THQ Announces Its 2006 Nickelodeon Video Game Lineup Based on Top-Rated Kids' TV Shows and Theatrical Releases
THQ to Bring Popular Nickelodeon Properties, Avatar and SpongeBob SquarePants, to Nintendo Revolution this Fall
AGOURA HILLS, Calif., April 24: THQ Inc.
(Nasdaq: THQI) today announced its 2006 video game lineup
based on Nickelodeon's top brands for kids. The announcement
follows the success of THQ's Nickelodeon-branded games, which
have shipped more than 40 million units worldwide to date.
Games based on Nickelodeon's highly rated television series
"SpongeBob SquarePantsTM," "Avatar: The Last
AirbenderTM,"
"Danny PhantomTM" and "Unfabulous," as well as
a new installment of Nicktoons, are anticipated to ship
across multiple game systems in 2006. THQ is also scheduled
to release Barnyard based upon Paramount
Pictures'/Nickelodeon Movies' upcoming summer theatrical
release.
"THQ's Nickelodeon video game portfolio continues to dominate
the kids video game space with nearly 17 million units of
SpongeBob-branded games shipped worldwide. Last year's
SpongeBob SquarePants: Lights, Camera, PANTS! and Nicktoons
Unite! were two of the top video games for kids in 2005,"
said Kelly Flock, executive vice president of worldwide
publishing, THQ. "This year's lineup includes games based
upon some of the best loved Nickelodeon shows, as well as
several exciting new television and theatrical properties.
Nickelodeon fans and kids of all ages can expect to see new
features, gameplay and adventures that are sure to provide
hours of quality entertainment and loads of fun."
"We look forward to continuing our very successful alliance
with THQ in the interactive entertainment market," said
Stephen Youngwood, executive vice president, Nickelodeon
Digital Media. "This year's lineup gives kids the opportunity
to have fun with all their favorite Nickelodeon characters,
as well as several of our newest shows and movies."
The 2006 THQ/Nickelodeon video game lineup includes:
* SpongeBob SquarePantsTM: Creature from the
Krusty Krab -- In a unique and creative twist, SpongeBob
SquarePants explores the peculiar world of Bikini Bottom as
it transforms through a series of various unique visual
styles. Continuing to reign as a top gaming and TV property,
SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab offers
fans brand new gameplay mechanics through nine visually
bizarre levels. Expected for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment
system, Nintendo GameCube®, Nintendo Revolution, Game
Boy® Advance,
Nintendo DSTM
and Windows PC this fall.
* Avatar: The Last AirbenderTM -- Based on
Nickelodeon's hottest new show, fans will play as Aang,
Katara, Sokka and Haru as they grow into an unstoppable team
utilizing the kung fu inspired bending arts through the
Avatar universe. Players will explore the four Avatar nations
in beautifully detailed environments and battle new enemies.
Expected for PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube,
Xbox® video
game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo
Revolution, Game Boy Advance, PSPTM (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo DS
and Windows PC this fall.
* Nicktoons (working title) -- The most
popular Nickelodeon characters combine their unique weapons
and powers to battle the newest, enemies threatening to
destroy a mysterious Nicktoons paradise island. Players will
assume the role of up to 10 playable characters from the most
popular shows including "SpongeBob SquarePants," "Danny
Phantom," "The Fairly OddParents" and "Jimmy Neutron."
Expected for PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy
Advance and Nintendo DS this fall. This title has not yet
been concept approved by Sony Computer Entertainment
America.
* Barnyard -- Enter the world of
Nickelodeon's newest adventure and bring the Barnyard movie
to life. Players will be able to interact with all of their
favorite characters from the movie while trying to prove they
have what it takes to be the biggest party animal of them
all. The film is written, produced and directed by acclaimed
comedy writer/producer Steve Oedekerk ("Bruce Almighty," "Ace
Ventura," "The Nutty Professor," "Kung Pow") and Nickelodeon
Movies, producers of the Oscar® nominated "Jimmy Neutron: Boy
Genius." The Barnyard video game is expected to be available
on July 25 for the PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy
Advance and Windows PC this fall.
* Unfabulous -- Based on Nickelodeon's
popular live-action TV show starring Emma Roberts, Unfabulous
will allow players to assume the role of Addie Singer as she
navigates the hectic halls of Rocky Road Middle School and
avoids becoming popularity roadkill. Players will move
through various levels based on events from the show and
encounter Addie's friends, family and secret crushes.
Expected for Game Boy Advance this fall.
* Danny Phantom Urban Jungle -- Based on an
upcoming on-air special of the same name, Danny Phantom goes
on a brand new adventure. A new, powerful eco-ghost turns
Amity Park into a real urban jungle, and fans must play as
Danny Phantom to learn an all new freeze power to defeat his
evil nemesis. Expected for Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance
this fall.
The 2006 lineup of THQ/Nickelodeon video games is being
developed by THQ's Studio System, which includes 14 owned
studios and more than 25 of the best independent development
teams. THQ's Blue Tongue Entertainment is developing Barnyard
and Nicktoons, while THQ's Studio Australia is developing
Avatar: The Last Airbender. Independent studio, Blitz Games,
is developing SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty
Krab. In addition, hand held versions of THQ's entire 2006
Nickelodeon lineup are in development by a number of
independent developers including Altron, Natsume, Halfbrick
Studios, Wayforward and Tose.
For more information about THQ and Nickelodeon products, as
well as THQ's other video games, please visit www.thq.com or www.nick/videogames.com.
About Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer
Products
Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products manages the third
largest licensing business in the world and represents such
properties as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer.
The department handles the merchandising for Nick Jr.,
Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, Comedy Central, MTVN
International, and Spike TV.
Nickelodeon, now in its 27th year, is the number-one
entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global
business by putting kids first in everything it does. The
company includes television programming and production in the
United States and around the world, plus consumer products,
online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films.
Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 89
million households and has been the number-one-rated basic
cable network for ten consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all
related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom
International Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B)
About THQ
THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and
publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company
develops 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, Blue Tongue
Entertainment, THQ Studio Australia 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).
Microsoft, Xbox and the Xbox logos are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries and are used under
license from Microsoft.
Nintendo, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS and Nintendo GameCube
are trademarks and/or registered of Nintendo.
All other trademarks are the 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 and
features of THQ's 2006 Nickelodeon video game lineup 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.