[ChaseB]

Curiously absent on some of the early box art released for Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12 was, well, Tiger Woods. Instead the focus of the box art was The Masters. However, Peter Moore told Eurogamer that this does not mean Tiger is still not a big part of the game this year and the series in the future.

Quote:

"This is something that's very special, very different. You shouldn't read anything into the fact that Tiger's not featured on the box art of that particular edition."

IGN helps to explain the decision a little more by relaying a response from an EA spokesperson about the direction of the game this year.

Quote:

"This year's game is all about celebrating the Masters and the inclusion of the historic Augusta National Golf Course in the game," a spokesperson said in a statement. "The box art is a direct reflection of that celebration."

Since the full title of the game this year does appear to be Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12: The Masters, it becomes a bit more understandable why the focus is on The Masters. I would also argue the one thing bigger than Tiger Woods in golf is The Masters. Yes, when it comes to mainstream media, Tiger Woods definitely outweighs The Masters, but within the sport itself, The Masters and Augusta National are still kings.

As you can see at the top of this story, Tiger Woods is still prominently featured the PS3 collector's edition of Tiger Woods 12. Nevertheless, the decision should still raise some eyebrows considering EA CEO John Riccitiello did say back in late November that Tiger needed to be the "best" golfer for the business deal to make sense in the long run.

Source: Moore: EA not backing away from Tiger (Eurogamer)