THQ Unveils E3 Line-Up Featuring New Properties for All Next-Generation Systems
Internally Developed Original Titles and High Profile Additions to Proven
Franchises Provide Innovative Content for All
Segments of Growing Market
AGOURA HILLS, Calif., May 4: Leading
independent video game publisher THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI)
today announced the company is entering the Electronic
Entertainment Expo (E3) with its strongest line-up to date,
featuring innovative products for core and mass-market gamers
spanning all platforms. The company's portfolio features
internally developed next-generation console and Windows PC
titles, mass-market licensed products and all new content for
handheld and gaming system wireless devices. The line-up will
be on display in THQ booth #1324, in the South Hall of the
Los Angeles Convention Center May 10-12.
THQ is capitalizing on a growing internal studio system of 14
wholly-owned developers and more than 25 of the best
independent development teams worldwide to build a formidable
product line-up that provides all gamers with new and
innovative content. Playable for the first time, exclusively
at the THQ booth, will be the much-anticipated Saints
RowTM,
developed by Volition, Inc. for the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment
system from Microsoft, as well as cross-platform next-gen
console title FrontlinesTM: Fuel of WarTM, developed by THQ's Kaos
Studios. WWE®
SmackDown® vs.
Raw® 2007,
developed by Yukes Co., Ltd. for THQ/Jakks, will be on
display for both current and next-gen systems. Additionally,
new original properties will include next-gen Windows PC
titles Company of HeroesTM, developed by Relic
Entertainment, and Supreme CommanderTM.
High-profile licensed properties Disney/Pixar Cars, SpongeBob
SquarePantsTM:
Creature from the Krusty Krab and Avatar: The Last
AirbenderTM,
all scheduled to ship for next-gen and current gen systems,
will also be on display.
"THQ is positioned to deliver original content to all
segments of the video game market and capitalize on industry
growth opportunities over the next several years," said Brian
Farrell, president and CEO, THQ. "Our extensive studio system
is building an impressive product pipeline of high-profile
original and licensed properties that will keep THQ on the
cutting edge of innovative development for all viable
platforms."
Next Generation Console Line-Up
THQ's next-gen console line-up includes original, internally
developed titles, and a high-profile addition to the WWE
SmackDown vs. Raw franchise that brings the series to the
Xbox 360 for the first time:
Saints Row: An explosive, third person,
open-world action/driving hybrid developed by THQ's Volition,
Inc., Saints Row is the only game in its genre that offers
players unrivalled character customization options and a
multiplayer experience through Xbox Live® online entertainment network.
In the game, players assume the role of a member of the 3rd
Street Saints on a mission to rise up the gang ranks and
eventually take over the city of Stilwater, controlled by
rival gangs. In Saints Row, actions have consequences and
players decide how best to muscle their way to the top.
Saints Row is scheduled to release for Xbox 360 in fall 2006.
Saints Row is also scheduled to ship for wireless devices in
fall 2006.
Frontlines: Fuel of War: Developed by THQ's
Kaos Studios, Frontlines: Fuel of War is an open world
infantry and vehicle-based First Person Shooter featuring
advanced next-gen weaponry that places gamers in a desperate
struggle set in the near future. A global war for oil is
being waged between two superpowers, the Western Coalition
(US/NATO) and the Red Star Alliance (Russia/China), and
gamers will play both sides within the context of battle. The
single player campaign will focus on this story, as players
battle through intense scenarios with other squad members,
moving the frontline through enemy territories in this
war-torn universe. Frontlines: Fuel of War is expected to
ship for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system
and Windows PC in 2007. *
WWE®
SmackDown® vs.
Raw®
2007: The eighth release in THQ/JAKKS'
critically-acclaimed franchise, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007
delivers the next generation of World Wrestling
Entertainment®
experience with incredible high-definition graphics, intense
action and unprecedented levels of choice and control. New
additions this year include a brand new analog control
grappling system, new high-impact movesets, user-controlled
environmental hotspots and an interactive fighting area
within the crowd. In addition, the game includes updated
rosters for Raw and SmackDown, an expanded General Manager
Mode and online multiplayer game play with voice chat
support. In development by Yuke's Co. Ltd., for the
PlayStation 3 system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment
system, PSPTM
(PlayStation®Portable) system and Xbox 360,
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 is scheduled to release beginning
in fall 2006. *
The Sopranos: A mob war is brewing as Philadelphia's
and New Jersey's most powerful families are about to collide.
As the illegitimate son of "Big Pussy," the gamer has been
born into the organization and is now being given an
opportunity to demonstrate loyalty to Tony Soprano. As a
soldier, players must earn money on collections, protect turf
through intimidation and gain admiration within their own
family to move up in the ranks of the organization. Carry out
orders from Paulie, Silvio, Christopher and Tony in familiar
locations such as the Bada Bing!, Nuovo Vesuvio's and
Satriale's. The storyline was created in collaboration with
show creator David Chase, and the show's key cast members
provide the voices. The Sopranos is scheduled to release in
holiday of 2006.
MotoGPTM '06: Building on the
successes of its Xbox predecessors, MotoGP '06 re-launches
the franchise on Xbox 360. Gamers will be met with new
tracks, bike models, refined handling and Live!
functionality, making this a truly fresh and aspirational
title for even the most hardened fans of the series. MotoGP
'06 will launch with the current 2006 season data, giving an
unprecedented accuracy to the real sport, in addition to
visual effects that surpass any racing title to date. All
extreme mode circuits have been revamped, streamlined for
speed and fast-flowing racing action. Customize and ride all
new extreme bikes in street racing action from the gleaming
skyscrapers of Rio de Janeiro to the jagged mountains of
Tuscany. MotoGP '06 is scheduled to release for Xbox 360 in
spring 2006.
GTR: Crafted by award-winning Swedish
development studio SimBin Development Team AB, GTR features
all the cars, drivers and tracks from two full FIA GT
Championships and challenges casual racers to become
world-class drivers. Directed by professional racing driver
and former FIA GT Team Owner, Henrik Roos, GTR sets new
standards for auto racing realism. GTR is expected to ship
globally on Xbox 360 in spring 2007.
Next Generation PC Line-Up
In addition to carving out a leadership position on next-gen
console systems, THQ is showcasing a collection of triple-A,
next-generation Windows PC properties at E3, highly targeted
at the core gamer:
Supreme CommanderTM: Developed by Gas
Powered Games, founded by Chris Taylor, creator of Total
Annihilation and the Dungeon Siege series, Supreme Commander
features a riveting, action-packed storyline, ground-breaking
gameplay and genre-defining online multiplayer battles. In
the 37th Century, the galaxy is torn apart by three rival
factions, each vying to eradicate its enemies from the
universe, end the Infinite War and become the reigning power
supreme. Supreme Commander represents the next evolution in
the Real Time Strategy genre through its truly strategic and
tactical gameplay and mind-blowing scale and scope, which is
coupled with unrivalled zoom and control features. Supreme
Commander is scheduled to release for Windows PC in early
2007.
Company of HeroesTM: Developed by THQ's
Relic Entertainment, creators of game of the year
Warhammer®
40,000TM: Dawn
of War, comes Company of Heroes, the next revolution in
action strategy. Company of Heroes is a WWII RTS game that
brings to life the brave men of Able Company in cinematic
intensity as they fight across Europe in the greatest war
mankind has ever known. Relic's proprietary next-gen Essence
Engine provides unprecedented graphics and physics complete
with the destruction of all terrain and buildings. Featuring
2-8 players MP competition via Lan or Internet, Company of
Heroes is scheduled to release for Windows PC in fall 2006.
Company of Heroes is also scheduled to ship for wireless
devices in fall 2006.
- WINNER Best Strategy Game of E3 2005 -- Game Critics' Best
of E3 Awards
- WINNER Best PC Game, Best Strategy Game of E3 2005 --
GameSpot
Titan QuestTM: From the co-creator
of Age of Empires, Brian Sullivan, and his team at Iron Lore
Entertainment, comes an all-new action role-playing game set
in the mythical worlds of ancient Greece and Egypt. Amazing
visuals and fast-action gameplay deliver a true cinematic
gaming experience. Lush ancient-world settings crafted in
near-photo realistic detail provide the player with an
extraordinary canvas on which to embark upon an epic quest of
the ultimate good versus evil. Titan Quest is scheduled to
release in summer 2006.
Warhammer® 40,000TM Dawn of War - Dark
CrusadeTM: The
highly-anticipated second expansion pack to internal THQ
studio Relic Entertainment's critically-acclaimed real-time
strategy hit Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Dark Crusade
features an all new single-player experience and 2 new races
- The Necrons and The Tau - allowing the gamer to play up to
7 unique races from the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
universe. Based on the world of Warhammer 40,000 - the dark,
futuristic universe from Games Workshop - Warhammer 40,000:
Dawn of War - Dark Crusade offers massive non-linear strategy
and is scheduled to release for Windows PC in fall
2006.
Industry Leading Mass-Market Line-Up for Next
Generation and Current Generation Systems
THQ will be displaying titles based on its own core IP,
mass-market titles and established original franchises for
next-gen as well as the huge installed base of current-gen
console and hand-held systems:
Disney*Pixar Cars: Cars, the video game, is
a high performance interactive experience in the open world
created in the film, challenging players to relive the
excitement created by Lightning McQueen and his friends. Fans
will discover unique characters and environments inspired by
the film with more than 10 playable characters and 30 races
and minigames to choose from. The game features a fully
immersive re-creation of all major environments introduced in
the movie, including Radiator Springs and Ornament Valley,
which will offer distinctive racing experiences to players
while maintaining the artistic style of the film.
Disney*Pixar Cars, the video game, is expected to ship for
PlayStation 2 system, Xbox, Nintendo
GameCube®, Game
Boy® Advance,
PSP system, Nintendo DSTM, Windows PC and Mac in June
2006 and for Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii console in fall
2006.
Destroy All Humans!TM 2: The plot for
world domination is renewed as acclaimed developer Pandemic
Studios transforms conventional expectations -- allowing
gamers to play as the Alien and take on the most feared enemy
in the universe -- mankind. Packed with non-stop action, an
explosive arsenal of alien weaponry, advanced mental
abilities and an irreverent personality that satires 1960's
era icons and science-fiction mythology, Destroy All Humans!
2 uncovers an open-ended world where the player can unleash
massive destruction on the ground or in their UFO. Destroy
All Humans! 2 is scheduled to release for the PlayStation 2
system and Xbox® video game and entertainment
system from Microsoft in fall 2006. Destroy All Humans! 2 is
also scheduled to ship for wireless devices in June
2006.
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 the popular sea sponge's reign as a gaming
and TV property, SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the
Krusty Krab offers fans brand new gameplay mechanics through
nine visually bizarre levels and is expected to ship for
Nintendo's Wii console, PlayStation 2 system, Nintendo
GameCube, Game Boy Advance, Windows PC and Nintendo DS in
fall 2006. SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty
Krab is also scheduled to ship for wireless devices in fall
2006.
Monster HouseTM: Based upon the
upcoming computer animated film from Columbia Pictures, the
Monster HouseTM
videogames will allow players to experience key moments of
the movie as they unravel the creepy mysteries of old man
Nebbercracker's possessed house. Players will encounter
unique adventures as they explore a living, breathing house,
full of traps and secrets. With three playable characters,
fans of the film will enjoy seeing the movie come to life in
their living rooms. The Monster House videogames are expected
to be available for the PlayStation 2 system, Nintendo
GameCube, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS in July
2006.
Bratz: Forever Diamondz:
YasminTM,
CloeTM,
SashaTM, and
JadeTM are back
for a brand new adventure sending them across the country in
search of the hottest fashion designer. Players will
experience unique adventures through the eyes of the four
playable characters, in detailed open world environments, as
they compete for a spot in "America Rocks Fashion" TV show.
Fans will discover new features that include a figure skating
competition and the ability to adopt a pet to train, dress,
accessorize and showcase in competitions. Bratz: Forever
Diamondz is expected to ship for PlayStation 2 system,
Nintendo GameCube, Windows PC, Nintendo DS and Game Boy
Advance in fall 2006. *
Barnyard: Enter the world of Nickelodeon's
newest adventure and bring the "Barnyard" movie to life.
Players will interact with their favorite movie characters
while trying to prove they are 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 ship for PlayStation 2 system, Nintendo
GameCube, Game Boy Advance and Windows PC in July 2006.
Avatar: The Last Airbender: 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.
Avatar: The Last Airbender is scheduled to ship for Wii,
PlayStation 2 system, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox, Game Boy
Advance, Nintendo DS, PSP system and Windows PC in fall
2006.
JuicedTM: Eliminator:
Developed by THQ's newly acquired studio Juice Games, real
street racing speeds onto the PSP system, utilizing wireless
functionality to offer never-before-seen multiplayer games.
Building on the crew & pink-slip racing that established
Juiced as a leader in the street-racing genre, the game
offers two new 'ad-hoc' multiplayer modes, Eliminator &
Relay, challenging gamers to put their hard-earned cars on
the line. In addition, players will choose from new crew
chiefs, locations, tracks, as well as new cars with tons of
new body-kit components. Juiced: Eliminator is scheduled to
release for the PSP system in June 2006. Juiced: Eliminator
is also scheduled to ship for wireless devices in June
2006.
Alex RiderTM:
StormbreakerTM: Embrace the role of
Alex Rider to out-spy, out-wit and out-cool evil in a
thrilling action adventure featuring third person stealth
game play, fast-paced racing action, intense fighting and
unlockable mini-games. Players will relive defining moments
from the StormbreakerTM movie and become the ultimate
spy. Alex Rider: Stormbreaker is scheduled to release
exclusively for Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance in Summer
2006.
Wireless: THQ Wireless will be also
demonstrating games based on some of its biggest brands. In
addition to wireless extensions of console and Windows PC
brands listed above, feature titles will include Star Wars,
NFL Football 2006 and others. For more information about THQ
Wireless at E3, please visit www.thqwireless.com.
These titles and others, including games for the PSP system,
GameBoy Advance and Nintendo DS will be on display at the THQ
booth.
About Pixar Animation Studios
Pixar Animation Studios (Nasdaq: PIXR) (http://www.pixar.com) combines creative and
technical artistry to create original stories in the medium
of computer animation. Pixar has created six of the most
successful and beloved animated films of all time: Toy Story,
A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo and
The Incredibles. Pixar has won 20 Academy
Awards® and its
six films have grossed more than $3.2 billion at the
worldwide box office to date. The Northern California
studio's next two film releases are Cars (June 9, 2006) and
Ratatouille (summer 2007).
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) manages the
third largest licensing business in the world -- representing
leading entertainment properties including SpongeBob
SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. NVCP handles the
merchandising for Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures,
Comedy Central, MTVN International, and Spike TV.
Nickelodeon, 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 more than ten consecutive years.
Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are
trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).
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.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq: JAKK) 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 Sony Pictures Consumer Products
Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP), a Division of
Columbia TriStar Consumer Marketing (CTCM), is based in Los
Angeles and handles the merchandising and branding efforts
for some of the most recognized properties in film and
television.
Columbia TriStar Consumer Marketing is a division of Sony
Pictures Entertainment (SPE). SPE is a subsidiary of Sony
Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based
Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion
picture production and distribution; television production
and distribution; digital content creation and distribution;
worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition
and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development
of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and
distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony
Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at
http://www.sonypictures.com.
About Games Workshop
Games Workshop is the world's largest hobby war games
company. Based in Nottingham, UK, it designs, manufacturers
and distributes its range of Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000
games, miniature soldiers, novels, comics and resin models
through more than 340 of its own Hobby centres, mail order,
Internet and independent retail channels in more than 50
countries worldwide. Further details on the company can be
obtained at www.games-workshop.com
About Buena Vista Games
Buena Vista Games, Inc. (BVG) is the interactive
entertainment arm of The Walt Disney Company. The division
publishes, markets and distributes a broad portfolio of
multi-platform video games and interactive entertainment
worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works
directly with third-party interactive game publishers to
bring products for all ages to market.
About Samuelson Productions
Stormbreaker is produced by Marc Samuelson and Peter
Samuelson, whose producing credits include "Arlington Road",
"Wilde", "Revenge of the Nerds" and "Tom & Viv" and, as
executive producers, "Keeping Mum", "The Libertine" and the
forthcoming "Chromophobia".
About HBO
Home Box Office, Inc. is the premium television-programming
subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., providing two 24-hour premium
television services, HBO and Cinemax. Together, both networks
reach approximately 40 million subscribers in the United
States via cable and satellite delivery. Home Box Office's
international joint ventures bring HBO branded services to
more than 50 countries around the globe.
About MGA
MGA Entertainment, a consumer entertainment products company
with headquarters in Van Nuys, California, manufactures
innovative lines of proprietary and licensed products,
ranging from fashion and mini-dolls to radio-controlled
vehicles. Bratz was introduced in June 2001, and has since
become one of the world's premier toy lines and girls
lifestyle brands. The brand is also noted for having won a
Family Fun magazine's Toy of the Year Award three years in a
row. With over 400 licenses worldwide, Bratz brings together
innovative companies and cutting-edge fashion styles to
create exciting new products in apparel, footwear, fashion
accessories and so much more. Visit www.mgae.com
About Wii
Nintendo's next system, Wii, will feature a controller
designed to be used with either one hand or two -- a first in
the video game industry. When picked up and pointed at the
screen, the controller gives a lightning-quick element of
interaction, sensing motion, depth, positioning and targeting
dictated by movement of the controller itself.
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 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, Juice
Games, Kaos Studios, Rainbow Studios, Relic Entertainment,
Volition, Inc., Company of Heroes, Destroy All Humans!,
Frontlines: Fuel of War, Juiced, Juiced: Eliminator, Saint's
Row, Titan Quest and their respective logos are trademarks
and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.
This press release may contain "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, performance and features of our video games and
wireless applications, 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. 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 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 and
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. Readers are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements,
which speak only as of the date of this press release.
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.
Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox Live are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries.
Frontlines: Fuel of War is not yet concept approved for
PlayStation 3 by Sony Computer Entertainment America.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 has not yet been concept approved
for PlayStation 3 or the PSP system by Sony Computer
Entertainment America.
Bratz is not yet concept approved by Sony Computer
Entertainment America.
® Copyright Games Workshop Limited 2004. Dawn of War, Dawn of
War logo, GWI, GWI logo, Games Workshop, Warhammer, Warhammer
40,000 Device, and all associated names, insignia, marks, and
images are either ®, TM and/or ® Games Workshop
Ltd 2000-2004, variably registered in countries around the
world. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.