Golf’s answer to football’s Madden video game craze has another chapter with the release of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11. The all-time top-selling golf video game franchise hit stores Tuesday as its namesake prepares for the US Open later this month.
Electronic Arts stuck with Woods as spokesperson for the game after several companies dumped the superstar in the wake of his highly publicized sex scandal that broke last November.
For the first time in the game’s history, Woods appears on the cover with 21-year-old Tour phenom Rory McIlroy, who grew up playing the game. McIlroy, whose record-setting victory at Quail Hollow catapulted him into the world top-ten rankings, is heavily featured in the game — including updates that animate his hair blowing in the breeze.
The first version of the Tiger Woods PGA Tour appeared in 1998, and each edition has adapted and evolved with emerging gaming technology. This season’s version includes a Ryder Cup challenge at Celtic Manor along with an online component that allows players to go 12-on-12 in Xbox Live and Playstation Network.
The Nintendo Wii version continues its interactive style, reading the gamer’s swing rotation and angle. Last year’s Wii version was one of the most successful titles for the console, selling 272,400 units in June alone.
Market research firm NPD Group reported last year that the Tiger Woods video game franchise had surpassed $500 million in total sales since its inception.
