Michael Jordan is all over the gaming world this fall. The NBA Hall of Famer was already announced as an “NBA2K23” cover athlete last month and will also be featured as a playable character in “PGA Tour 2K23.”
The video game company announced more details on Monday about the game that will feature Tiger Woods on the cover of two versions. It is offering a “Michael Jordan Bonus Pack” as part of its pre-order that allows gamers an opportunity to play as Jordan.
Jordan, 59, is an avid golfer with plenty of stories from the links. His love of golf is so engrained it was the starting point for “Space Jam” way back in 1996. He will also be celebrated by 2K in its “NBA 2K23 Championship Edition,” which will feature Jordan on the cover. The Chicago Bulls legend is also on the cover of a self-named version, “NBA 2K23 Michael Jordan Edition.”
The basketball game will also feature Jordan as a playable character with a rebuilt rendition of the Jordan Challenges that were last featured in the 2011 game. It’s a big deal for gamers who remember when the six-time NBA champion and five-time league MVP wasn’t in any video game. Jordan opted out of the NBA Players Association’s shared licensing agreement in the mid-’90s, and video game developers were unable to use him in their games even though they had licensed with the NBPA.
More details on ‘PGA Tour 2K23’
Woods is appearing as a playable character in the game for the first time in almost 10 years, according to Sports Illustrated. The promo for the game features professional golfers and Christopher McDonald, the popular villain “Shooter McGavin” in the Adam Sandler-led movie “Happy Gilmore.”
“It’s crazy that it’s been that long,” Woods said in a promotional video.
“It’s pretty neat to be able to create something that’s more realistic, something that my kids will enjoy playing. We’re all gaming nuts, so now my kids will be able to play golf against ‘me.’”
The game features an initial roster of 14 male and female golfers, 2K said in a release. The list includes Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Jon Rahm, Lexi Thompson, Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson. There are more than 20 courses, including new additions Wilmington Country Club (BMW Championship), The Renaissance Club (Scottish Open) and St. George’s Golf and Country Club (RBC Canadian Open). A TopGolf course is also available for players.