WWE and AKI: marriage made in heaven pt 2!!
Jan 21, 2005 3:00:40 GMT -5
Post by ringsyde on Jan 21, 2005 3:00:40 GMT -5
Recently, the WWE has made videogame headlines. Not because of their latest entry in the Smackdown franchise, but because they are attempting to sever their ties with gaming manufacturer, THQ.
While some may see this as the official end of worthwhile wrestling titles, it may actually turn out to be one helluva break for the wrestling (gaming) purists out there. It appears that one of the bidders to pick up the WWE license is Electronic Arts. They, along with Activision and a few other interested suitors, were snubbed by the power plays that have landed THQ on the outs list with the WWE.
EA has a working agreement with a little company called AKI entertainment. It was AKI that introduced the American market to quality wrestling titles with their WCW entries for PSX and the N64. Fans of the "sport" and gaming salivate whenever "WWF No Mercy", "WCW Revenge" (and, for the hardcore fan, "Virtual Pro Wrestling 2") are mentioned.
It could happen again folks. EA has made no bones about their interest in acquiring the WWE license. In light of losing the licenses of the numerous rappers that populate their "Def Jam" wrestling titles (currently produced by AKI), they now have the right creative team and opportunity in place to make modern versions of iconic wrestling games.
Of course, quite a bit has to happen in order for this dream to become a reality. First, WWE has to get out of their 10-year deal with THQ. Next, EA has to make an offer that surpasses Activision (upon last checking, the house that Hawk built was in the lead for acquiring the WWE license). Then, negotiations would have to be made to keep AKI involved. All this, and we haven't even looked at delays caused by next generation system development, legal issues or slumping WWE sales. For now, all we can do is keep our fingers crossed . . . and hang on to those N64's.
While some may see this as the official end of worthwhile wrestling titles, it may actually turn out to be one helluva break for the wrestling (gaming) purists out there. It appears that one of the bidders to pick up the WWE license is Electronic Arts. They, along with Activision and a few other interested suitors, were snubbed by the power plays that have landed THQ on the outs list with the WWE.
EA has a working agreement with a little company called AKI entertainment. It was AKI that introduced the American market to quality wrestling titles with their WCW entries for PSX and the N64. Fans of the "sport" and gaming salivate whenever "WWF No Mercy", "WCW Revenge" (and, for the hardcore fan, "Virtual Pro Wrestling 2") are mentioned.
It could happen again folks. EA has made no bones about their interest in acquiring the WWE license. In light of losing the licenses of the numerous rappers that populate their "Def Jam" wrestling titles (currently produced by AKI), they now have the right creative team and opportunity in place to make modern versions of iconic wrestling games.
Of course, quite a bit has to happen in order for this dream to become a reality. First, WWE has to get out of their 10-year deal with THQ. Next, EA has to make an offer that surpasses Activision (upon last checking, the house that Hawk built was in the lead for acquiring the WWE license). Then, negotiations would have to be made to keep AKI involved. All this, and we haven't even looked at delays caused by next generation system development, legal issues or slumping WWE sales. For now, all we can do is keep our fingers crossed . . . and hang on to those N64's.