Did SCI Have EA Nervous? The Rise and Stumble of Undisputed

 

For years, boxing fans had been starving for a true simulation boxing video game. With Fight Night Champion (2011) remaining the last major release from EA, the demand for a new boxing game only grew stronger. Enter Steel City Interactive (SCI) with Undisputed, initially known as ESBC (eSports Boxing Club). SCI's project promised realism, a deep roster, and revolutionary mechanics—claims that had hardcore fans buzzing with excitement.

For a time, EA seemed to take notice. Undisputed generated a wave of hype that suggested a real challenger was on the horizon. Could this be the game that finally dethroned Fight Night? Could this force EA to bring back Fight Night?

The Early Hype – SCI’s Promises Made EA Watch Closely

SCI’s original vision for Undisputed was ambitious. The game promised realistic movement, a deep career mode, a full-fledged ranking system, and a roster packed with legendary and current boxers. For the first time in years, EA wasn’t the only name in the boxing gaming world.

The early ESBC trailers and developer updates had fans—and possibly EA—paying close attention. EA had seen other small studios try and fail to make boxing games, but Undisputed appeared different. It had secured real-life boxers, showcased impressive animations, and seemed to be shaping into the sim-heavy experience that boxing purists had been craving.

It wasn’t just the fans who noticed. Reports surfaced that EA was, at the very least, monitoring Undisputed’s development. EA executives knew that the success of Undisputed could push them to bring back Fight Night or at least rethink their approach to boxing games. The pressure was mounting—until it wasn’t.

The Decline – What Went Wrong?

As Undisputed entered early access, issues became apparent. The game SCI had marketed wasn’t quite what players got. While it had potential, it suffered from:

• Lack of Realism: Many mechanics were either incomplete, unrealistic, or inconsistent. The depth and realism SCI had promised didn’t fully translate into gameplay.
• Arcade Influences: Some of the gameplay mechanics felt more arcade-like, moving further away from the hardcore simulation that fans expected.
• Unfinished Features: The career mode was missing, movement felt clunky for many boxers, and animations weren’t as refined as players had hoped.
• Balance Issues: Punches often felt weightless, and player feedback on stamina, defense, and AI behavior showed that the game still had a long way to go.

The initial excitement that had made Undisputed look like a real competitor to Fight Night quickly faded. Instead of forcing EA into action, Undisputed’s struggles may have done the opposite—giving EA confidence that no serious threat to their boxing franchise existed.

Did EA Ever Really Feel Threatened?

It’s unclear if EA was ever truly nervous about Undisputed, but it’s fair to say they were watching. However, once Undisputed failed to become the definitive boxing simulation, EA likely breathed a sigh of relief.

The failure to capitalize on momentum is what ultimately let EA off the hook. If Undisputed had delivered on its promises, EA may have been forced to respond, possibly reviving Fight Night or entering the boxing market with a fresh approach. But with Undisputed struggling, EA likely feels no urgency to act.

What’s Next for Boxing Games?

With Undisputed not living up to its initial hype, the door is still open for another developer—or even EA—to step in and take over. If EA ever returns, it will be on their terms, not because of SCI’s challenge.

Meanwhile, SCI still has a chance to salvage Undisputed, but they must listen to the community, refine the gameplay, and bring back the realism that originally made fans believe in the project. If they don’t, the boxing gaming void will remain unfilled, and EA will continue to hold the upper hand without even lifting a finger.

Conclusion

SCI had the potential to shake things up and make EA nervous, but Undisputed’s struggles have kept the giant at ease. The lesson here? Hype alone isn’t enough—execution is everything. If a developer truly wants to challenge EA, they need to deliver on their promises and create the definitive boxing experience fans have been waiting for. Until then, EA remains unchallenged, watching from the sidelines with no real pressure to make their move.