Richard Davies wrote: The UK has a good crop of technology pioneers in cloud computing - for example ElasticHosts, FlexiScale, Flexiant, OnApp - and also some strong government initiatives such as G-Cloud.
We will have to see whether this kind of technical leadership converts into swift mass-market adoption or not.
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™ and Red Faction®:Armageddon™; and success in securing strategic
partnerships with top studios like DreamWorks Animation and
world-renowned brands Ultimate Fighting Championship® and
World Wrestling Entertainment®. 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™ for
Xbox 360®, Sony’s PlayStation® Move and OnLive®.
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®SmackDown® vs. Raw®
2011 and WWE® All Stars™ will
also be available at E3, as well as de Blob®2:
The Underground™, Megamind™, The Last Airbender™,
Wheel of Fortune®, JEOPARDY!®and Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?®
Back to School™.
Kaos Studios’ Homefront and newly announced Devil’s Third™,
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® Online, Warhammer®
40,000® Dark Millennium™Online
and WWE® SmackDown® vs.
Raw® Online™.
Metro 2033™, 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® 2:The
Underground™ – 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®, PlayStation®3 (3D), Wii™,
Nintendo DS™ (3D)
Ship Date: Spring 2011
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Devil’s Third™
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 Pending
Homefront™
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 Pending
Metro 2033™
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 Mature
Red Faction®: Armageddon™
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 Pending
UFC® Undisputed™ 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™ 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®
Ship Date: May 25, 2010 for Xbox 360 and PS3; Fall 2010 for PSP
ESRB Rating: T for Teen
WWE® SmackDown®
vs. Raw® 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®2,
PSP and Wii
Ship Date: October 26, 2010
ESRB Rating: RP for Rating Pending
WWE® All Stars™
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 Pending
Warhammer® 40,000®:
Space Marine™
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®?
Back to School™
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™ / DS™
Ship Date: Fall 2010
ESRB Rating: RP for Rating Pending
JEOPARDY!®
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™ 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 Pending
Megamind™
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 Pending
The 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™ for Xbox
360® (The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout) – Ship
Date: Holiday 2010
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
The Last Airbender™
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™ and Nunchuk™, 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®
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® Online™
Developed by THQ’s Relic Entertainment studio, creators of the
award-winning Company of Heroes and Dawn of War®
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 Pending
Warhammer 40,000® Dark
Millennium™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 Pending
WWE® SmackDown®
vs. Raw® 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 Pending
For 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.