World Series of Poker

Publisher: Activision

Whenever a license attains runaway popularity, a video game based on the license is sure to be close behind. Such is the case with the incredibly popular poker tournament: World Series of Poker. The real-life championship is run by the Harrah's casino empire and held at the almost-on-the-strip Rio. It's considered by many players to be the most prestigious poker tournament in the world, perhaps even beating "World Poker Tour" hosted by Mike Sexton.

While the World Series of Poker includes many games, the one that has achieved the most notoriety is the $10,000 buy-in no-limit Texas Hold 'Em tournament. Each winner receives a coveted gold bracelet as well as an incredibly large prize.

Players qualify for the real-life World Series of Poker by playing in online and satellite poker tournaments. While many of the players are professionals on the poker circuit, it is possible for amateur players to not only get a seat, but to win big. In general, poker has become increasingly popular since it has become more accessible online; within the poker world, WSOP is the tournament everyone follows.

The World Series of Poker Video Game

So, Activision has jumped on the poker wagon with the gold standard in poker licenses. Their World Series of Poker game launches on multiple platforms to allow players to recreate that WSOP feel on their own video game systems and computers. The game is designed to use the same graphic style as the ESPN coverage.

Gameplay

World Series of Poker has all of the official variations used in the WSOP championship including:

• Texas Hold 'Em
• 7 Card Stud
• Omaha
• 5 Card Draw

Play against the AI characters, or go online to play against your friends. If you're a novice, you will take advantage of the well-developed tutorial mode.

World Series of Poker offers various modes of play including Quick Play for instant poker action. You can also play in the Main Event by jumping straight to the big championship with a 10K buy-in or play in Career mode where you work your way through many small tournaments to earn your way into the Main Event. Or, pick the Multi-player mode in order to play directly with other live gamblers.

The game features 13 of the professional poker players from the real-life WSOP and includes tells, bluffs and table talk. When you play, create your own character from your clothes to your poker face.

Poker Video Game Competition

The increasing interest in poker has spawned a flurry of new poker games. While World Series of Poker will be a powerhouse with its license, it faces stiff competition from World Championship Poker 2 Featuring Howard Lederer and World Poker Tour by 2K Sports.