THQ ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR GLOBAL RELEASE OF CONAN® ON NEXT GENERATION GAMING SYSTEMS
Legendary Character From Robert E. Howard Original StoriesTakes On New Challenge in Epic Action Adventure
26 February 2007
AGOURA HILLS, Calif. - February 26, 2007 - THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced plans to bring the renowned Conan® brand to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Conan marks the first product in THQ's multi-year licensing agreement to develop interactive games based on the popular character brought to life in Robert E. Howard's original stories. The Conan video game is expected to make its next generation debut in early 2008.
The Conan video game joins a robust lineup of licensed products for the Conan brand, which is currently celebrating the 75th anniversary of its first published story. In addition to the video game, Conan is also recognized for its brand extensions with popular action figures, motion pictures, collectible trading cards and more than 800 comic books.
"The strength and diversity of the Conan brand lends itself extremely well to the interactive format," said Jack Sorensen, executive vice president, worldwide studios, THQ. "Through intense combat, familiar environments and next generation visuals, we believe Conan fans and action adventure enthusiasts alike are certain to embrace this future addition to the Conan universe."
"The Conan brand has captured the hearts of dedicated fans for 75 years," said Fredrik Malmberg, President and CEO, Paradox Entertainment. "We have enjoyed tremendous success with our brand extensions and look forward to working with THQ to bring this upcoming chapter of Conan's ambitious journey to a video game format."
Developed by Nihilistic Software, Conan is an action adventure video game featuring a story of epic brutality, sheer evil and visceral combat. Players will follow the journey of Conan the Cimmerian as he fights a vicious battle against a variety of enemies and an elusive power that threatens to consume the Hyborian world. Playing as Conan, players will take advantage of a deep and gratifying combat system that offers a variety of deadly weapons, fighting styles and interactive environments to battle hordes of enemies. In addition, the Conan video game will harness next generation hardware to deliver a cinematic game play experience, complete with special effects, lighting and a powerful, epic soundtrack, to capture the essence of the Conan universe.
More information about the Conan video game can be found at www.thq.com.
About Paradox Entertainment AB
Paradox Entertainment AB owns, develops and licenses numerous character-based properties directly through its various subsidiaries. The company owns rights to the writings of pulp fiction author Robert E. Howard, including works featuring characters such as Conan®, Kull, Bran Mak Morn, and Solomon Kane. Paradox also owns the self-created property Mutant Chronicles®. Industries exploiting the company property portfolio include film, TV, book, comics, videogame, Internet/mobile/wireless, toys, apparel, and more. The business is mainly conducted through the subsidiary Paradox Entertainment Inc., based in Los Angeles, USA. Paradox Entertainment AB is being traded on the NGM Equity list (PDXE, SE0000598054) in Sweden.
About THQ Inc.
THQ Inc. 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.
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