It is widely known that Tiger Woods’ business interests are varied and far reaching, gaming is just one of many.
There is great news for Tiger fans around the world. First, Woods has begun his next stage of post-accident recovery at home in Jupiter, Fla. In a recent social media post Woods expressed appreciation for all who were involved in overseeing his initial healing process and recovery from a rollover accident that resulted in serious fractures to his leg and ankle. Said Woods about his caretakers, “Thank you to the incredible surgeons, doctors, nurses and staff at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. You have all taken such great care of me and I cannot thank you enough.” Woods went on to thank the general public for their care and concern. “…I am so grateful for the outpouring of support and encouragement that I have received over the past few weeks,” he stated. Woods went on to report that he would be recovering at home and “working on getting stronger every day.”
The second piece of great news is that Woods is being immortalized—this time in a PGA-sponsored video game series. The PGA reports that Woods has signed on to an exclusive, long term partnership with the PGA, giving them rights to his name and likeness for PGA Tour 2K21 and Franchise, as well as to future games developed during the time of the partnership. According to the PGA, Woods will plan an active role in the video game landscape, becoming an Executive Director and consultant with PGA TOUR 2K, while 2K will also partner with the Tiger Woods Foundation, which provides award-winning STEM curricula and college-access programs to offer underserved students the tools needed to thrive in school and beyond. The PGA is acquiring privately-held HB Studios Multimedia Ltd., (which developed PGA Tour 2K21) and the Golf Club franchise.
For those new to golf gaming, PGA Tour 2K21 is a series of golf sports video games that provide information and course instruction. The gaming franchise was first developed in 1998, in conjunction with Electronic Arts (EA) Sports (one of the largest gaming companies in the world) to provide instruction, information and entertainment.
Woods is no stranger to golf video gaming. In 1998 Adrenalin Entertainment, in conjunction with EA, developed Playstation’s Tiger Woods 99 PGA Tour Golf. Stormfront Studios also developed a game for Playstation, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2001. Others made subsequent mobile editions for 2002, 2004, and 2005. In 2011, Woods and EA ended their partnership agreement, and in 2013 Rory McElroy (who at that time held the Number One position in golf) became the face of PGA Tour gaming.
Upon release of information announcing the new partnership, Woods said, “I am looking forward to making my return to the video game landscape, and with 2K and HB Studios, I’ve found the right partners to make it happen…I’m honored to take part in this opportunity and look forward to sharing my expertise and insights as we build the future of golf video games together.”
Per the PGA announcement, HB Studios’ most recent release for 2K, PGA TOUR 2K21 has sold-in nearly two million units to date. PGA TOUR 2K21 is a highly realistic golf simulation experience featuring officially licensed PGA TOUR professionals, courses, gear and apparel brands. PGA TOUR 2K21 is built around the belief that golf is a game for everyone, whether you are a pro or looking to try your luck for the first time.
