Legendary Character from Robert E. Howard Original Stories Takes
on New Challenge in Epic Action Adventure
AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 26, 2007--THQ Inc.
(NASDAQ:THQI) today announced plans to bring the renowned Conan(R)
brand to the Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from
Microsoft and PLAYSTATION(R)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(R),
Kull(TM), Bran Mak Morn(TM), and Solomon Kane(TM). Paradox also owns
the self-created property Mutant Chronicles(R). 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.
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", "PLAYSTATION", and "PS" Family logo are registered
trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
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 the Conan video game for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3,
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/A for the fiscal period ended March 31,
2006, 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.
CONTACT: THQ/Media Relations
Jaime Jensen, 818-871-5111
jjensen@thq.com
or
THQ/Investor Relations
Julie MacMedan, 818-871-5125
investor@thq.com
or
Paradox Entertainment/Investor Relations
Joakim Zetterberg, 323-655-1708
joakim.zetterberg@paradox-entertainment.com
SOURCE: THQ Inc.
