2K Sports Signs NHL All-Star Rick Nash to be Cover Athlete for NHL 2K9

[Steve_OS]

2K Sports Signs NHL® All-Star Rick Nash of
Columbus Blue Jackets® to be Cover Athlete for NHL 2K9

Visual Concepts to bring the fun and excitement
back to hockey video games

New York, NY – May 15, 2008 – Millions of hockey fans continue to enjoy intense Stanley Cup Playoffs action, but it’s never too early to start looking forward to next year’s NHL season. 2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), today announced that three-time NHL All-Star and captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Rick Nash, will be featured as the cover athlete and spokesman for this year’s highly anticipated hockey video game, NHL 2K9. Visual Concepts has taken over the development duties for NHL 2K9 and are building a brand new experience from the ground up with the ultimate goal of creating an addictively fun sport simulation of the NHL that will be available this fall.

“I’ve been a longtime fan of the hockey games from 2K Sports. My idols have all been on the covers of video games as I was growing up, so to be on the cover of NHL 2K9 myself is truly incredible,” said Nash, who scored an impressive three goals in the 2008 NHL All-Star Game. “The set of new features they’re adding is really going to make this game special for hockey fans - I’m hoping they give me a couple extra points to my player rating this year!”

Nash was selected first overall in the 2002 NHL Draft and is one of the most exciting and dynamic young players in the NHL. In only his second season, at the age of 19, Nash became the youngest player in NHL history to win the “Rocket” Richard Trophy by co-leading the League with 41 goals scored. Now an established superstar in the NHL, Nash was also a member of Team Canada at the 2006 Olympics, and was named MVP of the 2007 World Championships. His deep level of involvement and work with Visual Concepts, alongside his background as an experienced gamer, provides an invaluable contribution and influence to the overall development process for creating the most fun hockey experience available.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Rick Nash be part of the 2K Sports family,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “Nash is one of the marquee names in the NHL today. He is a true gamer and there is no player more fitting to represent NHL 2K9 as we bring high quality fun to hockey video games for another year.”

NHL 2K9 is being developed by Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio, and is not yet rated by the ESRB. NHL 2K9 will be available this fall for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. For more information, please visit www.2ksports.com.

[Steve_OS]

Make sure you vote for the hype score.

[VanCitySportsGuy]

Well it looks like 2K9 is 100% confirmed.

Just knowing Kush has been removed as the developer has me interested in this game.

[GrandMaster B]

"Rebuilt from the ground up". Good, it needed it.

[RBH]

Glad to see that Visual Concepts is replacing Kush Games.

The NHL 2K series has been in need of a rehaul for years.

[Mintsa]

Is this news all but guarantee that nhl 2k9 will get released or is this basically 2k going about its business until if/when an EA buyout happens ?

[savoie2006]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mintsa

Is this news all but guarantee that nhl 2k9 will get released or is this basically 2k going about its business until if/when an EA buyout happens ?

It's Take Two going about business as usual.If EA buys them before Fall,there will be no 2K9.

[kcxiv]

Quote: Originally Posted by savoie2006

It's Take Two going about business as usual.If EA buys them before Fall,there will be no 2K9.

I think it depends how far in development the game is. Doesnt matter to me though. If it says EA on it, i will pass.

Visual Concepts are the best sports gaming studio on the planet. It should be a pretty good game.