2K Games announced today that they have come to an agreement on a multi-year partnership with the National Football League (NFL). It will see the company release its first NFL-licensed title since 2004’s critically acclaimed EPSN NFL 2K5. Since then, Electronic Arts has had an exclusive deal with the NFL for its Madden series of football simulations. The announcement does note that these upcoming releases, the first of which will release in 2021, will be “non-simulation football experiences.” So, don’t expect a return of NFL 2K developer Visual Concepts’ rival to Madden to be released next year.
“The NFL is one of the most successful sports brands in the world, known for creating incredible entertainment for fans,” said 2K President David Ismailer. “We’re thrilled to be back in business with the NFL in a partnership that will span multiple video games centered on fun, approachable and social experiences. It’s exciting to bring together 2K’s expertise in creating award-winning sports games with the NFL’s renowned status as a world-class entertainment and sports organization.”
NFL Senior Vice President of Consumer Products Joe Ruggiero was equally as excited about the deal. “Expanding the NFL’s presence in the world of gaming has become a focus for the League as we look to grow the next generation of our fanbase and reviving our partnership with 2K was a natural step in that effort,” said Ruggiero. “2K is a worldwide leader in sports video games, with a proven track record of creating best-in-class and award-winning games and we look forward to sharing more about the projects we are working on with them in the future.”
2K is a publishing label under Take-Two Interactive, which publishes the likes of Grand Theft Auto and BioShock, among many others.
