Since 2011, the Fight Night boxing franchise at EA has lain dormant. There had been work and talk for years about a potential return, with work going as far as getting past the pre-production stage.
At one point, the plan was for a potential Fight Night return after the launch of EA Sports UFC 6. But now, if it happens, it’s going to be in a different direction.
Fight Night’s Uncertain Future
As first revealed on the latest episode of Insider Gaming Weekly, sources with knowledge of the situation have confirmed that the original plans for a potential Fight Night have been cancelled. The decision came, per those who spoke under the condition of anonymity, around a year ago. When it happened, work on the game had already been paused.
But just because past plans were scrapped, it doesn’t mean the series is completely dead again. It was said that with Saudi Arabia’s ownership of the company, a complete restart of the series could still happen.
Saudi Arabia has a major stake in boxing, including owning The Ring and investing billions over the years to sign and put on marquee fights. With the interest in the sport, it’s believed that there will be new discussions about a return to the game, but “anything that happens will be brand new”.
It’s also something that has to “make sense” as they look to clear the $20 billion in debt the company took on when the sale to the group led by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund closed in August.
What do you think the future holds for Fight Night at EA, and will it remain permanently cancelled? Let us know down in the comments and in the official Insider Gaming Discord.
In other news, read Part 2 of our investigation in Ultra Pro Wrestling and its troubled development. And for even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
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