Last week at E3, THQ Inc. unveiled the company's portfolio internally developed next-generation console and Windows PC titles, mass-market licensed products and all new content for handheld and gaming system wireless devices.
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, was the much-anticipated SAINTS ROW, developed by Volition Inc. for the Xbox 360, as well as cross-platform next-gen console title FRONTLINES: FUEL OF WAR, developed by THQ's Kaos Studios. WWE SMACKDOWN VS. RAW 2007, developed by Yukes Co., Ltd. for THQ/Jakks, was also on display for both current and next-gen systems. Additionally, new original properties will include next-gen Windows PC titles COMPANY OF HEROES, developed by Relic Ent., and SUPREME COMMANDER.
High-profile licensed properties included Disney/Pixar CARS, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: CREATURE FROM THE KRUSTY KRAB and AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER, all scheduled to ship for next-gen and current gen systems.
"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/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."
SAINTS ROW is a third person, open-world action/driving hybrid developed by THQ's Volition Inc. It 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.
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 and Windows PC in 2007.
WWE SMACKDOWN VS. RAW 2007 is the eighth release in THQ/JAKKS' critically-acclaimed franchise. 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, PlayStation 2, PSP and Xbox 360, WWE smackdown vs. Raw 2007 is scheduled to release beginning in fall 2006.
SUPREME COMMANDER was developed by Gas Powered Games, founded by Chris Taylor, creator of TOTAL ANNIHILATION and the DUNGEON SIEGE series. 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.
Developed by THQ's Relic Ent., creators of game of the year WARHAMMER 40,000: DAWN OF WAR, comes COMPANY OF HEROES, 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 two-eight 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.
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 in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com.
Rick DeMott
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