News on Video Game, New Talent,Unbreakable line-up

[TNABaddboi 0]

There was a lot of disappointment internally about Mick Foley turning down TNA's offer to come in, but the company was already working on other names to possibly bring in for the Spike TV debut. As noted here before, Bret Hart has been in discussions off and on for some time about working with the company in some capacity. Kevin Nash looks to be returning based on the Bound For Glory poster that has been sent to In Demand PPV. After those two, the biggest name free agents would be Sting, Bill Goldberg, and Chris Jericho.

 

TNA is close to finalizing a video game deal. There had been some offers in the past but Dixie Carter had balked at them, feeling they weren't the best deal for the company. Bill Banks actually wrote in his online column that they expected to announce a deal at the 9/11 PPV, but later pulled that comment as the company wasn't sure when an announcement would be made.

 

There is interest in Jackie Gayda once her WWE no compete has elapsed, so I would expect to see her in come October. Former WWE Women's champion Gail Kim is heading in as well.

 

Austin Aries will be returning at the 9/11 Unbreakable PPV as he impressed management with his match against TNA X-Division champion Christopher Daniels. The funny thing is that they had another ten minutes, that match quality would have been out of this world, as opposed to just a really good bout. One of the weaknesses TNA has right now is that the roster has such depth, there's no way to spotlight everyone in the limited time windows they have.

 

Also scheduled to be added to the Unbreakable PPV will be Sabu vs. Abyss.

 

Sonjay Dutt, Shark Boy and Simon Diamond will be traveling to India on 9/20 to promote the company. Dutt should receive a hero's welcome there. TNA will be sending a camera crew along with the wrestlers, which if they are smart, they can use to make TNA look like a huge international deal and give a major rub to Dutt.

credit: PWInsider.com

 

Lots of good news there for TNA, other than Foley not signing obviously...

[Team Angle Pusher 0]

Why would you make a video game if it's 1) going to suck and 2) it costs money and they don't have much money now do they.

[natey2k4 0]

Wrestling Video-Games tend to make a lot of money. If I remember correctly, wrestling video games with fake wrestlers do great numbers as well. If the game is as good as Legends of Wrestling II or III, it'll get a fair share of buys.

[Dangerous A 0]

Any potential revenue stream needs to be explored at this point. On the video game front, I say go for it.

 

One thing about the Bret Hart negotiations. From what I understand, at the Wrestling Convention he attended on Summerslam weekend, he said he would be open to appearing on TNA, perhaps for a Hart Foundation reunion. I assert if Bret were to appear on TNA TV before his WWE DVD comes out, I see WWE releasing "Screwed: The Bret Hart Story" instead of what Bret was wanting.

 

Now, I think Bret agreed to work with WWE so that the DVD would focus on his career as a whole and not primarily Montreal, which WWE can't get over.

 

What if Bret were to appear AFTER his DVD is released and publicly endorse TNA? Obviously he would infuriate Vince to no end, but I am not sure Bret cares what Vince thinks of him. He doesn't have to appear and do any angles or storylines, just come out, do the reunion thing, and then maybe cut a promo endorsing TNA as the next step in wrestling or something along those lines. Would a public endorsement by Bret Hart help at all? Could it open up TNA to the Canadian Market some?

[jwpeer 0]

Video Game = marketing + revenue

 

It's like making money to increase your exposure...or at the worst break even maybe? But I doubt it. A ton of the huge 18-25 male demographic is into video games, and they WILL check out TNA if a decent (possibly even better than SvR if they get the right dev company to do it) game comes out for them. Increases viewers, thereby further increasing revenue. Finally, it adds a real aura of authenticity to their product, as people will say "Wow these guys have an official video game, dvd's in wal-mart, action figures they must be something to take note of"

[Dobbs 3K 0]

Um...would having a video game made actually cost TNA anything? If a company is interested, they would pay a licensing fee to TNA, I would assume...and then TNA would get a cut of all profits made by the video game. I'm not an expert on this stuff, but I don't think it's going to be a scenario where TNA is paying some company money to make the game. There's got to be plenty of video game companies looking for new licenses to make games with...

[jwpeer 0]

Um...would having a video game made actually cost TNA anything? If a company is interested, they would pay a licensing fee to TNA, I would assume...and then TNA would get a cut of all profits made by the video game. I'm not an expert on this stuff, but I don't think it's going to be a scenario where TNA is paying some company money to make the game. There's got to be plenty of video game companies looking for new licenses to make games with...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

That was my first thought. I mean it's -plausible- they would give away their license for free, but have higher royalties on the sales.

 

It also depends on the developer/publisher...it's also reasonable to think they could be -paying- money to have their license used, but get a cut of sales...that's unlikely though.

 

I'll prolly at least rent the game, unless it gets absolutely horrible reviews.

[Masked Man of Mystery 0]

This might be one time I want EA to pick something up, if that means AKI gets to make the TNA game....

[Silence 0]

I unfortunately read a while back that TNA had tried to reach negotiations with Eidos, the developer of the shitty Backyard Wrestling games. So if TNA is still going with Eidos for their video games, then their first video game will obviously really suck.

[jwpeer 0]

I unfortunately read a while back that TNA had tried to reach negotiations with Eidos, the developer of the shitty Backyard Wrestling games.  So if TNA is still going with Eidoes for their video games, then their first video game will obviously really suck.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

That would suck pretty hard.

[Guest MikeSC]

Um...would having a video game made actually cost TNA anything? If a company is interested, they would pay a licensing fee to TNA, I would assume...and then TNA would get a cut of all profits made by the video game. I'm not an expert on this stuff, but I don't think it's going to be a scenario where TNA is paying some company money to make the game. There's got to be plenty of video game companies looking for new licenses to make games with...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It depends. ECW's deal with Akklaim basically allowed Akklaim to initially claim all rights to ECW after the bankruptcy. The deal signed is what matters. If TNA gives away the store to get a game out, they will regret it.

[Placebo Effect 0]

I don't play video games, so TNA can feel free to make whatever decisions that'll put the most money in their pockets.

[dubq 0]

Why would you make a video game if it's 1) going to suck and 2) it costs money and they don't have much money now do they.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

It's great that you just assume it will suck.

[BUTT 0]

Um...would having a video game made actually cost TNA anything? If a company is interested, they would pay a licensing fee to TNA, I would assume...and then TNA would get a cut of all profits made by the video game. I'm not an expert on this stuff, but I don't think it's going to be a scenario where TNA is paying some company money to make the game. There's got to be plenty of video game companies looking for new licenses to make games with...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It depends. ECW's deal with Akklaim basically allowed Akklaim to initially claim all rights to ECW after the bankruptcy. The deal signed is what matters. If TNA gives away the store to get a game out, they will regret it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

The difference between TNA and ECW is TNA actually has money behind it. They don't have to sign stupid deals like that because it's not just one guy desperately trying to stay in business.

[Danville_Wrestling 0]

I'm quickly becoming excited about TNA. I'll definitely be watching when they start on Spike for an alternative to the crap WWE is putting out and if they bring in some new blood, put on more great matches, and get greater exposure this could be the beginning of something great.

 

I say explore the video game idea for the reasons mentioned above. Getting TNA out there with a video game, action figures, DVDs, and other merchandise can create the impression that they are the next big alternative to WWE and could attract some fans that way. Also, if this video game is less arcadic like the entire series of Smackdown! games have been (getting away from the N64 model I loved) I'll definitely pick it up, but if it's got some crappy gameplay like Legends of Wrestling or Background Wrestling that's absolutley terrible.

 

It seems as if TNA has some people in charge that know that they may not challenge WWE right out of the gate and know that it's going to be a slow process to become #1. That's the kind of management a wrestling company that wants to make a run @ WWE needs to have because baby steps can build a good product and a loyal fan base.

[Team Angle Pusher 0]

Why would you make a video game if it's 1) going to suck and 2) it costs money and they don't have much money now do they.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

It's great that you just assume it will suck.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Cause it's true.

[{''({o..o})''} 0]

I'm curious now. Do you think all werstling games "suck", or that TNA somehow possses an inherent quality that will make any game based off them "suck", overcoming any and all developmental talent that may be used on it? Give a reasoning at least.

 

On them getting a bad contract deal, it’s certainly possible, but Panda/TNA has managed to get some pretty good deals going lately, especially considering their lack of any real leverage.

[Guest MikeSC]

I'm curious now.  Do you think all werstling games "suck", or that TNA somehow possses an inherent quality that will make any game based off them "suck", overcoming any and all developmental talent that may be used on it?  Give a reasoning at least.

 

On them getting a bad contract deal, it’s certainly possible, but Panda/TNA has managed to get some pretty good deals going lately, especially considering their lack of any real leverage.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If TNA was in discussion with Eidos --- then yes, the wrestling game will likely suck. Find somebody with a track record (meaning not EA, either) and I'll be more optimistic.

[I like Forums 0]

AKI is the only real choice for a good wrestling game/

[Guest mynameisdane]

I know it's impossible, but how great would it be if Spike put out the game?

[Corey_Lazarus 0]

...why would it be great? Have they put out games before? Who would they get to develop it? Would they advertise it thoroughly and not to the point of excessiveness?

[2GOLD 0]

Who develops the Fire Pro Wrestling series in Japan?

Is that AKI?

 

As for Spike making a video game....umm, I think it would be great if they offered to promote the hell out of the game, but them making it makes about as much sense as approaching Eidos.

[Fro 0]

...why would it be great? Have they put out games before? Who would they get to develop it? Would they advertise it thoroughly and not to the point of excessiveness?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Spike isn't Spike TV, they're the Japanese development house that makes the Fire Pro Wrestling and King of Colosseum games (amongst others) which are excellent.

 

I'd love to see them use the KOC engine and put out a game. They'd probably need EA or someone to distribute it in the states though.

[2GOLD 0]

...why would it be great? Have they put out games before? Who would they get to develop it? Would they advertise it thoroughly and not to the point of excessiveness?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Spike isn't Spike TV, they're the Japanese development house that makes the Fire Pro Wrestling and King of Colosseum games (amongst others) which are excellent.

 

I'd love to see them use the KOC engine and put out a game. They'd probably need EA or someone to distribute it in the states though.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Well then see, now I retract what I said above. SPIKE would be the perfect god damn developer since I have been dying to get their wrestling games over here (without having to hack and convert). Those guys know their stuff and can seem to create any move known to man.

[Guest MikeSC]

...why would it be great? Have they put out games before? Who would they get to develop it? Would they advertise it thoroughly and not to the point of excessiveness?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Spike isn't Spike TV, they're the Japanese development house that makes the Fire Pro Wrestling and King of Colosseum games (amongst others) which are excellent.

 

I'd love to see them use the KOC engine and put out a game. They'd probably need EA or someone to distribute it in the states though.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Well then see, now I retract what I said above. SPIKE would be the perfect god damn developer since I have been dying to get their wrestling games over here (without having to hack and convert). Those guys know their stuff and can seem to create any move known to man.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I feel bad because (and this is not a dig at TNA whatsoever), I've never liked the Fire Pro games. I've tried more than a few and utterly hated all of them. I wouldn't mind AKI doing one --- but please not Spike,

[Guest Coffey]

I see you all acknowledged the video game info. but what do you think about Gail Kim and Jackie Gayda coming in?

[Guest MikeSC]

If they sign Gayda and not Haas, then they'd be idiots.

[Magus 0]

Haas has said time and again that he wants in TNA. I'm sure they'll sign him.

[2GOLD 0]

Jackie was one of the few divas I found hot. And so was Gail Kim.

Add in Charlie Haas with Gayda and I'm fine with the move, which I sure will include Dawn Marie at some point.

[Guest Coffey]

Dawn Marie is in her thirties now and just had a baby/is pregnant. I wouldn't be surprised if we never saw her again. Her moment in the sun has passed, and unfortunately, no one got to see it.

 

Jackie Gayda was attractive but she doesn't really bring anything to the table. Trinity and Tracy are attractive and they have some wrestling ability. I guess Gayda has a little bit more of a name value than those two, however her name value, for the most part, is that of a former Tough Enough winner. You don't see TNA clamoring to pick up Maven.

 

I don't know how to feel about Gail Kim. There towards the end of her WWE run, she was becoming quite the female wrestler. She started using a lot of submission moves ala James Gibson instead of flying moves ala Rey Mysterio. She has about as much name value as Gayda. I wouldn't have a problem with her coming in except for the fact that she wouldn't have anyone to wrestle. I'm sure TNA could find better mouthpieces/valets.

 

I've never been high on Charlie Haas. I'd rather they brought him in over Gayda & Kim though. I suppose if Haas shows up, Gayda will be coming too though. I'd rather TNA get Kanyon over any of them though. People might think he's overrated but I've always liked Kanyon.