Virtual Tiger Woods also struggling; video game sales down 32 percent

The first-month sales figures for Electronic Arts’ Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 are in, and just like the results of the British Open, they aren’t good. According to NPD Group, which tracks video game sales, sales of this year’s version of the Tiger Woods video game are down 32 percent from the previous version a year ago. Commence the spin … from Devil Ball Golf:

Now, there are plenty of ways to spin this, and EA Sports is certainly doing its best to do exactly that. For instance, the company says, last year’s model was bundled with a Wii, leading to higher first-time Wii sales.

Whatever the rationalization, it’s unfortunate that more people aren’t buying the game, because it’s fun as hell, even if there are no late-night Escalade challenges.

So what’s the real reason? The economy is certainly better than at this time last year. You’ve got to think that two dozen mistresses, plus zero wins since Thanksgiving, makes Tiger Woods video game sales slice into the trees every time.
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Virtual Tiger Woods having the same problems as real Tiger Woods [Devil Ball Golf]
Virtual Tiger Woods Takes A Tumble [New York Times]