EA Sports UFC 3
Geoff Harrower, AKA GameplayDevUFC, Leaving EA Sports UFC to Pursue New and Exciting Opportunity
After 19 years with EA (the last 8 with EA UFC), the principal software engineer on gameplay and animation, for the EA Sports UFC series, Geoff Harrower, is leaving “to pursue an exciting new employment opportunity elsewhere in the games industry.”
Geoff, AKA GameplayDevUFC, has spent years in our OS Forums, discussing various details and improvements to the game. Of course, those years were filled with some heated conversations, yet he continued to come back and engage with the community. He enjoyed every minute of it. That says a lot about him as a person.
I appreciate everything Geoff did with the EA Sports UFC series and the way he kept the community involved. I wish you nothing but the best Geoff and look forward to hearing about what’s next.
Please join me and send him your best wishes.
I have a personal announcement to make. After 19 years at Electronic Arts, I’ve decided to pursue an exciting new employment opportunity elsewhere in the games industry. I’m proud of the contribution I’ve made in my time at EA, in particular the last 8 years working on EA UFC. pic.twitter.com/mHkCNXw7BO
— Geoff Harrower (@GeoffHarrower) January 28, 2020
And a big thanks to the MMA gaming community who embraced me with open arms. The work I’ve done on @EASPORTSUFC has been the most rewarding of my career, and I will miss it dearly. I look forward to cheering on the franchise from the sidelines.
— Geoff Harrower (@GeoffHarrower) January 28, 2020
It will be interesting to see what happens with EA Sports UFC 4. We haven’t heard much about the game, other than UFC lead play-by-play voice and commentator, Jon Anik mentioning on Twitter, that he will be returning to the game and has already started on the voiceovers for EA Sports UFC 4.
The EA UFC team has a ton of really smart and passionate people you never hear from. Don't worry, you're in good hands.
— Geoff Harrower (@GeoffHarrower) January 28, 2020
Let’s hope we get some more EA Sports UFC 4 news in the very near future, as it’s coming up on 2 years since EA Sports UFC 3 was officially released.

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Good luck in whatever comes next Geoff!
Hope for a great future ahead for you
https://twitter.com/GeoffHarrower/status/1222217964742569986
https://twitter.com/GeoffHarrower/status/1222217966051196929
https://twitter.com/GeoffHarrower/status/1222217966747389955
Thanks!
I loved my time on these boards, both in my time on UFC and in a previous lifetime on NBA.
It's a great place to interact with passionate people and draw inspiration.
Don't be surprised if I pop in here every now and then just to see how things are going.
Is there a chance that the future UFC game will be made by another studio than EA Sports ?
Is there a chance that the future UFC game will be made by another studio than EA Sports ?
Geoff was very important to the development of the series since the start. I'd argue he was the most significant dev that worked on the series but I'm biased because I like the guy.
With that said, one person leaving isnt going to stop a corporation from releasing a game. The game will still come out.
UFC was the first team I ever joined at EA, and working with Geoff has been quite a privilege, and his involvement and openness on these boards and others is what convinced me to try and do the same (used spoons aside). He'll be sorely missed.
Thanks Geoff!
----
With that said, one person leaving isnt going to stop a corporation from releasing a game. The game will still come out.
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=(
I am shocked by the news about the departure of GPD.
Geoff, you did a great job from scratch creating the game and ending it in its COMPLETE nearly AWESOME state (EA UFC 3 is an excellent authentic sim hardcore game with deep gameplay).
You did a very good post release game and community support (by sharing all necessary inside info), spending your own free personal time on us.
I dont know another example of so community friendly dev - even when there were some hot discussions and some confrontation.
I hope that the next EA UFC 4 Main developer will know about how you actively enlightened the players and we will receive the same high level of information support (fingers crossed)...
I want to quickly find out what project you will work on, and even if it will be... a Hello Kitty or My little pony series - I will buy it, anyway! :)
Good luck, Geoff!
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This is a legit concern. Other than Skynet, there isn't another dev who has been more active with the GCs and he was a clear leader in post launch support. Fingers crossed that his replacements will be as active.
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True but it may have nothing to do with the game. I don't know the details but if Geoff got a great offer to work somewhere else, it doesn't matter where the game is in development, you know?
If I get a great job offer, I don't care if it's when the game is in alpha, beta or the week of release. I'm taking that job.
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True, or it may have a lot to do with the game. They would spin it in a positive light regardless.
It's worrying regardless. Bringing in a new lead developer at the end of the development cycle.
UFC was the first team I ever joined at EA, and working with Geoff has been quite a privilege, and his involvement and openness on these boards and others is what convinced me to try and do the same (used spoons aside). He'll be sorely missed.
Thanks Geoff!
Does this mean I get to bug you about practice mode more now? Lol
This is the best case scenario in my eyes - and something that should've been done earlier, honestly. Not that Geoff should've been replaced, not at all, but as an addition to the existing team. A few of the lead developers from UD3 would be a huge bonus for the EA guys.
There's never a good time.
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Particularly in mid development I imagine EA has shoved somebody into the role, somebody without the deep passion and understanding geoff has
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UFC was the first team I ever joined at EA, and working with Geoff has been quite a privilege, and his involvement and openness on these boards and others is what convinced me to try and do the same (used spoons aside). He'll be sorely missed.
Thanks Geoff!
Our #1 Ally at EA is gone.
GPD...thanks so much for all your patience with us, I know it took a lot :) But I really think your efforts paid off in spades and brought this franchise back from the brink.
Really, REALLY was hoping to see how you could implement a better ground/BJJ game into UFC 4 since I know that's one of your favorite parts of MMA....
Good luck in the future I'll be sure to keep following you on Twitter/etc. to see where ya land :)
:y5::y5::y5::y5::y5:
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Yeah, I'll announce where I'm going closer to my start date.
Still got a bunch of work to finish at EA before then.
Post launch support of the series has been great.
Will you be leaving EA completely or just EA SPORTS UFC? Could you be possibly working on a boxxing game :) ?
I have enjoyed all 3 UFC games immensely, and the series is heading in the right direction.
Let’s hope the next lead dev is as passionate about the sport as GPD. This is the type of sport that needs a knowledgeable leader to ensure its done properly.
Good luck in your next endeavor. Now let’s hope UFC 4 is great! Can’t wait for it
It will be a crime if Geoff doesnt pass the Chuck and Rich Franklin dolls on to the person who is taking over for him.
All the best GPD, appreciate all the work you have put in over the years, as well as the time you put in to discuss with us on the boards over the years.
It was really fun to have someone as passionate about the sport and the game propose ideas to us that we could have had some impact on. That's pretty rare these days. And we'll never see that for this franchise again.
Good luck on whatever you do next!
No. One employee (no matter how beloved) doesnt delay the release of a game. The game is coming out when they plan for it to come out.
God bless you Geoff all the best in your new endeavors.
I will never forget all your interactions with us on here . You didn't have to but you did.
Thanks much love from .
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One of the true great devs you actually hear from and that aren't above interacting with their audience, even though there is always criticism to be taken (even some that doesn't make sense).
I bought a console just to play your game, man. EA made some suboptimal decisions to say the least, but the game is rock solid.
Good luck in your next job!
Even as one of the biggest complainers I know personally Geoff listens because I said devote a whole patch to outside fighting and that's exactly what we got. No it's not perfect but it's a sign that we had someone to carry the torch for us. I will miss the patch spoilers and his excitement when announcing his favorite fighters. Before ufc 3 came out I had heart failure and looking forward to this game helped me get healthy again. To some people it's just a game. For me its what I love the most. Ea ufc got me back into fighting games again.
There no words I have where I can truly express just how deep of a loss this is for us all. Geoff you will be successful at any game you make and I'll buy 2 copies for the ps4 and xbox just like I did ufc 3. I know I might say stupid **** here and there but it's because I'm very passionate when I love something and I love your game. It's an escape from darkness at the end of the day when I just want to relax. We just lost our best friend
Good luck Geoff, I'll miss leaving your Twitter page open on another tab waiting for patch spoilers.
In a bigger pool he may have gotten lost in the shuffle, but this project allowed him to break out and open (I am assuming) many doors.
Onward to another project where he will be confused with gross domestic product.
I agree we need full ragdoll but it wont be Euphorias engine as I think they are exclusive to Rockstar Games.
dont worry they will find someone just as good.
You dont understand. This is no Taxi driver skills. You need 19 years of deep dive in making game and still wont be able to reach that state with no passion and tallent. Have you seen Anthem and Mass effect Andromeda epic fail?. Have you seen Ubisofts Ghost recon Brakepoint junk ? Man if EA dont want to pay the Helio Gracie of video game grappling and the Conor Mc Gregor of video game striking we are F#%#'@
Next EA fighting game will be EA TAI CHI
Trailer incomming
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_Y2JC4aNTE
Next EA fighting game will be EA TAI CHI
Trailer incomming
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_Y2JC4aNTE
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Next EA fighting game will be EA TAI CHI
Trailer incomming
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_Y2JC4aNTE
Wait, how did you know I was becoming a taxi driver?
Nah just kidding.
Champ **** only.
Farewell.
In case no one here saw it. They are most notably the God of War dev team.
Congrats Geoff!
Of couse, just today I saw an unread message from GPD dated 11/29/2019 asking for my email and PSN .....
Ow, the pain, the irony.....serves me right for not checking my messages ... oh what could have been!
My big hope is that a lot of the groundwork (Pun Intended) has already been laid down for UFC 4 ....... so GPD's gift will keep on giving ....
Regardless, congrats on the new gig GPD, oh and working from home = Best Thing Ever :star:
Grats GPD. That's amazing. Look forward to finding out what you'll work on next.
Of couse, just today I saw an unread message from GPD dated 11/29/2019 asking for my email and PSN .....
Ow, the pain, the irony.....serves me right for not checking my messages ... oh what could have been!
My big hope is that a lot of the groundwork (Pun Intended) has already been laid down for UFC 4 ....... so GPD's gift will keep on giving ....
Regardless, congrats on the new gig GPD, oh and working from home = Best Thing Ever :star:
Goddamn it Boiler. You probably missed a chance to join the GCs.
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In case no one here saw it. They are most notably the God of War dev team.
Congrats Geoff!
Nothing but congrats to GPD. I'm gonna be honest, part of me was hoping this meant he was being head hunted for a new Fight Night game...
But I'm gonna be real here...
Seeing GPD throw up the fight hands for the picture, even though he's not working on UFC anymore, hit me right in the feels.
I legit feel bad for being such a jerk sometimes.
You can feel the passion this man has, and the pride he has in what he's been a part of.
Insane respect for this man right here.
everything happens for a reason.
In case no one here saw it. They are most notably the God of War dev team.
Congrats Geoff!
Nice! I knew something was up with Kratos doing all that MMA stuff in the last God of War....j/k lol. GoW dev team is about to improve so much with such a skilled and devoted guy like GPD on board.
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I know. I'm really sad about it, not going to lie lol..... I've been trying not to think about it the past 24 hours.
I try to tell myself that maybe it wasn't even about GCer...this was a few weeks after the new GCers had already been announced...maybe GPD just wanted to spar??? ......arghhhh I coulda been a late replacement!!!!
I've been on Fight Night and EA MMA/EA UFC forums for more than a decade and I missed my shot!!!
Oh well, I've seen my analysis & suggestions acted upon in the past without being a GCer so I'll just keep grinding.
Please put in a good word for me if they need another GCer :)
Or an "unoffical, official" community representative, or something where I get free pizza lol...I will literally fly myself to the EA Office and pay for a hotel (but the pizza must be free)
:jpshakehe:jpshakehe:jpshakehe
:drink::drink::drink::drink::drink::drink::drink:
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The sad part is, I have literally read and replied to dozens of PMs within 24 hours over the past few years at OS......this one hit my inbox around TGiving and I just never clicked on that little red symbol in the top right corner for some reason!!!
But as Shadow said...everything happens for a reason...keep the faith!
:y220::y220::y220:
But as Shadow said...everything happens for a reason...keep the faith!
:y220::y220::y220:
Hey, take it as a compliment. I've photoshopped my *** off and got nada. I appreciate you not being a GC to be honest. The users who are picked as GC's tend to post less and less here (Holbert not included) and stop giving their honest valuable input. And I do enjoy your input.
Btw, I missed PM sometimes too here, need pop up function as default.
LOL. Coming to OS is probably the last thing on his mind right now. He's working on the game. ****, Geoff didnt spend much time on this site while the game is in development either.
Well.... you can't look at it that that way. That's not the intention of the op of a thread regarding how good ud3 was. They are not trying to be j**** about it.They simply want ea ufc to take a few ideas and mechanics from ud3 and add them to ea ufc 4. You also can't just expect people to forget about a amazing game and not talk about it.
Yeah because taking inspiration from the game that is almost universally agreed upon as the most complete MMA game ever made, that is still played 8 years later, that has a cult following even throughout an entire next generation system cycle, that has a whole list of things it does that still have not yet been incorporated into EA UFC 8 years later, across 3 spans of iteration.... yeah, that's probably a bad idea. You're right.
Just the fact it's even a discussion at all, should tell you there something to look at there. It's not just some random thing that UD3 is still talked about all this time later.
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Shadow, you've never actually played the game.
GDP has mentioned the sentiment around UD3 multiple times. This isn't a matter of right or wrong. It's a matter of spam. Every thread here seems to disolve into the same conversation about UD3. Maybe you guys are right, but at some point I'll just stop coming to this board cause it's boring. And if I'm getting bored I can guarantee we're not luring any of the new dev guys over here anytime soon.
Besides, nothing bad comes from being vocal about the things you believe in.
Hey, Who's the new dev? what has he made? Who do we think will be on the cover? Anyone's got new challenges for UFC3? slider rules? custom leagues? Any good ideas for UFC3 youtube videos?
Hey did you know I've designed a MMA fantasy game. with trading and ingame currency. Might try to streamline it a bit and see if EA will notice cause i think it might be a good easy mode to add to a UFC game.
Plenty of times bad things have come from being vocal about things one believe in.
GDP has mentioned the sentiment around UD3 multiple times. This isn't a matter of right or wrong. It's a matter of spam. Every thread here seems to disolve into the same conversation about UD3. Maybe you guys are right, but at some point I'll just stop coming to this board cause it's boring. And if I'm getting bored I can guarantee we're not luring any of the new dev guys over here anytime soon.
Playing and watching a game are not very diffrent. If you never played for example gta 5 and watched gameplay im sure you would say that game is epic! In my case ud3 is epic! Just because a thread mentions ud3 does not mean its a jerk thread. It means can you emulate what this this and that had in ud3 into ufc 4?, do you see where im coming from?
I could not disagree more.
Explain,because for me especially for a mma game because it so straight forward i can agree more.
Do you honestly think that people would still be talking about undisputed 3 if eas take on the game was better? Wed be saying ud3 was good foundation but ea ufc is way better. It's just in this site but its alot of people from metacritic etc saying ud3 is still the best game out there. And it's because of the following
Lack of game modes
Lack of realistic grappling
Lack of practice features
Lack of depth
Lack of growth from game to game (except ufc 3. 1 and 2 were very similar)
That game set benchmarks not yet met. If ufc 4 meets those same benchmarks very few will say anything about it anymore. We dont care what company really makes the game. We care about the actual game itself. One thing thq also did was play one one with the fans and took their feedback. From the top players to the bottom players. Because that's the strongest way to build a connection with your playerbase. They were known for their playdays. When your hands on like this you can actually see if what people are talking about is bull**** or a legitimate problem. This game genre is still a fresh genre. So this kind of feedback is ore helpful than any feedback the gcs could give. Right now we have a gc program and it's a good start but it is not enough. Ea literally got rid of their best dev. He was worth more and should of been played what he was asking
Hey did you know I've designed a MMA fantasy game. with trading and ingame currency. Might try to streamline it a bit and see if EA will notice cause i think it might be a good easy mode to add to a UFC game.
Plenty of times bad things have come from being vocal about things one believe in.
Then...... Make some threads?
https://forums.operationsports.com/forums/mma-forum/959508-mma-fantasy-league.html
then... reply to it?
Why buy any game if watching gameplay gives you the same experience?
Because they dont ;) and im not bill gates ;(