EA finally says the words PS3 gamers have waited 15 years to hear: “Fight Night is coming back”
By (Image credit: EA)
It seems EA’s significant revival of its classic sports franchises isn’t finished yet, as the organization is hinting at the comeback of a boxing series we haven’t witnessed since the Xbox 360 and PS3 era. Indeed, everyone, it appears that Fight Night is finally returning.
“To all who have supported us: Fight Night is on its way back,” EA announces from a newly established Twitter account dedicated to the series. Included is an image of a pair of boxing gloves hanging over an unoccupied canvas, accompanied by the tagline “the fight is never finished.” No other specifics about the game have been disclosed as of now.
This will mark EA’s third major resurgence of a long-dormant sports series in recent times, following the revivals of College Football and Skate. College Football 25 received widespread praise and impressive sales, though after three installments the sentiment within the community is beginning to alter, particularly with a contentious microtransaction introduction as part of College Football 27. Skate, on the other hand, has seen a more varied reception across the board, despite the game still being in early access.
The Fight Night series was a hallmark in its time, and Fight Night Round 4 in particular stood out as one of the most critically acclaimed titles on PS3 and Xbox 360. Solid fighting mechanics, expansive career modes, and stunning graphics for the period helped the series capture a following that extended far beyond typical sports enthusiasts, and there’s a passionate minority of gamers who have been pleading for a revival since the release of Fight Night Champion in 2011.
So why bring back the series now? I can only conjecture, but it’s notable that a large portion of EA is now controlled by Saudi Arabia. The nation also frequently hosts boxing events as part of its yearly Riyadh Season festivities, so it’s easy to see a connection here. With Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund often criticized for using sports and entertainment to “mask the country’s dismal human rights history” by watchdog organizations, it’s simple to find grounds to be skeptical about this revival.
