THQ Announces Blockbuster Line-up for E3 2010
Roster Headlined by Critically Acclaimed Core Franchises Homefront(TM), Red Faction(R): Armageddon(TM), Warhammer(R) 40,000(R) Space Marine(TM) and Devil’s Third(TM); Fighting Games: UFC(R) Undisputed(TM) 2010, WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2011 and WWE(R) All Stars(TM); Robust Kids, Family, Casual Games Portfolio Led by Megamind(TM), The Last Airbender(TM), Wheel of Fortune(R), and JEOPARDY!(R); Online Games Featured Include Warhammer(R) 40,000(R) Dark Millennium(TM)Online, Company of Heroes(R) Online and WWE(R) Smackdown(R) vs. Raw(R) Online; THQ Will also Feature 3D Titles Metro 2033(TM) and de Blob(R)2: The Underground(TM)
AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Jun 15, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced a comprehensive line-up of video games to be featured at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), booth #2001 in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center June 15 – 17.
Brian Farrell, President and CEO, said, “THQ’s line-up at E3 this year is superb, reflecting the high quality bar we have set for our pipeline, the depth of our internal development expertise that is creating owned games such as Homefront(TM) and Red Faction(R):Armageddon(TM); and success in securing strategic partnerships with top studios like DreamWorks Animation and world-renowned brands Ultimate Fighting Championship(R) and World Wrestling Entertainment(R). THQ is a strong, efficient global organization that has a track record for growing hit titles into multi-property long-term franchises. We plan to invest aggressively to maintain our momentum in bringing winning titles for gamers across all platforms.”
Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, Core Games said, “This is the best and strongest E3 line-up in THQ’s history. Our creativity and deep understanding of the industry allows us to attract key partners such as Tomonobu Itagaki as we stay at the forefront of trends in the industry, such as 3D, motion sensors and online distribution models, and THQ’s pipeline illustrates this. We are supporting Microsoft’s Kinect(TM) for Xbox 360(R), Sony’s PlayStation(R) Move and OnLive(R). Similarly, we are excited to publish a select number of our games in 3D on the newly upgraded PS3 and the Nintendo 3D DS. Our development teams are focused on some of the most innovative gaming experiences, and we couldn’t be prouder of our E3 line-up and the projects we have underway.”
On exhibit at E3 for the first time will be Volition, Inc.’s Red Faction: Armageddon. First hands-on previews of new titles based on WWE(R)SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2011 and WWE(R) All Stars(TM) will also be available at E3, as well as de Blob(R)2: The Underground(TM), Megamind(TM), The Last Airbender(TM), Wheel of Fortune(R), JEOPARDY!(R)and Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?(R) Back to School(TM).
Kaos Studios’ Homefront and newly announced Devil’s Third(TM), which is being developed by legendary game designer Tomonobu Itagaki and his Valhalla Games Studios, will be previewed at THQ’s booth along with much-anticipated online extensions of THQ’s popular Core titles: Company of Heroes(R) Online, Warhammer(R) 40,000(R) Dark Millennium(TM)Online and WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) Online(TM).
Metro 2033(TM), the ground-breaking, full-blown 3D game on PC which utilizes all of NVIDIA’s technologies (DX11, 3D Vision and PhysX) to deliver a gaming experience at the leading edge of technology, will be playable on the floor in 3D. THQ will also showcase de Blob 2: The Underground in 3D as well.
THQ’s full E3 roster of games includes:
– CORE GAMES –
de Blob(R) 2:The Underground(TM) – in 3D!
Comrade Black is back and so is his war on color. Disguised as Papa Blanc, Comrade Black is rigging the city’s election and if he wins, there will be no stopping him or his brainwashing new cult from taking over Prisma City – that is, until de Blob comes back to re-ignite the color revolution!
de Blob must color his way through the enormous and polluted Prisma City that is filled with factories, ice stations, bio-domes and a massive array of underground bunker levels to match every surface level environment. To navigate the dazzling depth and complexity of Prisma City, de Blob has teamed up with a sassy robot side-kick named Pinky, who helps him to triumph in fun and co-operative ways
de Blob will be featured in an upcoming partnership with Syfy.
* Platforms: Xbox 360(R), PlayStation(R)3 (3D), Wii(TM), Nintendo DS(TM) (3D)
* Ship Date: Spring 2011
* ESRB Rating: E for EveryoneDevil’s Third(TM)
The first project under THQ’s ground-breaking partnership with legendary game creator Tomonobu Itagaki and his newly formed Valhalla Game Studios, Devil’s Third is a fast-paced action game set in the near future in the wake of a global catastrophe. Itagaki, whose credits include the critically acclaimed Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive franchises, has pledged to deliver an experience like no other, combining a deep storyline with original combat mechanics all set against an atmospheric and explosive backdrop.
* Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation3
* Ship Date: TBA
* ESRB Rating: RP for Rating PendingHomefront(TM)
The year is 2027. Her infrastructure shattered and military in disarray, America has fallen to a savage occupation by the nuclear armed Greater Korean Republic. Abandoned by her former allies, the United States is a bleak landscape of walled towns and abandoned suburbs. This is a police state where high school stadiums have become detention centers, and shopping malls shelter armored attack vehicles. Join the Resistance, stand united and fight for freedom against an overwhelming military force In Homefront’s gripping, cinematic single player campaign penned by John Milius (Apocalypse Now, Red Dawn), and experience epic, ground breaking multiplayer action all set in a terrifyingly plausible near-future world.
* Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC
* Ship Date: Early 2011
* ESRB Rating: RP for Rating PendingMetro 2033(TM)
Metro 2033 combines classic first-person-shooter action with elements of survival horror, intelligent plot and character development not seen before in gaming to create a true genre original. The game’s unique atmosphere is made possible by the brand new technology powering it. The proprietary 4A Engine produces some of the most spectacular visuals yet seen on Xbox 360, while PC owners will benefit from a host of advanced features that ensure Metro 2033 sets a new standard in graphical fidelity. As the first full-blown 3D game on PC, Metro 2033 utilizes all of NVIDIA’s technologies (DX11, 3D Vision and PhysX) to deliver a gaming experience at the leading edge of technology.
* Platforms: Xbox 360, PC (3D)
* Ship Date: March 2010
* ESRB Rating: M for MatureRed Faction(R): Armageddon(TM)
Red Faction: Armageddon moves beneath the surface of Mars as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As Darius Mason, players fight to save humanity from an even greater evil that threatens to extinguish all life on the planet.
Leveraging internal studio Volition’s groundbreaking Geo-Mod 2.0 technology, Red Faction: Armageddon offers never-before-seen physics-based weaponry that redefines gameplay in the shooter genre. Utilizing Darius’ Nano Forge abilities, players are presented with a wealth of new strategic options including reconstruction technology and the Magnet Gun in their battle to save humanity. From lava tubes to ice caves, gamers will discover a new playground for epic battles in both the single-player campaign and multiplayer co-operative modes.
* Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
* Ship Date: March 2011
* ESRB Rating: RP for PendingUFC(R) Undisputed(TM) 2010
UFC Undisputed 2010,released on May 25, 2010, marked the highly anticipated return of the critically acclaimed videogame sports franchise based on leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, the Ultimate Fighting Championship. UFC Undisputed 2010 delivers the most authentic and expansive UFC videogame experience to date as players navigate an unparalleled roster of more than 100 prolific UFC fighters, each fully rendered to convey a photorealistic appearance. Enhanced combat brings greater authenticity and more customization, as players manage Octagon(TM) control with new strikes, submissions, transitions, cage positions and more. UFC Undisputed 2010 encourages online camaraderie like never before, giving players the ability to form fight camps, train like real-life UFC fighters and go online to compete against other camps in the virtual UFC world. In addition to an expanded Career Mode, UFC Undisputed 2010 introduces three new gameplay modes, including Title Mode, Title Defense Mode and Tournament Mode. So you wanna be a fighter? This is how.
* Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PSP(R)
* Ship Date: May 25, 2010 for Xbox 360 and PS3; Fall 2010 for PSP
* ESRB Rating: T for TeenWWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2011
The simulation-based cornerstone of the company’s WWE videogame portfolio will return to action with destiny-defining moments, best-in-class creation tools and the ability for players to have ultimate control of the WWE Universe. Having sold more than 50 million units worldwide, the annual centerpiece in THQ’s expanding WWE videogame portfolio returns to define the ultimate WWE moments and give players even greater creative and decision-making freedom throughout their storied journeys within the WWE Universe.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will boast one of the largest rosters in franchise history with more than 70 of today’s prominent WWE Superstars and Divas. Each in-game model will feature new skin textures and movement technology, delivering the most authentic looking and moving characters ever seen in a WWE videogame. In addition, a new physics system will ensure all matches and object interactions look and feel unique, dynamic and unpredictable to capture the full essence of the WWE Universe.
* Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation3, PlayStation(R)2, PSP and Wii
* Ship Date: October 26, 2010
* ESRB Rating: RP for Rating PendingWWE(R) All Stars(TM)
The revolutionary new addition to THQ’s distinguished WWE videogame portfolio and debut release from the company’s San Diego-based studio, WWE All Stars is poised to deliver one of the greatest rosters ever assembled in a wrestling-centric videogame, with renowned WWE Legends pitted against today’s most prominent Superstars, inviting players to generate fantasy matches and ultimately determine the greatest competitors of all time. WWE All Stars will encompass a fluid, intuitive and original gameplay style, creating a highly competitive environment and an engaging spectacle of big, bold and over the top moments. Packed with high-flying, hard hitting and over the top action, players will explore a variety of responsive quick grapples, strong grapples, standing and running attacks, as well as combination sequences. Every Legend and Superstar on the power-packed roster will be equipped with individual abilities, signature moves and renowned finishers to create the ultimate in-ring experience.
* Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation3, PlayStation2, PSP and Wii
* Ship Date: Early 2011
* ESRB Rating: RP for Rating PendingWarhammer(R) 40,000(R): Space Marine(TM)
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine is a fast-paced third person action-shooter from Relic Entertainment allowing players to don the armor of one of the emperor’s chosen in a battle for the very survival of humanity. Featuring a seamless mix of melee and ranged combat, Space Marine will deliver a true next generation experience when it launches on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. More of the game will be shown at gamescom in August this year.
* Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation3
* Ship Date: TBA
* ESRB Rating: RP for Rating Pending– KIDS / FAMILY / CASUAL GAMES –
Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader(R)? Back to School(TM)
Based on the popular Fox television show and developed by ImaginEngine, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Back to School video game captures the essence of the show’s new, fast-paced format. Up to three players can compete to test their first through fifth grade level knowledge with topics ranging from art to science and history. The game introduces new and unique platform specific features, gameplay enhancements and two brand new game modes.
* Platforms: Wii, Nintendo DSi(TM) / DS(TM)
* Ship Date: Fall 2010
* ESRB Rating: RP for Rating PendingJEOPARDY!(R)
For the first time, “America’s Favorite Quiz Show,” “JEOPARDY!,” comes to the Wii (developed by Pipeworks) and Nintendo DS (developed by Griptonite). Featuring the voice of host Alex Trebek, this video game based on TV’s No. 2 syndicated game show allows up to three players to compete with each other and comes to life with an authentic set, including lights, cameras and a “live” studio audience. Players will test their knowledge in Jeopardy!, Double Jeopardy! and Final Jeopardy! rounds by providing responses to the clues given. Players can use Wii Speak(TM) technology to verbally respond to the clues, as well as the handwriting recognition technology on the DS version. Optional commercial break mini-games to unlock new, trendy outfits for their Mii characters and a comprehensive tracking system that stores the players statistics, such as number of wins and fastest response time are among the game’s many new features.
* Platforms: Wii, Nintendo DS
* Ship Date: Fall 2010
* ESRB Rating: RP for Rating PendingMegamind(TM)
A slate of video games are currently in development based on DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming feature film, Megamind. The video games will extend the film’s supervillain-turned-superhero storyline with new characters, environments and twists, giving players the chance to experience the comical and over-the-top adventures of the Megamind universe right in their own living room. Three unique gameplay experiences are being designed across five platforms. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 games will deliver a social and interactive experience with two-player and cooperative play; the Wii game will provide mega team party style fun with a multi-player, competitive experience; and the Nintendo DS and PSP games will present players with an entertaining, on-the-go, solo-style functionality.
* Platforms: Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PSP, Nintendo DS
* Ship Date: November 2, 2010
* ESRB Rating: RP for Rating PendingThe Biggest Loser Challenge and The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout
One of the leading interactive health and fitness video games is back with The Biggest Loser Challenge and The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout. Players that are looking to lose a little weight, a lot of weight or maintain their current physique will now be able to enjoy more than 125 exercise moves in four different environments, including “The Biggest Loser” Ranch, “The Biggest Loser” Gym, “The Biggest Loser” Yoga Area and “The Biggest Loser” Boxing Ring. The game’s workouts include upper body, lower body, cardio, yoga and cardio boxing, and will allow players to create a custom fitness program or choose from 10 pre-set fitness programs such as Belly Buster and Boot Camp. The Biggest Loser Challenge and The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout also feature 50 all-new recipes from The Biggest Loser Cookbook; The Biggest Loser Resort, the best-selling book series; The Biggest Loser Club; and The Biggest Loser Protein by Designer Whey, to make the game an all-encompassing workout tool.
* Platforms: Wii (The Biggest Loser Challenge), Kinect(TM) for Xbox 360(R) (The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout) – Ship Date: Holiday 2010
* ESRB Rating: E for EveryoneThe Last Airbender(TM)
Inspired by Nickelodeon Movies and Paramount Pictures highly anticipated summer blockbuster live-action theatrical film, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, The Last Airbender video game will deliver all-new unique features that bring to life the film’s thrilling action and immerse players in the world of bending. The game revisits captivating, climactic scenes from the film while providing the player a much more in-depth experience. The game is told from the unique perspective of the antagonist Zuko, exiled prince of the Fire Nation, who embarks on a personal quest to capture the Avatar, a young boy named Aang, in order to regain his father’s honor. Players will be able to embody three playable characters – Aang, Zuko and the Blue Spirit – and participate in epic battles, hand-to-hand combat and various intense challenges throughout the game. Utilizing the Wii Remote(TM) and Nunchuk(TM), players will discover and master their bending powers by performing special hand movements that are specific to their character’s abilities. The interactive, action adventure game, will allow players to learn how to manipulate air and fire, creating destructive forces such as Air Vortexes, Tornadoes, Fire Balls, and Fire Bombs, to take down enemies and progress through the game in order to fulfill their destiny.
* Platforms: Wii, Nintendo DS / DSi
* Ship Date: June 29, 2010
* ESRB Rating: T for Teen (Wii) and E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older (DSi/DS)Wheel of Fortune(R)
Wheel of Fortune brings the fun and excitement of TV’s No. 1 syndicated game show to life in this re-creation video game for the Wii and Nintendo DS. Voiced by show hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White, the game follows the show format by putting up to three players at the wheel to solve thousands of word puzzles to win virtual cash prizes. Features include: interactive play where players can utilize the Wii Speak technology to solve the puzzles, extra mini-games and unlockables that allow contestants to discover new sets, props and customization options for their Mii character as they work their way up proving their puzzle solving skills.
* Platforms: Wii, Nintendo DS
* Ship Date: Fall 2010
* ESRB Rating: E for Everyone– ONLINE GAMES –
Company of Heroes(R) Online(TM)
Developed by THQ’s Relic Entertainment studio, creators of the award-winning Company of Heroes and Dawn of War(R) franchises, Company of Heroes Online is an online multiplayer real-time-strategy game that will be available on PC as a unique free-to-play, micro-transaction-based experience in Fall 2010. Players can take command of a company as they wage online warfare across the ravaged battlefields of World War II-era Europe. Company of Heroes Online offers army specialization, commander customization, and persistent progression, allowing players to strategize on and off the battlefield. Players will also have the opportunity to earn or purchase special units and upgrades and improve their army with each and every multiplayer victory.
* Platforms: PC
* Ship Date: Fall 2010
* ESRB Rating: RP for Rating PendingWarhammer 40,000(R) Dark Millennium(TM)Online
Developed by Vigil Games in Austin, Texas Warhammer 40,000 Dark Millennium Online, takes THQ’s hit sci-fi brand into the MMO genre to offer fans of the franchise the most intimate and visceral experience possible of the 41st Millennium. Players will be able to select their race and enter a beautifully crafted world of intrigue, adventure and all-out war. The MMORPG community will never be the same again after this. More information will be available at gamescom in August 2010.
* Platforms: PC
* Ship Date: TBA
* ESRB Rating: RP for Rating PendingWWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) Online
Developed in partnership by THQ’s Product Development Fighting Team and Vertigo Games in Seoul, South Korea, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw Online is an action-packed online fighting game for the Korean market. With significant appeal to a more casual audience, including a free-to-play environment with micro-transaction offerings, the game will enable players to virtually enter and experience the WWE Universe in their own unique ways as they improve their in-ring skills, develop charisma and compete for WWE Championships. Players will be able to create their own Superstars or select from the in-game roster of current WWE Superstars, including John Cena, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio. They can also improve the attributes of their created Superstars through winning matches, collecting rewards, unlocking items and purchasing items. The game will feature a number of match types, including Exhibition, Tag Team and Royal Rumble. In addition, a Championship Path campaign-based mode will challenge players with a variety of quests to achieve WWE Championships. All matches will implement a Spectator Mode for players to observe the matches of others.
* Platforms: PC
* Ship Date: Early 2011 (Korea only)
* ESRB Rating: RP for Rating PendingFor all the latest information on THQ’s games, visit www.thq.com.
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 throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products can be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, Red Faction, Red Faction Armageddon, Homefront, Devil’s Third, de Blob, de Blob 2: The Underground, Metro 2033, Kaos Studios, Vigil Games, Relic Entertainment and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.
All other trademarks 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 performance and features of our videogames, 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.
