The Masters Tournament is returning to EA Sports with a brand-new video-game experience – just in time for the 2022 Masters.
Aptly titled the ‘EA Sports PGA Tour: Road to the Masters.’
This follows last month’s announcement by EA Sports of its new ‘EA Sports PGA Tour’ video game.
Announced during Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Tournament Chairman Fred Ridley’s Wednesday Press Conference, The Masters edition includes components that will integrate the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and Drive, Chip and Putt competitions, the Par 3 Contest, Honorary Starters, major moments, greatest shots and the Amen Corner Challenge.
The last EA Sports golf game came in 2015, and featured Rory McIlroy.
“I want to share our reentry into the video game space, as we have again partnered with EA Sports in their return to the golf world with Road to the Masters,” Chairman Ridley said.
“We believe the attention to detail surrounding the course and our traditions will be world class and will provide new and current fans around the globe with a fun and interactive look at Augusta National.
“All proceeds to Augusta National will be contributed to the Masters Tournament Foundation and our work to grow the game, both here in the U.S. and around the world.”
World No. 1, and reigning Masters champion, Dustin Johnson, added: “Winning the Masters Tournament last year was one of the greatest moments of my life, and I hope to win there again.
“There is no tournament better suited to celebrate on a video game cover, and I can’t wait to see the beauty and unique traditions of the Masters in EA Sports PGA Tour.”
EA first collaborated with The Masters and Augusta National in 2011.
After making preliminary visits in 2009, company technicians spent 10 days in the fall of 2010 making a high-resolution scan of the Augusta National course and creating a digital model that EA officials said was more accurate and detailed than any course they have done before. It took two days to scan Amen Corner alone, for example. Every dogwood and azalea on the course was authentically recreated, and so is every fairway contour and green undulation. Players can even drive right down Magnolia Lane when they come into the virtual club.
In the latest version, even more meticulous attention to detail has been developed, with 10 times the polygons that were used in the previous EA Sports Masters title. The latest lighting system allows EA to create more authentic lighting, the wind will be driven by a natural physics system and there is an opportunity to authentically simulate cloth for use in the flags and player clothing.
EA’s Tiburon studio in Orlando, Fla., is developing the game with the Frostbite engine, which will offer “stunning fidelity, breathtaking immersive environments, and approachable, dynamic gameplay,” according to EA.
“We’re honored to partner with Augusta National, home of the Masters Tournament, to feature the course and its traditions exclusively in EA Sports PGA Tour,” said Cam Weber, EVP and GM, EA Sports. “EA Sports is committed to growing the love of sports for everyone, and through our partnerships with the PGA Tour, Augusta National and the other majors, we will bring new and longtime fans closer to the biggest events in golf than ever before.”
Masters and EA Press Releases were used.
