NEWS - Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Tiger Woods Needs to Start Winning for EA
EA has stuck with Tiger Woods despite revelations of his extramarital affairs; but the publisher recently hinted that their patience isn’t infinite.
Speaking with Reuters (via NBC Sports), EA CEO John Ricitiello reiterated that there’s "no threat against Tiger." But he also noted what he referred to as their business relationship.
"We have no plans to move away from him, but it’s a business relationship on the basis of we make the best golf game and he’s the best golfer," he added. "Both of those things need to be true in the long run for the partnership to make sense."
The most recent edition of the franchise put an emphasis on the Ryder Cup, allowing EA to add Rory McIIroy to the cover. One market analysis firm has voiced concern that the scandal has had a major impact on sales; Tiger Woods 11 sales have dropped 68 percent compared to last year’s version.
Riccitiello did say that EA feels a certain amount of loyalty to the golfer though.
"He sort of stuck with us for a very long time and we made great business together," he said, "and we’re willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for a period of time."
Source: http://www.1up.com
