The Next Generation of World Wrestling Entertainment(R) Video Games is Introduced With New Multiplatform Superstar WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. RAW(R) 2007
In and Beyond the Ring, New World Wrestling Entertainment Licensed Video Game Delivers the Thrill of Being a WWE Superstar With Key New Features and Powerful Next Generation Technology
AGOURA HILLS, Calif., March 31: THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI) and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq: JAKK) today announced WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007 is in development for the PlayStation®3, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSPTM (PlayStation®Portable) system and Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Joining the highly visible and successful World Wrestling Entertainment roster of WWE SmackDown/SmackDown vs. RAW licensed video games, which have shipped more than 16.5 million units worldwide since 2000, WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007 is expected to make its debut on both current and next generation gaming systems beginning this fall.
"We are pleased to bring our highly successful WWE SmackDown vs. RAW franchise to next generation consoles," said Kelly Flock, executive vice president, worldwide publishing, THQ. "As the publisher of the number one wrestling video game brand in the world, we are eager to take this franchise to new heights by offering the game to current generation, next generation and handheld gamers."
"We are excited about the next groundbreaking release in the multimillion dollar SmackDown vs. RAW franchise," said Nelo Lucich, vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. "WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007 combines ambitious, exciting features, such as the interactive fighting area within the crowd and a brand new analog control grappling system, which enhance the WWE video game experience. We are confident this debut will offer a compelling sports entertainment experience for the next generation of gamers."
WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007 enables players to experience the intensity of being a WWE Superstar like never before with key updates and new game play features. Environmental hotspots let players select and control multiple objects in and around the ring, as well as from crowd members, to inflict damage on their opponents. Players can also get closer than ever to WWE fans as they battle in an intense new fighting area outside the ring. New high impact combination moves and an enhanced Season Mode with multiple branching storylines let players take control of Superstars like never before, while a brand new Analog Control System adds intuitive movement and improved handling to deliver competitive game play at the next level. WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007 is also packed with significant updates, including incredible high definition graphics, an expanded General Manager Mode, updated rosters for both RAW and SmackDown, online multiplayer game play with voice chat support and much more.
For more information about WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007 or THQ's complete 2006 lineup of games, please visit www.thq.com.
About THQ Inc.
THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, THQ Wireless and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and consumer products. The product categories include: Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, and Pet Toys and Accessories. The products are sold under various brand names including JAKKS Pacific®, Play Along®, Flying Colors®, Creative Designs InternationalTM, Road Champs®, Child Guidance®, Pentech®, Trendmasters®, Toymax®, Funnoodle®, Go Fly a Kite®, Color Workshop®, JPITM and Plug It In & Play TV GamesTM. JAKKS and THQ Inc. participate in a joint venture that has worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment video games. For further information, visit www.jakkspacific.com.
About World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) is an integrated media and entertainment company headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto and London. Additional information on the company can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. Information on television ratings and community activities can be found at parents.wwe.com.
Trademark Statements
The names of all World Wrestling Entertainment televised and live programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans and wrestling moves and all World Wrestling Entertainment logos are trademarks which are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
"PlayStation" and "PLAYSTATION" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
This title has not yet been concept approved for PlayStation 3 or the PSP system by Sony Computer Entertainment America.
Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, the Xbox logos, and the Xbox Live logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "THQ"), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the release and features of WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2007, and are based upon management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive and technological factors affecting the operations, markets, products, and pricing of THQ. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ's financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2005, and particularly the discussion of risk factors that may affect results of operations set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.
This press release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about JAKKS Pacific's business based partly on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above, changes in demand for JAKKS' products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and difficulties with integrating acquired businesses. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and JAKKS undertakes no obligation to update any of them to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.