THQ and Rainbow Studios Redefining Off-Road Genre for PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable) System and Windows PC
Elite Racing Developer Puts Fans Behind More Than Just the Handle Bars, Adding All-New Track Editor, Vehicles and Challenges to Unleashed Franchise
AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Nov. 30: THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI) today announced the franchise that redefined the off-road genre will debut for handheld and Windows PC when MX vs. ATV UnleashedTM: On the Edge comes to the PSPTM (PlayStation®Portable) system and MX vs. ATV UnleashedTM ships for Windows PC. The releases expand on the franchise's overwhelming success, allowing Windows PC gamers to personalize their racing experience with an all-new track editor. Both titles, anticipated to release in early 2006, will allow gamers to race with a collection of new vehicles and chose between new tracks, challenges and mini-games.
"Rainbow Studios is taking their mastery of the off-road genre to new heights, redefining the genre they built for Windows PC and bringing the duel between four wheels and two to the PSP system for the first time," said Dave Miller, Senior Global Brand Manager, THQ. "Gamers can now build their personalized vision of the ultimate off-road environment on their Windows PC, take it online and race against all challengers."
"We're looking forward to bringing the Unleashed experience to the handheld market as well as returning to our off-road development roots on the PC," said Scott Novis, President, Rainbow Studios. "Both titles will possess the unmatched game-play elements that define a Rainbow Studios title and provide exciting new content at the same time."
MX vs. ATV Unleashed: On the Edge and MX vs. ATV Unleashed for Windows PC bring Rainbow Studio's critically acclaimed franchise to the PSP system and Windows PC for the first time, allowing gamers to explore immense free-world areas, compete with an array of vehicle types and vie for off-road supremacy in a multitude of racing modes. The franchise's ultra-realistic Rhythm RacingTM physics engine returns, accompanied by an all-new track editor for the Windows PC, allowing gamers to create their own, personalized off-road fantasy. PSP system multiplayer will allow four players to challenge each other online via wireless connection and eight players will be able to get dirty online on Windows PC.
About Rainbow Studios
Named Game Informer's "Developer of the Year for 2001", Rainbow Studios is one of THQ's premier content creators for console systems and PCs. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Rainbow's fifteen-year videogame history includes the top-selling Splashdown, award-winning ATV Offroad Fury series and critically acclaimed Motocross Madness PC series which received Best Sports Computer Game of 2000 award by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences. The February 2004 release of MX Unleashed marked the introduction of the "Unleashed" brand and the February release of MX vs. ATV Unleashed combined Rainbow's development expertise with ATVs and Motocross.
About THQ
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 in the United States, United Kingdom, Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Korea and Australia. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, THQ Wireless, Rainbow Studios, MX Unleashed, MX vs. ATV Unleashed, MX vs. ATV Unleashed: On the Edge, Rhythm Racing and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.
"PSP" is a trademark and "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick DuoTM may be required (sold separately).
All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are property of their respective owners.
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 of and features of MX vs. ATV Unleashed and MX vs. ATV Unleashed: On The Edge 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.