WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2011

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. - October 12, 2010 - THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced details surrounding the new downloadable content purchase program for WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2011, the forthcoming simulation-based experience from the company’s World Wrestling Entertainment® videogame portfolio. Fan Axxess will enable WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 owners to obtain select downloadable content released throughout the life of the videogame for a one-time anticipated purchase cost of 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE® for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft or $9.99 on PlayStation®Network for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The downloadable content will include a number of playable WWE Legends, WWE Superstars and WWE Divas, alternate ring gear, playable arenas, a WWE Superstar Attribute Customizer, instant access to all unlockable content and an in-game badge to recognize the videogame’s biggest supporters.

“The Fan Axxess program for WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 offers consumers a very attractive value proposition to significantly enhance the virtual WWE experience,” said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, Core Games, THQ. “We have some of the most passionate fans in the industry, and we are pleased to offer them an opportunity to access premium gameplay content, customization features and recognition for their loyalty for one price point.”

About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 – Fan Axxess Elements

The first downloadable content package for Fan Axxess, currently scheduled for release this holiday season, will include WWE Legends British Bulldog and Lex Luger; WWE Superstars Wade Barrett™, David Otunga™ and Justin Gabriel™; WWE Diva Layla®; alternate ring gear for WWE Superstars Shawn Michaels® and Shad®; and a playable WWE NXT™ arena. The downloadable content package will be included as part of the Fan Axxess program, as well as sold separately for the anticipated cost of 560 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $6.99 on PlayStation Network.

The second downloadable content package for Fan Axxess, currently scheduled for release in early 2011, will include alternate ring gear for WWE Superstars John Cena®, Undertaker® and CM Punk®, as well as a playable WCW® arena. The downloadable content package will be included as part of the Fan Axxess program, as well as sold separately for the anticipated cost of 240 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $2.99 on PlayStation Network.

The WWE Superstar Attribute Customizer will enable players to determine the overall rankings and attribute levels of every WWE Legend, WWE Superstar and WWE Diva in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011. While the videogame will ship to retail outlets with pre-established in-game Superstar ratings, this feature will give players even greater customization freedom to define their own personalized visions of WWE. The WWE Superstar Attribute Customizer will be included as part of the Fan Axxess program, as well as sold separately for the anticipated cost of 80 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $0.99 on PlayStation Network.

Players will also be able to quickly access more than 60 unlockable items in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, including playable WWE Legends, WWE Superstars and WWE Divas, alternate ring gear, playable arenas, WWE Championships and more. Instant access to all unlockable content will be included as part of the Fan Axxess program, as well as sold separately for the anticipated cost of 80 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $0.99 on PlayStation Network.

About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011

Having shipped more than 50 million units worldwide, the renowned WWE simulation experience and annual centerpiece in THQ’s expanding WWE videogame portfolio returns to define players’ ultimate WWE moments and give players even greater creative and decision-making freedom throughout their storied journeys within WWE.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will empower players more than ever to define their gameplay experiences in a dynamic and ever-changing WWE. In WWE Universe Mode, a new addition to the franchise, gameplay scenarios will change based on player decisions, allowing for new rivalries, alliances, championship matches and more spontaneous WWE action in and out of the ring. Additionally, the popular, story-driven Road to WrestleMania® mode will return with significant updates and new storylines, including the ability to freely roam through locker room areas, select opponents, break into impromptu matches and fulfill destinies based on player choices.

A hallmark of the franchise, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will deliver its largest offering to date of best-in-class creation and customization features. Players will have more creative tools than ever to customize their created Superstars, finishing moves, story designs, paint tool creations and more. Searching and sharing content will be greatly simplified through improvements to the highly regarded WWE Community Creations feature, which generated nearly 10 million downloads in its franchise debut. 

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will also boast one of the largest rosters in franchise history with more than 70 of today’s prominent WWE Superstars and WWE Divas. Each in-game model will feature new skin textures and movement technology, delivering the most authentic looking and moving WWE Superstars and WWE Divas ever seen in a WWE videogame. In addition, players will round out their virtual WWE experience with more than 100 match types, including Tables, Ladders & Chairs (TLC), Hell in a Cell and Money in the Bank, as well as an extensive number of new playable arenas. A brand new physics system will ensure all matches and object interactions look and feel unique, dynamic and unpredictable to capture the full essence and authenticity of WWE.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will also boast the franchise’s largest online feature set to date, including a robust downloadable content plan slated to include playable WWE Superstars, WWE Divas, alternate ring gear, new arenas and more. Online access and the game’s first downloadable content package, which is scheduled to include WWE Superstar Chris Masters® (playable character), WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio® (“Dia de los Muertos” Halloween-themed attire) and WWE Diva Kelly Kelly® (“Devil” Halloween-themed attire), will be free of charge with the videogame through a back of manual code for first-time purchasers. Second-time buyers can also purchase the content via Xbox LIVE at an anticipated cost of 800 Microsoft Points, as well as on PlayStation Network for an anticipated cost of $9.99. Additional content packages will be sold separately throughout the life of the product and are also available through a one-time purchase Fan Axxess program for an anticipated cost of 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $9.99 on PlayStation Network.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 is currently in development for the Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and the Wii™ system from Nintendo, with a scheduled release date of October 26, 2010. For more information on WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011, please visit wwe.thq.com, facebook.com/WWEgames and twitter.com/WWEgames.

About World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. 

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Tokyo and Toronto. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at corporate.wwe.com. For information on global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

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. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

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.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Wii is a trademark of Nintendo. 

THQ Forward-Looking Statements: 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 downloadable content purchase program for the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 videogame, and are based upon management’s current 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, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. 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, 2010, and particularly the discussion of risk factors 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.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, copyrights and logos are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

WWE Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television distribution agreements; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to regulatory and litigation matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of our markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; risks relating to our film business and any new business initiative which we may undertake; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition, our dividend is significant and is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant, including a waiver by the McMahon family of a portion of the dividends.

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