EA Details Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online and PGA TOUR 11

Despite the fiasco swirling around Tiger Woods, EA has repeatedly stated that they are going to stick with the golfer.  Today’s press release seems to further confirm their committment to the sportsman.

EA SPORTS announced their plans for Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online and PGA TOUR 11.  For starters, PGA TOUR Online has done well in closed beta and has now opened up to the public at large.

Interested gamers can sign up for a free preview of the browser-based game now, and can invite friends to join them via Facebook invitation.  PGA TOUR Online is set for an “early 2010” release and will feature a “multi-tiered subscription” pay model.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 11 is on schedule for a June 2010 release for all major gaming platforms including mobile phones.

For more details on both games, including the feature-set  for PGA TOUR Online (demarcated by bullet points), check out the presser below.

Press Release:

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ:ERTS) announced today the upcoming product lineup for the Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® franchise, which includes the launch of Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® Online open beta and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 11 on multiple consoles this June.

Golf enthusiasts globally can now get a free* preview of Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online and invite others via Facebook® to join the open beta. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online, developed by EA Tiburon, is the most accessible, authentic and feature-rich golf video game experience available through a web browser, with no game installation, no disc, and no additional peripherals required. In addition, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 11 will be available on the Wii™, Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 and iPhone™ platforms.

“During beta testing we’ve already seen tremendous participation and enthusiasm from golf fans around the world for Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online,” said Executive Producer Mike Taramykin. “We’re looking forward to offering all players the opportunity to preview the game for free* in the coming weeks. Also, during open beta gamers can invite others to play via Facebook and we continue to encourage the community to help to drive the game’s evolution and development.”

Since May, EA SPORTS has invited players to participate in four closed beta tests and consumers have showed overwhelming interest and support for the offering. During this time, more than 500,000 rounds of golf have been played.

During the free preview open beta starting today, players will also be able to enjoy the following new features:

• Facebook Connect – Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online connects to Facebook, allowing players to invite their friends to become fans, thus earning additional in-game experience. Players are also able to publish their accomplishments to Facebook.
• Golfer Progression – Players will begin their career as a beginner and by earning experience points, will climb the ranks toward becoming a golf legend.
• The Cut Line – As an extra challenge, each day a target score will appear that becomes the goal for each golfer. If the user meets, or scores under the target, additional in-game experience is rewarded.
• Fans, Favorites & Sponsorships – Each player will be able to acquire fans within Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online. The more fans a player has, the more experience points are rewarded. Sponsor your friends and earn in-game money if they make the Cut Line.
• Realistic Wind – Experience dynamic wind that calculates the direction and speed throughout the round, making the game more realistic and challenging.
• Pro Shop – Purchase upgraded equipment with in-game earnings to help improve your customized golfer and impress friends.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online will be offered through a multi-tiered subscription in early 2010. Since 1986, EA has produced immersive golf experiences that give casual and hardcore gamers the ability to hit the links via an authentic gameplay experience. Since the launch of Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 99 the franchise has sold more than 25 million units worldwide**. The critically acclaimed Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 on the Wii currently ranks as the 12th highest rated Wii game of all-time on Metacritic. Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 11 will launch this June on the Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and iPhone platforms.

For more information about Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online, go to www.tigerwoodsonline.com and for Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online assets, go to www.info.ea.com .

EA SPORTS™ is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, global videogame competitions and breakthrough digital experiences. EA SPORTS delivers personal access to the emotion of sports through industry-leading sports simulation videogames, including Madden NFL football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football and NCAA Basketball, Fight Night boxing and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® golf, while EA SPORTS Active Personal Trainer for the Wii is the most critically acclaimed product available for interactive fitness.

For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums, fantasy leagues and game communities, please visit www.easports.com to connect, share and compete.

* Internet connection, registration and acceptance of an open Beta Agreement required. Must be over 18 to participate.

** Based on totals from NPD data and EU-based retail tracking services, including internal EA sales data.