Video Game Publisher Take-Two Interactive Inks Long-Term Deal With Tiger Woods
March 16, 2021
Tiger Woods might not play golf for a while following his February car accident, but that doesn’t mean the sports icon can’t play virtually in video games.
2K, the publishing unit of Take-Two Interactive, March 16 announced an exclusive long-term partnership with Tiger Woods, one of the most celebrated figures in golf history. In addition, 2K announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately held HB Studios Multimedia Ltd., developers of the commercially successful PGA Tour 2K21, as well as ‘The Golf Club’ franchise. The acquisition is expected to close in the first calendar quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. Financial terms of both deals were not disclosed.
Woods’ resumé includes 15 major championship wins; 82 PGA Tour victories; 11-time PGA Tour Player of the Year; lowest career scoring average and tied for the most career wins in PGA Tour history, among many other accolades. He is recognized as one of the greatest golfers of all time and is heralded among the most prolific athletes in the sporting world.
Subscribe HERE to the FREE Media Play News Daily Newsletter!
Woods’ partnership includes rights for his name and likeness to appear exclusively in the PGA Tour 2K video game franchise, as well as any other golf games published by 2K during the partnership term. Woods will play an active role in the video game landscape as an executive director and consultant with ‘PGA Tour 2K,’ while 2K will also partner with Woods’ TGR Foundation, which provides STEM curricula and college-access programs to underserved students.
“In golf, there is no bigger icon than Tiger Woods. Like the rest of the world, we were saddened to hear of his recent accident, and we wish him a full and smooth recovery,” David Ismailer, president at 2K, said in a statement. “We have been eager to announce our partnership with Tiger, whose legendary career has transcended the sport. We are thrilled to have him join our ‘PGA Tour 2K’ series as an executive director.”
PGA Tour 2K21, a golf simulation game featuring PGA Tour professionals, courses, gear and apparel, has sold nearly two million units to date.
“Our work with 2K on PGA Tour 2K21 brought our capabilities and aspirations to the next level, and we can’t wait to show the world what we’re planning for the future,” said James Seaboyer, president and studio head at HB Studios.