Strikeforce Named ‘Premier League’ in EA Sports MMA, McCarthy to Ref

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. –- Strikeforce and iconic referee “Big” John McCarthy will have a major presence in EA Sports MMA interactive arts video game, due out in 2010. The game will be available on Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.

Electronic Arts announced on Friday that Strikeforce will be positioned as the “premier league” for players rising through the game’s ranks. Other promotions and “scenarios” will also be included as playing options, said EA Sports Executive Producer Dale Jackson, who would not name specifics.

Strikeforce’s cage and event presentation will be prominent, though Jackson did not rule out the inclusion of rings for some of the play.

“(Strikeforce) has a wealth of mixed martial arts expertise, put on great shows and have a great stable of top-notch fighters,” said Jackson in a prepared release.

McCarthy, who has refereed MMA fights worldwide for the last fifteen years, will take his usual place center cage as the game’s top official. Jackson said “generic referees” or other real-life officials might also be added to the game. McCarthy is also being utilized as a consultant in the game’s development.

Jackson said the success of THQ’s “UFC Undisputed” game, said to have sold three million copies and counting since its summer release, has spurred EA to deliver the strongest product possible.