Global VR's new Challenge Edition! - Euroslot - June 2005

San Jose's Global VR has released a new play mode for its Entertainment Arts (EA) Sports Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour, named Challenge Edition.
"Many of the features and options of Challenge Edition have been implemented in response to player requests and operator preference," its Game Producer, Danny Pisano, said.
"What players want is more control in customising their game and designing their own tournaments and more chances to win while operators don't want to pay for features they don't want and they don't want the game to be difficult to maintain or update," Global's Chief Executive Officer, Milind Bharvirkar, said.
"We took a stable earning game and made it more challenging and enjoyable for players by adding new courses and new modes of play and more affordable for the operator by insuring a business model that will keep cabinets profitable.
Challenge Match, it said, after which the game was titled, empowers video gamers to create
player tournaments wherein they can specify all ; parameters, including the start and end dates, 1 tournament sizes up to 32 players and difficulty ; and conditions. -: "This puts pressure on players to continue to 1 polish their game and to be responsive to compete, regardless of however many invitations I they may receive from other players," Global's Plus Producer, James Kucera, said.

James said that the tournament organiser could invite any registered player through their player identification. The invitees then receive an e- mail notification from the tournament organiser that they can accept or reject.
“It wouldn't be a Global VR golf game if it didn't boast eight new, recognisable, real courses including the Black Course at Bethpage, Edgewood Golf Club, Pinehurst Number Two and Sherwood Country Club," Milind said.
"This edition also includes six fantasy courses and brings back eight popular courses from EA Sports PGA Tour Championship Edition III for a total of 22 courses.
"Players and operators will be pleased to see nine PGA Tour golfers and six fantasy golfers in Challenge Edition. Global VR has included favourites like Colin Montgomerie and Vijay Singh while adding new players like Rich Beem." "The number-one requested feature from operators and players is always courses," Global's Product Marketing Director, Wes Harris, said.

"The new edition includes four times the courses compared to the competition. Moderate and less seasoned players have often bemoaned the fact that, with EA Sports PGA Tour Golf Championship Editions, they have been unable to win prizes and be rewarded at beginner or intermediate levels. All this changes with the Challenge Edition Plus Points programme. Now players will be able to earn redeemable affinity points in multiple play modes for merchandise that is available through the Global VR website.
"For example, a player might earn a point for a double eagle or a hole-in-one while playing Shootout Plus, Monday Night Golf, a two-week tournament or World Tour, a popular play mode carried over from Champ II.I wherein players complete all 22 courses to establish a handicap ranking.
"A much anticipated customisation mode in this edition is Game Face. This pay-for-time, registered play mode allows players to customise every aspect of their golfer from hairstyle, eye colour or shape and clothing, all the way down to shoe size. With the Smartcard Players' Card, the player can then store his custom golfer for later use."
"This intriguing feature is so versatile that a player can, potentially, create a replica of himself and really get into the game," Danny said.