EA leading up to the launch date.

EA Sports MMA Reviews:

Game reviews for EA Sports MMA from video game media giants GamePro and Joystiq are already out, and the news so far has been very positive for EA’s first venture into MMA, where GamePro gives EA Sports MMA a score of 4.5/5 stars, while Joystiq said the game came out swinging, giving it 4/5 stars. Joystiq does a great job in reviewing the game and asks whether the market can support two MMA titles.

Comparisons between MMA and THQ’s UFC Undisputed franchise are inevitable, but the two games offer up very different experiences that are, for the most part, complimentary. MMA is a fuller game that celebrates the broadest scope of the sport with a loving precision, while UFC brings out a roster of more recognizable fighters for a more casual, beer-and-buddies experience.

It remains to be seen if there is enough interest to support both franchises, but with the series’ first outing, EA Sports MMA provides not only a must-play experience for fans, but a compelling argument for two-MMA-game world.

EA Sports MMA Hires Paul Heyman’s “Looking 4 Larry” To Promote Game

Here are the three videos produced by Heyman’s production company “Looking 4 Larry” as viral promos used during the lead up to the game’s release, which have received a great deal of attention and support from MMA and wrestling fans.  In fact, many have pointed out that this is exactly what Strikeforce needs to get their fighters over with the mainstream media and casual MMA fan.  On that note, the possibility of Heyman and Strikeforce working together next year are very likely once contractual obligations are met, so it should be another interesting venture to keep an eye out next year from Strikeforce.

Cung Le Promo:

Fabricio Werdum Promo:

Frank Shamrock Promo:

Nick Diaz Promo:

Official EA Sports MMA TV Commercial and Press Release:

Electronic Arts Inc. announced that EA SPORTS(TM) MMA is available in stores throughout North America starting today and will launch worldwide beginning October 22 and in Japan on November 11. EA SPORTS MMA, offering the most authentic, intense and broadest mixed martial arts experience to date, allows players to travel the world and learn a multitude of fighting techniques and skills. The game features a vast array of world-class fighters, and players can extend their gaming experience online through a first-of-its-kind feature – EA SPORTS Live Broadcast. (PRESS RELEASE)