While EA Sports continues to improve their NHL product, 2K Sports has been fighting a losing battle.
Their latest title, NHL 2K10, was barely improved from 2K9 and suffered from many of the gameplay issues that have plagued the series in recent years. Reviews were widely negative from the start and the game lagged behind EA Canada's NHL 10 in almost every possible way.
That title has received tremendous critical acclaim, taking home numerous awards including "Best Team Sports Game" at Spike's Video Game Awards in December. It would be tough for anyone to compete with that success, especially for a company that's already so far behind.
With that in mind, 2K Sports and game developer Take-Two Interactive announced that NHL 2K11 will be exclusive to the Nintendo Wii, taking a one-year hiatus from both the Xbox 360 and PS3.
The Wii version of 2K's NHL games have sold better than on other platforms, giving reason for a 2011 release. On the other hand, those looking for a new game for the Playstation 3 and Xbox will have to wait.
The goal, according to Take-Two CEO Ben Feder, is to come back strong with a 2012 title, rather than rushing out a product that has no chance to compete.
"We're doing that because we're so committed to competing that the team needs a breather," explained Feder during the Take-Two first quarter financial results conference call. " The following year we will come back a lot stronger. We have an intention to win and we're going to maximize the opportunity."
Whether that goal is realistic remains to be seen, but 2K Sports has certainly shown the ability to stand up to EA Sports. Their basketball titles go toe-to-toe with the NBA Live series and fans of the NHL franchise can cling to similar hope.
For now, though, there's a long way to go. NHL 10 reigns supreme and it'll take a lot for someone else to be king of the castle.
And of course, you can head to Rivalspot's gaming arenas and take on live opponents at games of NHL 10 and other sports titles for the PS3 and Xbox 360. Dominate the ice against your competition and become a valued member of the Rivalspot community - Click here to start gaming!