WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 PS3 downloadable content
No details yet, but THQ is promising future DLC for the Xbox Live Marketplace.
FOR DOWNLOAD VIA PLAYSTATION®NETWORK
Leading Fighting Videogame Franchise Set to Expand the Virtual WWE Universe
With New Playable Superstars and Clothing Choices
AGOURA HILLS, Calif. - January 9, 2009 - THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) today announced the availability of the first downloadable content package for WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2009, the latest release in the leading fighting videogame franchise. Now available for download worldwide via PlayStation®Network for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the content enables players to update their virtual WWE experience with new playable Superstars and ring gear. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 originally launched on November 9, 2008 and is available at major retailers worldwide.
The content package for PlayStation Network, available for a suggested retail price of $4.99, will include Evan Bourne™, Ted DiBiase™ and Charlie Haas™ (playable Superstars); Kelly Kelly™ and Maria™ (holiday costumes); Kane® (masked); as well as new ring gear for Chris Jericho®, MVP™ and Edge®. In addition, future content is planned for PlayStation Network, as well as the first content for Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
"Consumers are constantly looking for ways to modify and enhance their gameplay experiences online, and the ever-changing WWE brand offers many exciting opportunities to bring fresh, dynamic content to our WWE SmackDown vs. Raw community," said Scott Guthrie, executive vice president, publishing, THQ.
"Downloadable content is the perfect complement to WWE SmackDown vs. Raw, and we are excited to enter into this new arena of gaming with the WWE franchise," said Nelo Lucich, senior vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific.
About WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system unleashes a brand-new tag team experience, allowing players to build momentum and attributes, eliminate opponents with high-impact double teams and finishers, as well as get the "hot tag" for the win. The franchise's renowned creation system offers a brand new Create-A-Finisher option, while a new Road to WrestleMania® Mode paves the way to WWE's biggest event of the year and lets players experience a franchise-first co-op storyline. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 also extends the virtual WWE gameplay experience with robust online capabilities, including the debut of downloadable content.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii™ builds upon its inaugural offering by significantly expanding its match type options, giving players more ways to enjoy the platform's unique pick-up-and-play experience. Gameplay advances to the next level, giving players more Superstar control with interactive entrances and victory scenes. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Wii also includes a wide variety of new objects, the debut of online gameplay and much more.
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 for Nintendo DS™ returns with new gameplay controls that utilize the stylus and D-pad to deliver a compelling handheld fighting game experience. The redesigned Season Mode takes a role-playing approach, allowing players to interact with Superstars, upgrade their abilities and complete missions on a quest toward legendary goals. In addition, a larger Superstar roster, new match types and the inclusion of Create-A-Superstar provides players with a variety of intriguing options to enhance gameplay.
More information about WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 can be found at www.smackdownvsraw.com and www.thq.com.
About World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: WWE), can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our 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.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products, with a wide range of products that feature some of the most popular children's toy licenses in the world. JAKKS' diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, and Pet Toys and Accessories, sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific®, Play Along®, Flying Colors®, Creative Designs International™, Road Champs®, Child Guidance®, Pentech®, Funnoodle®, Go Fly a Kite®, Color Workshop®, JAKKS Pets™, EyeClops®, Plug It In & Play TV Games™, Kids Only®, Tollytots® and Disguise™. JAKKS is an award-winning licensee of several hundred nationally and internationally known trademarks including Disney, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., World Wrestling Entertainment, Ultimate Fighting Championship, Graco and Cabbage Patch Kids. JAKKS and THQ Inc. participate in a joint venture that has worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment video games. For further information, visit www.jakks.com.
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
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", "PS" Family logo and "PSP" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PSP® system – Memory Stick Duo™ may be required (sold separately).
Wii and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo.
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 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 videogame and downloadable content package for PlayStation Network, 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, 2008, 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.
This press release may contain forward–looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about JAKKS Pacific's business based partly on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above, changes in demand for JAKKS' products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and difficulties with integrating acquired businesses. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and JAKKS undertakes no obligation to update any of them to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.
